Where to Study for a Medicine Major?

Hello everyone! I'm a high school junior looking to major in Medicine. I'm in the process of putting together my college list, but it's tougher than I initially expected. What are some of the best colleges for medicine majors? Any guidances would be appreciated.

Reading about your interest in medicine is wonderful! Many of the top colleges don't specifically offer a "pre-medicine" or "medicine" major. Instead, they usually have pre-med tracks alongside traditional undergraduate majors.

Typically, students on a pre-med track will major in something related to the health sciences or in a STEM field such as Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry. However, keep in mind that you don't have to major in a science to get into medical school. It's most important to choose a major you are interested in and will be successful in, while also completing the necessary pre-med requirements, which usually include courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math.

Many students targeting medical school prefer to attend universities that have a good track record of sending students off to med school. Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, and Stanford University are a few examples of institutions known for their strong pre-medicine tracks and their consistently successful placements into med programs. They offer robust advising for pre-med students, opportunities for research and internships in the medical field, as well as highly-regarded biology, chemistry, and related programs.

It's also important to remember that your undergraduate college doesn't necessarily need to have a prestige or a name associated with it to help you get to med school. Many state schools like University of Michigan and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have strong pre-med advising and can prepare you well.

Some students also consult medical school acceptance rates when deciding where to apply for undergraduate studies, but it's important to understand that these figures can be skewed: At many top-tier schools, only the most eligible students apply to med school, contributing to the high acceptance rate.

Remember to consider factors such as size, location, cost, and the availability of opportunities for medical-related extracurricular activities as you compile your college list. Also, consider reaching out to your school guidance counselor or a college counselor for more personalized advice.

Lastly, remember to balance your list! Be sure to have target, reach, and safety schools all represented.