Can I major in psychology, do my pre-med reqs, and still apply for medical school?

Question

I know that pre-med students usually major in things like bio or chemistry, but I was wondering if it was possible to major in something else, like psychology, and still be considered for getting into med school. I will do all my pre-reqs like the organic, inorganic chem. etc., i just don't know if this is a smart idea. any suggestions?

Answer 1

You're getting some really good information here, and some really bad information.

You can major in whatever the heck you'd like as long as you do a "pre-med" track. Most schools have this: they will help you make sure you take the right classes to ensure you have the requisite classes to get into med school. Beyond that, you can major in whatever you'd like. Just go to the best school you can, and do the best you can.

And no, in reply to what someone else said, you don't go to medical school to be a psychologist. A psychologist is not a medical doctor. A psychIATRIST is, however. But don't be limited. Study what your passion is.

Answer 2

As long as you meet the course requirements for the med school in which you are applying then it isn't a problem.

People have majored in art, music, history, English, etc and have gotten into med schools. Med school is differen't than most graduate programs.

Psychology may be good if you plan to do psychiatry especially. I'm doing neuroscience since I want to be a neurosurgeon. Sometimes doing something related to the med field you want to be in helps.

Answer 3

Of course you can major in psychology - especially if you want to got to med school and become a psychologist! Lots of people do that.

you can major in anything, really, even fine arts. But you better do very well and ace your mcats.

I once taught a section of the freshmen med class at Harvard Medical School. My section was made up students who all majored in non-science disciplines. They were very bright, of course, and their varied experience brought a lot of different perspectives to the class.

Answer 4

I was a music major in college and got into medical school. Of course I had all the required pre-requisite courses, but the music major was actually a selling point on my application. I graduated medical school last year and am now in residency.

Answer 5

Every school is different. I highly recommend that you contact the med schools you plan on applying to first. I know most Grad Schools require a "related" field. For example, I am taking Criminal Justice and that will prohibit me from entering Grad School most places near me for anything other than Criminal Justice or Sociology. Some schools place more emphasis on GMAT and other tests over the actual pregraduate studies, although I have found this to be rare.

Answer 6

Majoring in psychology is a waste of time, unless you plan to be a psychologist; get a doctorate. Otherwise, you must go for biology or other science major.

Answer 7

to simplify your life, try not to excell at psych AND go intoo the medical profession youll just stress yourself out.

why are you wanting to major in psych if your going into medicine..if the area interests you take the classes that you will learn something or you want to learn about. but only major in it if your going to go into that area further later in life.