What will a History major be like for pre med?

[ShaggyAce]

I live in NYC and on my high school regents, I had a 98 on all of my History Regents. I am a pre med and enjoy history tremendously. I wouldn't mind majoring in Biology either (88 on Biology regents in Freshman year), but as I understand it, as long as I complete the pre med curriculum, I can major in whatever I want. My question is how does History in college compare to High School History. And would having a history major stand out to medical school admissions? At my college, History is only a 33 credit major, what else should I add to this? Maybe a Biology minor? some advanced bio classes to help with the MCAT? Any other helpful tips would be appreciated. Thanks.

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[CodeBlu]

Take it cuz you love it.

I took a philosophy class cuz I loved it. Not cause I thought it would help with anything but my own personal knowledge.

I believe I read somewhere... "besides a strong preparation in the sciences, the admissions committee seeks a broad liberal arts education."

History was something I wish I took in my undergraduate. But nonetheless, the internet provides me ample reading material.

 

[NickNaylor]

I imagine the primary difference will be that you'll likely have to write more papers that include your own opinion/analysis of events versus simple regurgitation of facts.

As Code said, major in what you want. The pre-med pre-reqs really aren't all that demanding in terms of volume, though doing a non-science major might make it a little more difficult. If you want to pick up a major/minor in biology/biochemistry, it'd likely be fairly easy considering the courses you'll have to take for med school anyway.

 

[StudyShy]

I live in NYC and on my high school regents, I had a 98 on all of my History Regents. I am a pre med and enjoy history tremendously. I wouldn't mind majoring in Biology either (88 on Biology regents in Freshman year), but as I understand it, as long as I complete the pre med curriculum, I can major in whatever I want. My question is how does History in college compare to High School History. And would having a history major stand out to medical school admissions? At my college, History is only a 33 credit major, what else should I add to this? Maybe a Biology minor? some advanced bio classes to help with the MCAT? Any other helpful tips would be appreciated. Thanks.

If you are passionate about history, I say go for it. I took AP European history in high school. I loved every moment of it. I can't speak for an undergraduate history curriculum; however, my graduate history classes require an in-depth understanding of the historiography (not just the history) surrounding events, longer lengths of papers (usually 25 pages), and better understanding of historical research. You will spend a lot of time reading which will hopefully help you when taking the MCAT. It may make you stand out a bit. I can tell you that there are no pre-meds in my history classes and lots of pre-meds in my science classes. 😉

You could certainly do a biology minor. It would not be that many classes beyond what you need for your pre-med requirements.

 

[deleted393595]

1. And would having a history major stand out to medical school admissions?

2. At my college, History is only a 33 credit major, what else should I add to this? Maybe a Biology minor? some advanced bio classes to help with the MCAT?

1. Yup. Not many history majors are pre-meds.

2. I don't know your university's requirements for a bio minor, but I presume that your bio minor would cover some of your pre-med pre-reqs and would thus be a great idea. The MCAT however only tests your knowledge from basic biology classes, but the advanced bio classes do help with some of the bio passages (Certain about the former but no so much about the latter).

Since history is a 33 credit major, will you be graduating in less than 4 years?

Edit: Woot! 100th post.

 

[ShaggyAce]

Since history is a 33 credit major, will you be graduating in less than 4 years?

I guess Id be earning the major in less than 4 years but I figure the pre med requirements will add some time and I am also wondering whether I should take a few advanced bio courses to help for the MCAT as well.

 

[DinoSaysRawr]

I don't know how true this holds, but an advisor of mine mentioned that History, Philosophy, and English majors tend to do better on the MCAT than their Biological/Physical science classmates. Has anyone ever heard this before?

 

[NickNaylor]

I don't know how true this holds, but an advisor of mine mentioned that History, Philosophy, and English majors tend to do better on the MCAT than their Biological/Physical science classmates. Has anyone ever heard this before?

I would believe it because their critical thinking/analysis skills get developed in their courses. Not that science majors don't use those skills, but they usually don't until later in their education.

 

[mauberley]

I don't know how true this holds, but an advisor of mine mentioned that History, Philosophy, and English majors tend to do better on the MCAT than their Biological/Physical science classmates. Has anyone ever heard this before?

Related: a friend of mine (MD/PhD) said that history majors are better suited for med school than engineers. Take it for what you will.