How important is a science major when planning on going into medicine?

Question

I've spoken to different medical students, residents, and physicians and I seem to be getting a lot of mixed answers. Some of them said that it helps, but that they covered all of what they learned in college in very short period of time in Med school. Others made it seem like it was very important to major in something related to science. So, what is the deal? Please be able to back up your answers.

Answer 1

I know quite a few physicians. Those who majored in science will tell you that it helped (a little) with med school. Those who majored in English, History, etc. will tell you that they are well-rounded and had no problem getting into or getting through med school. They will all tell you that the only thing that matters is that you take the core science courses. You should major in what interests you- this is the only chance you have to go to college. You will have the opportunity to learn everything you need to know about being a doctor when you are in med school. You may never have another opportunity to study Shakespeare or Chaucer.

Answer 2

The knowledge of how things live and work, Biology, and how certain elements affect them, Chemistry, is most likely mandatory if you're going into med-school. Med-school will probably have some classes using Science as a base for the course so even if you didn't essentially need the biology/science/chemistry classes to be enrolled in the med-school, you would have an advantage when you took those classes giving you more time to study your harder classes. All-in-all, a science minor should be good enough, but it's your decision and your life. I would take it as a minor and choose a different major, but that's just me. Good luck.

Answer 3

The actual major is not as important as the inclusion of required science and math classes to both be acceptable to schools and to assure good scores on the MCAT. Your college or high school counsellor should be able to get you a list of required or recommended courses.

I have physician friends that majored in everything from French to communications. Some medical schools like potential students who can do the science but are more well-rounded human beings with a more eclectic educational background.

Answer 4

It's not so much the major, but the courses you take. Of course you need the biological and chemical sciences, but a well rounded understandig of Astronomy or Geology will not be very helpful.

Get your advice from the med school. What prepares you best for the graduate work there?

Answer 5

Med schools have some minimum requirements to get in -- like some biology classes and some chemistry. You aer more likely to know that material well if you major in biology or chemistry than if you took the minimum requirements and majored in art history,

So -- yes -- it should help you get in. Majoring in a science will also help you stay in.

Answer 6

I am not how sure relevant it is, but you need a strong science background to get into med school. This can come through additional advanced courses or through a designated major

Answer 7

As long as you get the required science classes, your major is absolutely not important, as long as you do well. I remember a study comparing various majors in their performance on the MCAT. Music majors had the best scores!

Also, we have a guy in my class who is 20+ years out of college.

Answer 8

I think that it is quite important but not necessary. When you major in science to go into medicine you will be one step or 12 steps closer than someone who majored in business.

Answer 9

Very. Chem for the meds or bio for body function. Ideal: biochem.