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Your undergraduate career will be the primary factor that medical school admissions officers take into account. That said, it’s important to pick a major that will best highlight relevant skills and interests so that when it’s time to get into medical school, you’ll shine. But how important is the specific major you choose? Read on to learn more about getting into medical school with a degree in health science.
What’s the Best Major?
The idea of a “premed” major that undergraduate students take if they want to go to medical school is a misconception. In most cases, there is no such thing as a premed major. While admissions officers may recommend that you major in health sciences, biology, chemistry, or a related field, it’s not a requirement for getting into medical school. In fact, according to the data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), only 51 percent of those who enroll in medical school actually major in biology or another health science. Others majored in social sciences, mathematics, or even English, with no discernable difference in admissions or MCAT scores. The AAMC also maintains a vast resource bank for those interested in attending medical school.
What Are Medical Schools Looking For?
The short answer is “yes,” you can absolutely get into medical school with a degree in health sciences. So, what are medical schools looking for when they review your application? The two most important factors are your MCAT scores and GPA. This means that when choosing a major for undergraduate studies, you should pick something that you excel and are interested in. While health sciences is a convenient major for many medical students because it covers the prerequisites, if you aren’t interested in the coursework, you won’t excel and will jeopardize your chances at getting into medical school.
The Path to Medical School
If you decide to major in the health sciences for your undergraduate degree, start by taking as many advanced placement science courses as possible. This will give you a taste of college level work in your chosen field and help you determine whether medicine is for you. You should also make it a point to volunteer at a local hospital, doctor’s office, or clinic. This will help you build connections and provide a real-world view of the life of a physician. When applying for your undergraduate institution, look for schools with a strong health sciences program and a high medical school acceptance rate. For additional guidance when you begin preparing for higher education, check out the American Medical Association’s online guide for prospective physicians. As the research from the AAMC indicates, there is no strong correlation between the major you choose and rate of acceptance to medical school. Health sciences is a great undergraduate path to choose, particularly if that is your strongest subject and a program in which you feel you can excel.
Recommended Reading: 5 Top Health Science Degree Programs
