help choosing a major

[Crile]

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Hey guys, I just arrived today for my first day at Wittenberg University and am all signed up for my classes. I chose science courses to fulfill my science major and music courses for my minor. I was wondering, what would be a better major, Biology, or Molecular Biology/Biochemistry(which is only one major that is offered jointly between chem and bio departments)? We met with our advisors today and were told many daunting facts about biology majors being accepted into med-school. Is their low acceptance rate compared to other pre-med majors for the sole reason that there are so many Bio majors? Or do med-schools genuinely frown upon this cookie cutter major?

 

[schrizto]

I don't think it matters much. Regular bio will probably give you more freedom with choice of classes, though. You don't have to declare a major yet, so find out which one you like better.

 

[greatnt249]

Hey guys, I just arrived today for my first day at Wittenberg University and am all signed up for my classes. I chose science courses to fulfill my science major and music courses for my minor. I was wondering, what would be a better major, Biology, or Molecular Biology/Biochemistry(which is only one major that is offered jointly between chem and bio departments)? We met with our advisors today and were told many daunting facts about biology majors being accepted into med-school. Is their low acceptance rate compared to other pre-med majors for the sole reason that there are so many Bio majors? Or do med-schools genuinely frown upon this cookie cutter major?

If you truly enjoy biochemistry, go for it. Don't feel compelled to take on a heavy major if it isn't your thing, though. As long as you do well in your prereqs, medical schools don't really care what you major in.

 

[Mattabet]

Being a bio major doesn't do you any favors (nor does it hurt you) - if you don't want to do it; don't. The only major that might help vis-a-vis admission is one that adds intellectual diversity to a med school class. So if you have a deep-seated passion for Portuguese Literature, now would be the time to explore that.

In any case, you don't have to make any tough major decisions right now. Go to classes for a semester or four. Later on, you can revisit the decision with some knowledge about which classes you like and dislike under your belt.

 

[tennisball80]

Each school should have some kind of general education courses. You can take them decided which area you are interested.

 

[Rogue Synapse]

If you value what should be some of the best years of your life, don't choose your major based on med school strategy. You will get plenty of science training in taking your medical prerequisites. Now is the time to have fun and learn whatever makes you happy. Pick a major that truly interests you, and pay no mind to the rates at which different majors get accepted to school. I was a philosophy major and had no trouble getting multiple acceptances.

 

[CoolWhipp]

So what you do is don't declare major. Take a variety of classes the first year. Then you choose because it doesn't matter if you are a nuclear engineering major or a sociology major. A 4.0 is a 4.0 which is also a 4.0.

 

[LHKP0603]

If you value what should be some of the best years of your life, don't choose your major based on med school strategy. You will get plenty of science training in taking your medical prerequisites. Now is the time to have fun and learn whatever makes you happy. Pick a major that truly interests you, and pay no mind to the rates at which different majors get accepted to school. I was a philosophy major and had no trouble getting multiple acceptances.

I completely agree. Med schools are not particularly picky about our undergraduate majors. The important things is that you can do well in that area of study and enjoy it as well. Picking a major based on what you perceive med schools will like best, seems like a partial path to failure; plus, each med school is unique, and so not one major will be a med school 'favorite.'

Good luck!

 

[insane]

pick something your interested in, not something that you think will get you into medical school, as a response to your question i would probably say biochem/molec.bio since thats what i do, but don't even think about it unless you find it an interesting topic, some of the material can be quite daunting at times.

 

[ChemEngSoonMD]

Hey guys, I just arrived today for my first day at Wittenberg University and am all signed up for my classes. I chose science courses to fulfill my science major and music courses for my minor. I was wondering, what would be a better major, Biology, or Molecular Biology/Biochemistry(which is only one major that is offered jointly between chem and bio departments)? We met with our advisors today and were told many daunting facts about biology majors being accepted into med-school. Is their low acceptance rate compared to other pre-med majors for the sole reason that there are so many Bio majors? Or do med-schools genuinely frown upon this cookie cutter major?

Chemical Engineering with biology focus because all the topics on the MCAT

Physics
Chemistry
O Chem
Biology

Are covered. And in addition, you get something other majors don't give you. 1. Strong Math Skills. 2. Strong Logic Skills. 3. Practical Problem Solving Skills.

 

[Crile]

Thanks for everything guys, good input all round

 

[smsc2009]

Hey guys, I just arrived today for my first day at Wittenberg University and am all signed up for my classes. I chose science courses to fulfill my science major and music courses for my minor. I was wondering, what would be a better major, Biology, or Molecular Biology/Biochemistry(which is only one major that is offered jointly between chem and bio departments)? We met with our advisors today and were told many daunting facts about biology majors being accepted into med-school. Is their low acceptance rate compared to other pre-med majors for the sole reason that there are so many Bio majors? Or do med-schools genuinely frown upon this cookie cutter major?

Here is my two cents. I'm a Political Science major. A lot of other students I talk to wonder why I am a Political Science major if I intend to go into medicine. I chose to major in Political Science because I enjoy the subjects. I will also be able to apply to med school as long as I complete the prereqs. Sure, I'll have to do a couple summer sessions but in the end I think it will be worth it. My advice in something that you enjoy (don't just pick a science as a major because you think that's what medical schools want to see). Some med schools prefer an unrelated major. They like to see that an applicant is well versed. FWIW, my father majored in Chemistry and went on to medical school but I know of people who majored in Music and also successfully went on to medical school, so major in something you truly will enjoy and just make sure you complete the prereqs. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Crile]

Here is my two cents. I'm a Political Science major. A lot of other students I talk to wonder why I am a Political Science major if I intend to go into medicine. I chose to major in Political Science because I enjoy the subjects. I will also be able to apply to med school as long as I complete the prereqs. Sure, I'll have to do a couple summer sessions but in the end I think it will be worth it. My advice in something that you enjoy (don't just pick a science as a major because you think that's what medical schools want to see). Some med schools prefer an unrelated major. They like to see that an applicant is well versed. FWIW, my father majored in Chemistry and went on to medical school but I know of people who majored in Music and also successfully went on to medical school, so major in something you truly will enjoy and just make sure you complete the prereqs. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks, that really helped me get to a solid conclusion.