<p>I am entering my sophomore year as an Engineer in a top 20 school, having transferred from Arts and Sciences. I have enough AP credits to finish as a Chemical Engineer without stressing over fitting in all the required degree and pre-med courses (so, I would take very reasonable numbers of classes each semester). I have the opportunity to double major in Biomedical Engineering, which would require me to fit in a lot of extra courses, and would really tie me up. BME is something I am really interested in doing, but I cannot major solely in BME as I did not start as a freshman. Thus, the only way to do it would be to double major with ChemE.</p>
<p>I don't have doubts that I would do the work and get a high enough med school GPA if I go through with this. But, I'm wondering if, from the point of view of med school, it's even worth the trouble. Does having two engineering degrees have any benefits over one in the application process? I could use the extra time to volunteer or to do independent research.</p>
<p>Also, I finished all of my humanities requirements. As a ChemE, I could take any electives just to take interesting courses, and not to satisfy any requirements. I could take anatomy, genetics, or other things that could be relevant to med school. They would be on my transcript, but wouldn't give me anything really except new knowledge. But, as a BME, I could get a second degree (doable, but with considerably more work).</p>
<p>Any advice on what I should do is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Bump!!! I would REALLY appreciate any input soon, as I should decide in the next couple days before registration closes.</p>
<p>*but I cannot major solely in BME as I did not start as a freshman. Thus, the only way to do it would be to double major with ChemE.</p>
<p>*</p>
<p>??? </p>
<p>Can you clarify? This makes no sense to me. If this were true…why couldn’t a person pretend to double major, finish the req’ts of BME and then …oops…never finish the ChemE req’ts and graduate as a BME major???</p>
<p>that said, i wouldn’t suggest double engineering major because your senior year will be too hectic. Unless you plan on applying to med school AFTER you graduate, your senior year will be too crazy fitting in all these senior engineering classes (and req’d projects) while also going to interviews, Second Looks, etc.</p>
<p>I mean that BME can only be taken as a single degree if one applies for it as a freshman. I do not have the opportunity to do that. Basically, I need to do ChemE or some other engineering, and if I choose to, I can major in BME as a second major.</p>
<p>I guess my question boils down to: is it more worth it to:
- Have two degrees, but possibly sacrifice time to look around, enjoy college, prepare for med school admissions, do research.
- Have one degree in ChemE, but have time to just “be.”</p>
<p>When will you be applying to med school?</p>
<p>What grades have you been getting?</p>
<p>Are you allowed to take some BME classes for interest, but not for major?</p>
<p>Is there a BME minor?</p>
<p>Med. Schools do not care about combo major(s)/minor(s), they care about GPA / MCAT…
and enough EC’s to see that you are truly interested in Medicine. They also would like to see real person with real persoanl passions and interests outside of major and/or outside of academics. They also would like to have one who is very comforatble with people around him, having great communication skills and connects easily to people with different backgrounds. Make sure that your life at college during UG years is well balanced, allow yourself time with your friends, social life and various interests, arts, music, languages, travel abroad, job, Research lab, volunteering, college life in general. Balance and very high stats are the key. Major(s)/Minor(s) are up to you to choose based on your personal preferences, Med. Schools will not care.</p>
<p>I’ll be applying during my senior year (regular cycle). I finished freshman year with a 3.96 from Arts and Sciences (sGPA 4.0). I THINK I can take some BME classes for interest. There is no minor, but I’m looking at the second major again, and it looks much less frightening than I thought. Not too many additional classes, as many overlap with ChemE.</p>
<p>Problem solved! There is a minor in BME, and I shall do that. Best of both worlds :D</p>
<p>Thank you m2ck and DAP, your comments are always quite helpful and very much appreciated.</p>
<p>Glad to hear that you have a solution that will work for you!</p>
<p>Best wishes!!!</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>Hey, anytime, good for you, best wishes! My D. graduated with completely unrelated minor in Music, Byt her own assessment it has helped her, was actually very relaxing.</p>