What do pre-med students major in?

Hi there, exploring my future in medical field. Just curious, what did most doctors major in during their undergrad? Is there a common path, or does it vary widely? Thanks in advance!

While it's common to associate pre-med students with majors like biology or chemistry, there isn't a singular path that students must take. Many schools don't even have a "pre-med" major - instead, it's more of an advisory track that helps guide you to courses you should take to be well-prepared for the MCAT and med school.

So, the short answer is: that it varies widely. You can major in any field, as long as you meet the medical school requirements, which often include classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Some students purposely choose majors like English, philosophy, or sociology to demonstrate breadth of knowledge and critical thinking skills.

That being said, biology and chemistry tend to be popular choices because many of the required courses for medical school are included in these majors. Plus, they offer solid foundations in the sciences, which can be beneficial for the MCAT and medical school.

Ultimately, the choice of major should align with your interests and strengths. Medical schools value diverse interests and backgrounds among their applicants, so don't be deterred if you have passions outside of the traditional route. It's not uncommon, for instance, to have music majors who also complete the required coursework for med school.

The main goal is to do well academically while taking science classes and to have a strong MCAT score. Most importantly, pursue a major you truly enjoy as it can lead to better grades and a more enjoyable college experience.