Undergrad Major?

[smileyriles]

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Hey Everyone,

I was just wondering what all you people majored in before med school? Also if you could post your stats, and if you found your major a big help. Thanks a bunch!

 

[AspiringDoctor9]

Hi,

I'm a sociology major at the University of California. GPA - 3.6, Science GPA - 3.1 (ouch), MCAT - 34 (9 Biological, 12 Physical, 13 Verbal).

I like my major, mostly because I'm interested in people and social systems/socialization. I'm also interested in social inequality, and specifically how this relates to medical care in the US. I found my major classes much more refreshing than a buncha the upper-division biology classes I would have ended up taking as a life sciences major. I think it also helped my overall GPA - it would have been much lower if I majored in Bio. If you look at MSAR - many of the humanities majors have a higher acceptance into med school than science majors. Suprisingly, biology majors acceptance rate is fairly low (around 42%) compared to say, philosophy (60% acceptance rate), and history (around 54%). Also, humanities majors seem to score better on the MCAT for some odd reason.

Does that help any?

 

[smileyriles]

Thanks Aspiring Doctor,

I appreciate your comments!

 

[Gleevec]

Hi Smiley,
Im Biology and Political Science. If you want my stats you can PM me.

In general, your major probably doesnt matter much in how well you do on the MCAT or the medical admissions process. Major in something you think is cool and do well in it, and then just study hard in your prereq classes and your MCAT class and you will do fine.

Good luck!

 

[Nutmeg]

I majored in chemical engineering, which has worked out well. There are different specialization areas within the field, and with my taking the biotech options, the major was able to more than satisfy all of my prerequisite coures. Though it is true that there is some added difficulty and a heck of a lot more math than you might want, the nice part is that it will really help you on the MCAT. I got a 40, so although I haven't applied yet, I'm not too worried about my ability to get in somewhere. It has hurt my GPA somewhat, but everything I've read yet suggests that the ad com takes the course work into consideration when looking at your grades.

Hope that gives some insight 🙂

 

[PublicHealth]

Originally posted by Nutmeg
I majored in chemical engineering, which has worked out well. There are different specialization areas within the field, and with my taking the biotech options, the major was able to more than satisfy all of my prerequisite coures. Though it is true that there is some added difficulty and a heck of a lot more math than you might want, the nice part is that it will really help you on the MCAT. I got a 40, so although I haven't applied yet, I'm not too worried about my ability to get in somewhere. It has hurt my GPA somewhat, but everything I've read yet suggests that the ad com takes the course work into consideration when looking at your grades.

Hope that gives some insight 🙂

🙄 Excuse us, God.

 

[quideam]

LOL. Well, here's a mortal post - i'm a philosophy major, and you can PM me for my stats. My major wasn't easy (contrary to popular opinion from the bioites), but it definetly helped me in terms of being a better critical reader/thinker and keeping me sane in the midst of orgo. Hope THIS is helpful 😉

- Quid

 

[swampfox]

My undergraduate degree is in Business Administration - a little unusual for a med applicant. I satisfied all of the pre-med requirements as an undergrad as well. After a few years of work experience, I'm applying to MD/MBA programs.