Which Undergraduate Major is Best To Get Into Medical School: Health Science or Biology?

If you are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program to eventually gain acceptance into medical school, you may be wondering which undergraduate major is best to get into medical school. Choosing the right major while you are earning your bachelor’s degree is imperative. The best majors for students who are applying to medical school are those that are known to challenge students. If you can excel in a challenging program, you will show the medical school’s admissions department that you are ready to attain a medical degree. Read on to learn whether a Biology or a Health Science Degree is more likely to gain you acceptance into medical school.

What is the Difference Between a Biology and Health Science Program?

You should never select a major because it is easy or convenient, but you should choose a major that interests and challenges you. Reputable medical schools are willing to accept students who have earned a degree majoring in Health Science or Biology along with several other health-related options. A biological sciences major will take courses in many core areas of biology. Some of the courses that a student will complete include: Cell and Developmental Biology, Ecology, Environment, Genetics and Genomics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In addition, students may also be required to complete other courses that are necessary for admission to medical school.

Health Science programs have tracks in Health education, Administration, and Community Health. This program is designed to prepare health professionals who will manage healthcare delivery, policies and structures. By combining biomedical instruction with curriculum focused on society and medical practices, students can prepare to become a health practitioner or policy-maker. Concentrations that you can choose from include the medical track and pre-nursing track, which can help you meet the medical school admissions requirements.

Additional Reading: Can I Get Into Medical School With a Degree in Health Science?

Does the Major Really Matter?

As long as you are enrolled in a reputable school with an accredited program that meets medical school admissions requirements, the major that you choose as an undergraduate student does not really matter. On a macroscopic level, the major you select when you are earning your bachelor’s degree does not matter. In fact, the Association of American Medical Colleges has released data that shows that medical schools accepted 47 percent of the physical science majors, 43 percent of the biological sciences majors, 45 percent of the social science majors and 51 percent of the humanities majors that applied in 2010. Based on these statistics, the major is not what matters. The skills that you develop in your chosen major are more important. You should identify the course load, determine which program will keep you more engaged, and make decisions based on your own interests.

The question to ask is not “Which undergraduate major is best to get into medical school?” but rather, “Which major is the best for me?” When you fill out your medical school application for admissions, highlight the skills you attained in school that will be relevant to medical school. Make sure to choose the right balance between area of study and what you are passionate about, and become the perfect candidate for medical school by proving yourself as a motivated and disciplined undergraduate student.