I've been thinking about this for awhile and it doesn't stop bothering me. Idk why... But I feel like I'm in the "middle" idk how to describe the feeling. But has anyone here ever been through this? How did you guys decide between the two. Also will it be too late to change in the near future, if I decide to? Right now I don't want change anything and still want to get accepted to medical school. I start college next week and start the "premed" track with bio my first semester. But idk why I keep thinking between the two,
Has anyone ever changed their mind on the Pre-med track and went to engineering?
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I know of two people that switched from pre-med to engineering. luckily, the two have similar classes the first year, so you have some time to decide.
My suggestion is to shadow professionals in both fields. Tell them about your dilemma and ask if you can shadow them so you can make an educated decision about career choice.
However, if you pick a career based on the salary alone, engineers will make more money in the short term and long term (if you make wise investment choices).
My suggestion is to shadow professionals in both fields. Tell them about your dilemma and ask if you can shadow them so you can make an educated decision about career choice.
However, if you pick a career based on the salary alone, engineers will make more money in the short term and long term (if you make wise investment choices).
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You can always major in engineering and then choose whether or not to continue with it after graduation or go to medical school. I would recommend getting some exposure to both fields (medicine-shadowing and clinical volunteering, engineering-shadowing and possibly coursework). You have a while to decide.
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My materials prof said he switched to engineering at the last second. Honestly I think the big differences are in which content you like better and how much you like clinical work/patient interaction.
That's what I wanted to do....but it just too hard isn't it? I think it would totally ruin my chances of getting into medical school. Which really sucks knowing.
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Plenty of engineering majors get into medical school every year. You might do fine in engineering-many do, but the average GPA is lower than in other majors. I can't tell you if it's too hard.
Talk to other students at your school and see if you can get an idea of the relative difficulties of different majors/classes.
Dude, there are plenty of people as engineers who get 3.6s+. It's hard, there are going to be lots of sacrifices but a lot of people do it.
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I can't cite a source here, but I have heard that engineers typically do better on the MCAT too.
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Engineers will make more money in the short run, but definitely not in the long run with all else being the same (you can make equally wise investment choices as a doctor). Most engineers will cap out at a measly $120k/year unless they get promoted to some type of management position. Most doctors will make $150-$500k/year for their entire career.
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That's the plan.
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Since you don't yet really know what you want to do, it comes down to the key differences between the fields. The big thing for coursework is math versus science. Are you good at complex math and do you enjoy it? If you answered no to either of those, engineering might not be for you. Do you like biology and the memorization it involves? Maybe you could do chemical engineering which is a decent mix of chemistry and math.
Broadly speaking, premed will also deal with more people interaction while engineering will likely be industry jobs. Something to think about down the road.
Fortunately, chemical engineering and biomed engineering have many similar first and second year courses. If you're stuck in the middle, just make sure you do regular calc and calc based physics if you want to keep engineering open as an option.
Broadly speaking, premed will also deal with more people interaction while engineering will likely be industry jobs. Something to think about down the road.
Fortunately, chemical engineering and biomed engineering have many similar first and second year courses. If you're stuck in the middle, just make sure you do regular calc and calc based physics if you want to keep engineering open as an option.
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I was in the exact boat as you when I started university. I was a biochemistry major starting college. I gave it a chance and took the intro classes, but it felt to easy. (granted it WAS the intro course...of course it would be easy, but I love challenges) So, just in case I ever wanted to switch into the science engineering courses, I abided by the engineering prereq's. They have stricter GE's, more math classes as well as a harder physics class.
The time came for me to decide whether or not to enter engineering (I was about to start upper division courses) and I decided to go for engineering because I made the most connections in engineering. I knew more of the faculty and I was interested in there research programs. I'm still pre-med (starting my 3rd year as an undergrad), and my research professors know, but engineering is still a passion for me because of what I've been able to see and experience. My plan is to obtain an MD/PhD in bioengineering. Engineering is doable for a premed. Please do not think otherwise. Yes it is tougher, but (at least at my school) engineering is a much smaller college compared to the science and humanities colleges, so it is easier to form connections with people with your same goals.
BUT find other premed students fast! And stick to them! You can easily be swept away by the engineering principles and students, since engineers usually go job hunting after graduating, while us premeds still continue our schooling. It's important not to forget your path.
Anywho, I hope my experience helps you decide. Good luck! and just remember that the path to medical school is not a race, its a marathon! Pace yourself 🙂
The time came for me to decide whether or not to enter engineering (I was about to start upper division courses) and I decided to go for engineering because I made the most connections in engineering. I knew more of the faculty and I was interested in there research programs. I'm still pre-med (starting my 3rd year as an undergrad), and my research professors know, but engineering is still a passion for me because of what I've been able to see and experience. My plan is to obtain an MD/PhD in bioengineering. Engineering is doable for a premed. Please do not think otherwise. Yes it is tougher, but (at least at my school) engineering is a much smaller college compared to the science and humanities colleges, so it is easier to form connections with people with your same goals.
BUT find other premed students fast! And stick to them! You can easily be swept away by the engineering principles and students, since engineers usually go job hunting after graduating, while us premeds still continue our schooling. It's important not to forget your path.
Anywho, I hope my experience helps you decide. Good luck! and just remember that the path to medical school is not a race, its a marathon! Pace yourself 🙂
You guys are all so incredibly helpful. I thank all of you for your advice and insights. So let's say I do want to go engineering later, what should I do and how do I go about it? My first semester I am taking Bio, Psych, Math and English, which once again I start next week. *scared but excited at the same time*
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Just take as many collateral courses that pertain to both majors, stick to one for now (seems as if you're currently a science major) and if you decide to change your mind once the classes start to deviate just request a major change.
You could always double major too, if you so dare
Oh really?
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That assumes consistent work. Many engineering fields are cyclical, which can put a damper on things.
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I think BABSstudent was referring to net-worth vs. salary. Compound interest can make up for lower salary depending upon the variables.
Bottom line: Pick the career that best-fits your interests and talents.
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I went engineering to pre-med... to both.
They both need each other, whether or not people like to acknowledge that fact.
They both need each other, whether or not people like to acknowledge that fact.
It will depend a bit on your school, but many engineering programs require you start taking engineering classes in your 1st semester...which are pre-reqs for the 2nd semester courses...which are prereqs for the 3rd, etc. You get more freedom as you get into advanced courses, but the core first 4 or 5 semesters can be pretty rigid & if you miss a prerequisite, it can be really hard to finish in 4 years. Conversely, pre-med reqs are offered much more commonly in summer school & can even be done after college if you need that. So, I would pick your classes on the basis of the engineering curriculum/plan not pre-med, & fill in the pre-med reqs that aren't overlapping with engineering as a second.priority.
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You're only starting out in college so honestly I think you'll have plenty of time to make any changes depending on how you like your classes, outside experiences, etc.
Your schedule looks fine so just keep taking classes that have engineering and pre-med overlap; you have until the end of your sophomore year (probably?) to decide anyway right?
I was actually the opposite haha. I started out engineering then went pre-med after 1 year of undergrad. My first semester I actually took quite a few engineering classes so I guess you can say I kind of wasted a few credit hours, but it was still good because I knew it wasn't for me. Much happier now pre-med 😀
But yeah try to get acclimated to your school and get a feel for both engineering and pre-med. Do both if you're slightly crazy xD
Your schedule looks fine so just keep taking classes that have engineering and pre-med overlap; you have until the end of your sophomore year (probably?) to decide anyway right?
I was actually the opposite haha. I started out engineering then went pre-med after 1 year of undergrad. My first semester I actually took quite a few engineering classes so I guess you can say I kind of wasted a few credit hours, but it was still good because I knew it wasn't for me. Much happier now pre-med 😀
But yeah try to get acclimated to your school and get a feel for both engineering and pre-med. Do both if you're slightly crazy xD
I was premed for two years then engineering for one year then back to premed my senior year. I decided to go into engineering because I wanted to explore other interests I had and make sure that medicine was the right choice for me. I took one semester of classes that I really liked. I somehow got an internship at a major engineering company the next semester. That experience alone showed me the life of an engineer and I hated it. I loved medicine so much more.
At my university engineering classes are very time consuming because of the projects. The first year of undergrad you really don't get into anything engineering related that is in depth so it's ok to go into school premed/engineering. I suggest you shadow both an engineer and a physician. Then by second year try to make a decision if you can. Just my opinion.
At my university engineering classes are very time consuming because of the projects. The first year of undergrad you really don't get into anything engineering related that is in depth so it's ok to go into school premed/engineering. I suggest you shadow both an engineer and a physician. Then by second year try to make a decision if you can. Just my opinion.
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👍
Plus the possibility that certain classes may only be offered in the fall or spring, you might end up losing a year or so if you don't start on the engineering track from the first semester. As pietachok noted, you can always fill the year with your engineering coursework and save your summers for pre-med prereqs. The stuff that you have to take during the summer probably won't be much since you'll be taking University Physics, Calculus, perhaps Chemistry as part of your Engineering curriculum, and other stuff like English etc as part of the core curriculum that you have to complete anyway.
Actually in my school, the pre-med reqs are the ones that are offered in vey limited seasons like spring and fall only. Anyways, I would I like to once again thank all of you for your responses. You guys truly make this forum valuable. If anyone has anyone has anything more to say please do.
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At my school, most *pre-meds* are biomedical engineer majors.
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I was thinking about Engineering as a back up plan..
I am deciding between bio medical engineering and Medical Physics.
I am deciding between bio medical engineering and Medical Physics.
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biomedical engineering is a very strange major... If you go with a normal engineering major like EE, ME, or ChemE you have a lot more options honestly. Plus those majors all can specialize in biomedical engineering.
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Howdy there,
Not exactly the major you are asking about here, but pretty darn close. I decided to go with Electrical Engineering for my undergrad, and it was pretty brutal. I emerged from my BSEE with a bloodied 3.37 GPA. I spent about 5-10 hours a week volunteering and worked doing various jobs another 5-10 hours a week the whole time. I could have taken an easier rout within the major, but electromagnetic theory was too cool to pass up. At my school, I know that going with something like power or digital would have jumped my GPA up quite a bit. So if you decide to go with CE or some such thing, my bit of advice is to be smarter than me, be savvy about it and try to select a path within the major that will best allow you to demonstrate your capacity for academic excellence.
Not exactly the major you are asking about here, but pretty darn close. I decided to go with Electrical Engineering for my undergrad, and it was pretty brutal. I emerged from my BSEE with a bloodied 3.37 GPA. I spent about 5-10 hours a week volunteering and worked doing various jobs another 5-10 hours a week the whole time. I could have taken an easier rout within the major, but electromagnetic theory was too cool to pass up. At my school, I know that going with something like power or digital would have jumped my GPA up quite a bit. So if you decide to go with CE or some such thing, my bit of advice is to be smarter than me, be savvy about it and try to select a path within the major that will best allow you to demonstrate your capacity for academic excellence.
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I hate to be that guy, but shouldn't it be "Has anyone ever...gone to engineering?" instead of, "Has anyone ever...went to engineering?"
🙂
🙂
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Engineering is probably a good move financially....
My brother graduated undergrad engineering school (electric) in 2008, landed a job within 2 months and now makes 92k a year with benefits and vacation. He owns a house, a 2012 sports car, and minimal student loans (10k I think?). Medical school with put you at least 200k in debt, you'll pay AT LEAST 500k for it, plus you'll have 4 years of med school lost wages, and residency "lost wages" (let's get serious, you'll be paying student loans, and using the rest to live off, you won't be able to have anything left over to really count...). So while you have (Sake of argument) 7 years lost wages, an engineer has already pulled in ~600k. You're essentially in debt negative 500k. Let's say you land FP, peds, or regular IM residency, it will take you about 4 years of pure salary to pay your 500k off, in those 4 years the engineer has now make about 900k while you have just broke even. To catch up in 20 years you'll need to just make 50k more than the engineer, but that's over 20 years (reasonable: project lead engineers are ~120k, FM could be 170). you've given up a huge part of your social and family life to go through residency and probably missed other important events in your life, children, spouse, funerals, etc.
Anyways, financially, I'd be an engineer if I were you, it makes tons more sense in the short term. We could all be dead in five years, and I'll be ticked if I'm dead before I finish residency.
My brother graduated undergrad engineering school (electric) in 2008, landed a job within 2 months and now makes 92k a year with benefits and vacation. He owns a house, a 2012 sports car, and minimal student loans (10k I think?). Medical school with put you at least 200k in debt, you'll pay AT LEAST 500k for it, plus you'll have 4 years of med school lost wages, and residency "lost wages" (let's get serious, you'll be paying student loans, and using the rest to live off, you won't be able to have anything left over to really count...). So while you have (Sake of argument) 7 years lost wages, an engineer has already pulled in ~600k. You're essentially in debt negative 500k. Let's say you land FP, peds, or regular IM residency, it will take you about 4 years of pure salary to pay your 500k off, in those 4 years the engineer has now make about 900k while you have just broke even. To catch up in 20 years you'll need to just make 50k more than the engineer, but that's over 20 years (reasonable: project lead engineers are ~120k, FM could be 170). you've given up a huge part of your social and family life to go through residency and probably missed other important events in your life, children, spouse, funerals, etc.
Anyways, financially, I'd be an engineer if I were you, it makes tons more sense in the short term. We could all be dead in five years, and I'll be ticked if I'm dead before I finish residency.
These are exactly the kind of things that scare me. I've heard and read a lot about this. (when I was researching engineering vs medicine). But the thing is, I also hear that most engineer just end up working in the industry in a sort of "desk" job and have to report to superiors quite often. I also hear its super hard for biomedical engineer degrees to even find work now. However I would love to have time for a wife, get married and also start a family. But this is where medicine will sort of get in the way of those things. Escpecially financially...this is why these thoughts do no stop bothering me...its on my mind 24/7. There are just too many good things and bad things about both career paths, it's making it incredibly difficult to choose; and if I don't start planning early on this I will surely have some tough times ahead... : /
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Let's not kid ourselves now. You'll be hardpressed to get a close to six figure engineering job with only an undergraduate degree. Your brother may be an exception, but unless you have some sort of ridiculous internship or in with a company during your undergrad years, you'll most likely need to pursue a master's to be competitive in the job market and reap a higher salary. I don't really know what an engineer's work life is like, but I find it hard to believe that most engineering jobs are 40 hours a week and you're done kind of deal (especially at the salary you're talking).
And really in the end, an IM/family/peds route will be your best bet at a decent salary with decent hours.
But the working world should be the last thing on your mind. Don't let the future dictate what is best for you now. I know my metabolism will slow down in 20 years, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to eat cake right now.
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Yeah, I couldn't stand being an engineer, it seems like the worst job ever.
It's certainly possible my brother is an exception. He never did an internship during undergrad though because he studied abroad for a year the summer he was supposed to, but anyways, I would love to eat some cake right now.
i didn't read all of the posts so i'm sorry if this has already been said. i think the biggest thing you need to consider is whether or not you want to take care of patients. now that ive started med school im not sure that an interest in biomedical science is enough. there are better options if you dont want to take care of people every single day.
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My roommate is doing exactly that! He is a chem engineer but his GPA is around a 3.0 and he hasn't had any engineering related ECs. He'll probably have to do undergrad for 5 years and pursue a master's to get a job, but goddammit, for the time being he is living on pizza and beer.
He is talking about CS/CE and most people working in those fields only have an undergraduate degree. If you are a good programmer and get a couple years of industry experience under your belt, it is not a crazy thing to get a job making six figures. With pretty much any connections or cool projects, its not out of reach to get a job at Amazon, FB, Google, MS, etc. out of school. Of course, they will make sure you know your stuff and if your school is not a big player in the engineering realm, it may be more difficult to get an interview, but it is doable. Many of the big industry players do believe in working less but more efficiently. You can work 40 hour weeks. Of course, if you have a deadline approaching, you would be expected to finish what you are supposed to.
When it comes to getting a decent salary with good hours in minimum time, CS is the way to go. Good programmers are in huge demand right now and it really isn't too difficult if you've got good logic and work ethic. It may not offer the job security of medicine, but you are also working for full salary 7-10 years before your physician counterparts would be.
It really all depends on what you enjoy doing more. Programming can be a hobby, but medicine cannot really be a hobby, so keep that in mind too if you like both. I am doing CS as a premed if you have any more questions.
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92k is pretty reasonable for a programmer. I was a CS and bio as undergrad and I got a 6 figure job. I did have great internships and work exp under my belt.
I think financially it is so much better to have an engineering background. Most of my friends with no technical bg ended up taking 30k jobs as research assistants (if they were lucky)
I think financially it is so much better to have an engineering background. Most of my friends with no technical bg ended up taking 30k jobs as research assistants (if they were lucky)
The thing is I really love technology, and science. But I love interacting with people and helping them. When I was searching specialities that had all of these I found radiology, and man that is just such a cool career imo. But the thing is I know it's seriously difficult to get a residency in that area and thats what worries me a lot.
