Psychology Major in Med school

[UofRochesterMed]

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Do you guys personally think that the major you choose, for instance Psychology vs. Biology has a big difference in being accepted into medical school? I wanted to hear from psychology majors who have been accepted into medical school and see what their GPA's and MCAT scores were like. Though they say that major doesn't make that big of a difference, it seems that a 3.6 in biology is more likely to get into medical school then a 3.6 in psychology.

 

[KeepOnSwimmin]

I was definitely worried about getting into med school as a Psychology major, but it worked out for me...quite well, actually! Being a psychology major posed difficulties for me in terms of some required classes (genetics, upper div bio classes, etc), so I would caution you to be mindful of what classes you need for some of your top choices.

ECs are also important in terms of helping you stand out and shining light on other non-academic parts of your application. I made sure to expose myself sufficiently to the medical field, while keeping my activities in line with my interests in psychology. At the end of the day, I had a pretty good story of how I went from being a psych major to wanting to become a doctor.

You can check my MDApps for my MCAT/GPA, etc, and feel free to PM about specific ECs. Good luck!

 

[UofRochesterMed]

I was definitely worried about getting into med school as a Psychology major, but it worked out for me...quite well, actually! Being a psychology major posed difficulties for me in terms of some required classes (genetics, upper div bio classes, etc), so I would caution you to be mindful of what classes you need for some of your top choices.

ECs are also important in terms of helping you stand out and shining light on other non-academic parts of your application. I made sure to expose myself sufficiently to the medical field, while keeping my activities in line with my interests in psychology. At the end of the day, I had a pretty good story of how I went from being a psych major to wanting to become a doctor.

You can check my MDApps for my MCAT/GPA, etc, and feel free to PM about specific ECs. Good luck!

Me and your pretty much have the same resume. The only thing is that I have yet to take my MCAT and you did extremely well on yours. Thanks for your help.

 

[johnisles2011]

My blog writing friend was a Psych major. He was accepted and has had a slew of interview offers. I have had adcoms tell me to my face that the major truly doesn't matter. I wouldn't worry about being a psych major. One thing I might do is mention that you don't want to go into psychiatry in interviews (whether or not that's true). I'm not saying I think it's right, but nobody gives a damn about psychiatry.

 

[Neurosis]

My blog writing friend was a Psych major. He was accepted and has had a slew of interview offers. I have had adcoms tell me to my face that the major truly doesn't matter. I wouldn't worry about being a psych major. One thing I might do is mention that you don't want to go into psychiatry in interviews (whether or not that's true). I'm not saying I think it's right, but nobody gives a damn about psychiatry.

Well, that's unfortunate. Considering I'm going into medicine specifically because of behavioral medicine.

 

[Chir0nex]

I was a psych major and was just accepted so I don't think it's a big deal, although you will be a minority when you interview. I focused on clinical psych so i was able to do internships and research working with patients and psychiatrists so my EC's were relevant to medicine, so if you are planning on doing more cognitive/social psych in your major you may run into some trouble. Overall study whatever you want, just be prepared to have to work extra hard to also get medical experience and complete all your science courses.

 

[KeepOnSwimmin]

I wouldn't worry about being a psych major. One thing I might do is mention that you don't want to go into psychiatry in interviews (whether or not that's true). I'm not saying I think it's right, but nobody gives a damn about psychiatry.

Not true whatsoever. I definitely mentioned that I was seriously considering psychiatry in all my interviews, but also stated that I would also be open to other fields within medicine.

Well, that's unfortunate. Considering I'm going into medicine specifically because of behavioral medicine.

👍

 

[ua2011]

I'm also a Psychology major...with a minor in Spanish. I will let you know how it goes! My stats are also similar to y'all..except I'm in the process of studying for my MCAT..I take it April 28th...im hoping for a 30 🙂

 

[compshateme85]

Psych major here, with one acceptance so far. I don't think it's hurt me at all.

 

[Osakhomen]

I was a psychology major. It really didn't seem to be a problem. None of the interviewers looked down at the fact I majored in psychology. I took Biochem and Genetics and got As in both to show I could do upper level sciences and do well... I don't really know if that helped or not with my application because no one specifically pointed it out...
My stats are on my MDapp too.

 

[Schizotypy]

There are a lot of threads about psych majors and medical school if you do a search. I was a psych major, expressed an interest (though not an exclusive interest) in psychiatry at all of my interviews, and have had a promising application cycle and acceptances (see MDApps). There is nothing negative about being a psychology major, and I don't think it's all that rare among medical school applicants (not as common as biology, of course, but definitely not uncommon).

 

[Osakhomen]

Not true whatsoever. I definitely mentioned that I was seriously considering psychiatry in all my interviews, but also stated that I would also be open to other fields within medicine.



👍

Same. I mentioned to pretty much every interviewer that as of now, I really interested in psychiatry and psychiatric research, but I am still very open to other fields. I don't think it really matters if you say your interested in a particular field.

 

[johnisles2011]

I have to disagree. I'm not saying it'll kill your application, but our pre-med advisor at our college told us that it's generally not a good thing to say you're interested in psychiatry. It's lower status in medicine, and for the most part schools want to produce doctors that will bring them prestige.

I'm not knocking on the profession.

 

[Schizotypy]

I have to disagree. I'm not saying it'll kill your application, but our pre-med advisor at our college told us that it's generally not a good thing to say you're interested in psychiatry. It's lower status in medicine, and for the most part schools want to produce doctors that will bring them prestige.

I'm not knocking on the profession.

I wouldn't listen to everything your pre-med advisor tells you. They're wrong a lot. I never used one because they were too busy and tbh, I'm glad I didn't.

 

[tantacles]

I have to disagree. I'm not saying it'll kill your application, but our pre-med advisor at our college told us that it's generally not a good thing to say you're interested in psychiatry. It's lower status in medicine, and for the most part schools want to produce doctors that will bring them prestige.

I'm not knocking on the profession.

That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Though I've been saying that a lot on SDN this week, so take it with a grain of salt.