Best Majors for Medical Schools

If you're considering medical school, choosing the right undergraduate degree can be a critical decision. While medical schools don't require you to have a particular major, some majors may give you an advantage when it comes to admission or success in medical school. While science majors are the most common choices, there are various majors that can provide a foundation for success.

Regardless of your major, success in med school comes down to a combination of academic performance, extracurricular activities, and experiences. By considering your interests, career goals, and med school requirements, and seeking advice, you can make an informed decision and find the best major for you. In this Bold article, we'll go over the best majors for medical school, the advantages of a science major, non-science major options, and tips on how to choose the right major for you.

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Understanding Medical School Admissions

Before we jump into discussing different majors, let's take a moment to understand the ins and outs of getting into medical school. When it comes to admissions, two key factors hold a lot of weight: your grade point average (GPA) and your Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score. In 2019, the Association of American Medical Colleges found that the average overall GPA for students who got accepted into medical schools was 3.73, while the average MCAT score was 511.2.

But here's the deal: getting into med school isn't solely about having stellar grades and a fantastic MCAT score. Medical schools are on the lookout for well-rounded individuals who have honed their analytical and critical thinking skills. They want students who can strike a balance between tackling demanding coursework and engaging in other activities outside the classroom. So, it's important to showcase your diverse interests and demonstrate that you can handle the challenges of med school while still pursuing other passions.

Importance of Undergraduate Major

Your major during undergraduate studies can influence your chances of getting into medical school, but it's not the most critical factor. Medical schools generally prefer students with a strong background in the sciences, so popular majors like biology, chemistry, and physics fit the bill. However, don't worry if your major is different! Having a unique major can actually make your application more memorable and distinctive.

Ultimately, regardless of your major, there are two key factors that hold the most weight in medical school admissions: your GPA and MCAT score. That's why it's important to excel in challenging coursework related to your major and maintain a high GPA. Additionally, preparing for the MCAT by focusing on science courses and taking practice tests is crucial to increase your chances of admission.

Extracurricular Activities and Experience

Besides your academic achievements, medical schools also pay close attention to your extracurricular activities and experiences. These experiences provide insight into your character, values, and commitment to service. Demonstrating your passion for making a positive impact on your community is highly valued.

Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience in a medical environment and display your dedication to helping others. It shows medical schools that you are actively engaged in making a difference. Engaging in research showcases your critical thinking abilities and problem-solving skills, both of which are essential for aspiring physicians. Holding leadership positions in clubs or organizations highlights your teamwork and leadership capabilities, which are qualities highly sought after in the medical field.

So, don't underestimate the value of extracurricular activities!

Top Majors for Medical School Success

While the following majors have high acceptance rates among medical school applicants and can provide a strong foundation for success, it's important to note that medical schools accept students from diverse academic backgrounds. Your undergraduate major is not the sole factor in determining your success in medical school.

Biology

Biology is a popular major for pre-med students, as it covers many of the foundational concepts relevant to medical coursework and the MCAT. Additionally, biological sciences courses often include lab work, which can be beneficial for building laboratory skills and experience. Biological science majors can also choose to specialize in areas such as genetics or microbiology, which can be helpful in understanding disease processes.

Chemistry

Chemistry is another popular major for pre-med students, as it provides a fundamental understanding of chemical reactions and properties. Like biology, an undergraduate degree in chemistry is a crucial part of the MCAT and medical school curriculum. Chemistry majors can also choose to specialize in areas such as organic chemistry or biochemistry, which can be helpful in understanding drug development and metabolism.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a molecular-based major that combines biology, chemistry, and physics. It provides a unique perspective on biological systems and is a gateway to understanding the biochemical pathways necessary for human life. Biochemistry majors can also choose to specialize in areas such as molecular genetics or biophysics, which can be helpful in understanding disease mechanisms and developing new therapies.

Physics

The physical sciences are less common majors for pre-med students, but it can be beneficial for understanding the physical principles behind medical imaging and other medical technologies. Physics can also provide a deeper understanding of the mechanics underlying human movement. Physics majors can also choose to specialize in areas such as biomedical engineering or medical physics, which can be helpful in developing new medical technologies.

Psychology

Psychology provides insight into the human mind and behavior and can be helpful in developing a patient-centered approach to healthcare. It can also be beneficial in understanding how patients process and cope with illness. Psychology majors can also choose to specialize in areas such as neuropsychology or health psychology, which can be helpful in understanding the psychological aspects of disease and treatment.

Neuroscience

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major that explores the structure and function of the nervous system. It is a popular major for pre-med students and can be helpful in understanding neurological disorders and drug therapies. Neuroscience majors can also choose to specialize in areas such as cognitive neuroscience or developmental neuroscience, which can be helpful in understanding brain development and aging.

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is the study of human movement and can be helpful in understanding the mechanics of the body. It is a beneficial major for students interested in sports medicine, physical therapy, or exercise science. Kinesiology majors can also choose to specialize in areas such as biomechanics or exercise physiology, which can be helpful in understanding the effects of exercise on the body.

Public Health

Public health is an interdisciplinary major that explores topics such as epidemiology, health policy, and environmental health. It can provide a foundation for understanding public health issues and addressing health disparities. Public health majors can also choose to specialize in areas such as global health or health promotion, which can be helpful in understanding and addressing health issues on a larger scale.

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Advantages of Majoring in a Science Field

Choosing a major is a big decision, especially if you plan to pursue a career in medicine. While any major can prepare you for medical school, majoring in a science field can provide a significant advantage. Here are some key benefits of majoring in a science field:

Strong Foundation in Science Courses

One of the biggest advantages of majoring in a science field is the strong foundation in science courses it provides. Science majors typically require coursework in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, physics, and other sciences, which are essential for medical school. These courses can help you prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and provide a basis for understanding medical concepts. Additionally, science courses often include laboratory components, which give you hands-on experience with scientific methods and techniques.

Research Opportunities

Many science majors offer opportunities for research, which can be helpful in demonstrating your commitment to science and medicine. Research experience can help you develop skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. These skills are useful in medical school, where you will be expected to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and communicate your findings to others.

Familiarity with Medical Terminology

Science majors often require coursework that involves medical terminology, which can give you a head start in medical school. Being familiar with medical terms makes it easier to understand medical concepts and communicate with healthcare professionals. Medical terminology is a specialized language used by healthcare professionals to describe the human body, diseases, and treatments.

Preparation for the MCAT

The MCAT tests knowledge of science and scientific reasoning, so having a science major can prepare you well for the exam. A solid foundation in science coursework can also prepare you for the rigor of medical school coursework. Science majors typically cover the topics that are tested on the MCAT, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. By majoring in a science field, you can gain a deep understanding of these topics and be well-prepared for the exam.

Non-Science Majors and Medical School

While science majors are the most common majors for pre-med students, there are many successful medical students who have majored in non-science fields. Pursuing a non-science major can provide unique advantages in medical school and can be a great fit for students who have a passion for both science and the humanities.

Humanities Majors and Social Sciences

Many humanities and social science majors can prepare you for medical school by developing your critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. For example, English, philosophy, and history majors can prepare you well for the critical reading and analysis required for the MCAT.

Engineering

Engineering majors develop the problem-solving, analytical, and quantitative skills that can be helpful in medical school. Additionally, the systems thinking involved in engineering can help you understand complex medical issues. For example, biomedical engineering majors can contribute to advancements in medical technology.

Business and Economics

Business and economics majors can be beneficial for understanding the financial and administrative aspects of healthcare. These majors can also provide insights into healthcare policy and healthcare systems. For example, students with a background in healthcare management can help improve the delivery of healthcare services.

Benefits of a Non-Science Major

Non-science majors can bring diverse perspectives and experiences to medical school, which can be helpful in providing patient-centered care. For example, a student with a background in music may be able to use their skills to connect with patients and improve their well-being.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

If you choose to major in a non-science field, you may face some challenges in terms of preparing for the MCAT or medical school coursework. However, you can overcome these challenges by taking science electives, preparing well for the MCAT, and seeking out research or healthcare experiences. Additionally, students can seek out research or volunteer opportunities in healthcare to gain hands-on experience and build their skills.

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Tips for Choosing the Right Major

When it comes to choosing the right major, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, here are some tips to help you decide:

Assess Your Interests and Strengths: Consider what you're passionate about and what you're good at. Choosing a major that aligns with your strengths and interests can make it easier to succeed in your coursework and maintain motivation.

Consider Your Career Goals: Think about your long-term career goals and how your major can help you achieve them. Consider what type of healthcare field you're interested in and how your major can provide a foundation for achieving it.

Research Medical School Requirements: Look into the requirements and preferences of the medical schools you're interested in. Consider what majors they accept and whether there are any courses you need to take to meet their requirements.

Seek Advice from Advisors and Professionals: Talk to academic advisors, healthcare professionals, and medical students to get advice on choosing a major. They can provide insights into the field and help you make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Majors for Medical School

Should I double major as a pre-med?

While it's true that med schools want to ensure you can handle the demanding coursework, having a double major won't necessarily give you an edge if your GPA and MCAT scores aren't up to par. In fact, med schools may even question your motivations behind pursuing a double major if your academic performance is subpar.

Do most medical schools prefer their own undergraduates?

The truth is, most med schools don't prioritize where you completed your undergraduate degree, as long as you meet their educational requirements. However, it's worth noting that the reputation and prestige of your undergraduate institution might have a slight influence on your application's success, especially when applying to highly competitive schools like Harvard.

What is the top 90% MCAT score?

Well, if you're aiming to be in the 90th percentile, you should strive for a total score of 515, with individual section scores falling between 128 and 130. On the other hand, if you're aiming for the 99th percentile, you'll want a total score of 523, with section scores ranging between 131 and 132. These scores represent impressive achievements on the MCAT and can greatly enhance your chances of gaining admission to medical school.

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