What's the ideal premed degree for preparing for med school?

Hi everyone! So, I'm set on pursuing pre-med in college, but I'm super undecided about which major would best prepare me for med school. Can anyone give me some advice on what the best premed degree might be and why? Thanks!

Hi there! It's important to note that there isn't a single "best" premed major that guarantees success in medical school admissions. Medical schools are generally more interested in applicants who have a strong foundation in the sciences and who have demonstrated an aptitude for critical thinking, logical reasoning, and good communication skills than those who have studied any one particular thing - in fact, studying something you're truly passionate about, rather than selecting a conventional pre-med major, can reflect well on your genuine intellectual curiosity and passion.

That being said, there are some popular majors among pre-med students due to their overlap with medical school prerequisites or their ability to develop the necessary skills for success in the medical field.

1. Biology: Biology is a popular choice for premed students because it covers many of the science courses required for medical school and allows for a deeper understanding of the concepts within the field. Majoring in biology exposes you to diverse topics such as genetics, cell biology, and physiology, which can be helpful for the MCAT and in medical school.

2. Chemistry/Biochemistry: Chemistry and biochemistry majors, like biology, cover a significant portion of the medical school prerequisites. These majors focus on the chemical processes and molecular interactions within living organisms, and thus provide you with the solid foundation in the hard sciences you'll need to succeed in medical school. In addition, the coursework often includes a significant amount of laboratory experience, which can lead to research opportunities and demonstrate your proficiency in scientific inquiry.

3. Neuroscience: As an interdisciplinary field, neuroscience combines aspects of biology, psychology, and chemistry to study the brain and nervous system. This major offers a unique perspective on human functioning and disease, as well as coursework that aligns with medical school prerequisites. For those interested in neurology, psychiatry, or related fields, this major can provide a head start in understanding the material covered in medical school.

4. Health Sciences/Public Health: Health sciences and public health majors focus on the study of health care systems, policies, and population health. While these majors might not have as much overlap with medical school prerequisites compared to the hard sciences, they give you valuable insights into how health care systems work, the social determinants of health, and other factors that impact patient care. Your courses will give you opportunities to discuss medical ethics and broaden your understanding of the healthcare landscape. These majors could be especially good choices if you're interested in the intersection between medicine and social justice.

5. Humanities/Social Sciences: While not as traditional for premed students, humanities and social sciences majors can provide critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that are valuable in medical practice. Medical schools appreciate diversity in their incoming classes and acknowledge the importance of well-rounded candidates who can empathize with patients and navigate difficult conversations. Just be aware that, because these majors won't have much overlap with your pre-med requirements, you'll need to be highly organized to make sure you take all the necessary courses for both your major and the pre-med track - that could even mean taking summer classes or an extra term to graduate.

Ultimately, though, the most important factor is selecting a major that genuinely interests you and allows you to excel academically while fulfilling medical school prerequisites. Remember, you can always take additional science courses or engage in research opportunities to complement your chosen field of study. Good luck in your academic journey!