<p>I've got a quick question that could probably be applied to any school really, but since Berkeley is one of my top choices I figured I'd ask here.</p>
<p>My intended major is EECS. Let's say I get in. Will I have room in my 4-year schedule to take pre-med required courses? I'm considering becoming a doctor even though I really like CS, so I'd like to keep my options open and take these classes. Will I be able to? Furthermore, if so, ... is there any hope of me maintaining a social life? :D</p>
<p>Haha you were just like me a month ago. I couldn't decide whether to be a doctor or an engineer at Berkeley. Should I do EECS or take pre-med courses? Hahaha. Just stating some random info.</p>
<p>I would recommend against it...the EECS program here is notorious for ruining GPAs, which will have to be pretty high if you want to get into med school. But for all I know, you could be a real superstar, so my advice certainly doesn't apply to everyone.</p>
<p>I believe you can finish the EECS program by the end of your junior year.</p>
<p>But as the others said, your GPA probably won't be the highest. Considering that (top) med school acceptance rates hover around 5% and GPA is very important, you have a few choices:</p>
<p>a) go to another university where you're more likely to do well
b) major in something easier
c) major in EECS and pray</p>
<p>It's definitely possible! I'm doing it right now and on track for 4 years. However, it definitely requires sacrifices in terms of your social activities.</p>
<p>Before you embark on a track though, make sure you have the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Motivation - your peers will be slacking off and partying while you must keep up with an intense courseload. How will you handle it?</li>
<li>Tenacity - pressure comes and you may not do well in certain classes. Can you get over it and keep up with the schedule?</li>
<li>Planning - manage which courses you'll take. When will you prep for your MCATs, apply, interview, and graduate?</li>
</ul>
<p>Also, know that the focus on engineering will <em>not</em> help you in your med school application. Med schools treat all majors equally and you won't get any bonuses (at least not until the interview) for coming from a difficult school and major. The material in the engineering disciplines won't help much for when you are a doctor. Engineering curriculum teaches you to think, adapt and create in response to new situations and needs. It values talent. Med school values quick thinking under pressure, capacity for memorization, and hard work.</p>
<p>To add insult to injury, focusing on two areas ensures that you won't be a specialist in either field. You won't take enough engineering courses to know enough in comparison to your peers after you graduate; you also won't take enough biology courses to have a leg up for your MCATs and med school curriculum.</p>
<p>Decide for yourself if that path is worth it. Unless you have a pretty personal reason or want to go into biomedical engineering, the only reason I see people following this path is to brag and boast to others.</p>