Pre-med at LUC: Engineering or Political Science?

I'm interested in going to Loyola University Chicago for my pre-med studies, but I'm kinda stuck on whether to major in engineering or political science. I know both majors can still lead to med school, but any advice on which of those might be a better fit at LUC? Thanks!

When deciding between engineering and political science majors at Loyola University Chicago (LUC) for pre-med, it's essential to consider your interests and strengths, as well as the coursework and what fits better with the required pre-med courses.

First, let's look at engineering at LUC. Pursuing an engineering degree can be challenging as it often involves a heavy workload, numerous problem-solving exercises, and a more structured and technical curriculum. However, if you are passionate about engineering and enjoy scientific problem-solving, this path can demonstrate your aptitude for challenging coursework and strong analytical skills. Additionally, an engineering background can be an asset when applying to medical school as it showcases your unique skill set and perspective.

On the other hand, majoring in political science will allow you to explore aspects of public policy, human rights, and social issues that might impact healthcare delivery or affect patients. This major can also help develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills, which will be useful in the medical field. Political science coursework might also leave you with more flexibility in your schedule to fit in pre-med requirements and engage in extracurricular activities valuable for medical school applications, such as volunteering, research, and shadowing experiences.

Loyola University Chicago offers robust programs in both engineering and political science, so there is no "better" major in terms of the quality of education provided. Keep in mind that medical schools have no specific preference when it comes to the undergraduate major of applicants. The most important factors will be your GPA, MCAT scores, extracurriculars, and how passionately you can speak about your chosen major during interviews and in your personal statement.

Ultimately, the best path for you will depend on your personal interests, strengths, and future goals. Before the final decision, consider taking an introductory course in both majors during your first semester to better understand which one you enjoy the most. In the end, a successful pre-med experience at LUC will be facilitated by selecting a major that you are genuinely passionate about and can excel in academically.