Pre-med is not a major. It is an intention, a mindset, and a strong desire to have a future attending medical school. If this is your dream, there is a certain path you will need to take. This article will provide you with all of the steps necessary for success when applying to medical school. …
Pre-med is not a major. It is an intention, a mindset, and a strong desire to have a future attending medical school. If this is your dream, there is a certain path you will need to take. This article will provide you with all of the steps necessary for success when applying to medical school.
There is some flexibility in the medical school track. You can apply with any major and can enjoy some exploration and diversity in your classes. However, there are certain necessities including a minimum MCAT score, GPA, and course work. Each school has their own specific requirements, so it is recommended to check out the qualifications for each school you are thinking of applying to. The list of requirements for each school can be found here. It would be beneficial to also utilize your school’s advisor for your major and the pre-med track.
Although each school has their own demands, the majority of them share a list of basic course requirements. This includes biology, physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. These classes introduce essential concepts that are needed for success within the medical field. Other courses that are typically required include English, math,which could be statistics or calculus depending on the school, and a social science such as psychology or sociology. These classes will provide you with important skills that go beyond basic science knowledge to assist you in becoming a well-rounded physician.
Sometimes medical schools will recommend courses. Although these courses aren’t technically required, they will enhance your chances of getting accepted. Recommendations often include genetics, ethics, public health, human anatomy, and physiology.
Declaring a major may feel like an intimidating task, but it should give you some peace of mind to know that you can get accepted into medical school with any major. Although there are majors that pre-med students typically choose, there is not a preferred undergraduate major for medical schools. The medical profession needs individuals with a variety of talents, so picking a major that sparks your interests and contributes to your medical career is the best way to go.
If you’re unsure of which major to choose, check out these popular pre-med majors:
Biological science majors make up the majority of medical school applicants. Biology is a great major to choose, as the curriculum checks the majority of the boxes needed to get into medical school. As a biology major, you will endure a lot of laboratory experience that will be helpful in medical school. Additionally, most of your major requirements will coincide with your pre-med requirements.
Physical science majors are similar to biological science majors in the sense that it is a traditional track where most of your major and pre-med requirements overlap. These science heavy courses will prepare you to endure the rigorous coursework provided during medical school.
Social sciences are a less popular choice for medical school applicants, but can provide you with a chance to stand out against competitors. These majors will allow you to emphasize the unique perspective you have that will benefit your future medical career. However, if you do choose a social science for your major, you will likely need to complete pre-med courses for your elective units, as there is far less overlap than there is for traditional science majors.
If you want to major in a traditional science, but like the idea of standing out, consider adding a minor that would enhance your career. Minoring in gender studies would give you insight into the gender gap in medical research and the disadvantages it causes for female patients. Minoring in a foreign language would allow you to work with more diverse populations. A public health minor would allow you to explore health policies in the medical industry that other med students may not fully understand. The possibilities are endless.
There are other ways to stand out on your medical school application besides an interesting major or minor. Clinical experience is one of the main things the admissions committee will look for. Aside from looking good on paper, clinical experience will give you real life experience to assist you in understanding the medical profession, figuring out your “why” for pursuing a career in medicine, and developing the qualities needed in a physician. When looking for clinical experience, aim for quality and diversity over quantity. You can find clinical experience by reaching out to hospitals or health centers in your community and connecting with pre-med organizations at your school. No matter what you choose, you want to have a variety of clinical experiences that will demonstrate your passion towards caring for patients.
In addition to including direct patient care exposure, you should also list any extracurricular, academic, employment, or community service experiences on your application. These activities give admission committees a glimpse into your character and can showcase your teamwork and leadership abilities.
A solid letter of recommendationis another way to attract attention to your application. These can be from advisors, undergraduate professors, or individuals from your extracurriculars or clinical experience. Some schools consider this a necessity. For example, Johns Hopkins requires a letter of recommendation from a pre-med advisor, a letter packet assembled by your school, or two letters from faculty members in science departments and one letter from a non-science faculty member. Whether it is a must-have or not, a letter of recommendation is always beneficial, so be sure to prioritize forming connections. Whoever you choose should be able to speak on your character, capability, and passion for medical school.
You will find that everything you need for your medical school application is intertwined, and all possible requirements are advantageous. Connecting with an advisor can help you choose the right major. Choosing a major you’re passionate about can inspire the perfect clinical experience. Those you connect with during your clinical experience can write you an outstanding letter of recommendation. There are unlimited instances of this. The bottom line is to explore your passions and apply yourself accordingly.
