<p>What are the best non-science majors for people looking to apply to medical school after four years? I've heard philosophy is good. I was thinking of majoring in psychology.</p>
<p>Any major. Music has a high rate of success, as does philosophy. Anthropology, psychology, and English also seem to be popular. Psychology is an excellent choice for someone in Michigan considering the quality of U Mich's psych program.</p>
<p>Why do you want a non-science premed?</p>
<p>Perhaps the OP prefers to pursue other interests before entering med school? Perhaps he doesn't want to spend all his time in labs?
Perhaps he wants a broad education?
Perhaps he wants to become a psychiatrist?
Perhaps he wants to stay away from the cutthroat premed sciences so he gets a good GPA and has a much better chance at med school? </p>
<p>There's lots of reasons. :)</p>
<p>There are, however a good knowledge base in science is essential for most medical practice, so I am simply asking for more specifics. Knowing that information would guide others in giving suggestions.
From what I've been told, pre-law is generally the more liberal studies-based pre-professional program, whereas pre-med is generally preferable to at least have completed a minor (or 2) in the biological sciences (if not a major). There are, at minimum, a number of required classes for pre-med students.</p>
<p>apumic,</p>
<p>As long as you do all the classes required for med school, your major is inconsequential. I know at least two people at med schools who majored in social sciences or humanities.</p>
<p>
I want to maintain a high GPA. I think I could maintain a good GPA with a Chem or Bio concentration, but not as high as I could in something non-science. I will obviously have to take some science classes, which are required by med schools.</p>
<p>Don't do it for the GPA, do it because it is something you are passionate about.</p>
<p>I would definately take something I'm interested in, but I'm not going to take something that could ruin my chances at med school.</p>
<p>If you really don't think you can succeed with a strong core in science, I honestly don't know if I would want you as my doctor.
I hope you will choose based on passion and not simply GPA.
Just because you take on bio or chem doesn't mean you'll get a lower GPA.
Also, a doctor needs to be willing to take risks. If you are passionate about science and medicine, then I would encourage you to take the risk. If you can't take some risks, then as a doctor you may find you don't have the guts to try something that could save a person simply because it might also kill them (and thats just about any operation!...they all have risk)</p>
<p>apumic,</p>
<p>Sorry, but what does doing well in chemistry have to do with being a good physician? Doctors aren't chemists. The skills you learn in medical school, while supported by a functioning knowledge of biology and chemistry, are quite different.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Also, a doctor needs to be willing to take risks.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Doctors have to analyze risks, not necessarily take them. </p>
<p>Besides, you're acting like all doctors deal with life or death situations on a regular basis. I sincerely doubt that most dermatologists are faced with ER type decisions on a daily basis.</p>
<p>How would you know how the knowledge of bio and chem is used in med school? Have you gone through the process and been practicing a few years to make that sort of judgment? In my opinion, I would think that doing well in the core sciences will also open many doors for aspiring physicians, especially those who are looking to become physician-scientists. However, it is impossible to know what exactly the adcoms are looking for in students. All I know is that w/e you are majoring in, do alot of EC's involving healthcare to show your passion and do well on the MCAT.</p>
<p>
[quote]
How would you know how the knowledge of bio and chem is used in med school?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Magic powers.*</p>
<ul>
<li>I have a lot of friends who are med students/doctors/pre-meds.</li>
</ul>
<p>I second what UCLAri said.</p>
<p>It doesn't matter what your major is in. Major is something that you would enjoy. You need to do well in the required classes (Bio, Chem, Organic and Physics, Calc) and the MCATs. Having money to pay for the tuition would also help : )</p>
<p>Like a lot of people have already said, whatever you have a deep interest in. My best friend is considering Communications, and I know someone who was a pre-med majoring in Spanish.</p>
<p>Psychology and pre-med are awesome. Do them together and you have a lethal combo for medical school</p>