Best Pre-Med Major?

Hey guys! As a junior in high school, I'm starting to think about college and planning on pursuing a pre-med track. I'm not really sure what to major in, though. Which major would be the best or most beneficial for pre-med students? Any advice is appreciated!

Hey! It's great that you're considering the pre-med track. Keep in mind that there isn't necessarily a "best" major for pre-med students, since medical schools are generally looking for a well-rounded applicant who can excel in various subjects. That said, some majors tend to be more popular among pre-med students because they cover most of the required courses for medical school admission.

1. Biology: As a biology major, you'll cover various science disciplines, like cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry. This major gives you a solid foundation in the life sciences and prepares you for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

2. Chemistry: A chemistry major also allows you to meet most of the medical school prerequisites and provides a strong foundation for the MCAT. You'll study physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry, which are essential for understanding biochemical processes in the human body.

3. Biochemistry: This major combines elements of biology and chemistry, focusing on the biochemical processes within cells. This major provides a solid background for the MCAT and emphasizes topics that are crucial to understanding medicine at the molecular level.

However, it's crucial to choose a major that truly interests you rather than simply picking the most common one for pre-med students. Medical schools value applicants who have pursued their passions while meeting the required coursework. Some successful pre-med students have even majored in non-science fields such as humanities or social sciences - this unconventional background gives them a unique perspective on the medical field that can help them stand out from students who majored in subjects med school admissions officers see frequently.

The only thing to be aware of is that majoring in an area without a lot of overlap with your pre-med classes means you'll need to be highly organized to stay on top of both your major and pre-med requirements. It's possible you'll even need to take summer classes or an extra term to graduate, but that's not to discourage you from taking this path - you should shape your college experience in the way that will lead to the most genuine growth for you!

Whatever major you choose, be sure to maintain a strong GPA, complete the pre-med prerequisites, and engage in relevant extracurricular activities like volunteering, research, or shadowing healthcare professionals.

In summary, the best pre-med major is the one that you're genuinely enthusiastic about and can excel in academically, while still completing the necessary coursework for medical school. Good luck with your college planning!