Unique Pre-med Undergrad Question

[danthertmd]

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Hi guys! I have a question about picking a pre-med undergrad.

Some details about me:

Age: 24 years old

Residence: California

Currently going to Respiratory Therapy school (unknown, private school) for my AS degree and taking classes at my local community college (because my earned credits at said unknown, private college will not likely transfer to a four-year public institution)

GPA:

RT School

Overall – 3.88, BCMP – 3.66 (A’s in Intro to A&P and Intro to Chem, a B in Intro to Microbio)

Local Community College

Overall – 4.0, BCMP – none taken yet



After RT school, I really want to pursue a BS/BA in Psychology since I have a profound interest in it. Another option is a BS in RT, but will be of little use to me since it does not offer any advantages in the workplace (AS degree is the minimum requirement for licensure).

My question is, “would pursuing a BS/BA in Psychology after earning my AS in Respiratory Therapy raise a red flag with medical school AdComs?” – I’m afraid they will think, “this guy doesn’t know what he wants to do in life”.

I know GPA, relevant ECs, and a killer MCAT is the defining factor, and the chosen major does not matter as long as I love doing it, but it complicates things somewhat when I have already earned an AS degree in another field.

Any input would be much appreciated.

 

[alpharez]

It won't look weird to adcoms at all. An exposure to healthcare before deciding to pursue medicine will actually look like a good thing because you likely know what you're getting in to.

Do your pre-transfer requirements, transfer (TAG if possible), get that BA or BS (I suggest BS because it'll better prepare you for the MCAT), destroy the MCAT, apply, go to med school, happily ever after!!

 

[Nena01]

Your major doesn't matter at all, and getting a second degree is also not a big deal. I think you may actually have an advantage because you can explain how you first degree gave you exposure to medicine and patient contact.

Psychology is an interesting major, go for it! Make sure you work hard on your science classes and devote enough preparation for the MCAT 🙂