Is Bio Major a Disadvantage?

[PreMedDocMD]

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Some people might major in bio for med school because it would be easier to fulfill all the pre reqs. However, since so many pre- meds are bio majors, is this actually a bad thing? I mean, when you have 7,000 bio majors applying to your school, I bet if feels like you are picking between ants (all look alike and such). So, is it actually a bad thing? Or, does it not matter either way?

 

[Bacchus]

Make yourself standout.

 

[artaxerxes]

Some people might major in bio for med school because it would be easier to fulfill all the pre reqs. However, since so many pre- meds are bio majors, is this actually a bad thing? I mean, when you have 7,000 bio majors applying to your school, I bet if feels like you are picking between ants (all look alike and such). So, is it actually a bad thing? Or, does it not matter either way?

make you less unique? yes
but it will also give you better prep for MCAT and medical school courses, give you a better opportunity for research, so in the end its probably a good thing.

 

[deleted103730]

i don't really think it's a disadvantage. while i was learning about psychology at the workplace, the bio majors were learning human anatomy. there wasn't much about hiring, firing, and motivating your employees on the MCAT.

 

[kevster2001]

not really a disadvantage, but not an advantage either

 

[beachpotato]

It's good if you have an aptitude for bio. If you have more of a humanities bent, you may be better off majoring in something else.

 

[jon stewart]

the common consensus is this...Do what you like. Thats the trend on these boards...atleast when is started browsing them...which has been a while.

do what you like because if you like what you are doing then you can learn things easier and get better grades....

yes..i am a bio major. 😛

 

[JaggerPlate]

It's a real catch 22 in my opinion. I started out at my school just straight up Bio, wanted to make myself stand out so decided to try Econ + pre med requirements and it ended up with me putting no effort towards Econ classes, but still taking away from science classes, having too much to do, realizing I couldn't graduate on time, and potentially hitting my unit cap. So ... I switched back to bio, am now back on track, and love it a billion times more than I did for my brief stint with Econ. It makes you stand out less I guess, but a Bio degree is a really great all around degree for anything in life in my opinion, will definitely help with science gpa, and preps you better for the MCAT than majoring in something non science. It won't be a problem though, like someone said earlier: 'Make yourself stand out.'

 

[Sir Buckethead]

I have to be a bio major (only way to graduate on time with prereqs done).

If I could, I would pick something like creative writing. Think about it man, this is your last chance to study something absolutely worthless just because you think its cool. Embrace the opportunity.

And if bio is what you think is cool, good on ya.

 

[SigurRos]

Psych major here, but if I could go back in time, I'd probably choose biochemistry or biophysics. You get a good mix of being unique, plus awesome research opportunities. Then again, I've heard many people say that being a psych major will be advantageous for me. I dunno, ::shrugs::

 

[GoldShadow]

I'm a bio major because I'm the biggest bio nerd that I know, heh.

 

[deleted128562]

Some people might major in bio for med school because it would be easier to fulfill all the pre reqs. However, since so many pre- meds are bio majors, is this actually a bad thing? I mean, when you have 7,000 bio majors applying to your school, I bet if feels like you are picking between ants (all look alike and such). So, is it actually a bad thing? Or, does it not matter either way?

You could major in Chemistry or Physics - still premeds in those disciplines but not nearly as many. And more fun in my opinion 🙂 Either of those majors (and Chem especially) will be just about as easy to get your prereqs done in - chem majors require physics and some bio as well so you'd be set. I also remember seeing somewhere that Chem and Physics majors tend to score higher overall on MCAT than Bio majors. But maybe I just made that up in my head because I'm biased. 🙂

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

 

[GoldShadow]

I also remember seeing somewhere that Chem and Physics majors tend to score higher overall on MCAT than Bio majors.

Unfortunate, but true for the most part.
http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/2006/mcatgpabymaj1.htm

 

[ADeadLois]

You could major in Chemistry or Physics - still premeds in those disciplines but not nearly as many. And more fun in my opinion 🙂 Either of those majors (and Chem especially) will be just about as easy to get your prereqs done in - chem majors require physics and some bio as well so you'd be set. I also remember seeing somewhere that Chem and Physics majors tend to score higher overall on MCAT than Bio majors. But maybe I just made that up in my head because I'm biased. 🙂

And non-science majors tend to score higher on the MCAT than science majors.

 

[PreMedDocMD]

Ok, but how, as a non science major, do you get involved with research? I know its important for med school matriculation, but if you are not a science major, you can't do it, can you?

 

[jochi1543]

Ok, but how, as a non science major, do you get involved with research? I know its important for med school matriculation, but if you are not a science major, you can't do it, can you?

You can do non-science research.

 

[anotherpremed]

Ok, but how, as a non science major, do you get involved with research? I know its important for med school matriculation, but if you are not a science major, you can't do it, can you?

I'm a history research and I do clinical research. Major doesn't matter.

 

[misterex]

A bio major won't keep you out of medical school but other things will: low gpa, low mcat, lack of clinical experience, etc..you know the deal. If you're worried about being boring though, then do something to stand out. I know I know easier said then done.

 

[SigurRos]

i do psych reserach. adcoms just want to see that you understand the scientific method and the way resaerch works, so you can apply these principles to biomedical basic and clinical reserach.

 

[PreMedDocMD]

Ok thanks guys. One more question, and its a bit random for this thread, but I didn't think starting a new thread was necessary. Do med schools care if you take some pre- recs during the summer? It seems like a good way to save time during the school year.

 

[Law2Doc]

I'm a history research and I do clinical research. Major doesn't matter.

Agreed. Undergrads bring so little to the table in terms of science that PIs don't care that much what you majored in.

As a prior poster indicated, major in whatever you want -- med schools don't care, so long as you take the prereqs. The days of needing to be a particular major ended in the early 80s.

The only negative of bio is that a good chunk of applicants are bio majors so as another prior poster indicated, it's somehow necessary to do more to stand out of the crowd. You sometimes hear about nonsci majors getting to talk about their coursework in interviews, but no clinician interviewer is going to want to talk bio.

 

[SketchLazy]

Some people might major in bio for med school because it would be easier to fulfill all the pre reqs. However, since so many pre- meds are bio majors, is this actually a bad thing? I mean, when you have 7,000 bio majors applying to your school, I bet if feels like you are picking between ants (all look alike and such). So, is it actually a bad thing? Or, does it not matter either way?

The percentage of biology majors who matriculated is lower than the overall percentage of matriculants [1]. If you just go by the numbers, biology majors might be at a disadvantage, although the difference in percentages probably isn't even significant.

Even though there might be a disadvantage from the numbers, I think being a bio major doesn't count against you at all. The pre-reqs required of your major usually are good preparation for the MCAT and coincide with the pre-reqs for medical school so you don't have to take extra classes (usually). The key, I think, is whether being a bio major interests you. If it does interest you, then the real disadvantage would be choosing a different major just because you thought it would give a leg up on the competition. Whatever major you choose, you have to do well, and it is extremely hard to do well in a discipline that bores the crap out of you.

[1]http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/2006/mcatgpabymaj1.htm

 

[sesil]

Yea im a history major and have done lots of basic science research. Its all about finding the right situation and making the most out of that opportunity. To me, I just can't see a PI "rejecting" someone because they are not a bio major...seems kinda ridiculous.

 

[GeorgeFoster]

As someone who took only the Med School pre-requisites I feel compelled to add my opinion that Majoring in anything does nothing to further prep you for the MCAT. The MCAT tests BASIC science knowledge, only in unusual ways. I know that sounds like the party line (it is) but its correct. Percentage of Biochem/Genetics/other topics on the MCAT I took that wasn't a part of my basic Bio curriculum: 0%.

Really do what feels right, thats what the whole pre-med game is about. Its most important that YOUR interested in what you talk about during you essay and your interviews. If you do anything just stand out or look good or pad in any way, and you truly aren't interested in it, your detachment will probably come back to haunt you (think poor grades, boring PS, inability to enthusiastically answer interview questions).

 

[SigurRos]

Ok thanks guys. One more question, and its a bit random for this thread, but I didn't think starting a new thread was necessary. Do med schools care if you take some pre- recs during the summer? It seems like a good way to save time during the school year.

i don't think so. I took physics at a crappy school over the summer to get it done and over with and currently have three interviews.


Also, to the poster saying that majoring in bio will help with the mcat.... I will have to disagree with this. The only knowledge you will need is the very basics which is covered in introductory courses needed as pre-reqs. I did nothing but the bare minimum in science before taking the mcat and I got a 37 ::

 

[DropkickMurphy]

You can do non-science research.

You can also do regular science research too.....it doesn't take that much training or education to be someone's lab bitch. I have been involved with a lot of research that is "science" research, and if anything being a science major limits your choices somewhat.

 

[Law2Doc]

Ok thanks guys. One more question, and its a bit random for this thread, but I didn't think starting a new thread was necessary. Do med schools care if you take some pre- recs during the summer? It seems like a good way to save time during the school year.

It's not against the rules per se, but you have to be careful about it being a comparably competitive school, IMHO. It looks bad if you puff up your BCPM with A's at a CC over the summer when you were a B+ student at your more competitive home school. But if you take it at the same or similar caliber school there is no problem -- lots of us have done summer sessions.

 

[njbmd]

Some people might major in bio for med school because it would be easier to fulfill all the pre reqs. However, since so many pre- meds are bio majors, is this actually a bad thing? I mean, when you have 7,000 bio majors applying to your school, I bet if feels like you are picking between ants (all look alike and such). So, is it actually a bad thing? Or, does it not matter either way?

Your major doesn't matter for in terms of admittance to medical school. Your PERFORMANCE in your major matter greatly. Major in any subject (biology is fine) that you love and that you can do well in.

The best way to stand out as an applicant to medical school is to have a high undergraduate GPA and outstanding score on the Medical College Admissions Test. As long as you have all of your pre-med coursework, meet any additional requirements for the medical schools that interest you and have done well, major in what you love.

We don't pick members of our freshman medical school class based on major but we surely pick based on performance and strength of application. Make yours strong and major in what you like. People with outstanding applications stand out regardless of major.

 

[senseiturtle]

Being a Biology Major carries a small disadvantage in admissions (might not stand out), but a huge advantage when actually in school.



After going through the material, both for 1st year and second year, a bunch of us have decided that if you can master an upper level biology course, you can handle medical school.

A good hypothetical comparison - Imagine cramming an entire 4XXX Parasitology course into 6 weeks and getting tested by 6 weekly quizzes and one final.

Now... if you've never had some of the more abstract stuff, like biochem, then that rate of conceptual learning is TOUGH... However, if you can solve a michales-menton (sp) before going in, then you're at a great starting point.

Much of it beyond that is straight up memorization, but you need to do it in a way that commits it more to long-term memory, since you're constantly memorizing stuff for 6 weeks before a test.

 

[Tenacious T]

Ok, but how, as a non science major, do you get involved with research? I know its important for med school matriculation, but if you are not a science major, you can't do it, can you?

I am a psych major and I was involved in research in the biopsych lab. So yes, you can be involved even as a non-science major. Also, while I know lots of people disagree with me, I don't think that research is required or even expected in order to get into medical school. Maybe if you want to do the MD/PhD track, but otherwise, I think its a plus, but won't keep you out. My opinion though..

 

[abeytt03]

I did a Bio major because it allowed me to participate in research classes offered through the Bio department. I imagine most colleges have similar opportunities. I felt being a Bio major was an important aspect of my application.

 

[CardiacIntensivist]

Teh only disadvatage of bein a Bio major was that I never learnt to wrtie good. Bio classes is the bomb though. 👍

 

[Law2Doc]

Being a Biology Major carries a small disadvantage in admissions (might not stand out), but a huge advantage when actually in school.

Well, many of the folks who proclaimed that still ended up struggling in med school, so I think "huge" is an overstatement. Change it to "slight" and I might agree. You probably have a leg up on the first couple of days of any overlapped class, but the competition is significantly better in med school and the pace is phenomenally faster, and so any advantage you might have is minor and short lived. Not to mention that many of the bio related classes tend to be in second year and nobody remembers enough by then anyhow.

 

[clc8503]

And non-science majors tend to score higher on the MCAT than science majors.

I have a theory behind this. I think it is because non-science majors know that they are really going to have to study hard for the MCAT specifically since they traditionally do not take too many upper level science courses. As a result of this, they hit the MCAT prep material hard and take their core prereq. courses seriously. I believe a lot of science majors think that merely taking upper level science courses is adequate preparation for the MCAT and that couldn't be further from the truth. Think about it. The MCAT ask you to read passeages that test the most basic science knowledge. The MCAT does not ask you to recurgitate something that you had to take an upper level Immunology (which taught me nothing for the MCAT that I didn't already learn in Gen. Bio II) or Gentics (all the gentics I needed for the MCAT was taught in Gen Bio I) course to answer. So while science majors are going for the over kill as far as science info is concerned, the non-traditionals are studying their MCAT prep material specifically and just learning exactly what they need to know in order to do well on the test. I do not think all science majors are like this becasue I've seen both science and non-science majors ace their MCAT. However, at the same time, I have seen a great deal of 4.0 science majors that felt that if they could graduate with a 4.0 gpa they would have no problem doing well on the MCAT with minimal studying. I know of one 4.0 student that fit this profile. She studied for about a week and more or less took her MACT "cold". She got a 20. You will rarely see a non-science major with such a mindset because common sence tells you that they would end up doing poorly if they did. They haven't taken enough science courses to display such misleading confidence.

 

[foreverLaur]

Some people might major in bio for med school because it would be easier to fulfill all the pre reqs. However, since so many pre- meds are bio majors, is this actually a bad thing? I mean, when you have 7,000 bio majors applying to your school, I bet if feels like you are picking between ants (all look alike and such). So, is it actually a bad thing? Or, does it not matter either way?

i know for law school, everyone majors in political science but law schools hate poli sci majors. they hate it when everyone majors in the same thing. diversity!!

 

[Arc]

I have a theory behind this. I think it is because non-science majors know that they are really going to have to study hard for the MCAT specifically since they traditionally do not take too many upper level science courses. As a result of this, they hit the MCAT prep material hard and take their core prereq. courses seriously. I believe a lot of science majors think that merely taking upper level science courses is adequate preparation for the MCAT and that couldn't be further from the truth. Think about it. The MCAT ask you to read passeages that test the most basic science knowledge. The MCAT does not ask you to recurgitate something that you had to take an upper level Immunology (which taught me nothing for the MCAT that I didn't already learn in Gen. Bio II) or Gentics (all the gentics I needed for the MCAT was taught in Gen Bio I) course to answer. So while science majors are going for the over kill as far as science info is concerned, the non-traditionals are studying their MCAT prep material specifically and just learning exactly what they need to know in order to do well on the test. I do not think all science majors are like this becasue I've seen both science and non-science majors ace their MCAT. However, at the same time, I have seen a great deal of 4.0 science majors that felt that if they could graduate with a 4.0 gpa they would have no problem doing well on the MCAT with minimal studying. I know of one 4.0 student that fit this profile. She studied for about a week and more or less took her MACT "cold". She got a 20. You will rarely see a non-science major with such a mindset because common sence tells you that they would end up doing poorly if they did. They haven't taken enough science courses to display such misleading confidence.

Good insight...so that means that I could take my MCAT's junior year if I wanted to ?

 

[PreMedDocMD]

Good insight...so that means that I could take my MCAT's junior year if I wanted to ?

Don't most take it end of jr. year?

 

[mvenus929]

Good insight...so that means that I could take my MCAT's junior year if I wanted to ?

You can take it whenever you want, so long as you've completed the prereqs and take it before you apply.

I believe a lot of science majors think that merely taking upper level science courses is adequate preparation for the MCAT and that couldn't be further from the truth.

Yeah, I heard of a guy at my school that was going to take the Verbal section cold, thinking that he did well enough on his SAT in high school to do well on the MCAT Verbal section.

 

[PreMedDocMD]

Hmm, then wouldn't it be the smartest to take the MCAT at the end of winter break, after you have had almost a whole month of non-interupted studying?

 

[Chuckwalla]

No, it doesn't. The numbers make it seem like it does but you have to think about the circumstances. Most people choose biology because it goes well with pre-med. These people are going to apply to med school even if they don't have a very good chance of getting in. Usually it is do or die because biology isn't the best major in the career market. People will have higher numbers from other majors because there aren't as many and they will usually apply when they have a good chance of getting in. If I have a finance major and good job prospects why would I try to get into med school when there isn't much chance? With a bio major people need to get in unless they want to be a lab tech for the rest of their lives.

My pre-med advisor said med schools do like to see some advanced science classes. I wouldn't bank much on it but it does make sense to me.

 

[SigurRos]

I have a theory behind this. I think it is because non-science majors know that they are really going to have to study hard for the MCAT specifically since they traditionally do not take too many upper level science courses. As a result of this, they hit the MCAT prep material hard and take their core prereq. courses seriously. I believe a lot of science majors think that merely taking upper level science courses is adequate preparation for the MCAT and that couldn't be further from the truth. Think about it. The MCAT ask you to read passeages that test the most basic science knowledge. The MCAT does not ask you to recurgitate something that you had to take an upper level Immunology (which taught me nothing for the MCAT that I didn't already learn in Gen. Bio II) or Gentics (all the gentics I needed for the MCAT was taught in Gen Bio I) course to answer. So while science majors are going for the over kill as far as science info is concerned, the non-traditionals are studying their MCAT prep material specifically and just learning exactly what they need to know in order to do well on the test. I do not think all science majors are like this becasue I've seen both science and non-science majors ace their MCAT. However, at the same time, I have seen a great deal of 4.0 science majors that felt that if they could graduate with a 4.0 gpa they would have no problem doing well on the MCAT with minimal studying. I know of one 4.0 student that fit this profile. She studied for about a week and more or less took her MACT "cold". She got a 20. You will rarely see a non-science major with such a mindset because common sence tells you that they would end up doing poorly if they did. They haven't taken enough science courses to display such misleading confidence.

or you know... non-science majors are smarter...

all kidding aside, I truly believe that non-science pre-meds are on the whole more intelligent because they have to not only master their science courses but others as well (i.e. humanities) that involve completely different skills.

 

[musashi]

I guess I'm the only odd ball here applying to med school. I have a bachelor and masters degree in history (with an emphasis on asian studies). I never once thought about or took any science classes in undergrad or graduate school. My degree didn't require any. I also never thought about med school in my entire life until last year. I know my path is going to be a bit more difficult, but if it was easy everyone would be a physician. If in med school it ever comes up about the French Revolution or the Tokugawa dynasty and the cultural influences it left on modern Japan I'll be ready🙂 Actually, I've been told by a couple of docs that I've met that it will help to make me stand out in the sea of bio majors. It's weird though that I took Bio 1 in the spring and just finished Bio 2 and think it's pretty interesting stuff. Well, maybe not all of it but the physiology stuff is cool!

 

[littlealex]

You can also do regular science research too.....it doesn't take that much training or education to be someone's lab bitch. I have been involved with a lot of research that is "science" research, and if anything being a science major limits your choices somewhat.

It takes little training to pipette and wash beakers. But if you want your own independent project, than a strong basic science background is absolutely crucial.

 

[Law2Doc]

My pre-med advisor said med schools do like to see some advanced science classes. I wouldn't bank much on it but it does make sense to me.

Nah -- the prereqs are all they care about. If they wanted more, they would make more things prereqs. The numbers of nonsci people have seen the largest increase over the last decade and most of them have taken only the prereqs. If you take more only do so for your own interest, not because it will help you -- it won't.

 

[mvenus929]

I have a bachelor and masters degree in history (with an emphasis on asian studies).

I plan to get a master's in history (or some closely related field) if I don't get into medical school. I didn't do the full bachelors (doing a minor) because right now, it would require at least another year of school, not because of the history classes, but because of classes I'd have to take to make up for my gen ed requirements, and I hear that the senior thesis in history at our school is killer. Plus, you know, I like biology. And one of my history instructors was actually a doctor that went to get his master's in history and is now teaching part time at our school. It's pretty cool, actually.

Hmm, then wouldn't it be the smartest to take the MCAT at the end of winter break, after you have had almost a whole month of non-interupted studying?

If you do it before your senior year, yes. Keep in mind that this year was the first year they offered January MCATs, so people in the past didn't have that option.

 

[clc8503]

Good insight...so that means that I could take my MCAT's junior year if I wanted to ?

That's exactly what that means. As long as you have taken 8 hours of General Biology, 8 hours of General Chemistry, 8 hours of Organic Chemistry, 8 hours of English, and 8 hours of Physics you should have a descent foundation for the MCAT. However, as I previously mentioned, be sure you hit the MCAT prep material hard as well. Everything on the MCAT should have been taught to you at some point while you were taking the 40 hours of premed that I mentioned in the first few lines of this post.

 

[Medicine929]

In my opinion a bio major might make you blend in with a large amount of other applicants. In the long run I feel that it prepares you for medical school, whether you are a microbiology major or biochemistry major it provides you with the knowledge that is fundamental for the understanding the basis of human disease. A good amount of colleges offer b.s degrees in joint programs of study such as UCSDs Biochemistry and cell biology or UC Davis has the biochemistry and molecular biology. If you don't want to be just another general biology major, make an effort to choose a science major that isn't common among most colleges.

 

[jonessoda]

The best advice I've heard is to major in what you love, because there's a chance you won't make it into med school. That way you'll have the background to do a job you like, at least.

 

[foreverLaur]

The best advice I've heard is to major in what you love, because there's a chance you won't make it into med school. That way you'll have the background to do a job you like, at least.

at least at my school, a bio major is a little bit of everything. you don't really have any expertise in any one subject area. that's why i looked into molecular genetics, microbiology, biochemistry....