I am hispanic and was wondering if it would be frowned upon by the different med schools, if i major in Spanish, since i speak it and write it fluently I wouldn't want it to be seen as taking the easy way. Would it be better for me to double major, i was thinking Psychology and Spanish.
I think that would be a good idea. I could see it being kind of suspect if you're in an interview-- "You majored in Spanish?" --Yes "You were born in Chile/Guatemala/Argentina/insert other country here?" --Yes "Were you fluent in Spanish before college?" --Yes "And you majored in Spanish?" --Yes --Insert uncomfortable pause here.-- I'm not saying it's not legitimate. I went to Univ of FL and knew quite a few native Spanish speakers who majored in Spanish. But it might be perceived as an easy way to get a high GPA for you. I would highly recommend a double major. Psychology would be a good choice as long as you think you can do two majors AND your premed requirements separately since neither of those majors would contribute to your prereqs.
I was looking to do Psychology with a concentration in Biopsychology, it has more of the sciences built into the program, it's a very interesting program of study. I'm definitely going for the double major. Thanks for the advice
dont they teach the history of spanish in that class? if they do, theres a difference between knowing the language and knowing where the word comes from. for instance, any regular person could tell you what democracy means, but can they take apart that word and tell you WHY it means what it does? same with spanish. also, i dont think that it would seem like an easy way to get a higher gpa. it could be viewed as embracing your cultural roots ^_^
I would consider getting a major in something that is challenging to you as an individual. Maybe minor in another foreign language so you will be as they say "well rounded" and diverse! Good Luck!
I don't think major matters as long as you take the required prereq courses and do well in them. Besides there is a difference between knowing conversational spanish and knowing the proper grammar and writing conventions. Also, different words or dialects are often used in different spanish speaking countries across latin america, spain, and the islands or other places where spanish is spoken. So my point is that being born a native spanish speaker doesn't mean that you are knowledgable in every aspect of spanish and I think an adcom will acknowledge that. Hence, if it is really what you want as a major then I'd say go for it. One thing my school advises is to take one semester of 12-15 credits science classes.
major in whatever you wish, but there is one thing i would be careful about, the parts of your major that deal with language, like 'spanish language 101' etc., i'd find a way to bypass those language classes which you know the material, maybe get credit for them already etc. One of my friends who was korean tried to take intro to korean language, and to start the class, the professor told a joke in korean, and anyone who understood the joke and laughed a little, was kicked out of the course immediately. I just want to say, be careful what your doing, if you truly want to learn the history and parts of the spanish culture you don't know, then do it. But, if the plan is to take spanish language courses, which you already have full knowledge of, imagine if you are caught. IN a profession where ethics is valued at the top, is this really the way you want to begin your career? Anyway the choice is yours. EDIT: For example many universities have you substitute the basic language courses for a different type of course is you are a 'Heritage Speaker'. "* Heritage Speakers of Spanish must substitute other courses for these. Contact an advisor." So yes, its very possible for you to major in spanish, rules are already in place for students as yourself.
