How do I know if I should get a bachelor's of biology or chemistry if I plan on going to medical school?

Question

I have no clue where I need to start but eventually I want to be a pediatrician. I have no college education thus far.

Answer 1

DON'T MAJOR IN BIOLOGY!!! AND NEVER MAJOR IN PRE-MED.

Pre-med is not even offered at the top-tier universities. They know it's bollocks of a major. After all, what is the point of majoring in something to prepare yourself for schooling you are not guaranteed to receive? Then what do you do with that degree?

You do NOT need to major in bio or chem to go to med school. Doing so will only subject you to stiff competition and cause your grades to suffer. Biology-major pre-meds are a dime a dozen. Instead, many schools look favorably on other majors, like English and humanities.

Did you know that you can be ANY major and get into med school? All you have to do is ace the prereqs. Prereqs for medical school include:
1 year general chem (with lab)
1 year organic chem (with lab)
1 year general biology (with lab)
1 year intro. physics (with lab)
1 year English
1 year calculus
Suggested coursework includes: psychology, statistics, biochemistry, humanities

btw, the material on the MCAT is covered in lower-div classes. So you don't need to do biochem to do well on those sections.

Answer 2

You should study whatever interests you the most, it doesn't have to be biology or chemistry, you just have to make sure to complete all of the pre-reqs for med school as others have already mentioned. Seriously, during med school interviews you will probably get asked why you chose the undergraduate major you did and the worst answer you could give is "because I thought it would be best for getting into medical school." Medical schools want well-rounded individuals that stand out from the crowd. The majority of applicants have studied bio or chem/biochem in college, don't go with the crowd just to go with the crowd. Study what you are most passionate about, you will be happier in the long run.

Answer 3

Medical schools are flooded with applicants that have majored in biology. It may be in you best interest to find something that would help set you apart from the pack. Also take into consideration what you would want to do if your plans for medical school fall through (always helps to have a plan B). In my experience, chemistry majors have an easier time finding jobs than bio majors.
It may help to have a Minor in either bio or chem. It will help with the MCAT's.
For more info, there are actually books out there with advice on how to get into med school.

Answer 4

I'm sure there are volumes written on this, but if I were you I would major in something--anything--that suits you. If you love bio or chem, great. If you would do a career in bio or chem even if you didn't become a doctor, then great. And bio and chem are both very applicable. But so are other things. I am always impressed when I meet a well-rounded doctor--one who is into anything besides the narrow world of science and medicine. Some, but not all, admissions people think the same thing. I wouldn't necessarily pick the weirdest thing you can find just to stand out, but if you love English or something, major in that (or Spanish--very useful in USA). Just be sure that in addition to whatever you major in, you ace those prereqs. And have a great answer for when you go on interviews and they ask, "So...English (or whatever)...why did you pick this?"

It also couldn't hurt to major in something that would be an alternate career choice for you.

Answer 5

Bachelor's in bio-chem will be the best option. But you can do any in order to get into med school. You can get in by doing bachelor's in chemistry or biology. What matters is the MCAT test and your average in BSc. So its better to take a course in which you think you will do good or something you like. okie i think that should help. Good luck! I hope you will make a great choice for yourself.

AGAIN: BIOchem is best for becoming pediatrician.

Answer 6

You can comply with that course if you happen to desire. Please be conscious that the drugstore tech coaching is a group school application. I could propose that as side of your bachelor's measure curriculum you're taking the pre-pharmacy categories that are indexed on pharmacy institution web pages so that you are going to have the alternative of making use of to pharmacy institution on your senior yr of school. Pharmacists (Pharm.D. measure holders) are paid a lot bigger than are pharmacy techs. Most holders of bachelor's levels in biology could be very bored operating as pharmacy techs.

Answer 7

As long as you have all the requirements for most med schools, you can major in anything you want. I've known people who always planned on going into med school who majored in music...it just takes longer because you have to take all those other classes, but some think it helps because med schools like breadth of education as much as the do depth of education.

Answer 8

You can get a BS degree in biology or chemistry to get into medical school, but you will still need to take anatomy and physiology even if you are a chem major to get in. Usually people just go through a premedical program, which has both chemistry and biology, prerequisits.

Answer 9

You should major in biology and minor in chemistry. I have a friend doing this right now. You could major in Pre-Med but I know alot of people that have found biology more useful especially if you ever decide you don't want to be a dr. anymore it opens lots of other doors.

Answer 10

Actually you should investigate colleges that offer what is called a "pre med major" This would be a science major targeted to both areas with a strong emphasis also in physics. The MCAT's (boards to get into med school) are very heavy in science particulary math and physics.
Good luck!