It may be beneficial to have a specific goal in mind when getting ready to start college, such as “I want to be a doctor.” It gives you a direction to go in and particular goals to work for. Pre-med is not a major in itself, therefore, you will still need to pick a field of study to finish your degree. Making that decision could leave you feeling overwhelmed. We will discuss what a pre-med is, the ideal pre-med majors, and how to choose a pre-med in this blog.
What is a pre-med?
The term “pre-med” is used to describe someone who is enrolled in the prerequisite coursework in order to prepare them for attending medical school. Pre-med is merely a term used to indicate that you want to work in medicine; there is no such thing as a “pre-med” major. You can major in biology and be a pre-med student, just like you can major in Spanish and be a pre-med student, etc.
Students will sometimes declare that they are “pre-med” to inform people of their future professional goals. Students can also make sure they are enrolling in the proper classes to get admitted to medical school with this information.
How should I pick a pre-med major?
Students who want to pursue a medical career can find a wide range of opportunities in the best pre-med majors. In accordance with this, the following guidelines on selecting a pre-med major will assist you in narrowing your options:
- Choose a subject that interests you: To stay motivated while finishing the required coursework, make sure that you are interested in the subject you are studying.
- Determine whether your major will help you succeed: If a student’s major doesn’t support their future success in the classroom or in the workplace, they won’t be happy with their decision. Remember that a strong academic record and a good grade point average are necessary to get into medical school.
- Select a field of study that will open up more opportunities for you: Medical students should have access to a wide range of educational opportunities. If you want to give yourself the best chance of getting into medical school, make sure the pre-med degree you select gives you plenty of opportunities for extracurriculars, internships, and jobs when you graduate.
- Begin preparing yourself in advance:
When the time comes for you to choose your major, you should already be aware of what each major has to offer and what is expected of its students because you took the time to investigate the finest pre-med majors and the career routes that may be taken with each major. Attending AP classes will also be advantageous.
Which pre-med majors are the best?
The top pre-med majors are listed here for your consideration before enrolling in medical school.
Biochemistry
In essence, biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living things. It focuses on the structure and function of biomolecular molecules. Students who have a strong foundation in this subject find it simpler to comprehend the complex systems that are taught in medical school. You may also use it to help you complete the requirements for medical school. Biochemistry is heavily weighted on the MCAT, the medical college admissions test.
Biology
Biology is the foundation of all other facets of medical practice; therefore, it only makes sense to major in it. You will also need to take courses in this science to meet the course requirements of medical schools. Having said that, you ought to only major in biology if you truly love it. There is no evidence to support the idea that focusing on this specific scientific area will give you an advantage over other applicants to pre-med schools.
Psychology
Although research and statistical analysis are two of the pillars of psychology, the focus of the discipline is mostly on individuals and their behaviour. Through their courses, students who focus on this area gain important abilities like communication and empathy that aid in their understanding of themselves and others. A competent physician must possess empathy. They must be able to relate to patients on a variety of levels. Moreover, if you plan to take up psychiatry after medical school, having a background in psychology would complement your career.
Exercise Science/ Physical Education
Students majoring in exercise science can gain insight into fundamental body structures and the manner in which they function. This is a particularly suitable field of study for those who want to work as doctors in orthopaedic surgery or sports medicine.
Physics
Despite the fact that it’s typical to think of physics as a field of study that focuses on how things behave, physics also has applications in the field of medicine. This field helps us to understand a wide range of processes as well as how theory is applied, as in the case of ultrasound and other imaging technologies. If you intend to pursue radiology post-medical school, physics might be the ideal choice for you.
Philosophy
The purpose of studying philosophy is to teach students how to think critically and analytically. Additionally, these degree programs provide a strong emphasis on ethics, a competency that is crucial for aspirant medical professionals. The American Medical Association (AMA) has actually named nine medical ethical standards as the cornerstones of the medical industry.
Economics
For medical professionals, having an understanding of how people and organisations allocate their resources can be quite beneficial. Everyone working in the healthcare sector manages their own business to some extent. Students can better comprehend the landscape of health insurance, how to compensate administrative assistants, and other topics by laying a foundation in business disciplines like economics and finance.
Commence your journey to medical school with Rostrum.
It is crucial that you enjoy your major, therefore, resist the urge to feel compelled to choose one of the top pre-med majors in order to attend medical school. Any major is permitted as long as your grade point average remains over a specific threshold and you enrol in some challenging science courses.
Regardless of the route you take, there is assistance available at Rostrum. With regard to academic guidance, extracurricular activities, summer program applications, and college applications, we assist you as needed. Call us right away to schedule your introductory consultation.
