10 of the Best Majors for Pre-med Students
If you are in high school and have your sights set on attending medical school, you’re probably a dedicated and hardworking student. There is a decent chance that you have already spent hours scouring the internet in search of the best majors for a pre-med track.
Excellent choices of pre-med majors include biology, math, kinesthesiology, biochemistry, physics, statistics, and chemistry. It’s no secret that medical schools like to see well-rounded applicants. Some outside-the-box majors for pre-med students include English, anthropology, or psychology. If you choose one of the less traditional pre-med majors, be sure to load up on medical school prerequisites when choosing your electives.
There is more that goes into a successful medical school application than just a choice of major. It’s also important to perform well in high school, gain valuable experience, and join organizations like NSHSS that will support you throughout your professional journey.
What Makes a Good Pre-med Major?
When it comes to pre-med, choosing the right major is more than just about the courses you’ll take; it's about building a strong foundation for medical school. Traditionally, majors like biology, chemistry, or physics are seen as the most direct routes.
These majors provide the fundamental knowledge required for medical school coursework, such as anatomy, genetics, and biochemistry. However, some medical schools appreciate a well-rounded background, which is why non-traditional majors, like psychology or anthropology, can also offer a unique advantage. The key is to ensure that whatever major you choose, you complete the necessary prerequisites for medical school, like organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics.
Why a Non-traditional Major Could Be an Advantage
While biology and chemistry are typically considered the best pre-med majors, pursuing a non-traditional path can set you apart from other applicants. Majors such as English, anthropology, or even art history might not seem like the obvious choice, but they allow you to develop a unique set of skills.
For example, English majors often excel in writing and communication, which can be helpful in the medical field when it comes to patient interaction or medical research. Psychology majors develop a deep understanding of human behavior, which is invaluable in medicine. Choosing a non-traditional major shows medical schools that you have diverse interests and skills, which can be an asset when navigating the complex world of healthcare.
10 of the Best Majors for Pre-med Students
If you are in high school and have your sights set on attending medical school, you’re probably a dedicated and hardworking student. There is a decent chance that you have already spent hours scouring the internet in search of the best majors for a pre-med track.
Excellent choices of pre-med majors include biology, math, kinesiology, biochemistry, physics, statistics, and chemistry. It’s no secret that medical schools like to see well-rounded applicants.
Some outside-the-box majors for pre-med students include English, anthropology, or psychology. If you choose one of the less traditional pre-med majors, be sure to load up on medical school prerequisites when choosing your electives.
10 Best Pre-med Majors:
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Biochemistry
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Physics
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Kinesiology
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Mathematics
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Psychology
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Anthropology
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English
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Statistics
There is more that goes into a successful medical school application than just a choice of major. It’s also important to perform well in high school, gain valuable experience, and join organizations like NSHSS that will support you throughout your professional journey.
How to Stand Out as a Pre-med Student
Becoming a competitive pre-med student is more than just getting good grades. Gaining hands-on experience in the medical field can really help you stand out. Consider shadowing doctors, volunteering at hospitals, or getting involved in medical research.
Not only will this experience make your application stronger, but it will also give you insight into the profession and confirm that you’re committed to pursuing a career in medicine. Beyond experience, developing strong relationships with professors, finding mentorship opportunities, and getting involved in leadership roles can all help you stand out from the crowd.
The Importance of GPA and Study Habits for Pre-med Students
A high GPA is a crucial part of your medical school application, so cultivating strong study habits early on is essential. For pre-med students, mastering difficult subjects like chemistry, biology, and physics requires discipline, focus, and time management.
The better your study habits, the more likely you are to maintain a high GPA throughout your college career. Consider studying in groups, utilizing academic resources like tutoring, and practicing active recall to reinforce what you’ve learned. By the time you get to medical school, these habits will become second nature, helping you succeed in one of the most rigorous academic environments.
Navigating the Pre-med Coursework and Timeline
The pre-med track can feel overwhelming, but having a clear roadmap will help. Most pre-med students take a mix of required courses and electives. Core classes include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physics, and math. You’ll also need to fit in electives like biochemistry and anatomy, which are often prerequisites for medical school.
Planning ahead can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed, as the medical school application timeline is strict. Starting early and spacing out difficult courses throughout your undergraduate career will allow you to balance your workload and give you time to develop your skills outside of the classroom.
How to Choose the Right Pre-med Track for You
Choosing the right pre-med track can be challenging, but the best path is the one that aligns with your strengths and interests. Some students thrive in STEM-focused courses like biology or chemistry, while others excel in majors that require strong analytical thinking, like psychology or economics. Understanding your own strengths will help guide your decision.
Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pre-med. What's important is that you stay focused on your goal of attending medical school while keeping an open mind about how to best get there. Speak with your academic advisor to help craft a path that suits you.
Beyond the Classroom: Gaining Practical Experience in Medicine
Medical schools look for well-rounded applicants who not only excel academically but also show a strong commitment to the healthcare field. This means gaining practical experience outside of the classroom is essential. Internships, research opportunities, and volunteering at hospitals are great ways to build this experience.
Shadowing physicians or getting involved in clinical research will not only enhance your medical knowledge but also give you a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a doctor. These experiences can help confirm that a career in medicine is truly the right fit for you.
Tips to Gain a Competitive Edge for High Schoolers
While preparing to apply for and ultimately attend college as a pre-med major can be overwhelming, it can help to break the process down into steps. If you can find a hospital or practice that will let you, try shadowing a doctor for the day. This can help you stand out in the increasingly competitive applicant pool, and it can confirm that you truly do want to make this investment in your education and future professional life.
Medical field majors, in general, are often rigorous and time-intensive. There are things you can do to effectively prime your skills while you’re still in high school. You may want to work on developing your study habits. If you hope to attend medical school, you already know that a high GPA is important. Sharpening your study skills will help you in medical school; it can also be key to keeping your GPA high from start to finish.
Prerequisites for Medical School
There are prerequisites you’ll need to take if you’d like to attend medical school. Most schools don’t require the prerequisites to be finished before you apply; they just need to be finished before you begin medical school.
Some of the most universally necessary prerequisites for medical school include general chemistry, organic chemistry, genetic biology, anatomy and physiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Other important prerequisites for medical school include basic physics, English, and basic math courses.
Valuable Resources to Help You Prepare for the Application Process
If you’re looking for an in-depth overview that will tell you everything you need to know about the process of applying to medical school, look no further than this video.
To get an inside look at what your future in medical school might look like, check out this Q&A session with NHSS member Ton La, Jr., which covers everything from what it’s like to attend your first year of medical school to challenges, advice, and tips to help you conquer the application process. This interview provides valuable information about gaining experience, the MCAT exam, and the AMCAS application.
Get Ahead with NSHSS
The ball is in your court. There is so much you can do to set yourself apart from other applicants. One great place to start is applying for lifetime membership in NSHSS. You can do this by following this link. Once you get to the webpage, you can either choose to accept an existing NSHSS invitation that you received in the mail -- or if you qualify, you can apply for membership directly from the site. The benefits of joining NSHSS are limitless.
As a member, you’ll be able to apply for unique NSHSS scholarships, become a part of a community of lifelong learners, make valuable connections, unlock personal development opportunities and internships, and so much more. NSHSS is truly dedicated to helping you reach your goals in high school, pre-med, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-med Majors and Medical School
Q: Do I have to choose a science major to go to medical school?
A: No, you can choose any major you like as long as you complete the necessary prerequisites. Many students choose science majors, but humanities and social sciences can also provide a solid foundation.
Q: How can I strengthen my medical school application?
A: In addition to excelling academically, gaining practical experience in the medical field, participating in extracurricular activities, and volunteering can significantly strengthen your application.
Q: What’s the difference between a pre-med track and a medical school track?
A: The pre-med track is your undergraduate course path that prepares you for medical school. Medical school is a separate program that requires acceptance after your undergraduate studies.
Q: When should I start preparing for the MCAT?
A: It’s typically recommended to begin studying for the MCAT in your sophomore or junior year of college, once you’ve completed the necessary coursework.