What's a good major for med schools?

[idm163]

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I want to study medicine and research.
Would a food science/nutrition major be a good pre med major?

 

[sworzeh]

Med schools don't care about your major. I'm an art major, for example, so you can do whatever you want.

 

[Barcu]

Major really doesn't matter. It's just about doing well, especially in science courses, and getting a good MCAT score. You can do that as an English major.

If nutrition science is what you enjoy, do it. However, if that is your passion, you may want to consider other careers besides med school as well. Physicians don't receive much training in nutrition, and the way things are going in healthcare, they probably never will and will instead rely on ancillary staff like RDs. That may change. And it's not that knowing about nutrition is a bad thing. You can certainly be a good resource for patients. So, pursue med school if that's what you want to do. However, I would look into other options as well if you love nutrition. You may end up finding a way to incorporate both.

 

[earf]

Do what you love and maintain a high GPA. Don't double major or minor for the sole purpose of thinking it'll help you get into med school cause of potential burnout.

 

[Hemorrage]

Major In something that will get you a job if you change your mind about med school later on

 

[TopTomato]

If I could go back and do it again, I would do some sort of Econ or Business major while doubling as a biology major. But that's only because I find economics and business stuff interesting. My advice, find whatever interests you and major in it.

 

[DokterMom]

The best major for medical school has the following characteristics:

1 - You are passionately interested in the course material.
2 - Not so crazy-difficult that you can not perform well in the classes.

(These should result in a high GPA which is absolutely necessary, and strong letters of recommendation from your professors.)

3 - A major that will lead to a good 'Plan B' in the event you change your mind or do not get into medical school.

4 - All other things being equal, 'generic biology' is less distinctive than many other majors and is not so great for #3 above.

 

[TopTomato]

The best major for medical school has the following characteristics:


3 - A major that will lead to a good 'Plan B' in the event you change your mind or do not get into medical school.

4 - All other things being equal, 'generic biology' is less distinctive than many other majors and is not so great for #3 above.

I couldn't have said it better myself, my biggest regret is that I was a generic biology major. Like I said, personally if I could go back I'd do a dual major with bio/econ or bio/business. Covers points both 3 and 4.

 

[1stmeds]

any subject or discipline that you're passionate about

 

[jr93]

If you're young in your school progress, keep in mind that you'll likely be taking the new MCAT. Don't go too basic with your major and keep an eye on the likely changing pre-requisites at the schools you'd like to apply to. If your chosen field doesn't have a lot of overlapping pre-reqs, you may end up taking a lot of classes to graduate while filling pre-reqs.

 

[John 117]

If I were to do it again, I would pick the easiest major. Not hard stuff like chemistry or math. If your school is known for having a super rigorous X department, avoid it because your GPA will suffer. Pick the easiest major you can for that 4.0. Then you can focus on dominating the pre-reqs and MCAT. Sorry, but upper level biology classes will get you maybe...MAYBE one question extra on the MCAT. Nothing is worse than having to kill the exams in pre-med classes and also have to worry about engineering courses/projects that will distract you and destroy your GPA.

 

[Postbac123]

I majored in Deaf culture (American sign language), and was accepted this year. Although the extra bio/Chem/phy classes are useful for the MACT. They are not required. A piece of advice for those who to go outside to traditional pre-medical majors

 

[Postbac123]

Majoring in something that requires a lot of sequential classes interfere a lot with the scheduling. your pre medical courses they may be offered at the same time. this could delay time between pre medical classes and also graduation. your goal should be to have all your prerequisites for medical school taken at the same time so you are up to date.

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[idm163]

Great suggestions. Thank you everyone.