How to Choose a Pre-Med Degree?

Hi all! As a high school junior interested in pursuing medicine, I've been looking at pre-med degrees, but I'm a little overwhelmed by the options. Can someone help me explore the various pre-med degrees and which one might be best for me?

Hello! It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed when considering your options for a pre-med degree. Luckily, you don't necessarily need to choose a specific "pre-med" major, as medical schools accept students from various academic backgrounds. What's most important is that you complete the required prerequisite courses for medical schools, which usually include subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

That being said, here's a brief overview of some popular majors that pre-med students tend to choose, as there's significant overlap between them and your pre-med requirements:

1. Biology: Arguably the most common pre-med major, biology covers a wide range of topics that will prove relevant in medical school, such as genetics, physiology, and cell biology.

2. Chemistry/Biochemistry: Another popular choice, chemistry or biochemistry majors focus on the chemical processes in living organisms. This can provide a strong foundation for understanding the molecular aspects of biology and medicine.

3. Biomedical Engineering: This major combines engineering principles with the medical and biological sciences, which can be particularly useful for students interested in medical innovation or research.

4. Neuroscience: Neuroscience majors study the nervous system and the brain, by delving into topics like neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and cognitive science.

5. Psychology: Psychology majors gain valuable insight into human behavior, cognition, and emotion, which can be particularly helpful for aspiring physicians interested in understanding the human psyche and mental health.

Keep in mind that you are more than welcome to major in something more unconventional as well - sometimes, having an outside-the-box major will actually stand out to med schools in a positive way, as it shows you have a well-rounded intellect. Just know that you may need to take courses over the summer, or even graduate late, in order to fulfill all your pre-med and major requirements.

Whichever major you choose will ultimately depend on your personal academic interests. By pursuing a field that genuinely interests you, it's more likely that you'll excel in your coursework and maintain a strong GPA - a key factor in medical school admissions.

Additionally, don't forget to explore extracurricular activities related to medicine, such as volunteering at hospitals or clinics, participating in medical research, or joining pre-health clubs on campus. These experiences will not only bolster your medical school application, but also help you gain a better understanding of the medical profession and determine if it's the right path for you.

In summary, focus on choosing a major that aligns with your interests and passions, ensures you complete your medical school prerequisites, and offers opportunities to delve into the medical field outside of the classroom. Good luck with your decision!