I had this very conversation with someone who is planning to attend medical school and was wondering if majoring in Biomedical Engineering would help him or make him more competitive:
From Harvard Medical School's website:
Harvard posted:
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Do you only accept applicants who majored in the sciences as an undergrad?
No preference is given to applicants who have majored in science over those who have majored in other disciplines.
A study at Harvard Medical School has shown that students are successful in their medical studies regardless of undergraduate concentration, providing that they have had adequate science preparation. Students are urged to strive not for specialized training but for a balanced and liberal education.
What undergraduate institution should I attend? Do Ivy League students have an advantage over other students?
Harvard Medical School is looking for people with broad interests and talents, not for students from particular academic institutions. Attend an undergraduate college that will challenge you both academically and personally.
http://hms.harvard.edu/admissions/default.asp?page=admissions
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From Clemson's website:
Clemson posted:
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FAQ5: How do I know which major will be best for me? Which major will increase my chances of admission to medical or dental school?
The admissions committees at medical and dental schools have no opinions on or preferences for "appropriate" majors. You are, however, required to have an outstanding grade point average (GPA).
Therefore, you should choose the area of study in which you have the most interest as your major. The student who enjoys the material presented in a major usually makes better grades.
No matter what you may have heard, there is no "silver bullet" major beloved by medical and dental school admissions committees. Do not attempt to pick a major to impress the medical or dental school!
A major that leads to a readily employable career is a good selection in the event you do not get into medical or dental school. In fact, you may find this alternative makes you appreciate your chosen major even more. However, you must pick a major you really like! Mediocre grades will not facilitate admission into a professional school, and you do not want to end up with a career you will not enjoy.
http://www.clemson.edu/preph/faq2_major_medicine_dental.htm
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From the University of Alabama
UA posted:
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What major should I choose? What is the best major?
There is no right answer to this question. A student is encouraged to choose a program of study that will be both rewarding and challenging. It is also important that a student choose a major where he or she will be successful.
Admissions committees are rarely swayed by students who double/triple majored but did not earn solid grades while doing so. It is also wise to choose a program of study that a student enjoys and that offers an alternative to medical school.
OK, but which major has the best record?
Its YOUR record that matters.
A solid grade point average and solid MCAT score is what the admissions committees are looking for. A difficult major/program of study will not minimize the negative impact of a mediocre GPA, poor MCAT score, or inadequate experience.
http://www.as.ua.edu/undergraduates...medicine/frequently_asked_questions/index.php
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From Case Western's website:
Case Western posted:
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3. Choice of major
Your choice of major should be based on your interest and aptitude.
Though medical schools are looking for students with demonstrated ability in basic science courses, they also value a strong overall academic performance in any major - especially a field in which you are required to reason logically and analytically, read critically, and speak and write clearly and concisely. Over the past few years, nearly every department here at CWRU has had successful premedical applicants, and a wide variety of majors are accepted nationally. Where percentages of acceptance vary, the reason is more likely to be due to differences in the strength of the records presented rather than to any preference given to particular majors.
4. What are medical schools looking for?
Besides high levels of scholastic achievement and intellectual potential, medical schools are also seeking students who are highly motivated to enter the medical field, who show strong humanistic concern for others, and who relate well to other people. Criteria used to evaluate candidates include college grades, letters of recommendation, Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores, an applicant's personal statement, and occasionally psychological tests. Students who undertake special projects or independent research may demonstrate qualities that cannot be measured by grades. Some experience in a medical setting is valuable for demonstrating a knowledge of what a career in medicine entails.
http://www.case.edu/orgs/premed/oldsite/Advice.htm
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University of Washington:
UW posted:
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College major
While a bachelor's degree is necessary in order to be a competitive applicant, medical schools are not concerned about your major. You should be thinking of alternate future careers in the event you are not accepted to medical school, and your alternates may be a factor in your choice of major. You should also consider your academic success when you choose a major, and select one that you enjoy and in which you perform well.
GPA
The mean overall GPA for entering medical school students in the last decade has been approximately 3.50-3.60 nationwide. Students with significantly lower GPAs will have a more difficult time gaining admission to medical school, although admission committees will take into consideration any extenuating circumstances and will look for other demonstrated characteristics considered desirable for medicine. Overall, however, college grades are an important predictor of medical school performance and are scrutinized for consistently high performance; that is, a strong GPA with very few withdrawals, incompletes, or repeated courses. No required courses should be taken on a non-graded basis if a graded option is available.
http://www.washington.edu/students/ugrad/advising/premed.html#major
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University of Pittsburgh
UPitt posted:
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What is the best major for medical school?
The answer is: there isnt one best major that will prepare you for medical school.
Actually,
medical schools dont really care what you choose to major in, as long as you demonstrate that
youre able to perform well in the sciences.
Having said that, most pre-med students do choose to major in one of the natural sciences because
they like those fields and tend to do well in them (hence the interest in attending medical school).
At Pitt, biology and neuroscience are the most popular choices; chemistry is also a common major
for pre-meds. However, if you have a very strong interest in one of the arts, humanities or social
sciences, feel free to pursue that field as a major. Just be sure to work closely with your academic
advisor to integrate the needed science courses into your plan of study.
http://www.placement.pitt.edu/majors/pdf/pre-med planner 11 06.pdf
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Dartmouth
Dartmouth posted:
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CHOOSING A MAJOR
1. Dartmouth students entering medical school represent over 20 different majors.
2. Select a major you enjoy and one you want to pursue in depth.
3. Many students select biology or chemistry, although this gives you no great advantage towards admission.
4. Regardless of major, your success in the required basic science courses will be assessed.
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~nss/nav/pages/advice/ '10%20Premed.html
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And so goes the advice of pretty much every pre-medical program I have seen, from the Ivies to community colleges.
