<p>Hello!!! Basically I am a pre med student currently majoring in health science. I don't know if i should continue with this major because I've noticed that health science has more to do with people who wish to pursue a career with a bachelors degree. Obviously most people major in biology, or anything else for that matter. Would it be ok to continue with health science, or should I seek other majors?</p>
<p>Truthfully, the UG major has less to do with entrance into medical school than most people think as long as the degree is considered rigorous enough academically. Once you get the rather surprisingly low level of requirements out of the way you can apply from almost any major. </p>
<p>You have to get the grades in whatever degree you pursue and particularly show you can succeed in your science courses you do take, you have to prepare for the MCAT science sections so most people take well above the minimums to get a better baseline, you have to show the admission people why you would make a good Physician in the way you go about preparing (this applies to all degrees for what it’s worth), but there is no reason to completely abandon your current plan IF it’s something you can excel at. </p>
<p>Obviously the Sciences gather a lot of Pre-med (Dental, DO, Vets, etc) people because that where many medical people’s interest lie to begin with plus a lot of students (somewhat) mistakenly think it gives them a huge advantage either in applying or succeeding once you get there. </p>
<p>If you talk to a lot of the admissions officials you will find they love to throw around how many Music/Engineering/English/Business/Liberal Arts/Business majors are actually admitted and how successful those folks are later on. The Preprofessional guidance counselors sometime understand this and sometimes they still hold some rather odd opinions on what they think the admissions committee really looks at. If you have the chance talk to and listen to the Medical School officials first and foremost, talk with them about the details of your situation and what they suggest. </p>
<p>For decades the schools have tried to get more rounded individuals into their programs who bring a completely different set of skills into the program to try to balance and maybe teach some of the super high strung, Type A’s a bit more social skills than some haven’t developed in their tunnel vision just to get to Medical School. Trying to be Number 1 in every class for a dozen years just isn’t always the best way to develop the people/communication skills that are absolutely needed in dealing with sick people or dying families or parents of a child who has just been told they have cancer.</p>
<p>This advice doesn’t necessarily apply if you are looking into Ivy level schools with a long term eye toward research or academics, but for those folks who actually are looking to an average to above average Medical School with the goal to go into a regular medical practice you will find a surprising diversity in many schools. Many people would be surprised that the stereotypes of admissions at even these prestige programs aren’t all that accurate.</p>