<p>Hey, Chem 14 and Physics 6 I know are for life science majors and Chem 20 and Physics 1 are for physical science majors, but I'm not sure which category life I fall into. What I know for sure: I want to go to medical school.</p>
<p>Social sciences are currently what interests me the most. (I love science too, but certain areas of social sciences REALLY interest me.)</p>
<p>What I think I'll major in.
-social science (especially anthropology, geography) 50%
-life OR physical science OR engineering 50%</p>
<p>I'm aware that doing the Chem 20 and Physics 1 sequences leave me with the most options open - but am I doing myself a disfavor for the MCAT if I don't take the sequences designated for life science students? Explicitly, the Chem 14 and Physics 6 sequence is the "life science sequence," but is it implicitly the "pre-med sequence?"
1. Is the Chem 14 and Physics 6 sequence in any way a "pre-med" sequence that will help me do better on the MCAT all other factors equal? Or do both sequences cover the pre-med requirements equally well?
2. Do most pre-meds take the physics6 and chem 14 sequence? I'd like to meet lots of pre-meds, so would taking life science sequence allow me to meet more in class?
3. Also, is biochemistry a life science or physical science?</p>
<p>Well the life science series are, by definition, for the standard "pre-med" type majors (bio, phy sci, chem, etc.) - you will definitely not be at any disadvantage taking those courses. The vast majority of pre-meds at UCLA will take the life science series. </p>
<p>However, those won't work if you go into engineering, so your best bet is to decide between engineering or not engineering soon.</p>
<p>well, if you are at a 50-50 split on social vs physical, i would take the physical science sequence. the physical science sequences also will satisfy your premed prereqs so you won't have any problems. And believe me, premeds are abundant in both sequences, so don't make that a deciding factor.</p>
<p>as for the MCAT, it doesn't matter which sequence you take. The MCAT material is a lot less in depth than what you learn in either sequence. </p>
<p>side note: don't worry too much about starting physics your first quarter of freshman year. start with chem and life science courses and work in physics later. by the time you start taking physics classes, you should know if you are majoring in social science or physical science.</p>
<p>*The vast majority of pre-meds at UCLA will take the life science series.</p>
<p>And believe me, premeds are abundant in both sequences, so don't make that a deciding factor.*</p>
<p>Does anyone know the % of pre-health/med in each sequence? I think I saw a post on UCLA's physiological science department website, but I'm not sure.</p>
<p>the material is virtually the same between the 2 chem series. 14/20 series chem is really not that different at all, except i hear 30CL is killer. i hear physics 1 series is much harder than 6 series though.</p>
<p>you need to narrow down your major choices. basically right now you are saying you think you have a chance of going into any major that UCLA offers.</p>
<p>chem, biochem, physics, engineering? how likely?
bio, neurosci, phy sci, etc? how likely?
social sciences? how likely?</p>
<p>if you think you have a high chance of choosing a physical science major like chem, biochem, physics, or going into engineering, then take the 20 and 1 series (although 6 series physics is ok for biochem). if a social science or life science is much more likely, then just stick with 14/6 and forget about going into physical sciences or engineering.</p>
<p>hes just asking a harmless question. maybe he wants to do engineering pre med or something...</p>
<p>most pre meds are life sci majors because the LS core classes fulfill the pre med requirements. it would suck to take the pre med reqs with another set of core classes.</p>
<p>but seriously, yoon seems obsessed with percentages of premeds in everything.</p>
<p>to answer your edited questions:
1. no. like i already said the two series are virtually identical, except the 20 series is a little more in depth.
2. yes, but only because most premeds are life science majors so of course they take the (easier) chem and physics for life science students. obviously there will be a higher concentration in the life science tracks just because most are life science majors. you will meet premeds EVERYWHERE. its not an issue at all. you will find that the majority of people you meet will be 1) econ/bizecon major or 2) premed/prehealth.
3. biochem is a physical science.</p>
<p>why are you so adamant about the percentages?! first of all, the information is not readily available because no one "declares" premed officially so there are no recorded statistics as to what percent is in what. second, it doesnt matter!</p>
<p>just to emphasize VTE, it doesn't matter ONE BIT what you major in, how many majors you have, or whether you take the LS of physical science series. There are no bonus points (unfortunately) for taking a "hard" major or the "hard" series. Just take what you like to study and do well.</p>