<p>Hi I'm currently a junior with 6 classes left in my psychology major. I recently decided that I wanted to go to medical school, so I will be starting the pre-med requirements this summer. But now I'm considering adding a second major in international relations, which would 10 extra classes for me to take. </p>
<p>Before I decided that I want to be a child psychiatrist, I was really interested in working for an NGO or the United Nations. So the international relations major could be a back up plan in case I don't get into medical school the first time around. I've considered switching majors or just taking IS as a minor but I just love psychology and a minor really isn't worth anything.</p>
<p>Any opinions/suggestions on whether this is a good idea or not?</p>
<p>EDIT-my school doesn't offer IS as a minor.</p>
<p>So I guess thread closed?</p>
<p>no, should i add international studies as a second major</p>
<p>Have you ever heard the expression “burn one’s bridges”? There’s a reason the phrase that has echoed across more than 20 centuries.</p>
<p>You’re trying to have it both ways, and you may end up having it neither. Either decide you are going to med school and will turn heaven and earth to make it happen. Or abandon the idea. Right now, IMHO, all you’ve committed to doing is a half-hearted effort that maybe will work out and maybe it won’t. Not consciously, of course, but you’re trying to give yourself a painless out.</p>
<p>Don’t do that. Make the alternative a painful path. Painful does not mean impossible, but it certainly will be a powerful motivator to study, volunteer, and discover everything else being a strong med-school candidate entails.</p>
<p>For medical school you don’t necessarily have to take every pre-req class within your four years of undergrad. If you aren’t sure if you want to commit then take a few classes (but don’t cram them into your schedule) and see if you want to continue with the premed classes.</p>
<p>I also suggest asking pre-med advisors and other professionals within your university on what you should take, too.</p>
<p>Thanks Mikemac. I’ve decided that I’m fully committed to going to med school and wanted to do International Studies as a hobby/just for fun major. I’ll just stick with psych and the med school requirements.</p>