<p>I am aspiring to become a pediatrician, and I am so confused as to what major I should choose. I have been looking into neuroscience and it seems very interesting. My first choice was psychology because I have always loved it. However, I do not want med-schools to think I chose the easy way out. But I also want my GPA to be as high as possible. I also think not many neuroscience majoring students are out there so it may make me stand out. Is neuroscience a good choice? Is it difficult? Would it look good for med-schools?</p>
<p>-Neuroscience is a good choice.
-Why do you think psychology the “easy way out”? It is an experimental science of significant relevance to your career future plans. You still have to complete a significant core of coursework in basic sciences for your premed requirements. Though some psychology majors do focus on the “softer” subspecialty courses and arguably they take an easier path in their psychology programs, that’s not a necessary feature of a psychology major—you can focus on the "harder’ science and quantitative aspects.
-These days, there are quite a few students majoring in neuroscience, hoping to get an edge in med school admissions. So, it won’t necessarily make you stand out. In fact, you can major in any field, including humanities, as long as your GPA, especially in premed requirements, and your MCATs are high. Though you may even stand out somewhat more with a major that is less common for premed students, it won’t compensate for lower grades or test scores. Some less common possibilities to consider: Anthropology, Classics, Philosophy, History of Science.
-Neuroscience can be difficult, but not necessarily more difficult than traditional premed majors such as Biology, Biochem, or Chemistry. Many Neuroscience programs require a set of supporting courses in basic sciences and that is one of the things that makes it difficult for many students, but you’ll have those courses anyway with your premed requirements.</p>
<p>You should choose the major that most interests you. Don’t choose a major based on the perception of what a school or others might think of you. The best major for you will be the one in which you can receive a high gpa and can excel at, and one were you will be able to complete the pre-med requirements in addition to your major.</p>
<p>R</p>
<p>I completely agree with liek about choosing a major you enjoy, but also take into account that engineering majors have almost a 2x higher chance of being accepted into med school than premeds (not that you were considering premed, but to compare just how much of an advantage engineers have.)</p>
<p>I am just afraid that if i do choose to major in Psychology that I will not be well prepared for the mcats. I have heard that Psychology is completely useless for the mcats, however I feel like Psychology would be a good major since I will be dealing with a lot of kids in the pediatric field. What are your views on this? </p>
<p>All in all would it hurt me to do what I really love or would it be better to suck it up and do neuroscience? Would it better my chances?</p>
<p>P.S. Thank you to all of you, you have all been so very helpful :)</p>
<p>Though most premeds probably major in biology or chemistry, many who major in other fields do well on the MCATs. Since you’ll have the prerequisites as part of your premed requirements, there is nothing to prevent you from taking some elective biology courses, even if you major in psychology. </p>
<p>[Preparing</a> for the Exam - MCAT - AAMC](<a href=“http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/preparing/start.htm]Preparing”>http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/preparing/start.htm)</p>