Choosing the right premed major can feel quite overwhelming, especially with the variety of options available. Despite the popular belief that science-heavy majors are essential, many find success through non-traditional pre-med majors. There are many factors to consider when deciding on which major you would like to pursue before applying to medical school, such as the difficulty of the program, the prerequisite knowledge it will teach you, as well the typical grades within that major/program. Additionally, it is important to consider a major that you are interested in, one that aligns with your goals, and your strengths.
Generally speaking, regardless of which medical school you apply to, you will need the following according to the AAMC:
Furthermore, the AAMC also published a collection of the various med schools in the USA and some more information about them which can help you learn more about the schools you are interested in as well as their requirements. Given that, many opt for majors that will naturally include these subjects, as well as other subjects tested on the MCAT so that they can develop some knowledge on these topics before writing their MCAT, thus increasing their chance of a good score. On the other hand, you do not need to be in a sciences-based major as long as you can still meet the prerequisites. In fact, looking at the AAMC published data, the vast majority of matriculants and applicants were in a biological sciences program, but there were also a good amount of social sciences and humanities majors as well, indicating that a “traditional” heavy-sciences-based program is not necessary to succeed in your med school journey!
While many prospective pre-med students may be apprehensive about pursuing a non-traditional pre-med major, such as one in social sciences or the humanities, there are benefits that can be very useful on your road to becoming an MD! Firstly, if a humanities or social sciences major is interesting to you, it will allow you to excel academically, a very important factor in the medical school application process. Additionally, given the fact that the majority of applicants won’t have the same major, this allows you to really stand out and show just how unique of an applicant you are! It is vital that you are not afraid to tell your story, as it gives the admissions committee a more rounded picture of you. Whether that be through coursework or extracurriculars, there are many opportunities for you to show off how special of a candidate you are!
Choosing the right pre-med major is an important decision, but it doesn’t have to be scary or daunting. While traditional science-heavy majors like biology and chemistry are popular choices, non-traditional majors in humanities or social sciences can offer unique advantages and allow you to stand out in the competitive medical school admissions process, in addition to becoming more and more popular every year. At the end of the day, the best major is one that aligns with your interests, strengths, and goals, while also ensuring you meet the prerequisites and are well-prepared for the MCAT.
It is key to remember that excelling academically and showcasing your passion and individuality are key factors in your journey to becoming a future physician. Whether you choose a traditional or non-traditional path, your commitment, hard work, and unique story will make you a strong and compelling candidate for medical school!
Written By: Emily K
My name is Emily and I am a first year medical student at the University of Toronto. My mentorship extends beyond academics and into sport! While I love coaching in Judo, I have also mentored students from high school to university levels in various subjects including the sciences and English. I have clinical experience supporting individuals with psychiatric diseases and research experience in the domain of neuropsychopharmacology. I am excited to be a part of Motivate MD so that I can support like-minded students passionate about being an asset to healthcare who can benefit from having the experience of a mentor who was once in their shoes.
