Unsure of Major

[allinthecookies]

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I am currently a Biology major although I have only taken what are also the Pre-Med requisites, aside from OCHEM 2 and Physics 2. I'll also be taking Biochem in order to prepare myself for both med school and the MCAT. I really do enjoy Biology, but lately I have been considering switching to an easier major.

My first 2 years of college I slacked off quite a bit if I'm going to be honest. I did the bare minimum and got mostly B's with a sprinkling of A's to go along with it. I've only gotten 1 C in the 2nd level of Gen Chem. I have luckily since righted my views on college and school work in general, and plan on definitely raising my 3.2 GPA to be more competitive with Med School.

As I've spoken with some other PreMed hopefuls I have begun considering switching my major to English, another subject I absolutely adore. There are only 48 (can you BELIEVE THAT?!) Major units required to graduate...I have finished most of my GE's and aside from the other classes I need I'll still be able to graduate on time.

What are your thoughts on this SDN? I'll be taking my MCAT Winter of '10 and apply Spring '11.

 

[DennisMikula]

Which one do you enjoy more?

If you like both equally (the EXACT same) then I guess I would go with the major that I could get a better GPA in.

 

[marele86]

First, where were you getting those As? Science courses or gen eds? Med schools will consider both cumulative GPA and science/math GPA. If you switch to an English major to bring up your overall GPA, but your sGPA stayed at a 3.2, that won't look good at all.

Med schools will want proof that you can handle a heavy science course load, so you need to show that on your transcript. If your science GPA wasn't closer to a 3.5 than a 3.0, you'll have to take more science courses (getting more A's than B's) to make up lost ground and demonstrate an upward trend. If you're intent on graduating in 4 years, that would probably means sticking with the Bio major.

That said, there's no reason you can't either a) take random fun English classes on the side, or b) take extra semesters to graduate and do an actual English major while taking Bio classes on the side.

But if you can bring up your science GPA, go with the major that will make you happier for the next few years. Remember, college will most likely be the last chance you get to take formal English classes. If it's important to you to have an English major and then go to med school, you can make it work. The reverse, not so much.

 

[MexicanDr]

If you enjoy English as well as Biology why don't you just double major or do a Dual major?

Always follow your heart and do whatever you will enjoy the most.

Eddie

 

[nuneyah]

I agree with MexicanDr, a double major in Biology and English would be ideal. Otherwise, I would definitely stick with Biology so you can improve your sGPA.

But remember, every bad grade has a great story to go along with it and an opportunity for the admissions staff to get to know you better. Take advantage of all your misfourtunite grades in your applications and/or interviews.