Major Choices to Pursue a Career in Medicine

So, I've got this dream of becoming a doctor. But like, what's the ideal major for pre-med students? Is it better to do something traditional like Biology, or can I major in something unrelated but still succeed in med school applications?

There's actually quite a bit of flexibility in choosing a major for pre-med students! While many pre-med students do indeed major in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or similarly related fields, med schools accept and even appreciate diverse academic perspectives. In fact, Harvard Medical School states right on their website that "beyond the essential credential in the sciences, we have no prerequisite courses and have welcomed students whose prior major is in Music, Art, English, Economics...the list is endless."

What's crucial is to make sure that, no matter what your major, you complete the necessary prerequisite courses for med school - these typically include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, though specific prerequisites can vary by school. Majoring in a science can conveniently align with these requirements, but as long as you can fit in those classes, you can major in philosophy, history, English, or any other field!

Also important to remember is that GPA is a key factor in med school applications. So, choosing a major in a subject you love and excel at can help keep your GPA competitive.

Lastly, med schools value diverse experiences and perspectives. So, a unique major, complemented by related experiences, such as research, internships, or volunteering, in the field of medicine can certainly create a compelling application. For instance, an English major could work on healthcare policy papers or a Sociology major could work on understanding the social determinants of health.

In sum, there isn't really an "ideal" major for med school. It really comes down to what you're passionate about and how you fit the prerequisite courses into that academic plan, along with experiences to demonstrate your commitment to a career in medicine.