Should I explain why I chose a non-science major in my personal statement?

[DoctorWannaBe]

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I was a non-science major in college, and I was wondering if I should explain my choice of major in my personal statement, especially since I doubt many people with my major go to medical school. I have already finished my personal statement, so I don't want to rewrite it, but I just want to see if most people explain why they chose their major in their PS. Or can I just wait until interviews?

 

[idq1i]

This topic has been beated to death, resurrected, beaten to death..... repeat n number of times...

As long as you have finished your basic premed requirements, the answer is N O

 

[bobmarley77]

You don't need to write this in your personal statement, but be prepared when you have your interview! I was a chemical engineering major and was always asked why I chose it.

 

[AverageMan]

I'd say that if you have an interesting reason or story about why you picked your major then write about it, but don't do so because you feel you have to defend your choice of major.

 

[Irene Adler]

I agree--don't defend your choice of major on your personal statement.

And I have a B.S. in theatre, so you aren't alone. I did use that in my personal statement because I felt it was an advantage to my application.

 

[Febrifuge]

Cool. I have a BA in Theatre. How did you do your pre-reqs? I need to go BACK and get them, 5 yrs after graduation.

(I wonder how many people here know who Irene Adler is...)

 

[Irene Adler]

Febrifuge

Well, long story. I was pre-med in college until I was seduced by the theatre department and started spending all my time over there. Had a very negative affect on my science classes because I was stage-managing or directing every term. Eventually I gave up on the pre-med thing to try directing for a while. Three years after graduation, I realized that I never wanted to be a professional director (too commercial) or an academic, but I still wanted to be a doctor.

So, I went to grad school for 11 months to get a teaching degree so I could get a job that would pay well enough to pay for pre-med classes. (Theatre degrees aren't worth the paper they're printed on, monetarily,). After grad school, I've taught middle school science for four years and re-taken ALL of my pre-req's at night school at the local community college. It's taken me six years to be able to pay for and attend all the pre-req classes. But I've finally submitted my AMCAS application, yesterday.

too much information?

And most folks think Irene Adler is a reference to X-men. It isn't.