Hey! I am currently on the Pre-Med Track. For the first semester I am taking Biology, Chemistry, College Writing, Human Nature, and a Seminar on Immigration. I really want to take Middle Eastern Studies because I am amazed by the culture and the language. I am hoping to move there and participate in Doctors without Boarders as an Emgergency Physician after Med-School and all that. But I also want to study Microbiology as well. Will this be a difficult task to do? I really don’t know. Any suggestions or opinions?
I would first caution you on trying to do too much too soon. You first need to establish yourself at college and adjust to the academic rigor before overloading your schedule. It’s very important to maintain a strong GPA in college, because without that–you can kiss any hopes of med school good bye.
I strongly suggest that you make a spreadsheet of all the academic requirements for your intended major (Microbiology?) laying out what courses you’ll need on a year-by-year basis. Next put in any pre med requirements not covered by your major requirements. Next add any GE coursework required by your college for graduation.
Once you’ve done that you’ll see if you have any extra space for Middle Eastern Studies classes in your schedule.
You may be able to take some Middle Eastern Studies classes to fulfill GE requirements for your college. For example, if your college requires foreign language credits for graduation, you can take 2 semesters of Arabic or Farsi to fulfill those. If your college requires social science credits, maybe you can use a couple of Middle eastern Studies classes to fulfill those.
A medical career requires many sacrifices. Not being able to take every course that catches your interest is only one of many you’ll be asked to make.