Major question!

[rajp98]

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Will med schools look down upon a Public Health major? Many think its simple classes but this is not always the case.

EDIT: Also, is Public Health classified as a 'Specialized Health Science' or no?

 

[Moko]

Will med schools look down upon a Public Health major? Many think its simple classes but this is not always the case.

No, you'll be fine. Pursue what you're interested in. Your sGPA and MCAT score will allow you to be compared to other applicants.

 

[kmp0410]

As long as you take the required pre-reqs you will be fine. I don't know how to answer your other question. It will be classified however your school/whoever decides to classify it...but I've never really encountered "classifying" majors in any particular way.

I would consider a basket weaving major if your school offered it.

 

[rajp98]

is it considered a specialized health science?

 

[thatwouldbeanarchy]

is it considered a specialized health science?

I've always assumed that "specialized health sciences" referred to things like nursing, pharmacy, PT, etc. so no, I wouldn't think public health would fall under this category.

I'm assuming that you're asking in regards to AAMC table 17 (https://www.aamc.org/download/321496/data/factstablea17.pdf), which shows that specialized health science majors tend to have lower MCAT scores. If what you're really asking is whether being a public health major will decrease your chance of doing well on the MCAT, the answer is no. It's up to you to prepare for the MCAT by doing well in your prereqs and devoting plenty of time to studying. You could major in art history and still get a great MCAT score and get into med school.

My guess as to why "specialized health science" majors don't score as highly on the MCAT is because their coursework is often different than the science courses geared toward premeds. (i.e. chemistry courses offered specifically for nursing students)

OP, as people on this site have now told you in SEVERAL different threads:
1) Major in whatever you want! Medical schools do not care. (Stop obsessing and posting the same thread over and over expecting a different response.)
2) Get the highest GPA you're capable of.
3) Study, study, study for the MCAT and crush it.

 

[Goro]

Med schools don't care what your major is, only that you do well.

 

[jtd2081]

OP, no matter how many times you post it you will get the sames answers. Your major does not really matter in the long run, therefore adding something like this isnt going to make you super special or stand out.

 

[rajp98]

I've always assumed that "specialized health sciences" referred to things like nursing, pharmacy, PT, etc. so no, I wouldn't think public health would fall under this category.

I'm assuming that you're asking in regards to AAMC table 17 (https://www.aamc.org/download/321496/data/factstablea17.pdf), which shows that specialized health science majors tend to have lower MCAT scores. If what you're really asking is whether being a public health major will decrease your chance of doing well on the MCAT, the answer is no. It's up to you to prepare for the MCAT by doing well in your prereqs and devoting plenty of time to studying. You could major in art history and still get a great MCAT score and get into med school.

My guess as to why "specialized health science" majors don't score as highly on the MCAT is because their coursework is often different than the science courses geared toward premeds. (i.e. chemistry courses offered specifically for nursing students)

OP, as people on this site have now told you in SEVERAL different threads:
1) Major in whatever you want! Medical schools do not care. (Stop obsessing and posting the same thread over and over expecting a different response.)
2) Get the highest GPA you're capable of.
3) Study, study, study for the MCAT and crush it.

thanks so much. i appreciate your detailed answer.

 

[Turkishking]

Will med schools look down upon a Public Health major? Many think its simple classes but this is not always the case.

EDIT: Also, is Public Health classified as a 'Specialized Health Science' or no?

No. Just do well in your med school pre-reqs, have decent extra curricular activities, and kill the mcat you're fine.

 

[haaaaaaaaaaveyoumetted]

You've already made posts asking what the "easiest" majors are that look best to adcoms, and you've already received the same advice over and over. You are not going to be more special no matter what major you add. You are not going to be unique because you double major. What you do, what you accomplish, and how well you do will make you stand out. Not your major choice. Choose what you care about.