"Major" Problem: Double, Single or Independent Major?

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
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<p>Sorry for the double post in CC. First of all I know that it is not important what we major in as a pre-med. Now my problem.</p>

<p>Major" Choices: Independent, Single or Double Major?
I am planning to enter pre-med. My love is research in the medical field. I had been set on majoring in biochem or neuroscience for ages, but the thing is for financial reasons, I am choosing a college that doesn't offer either of these courses. So I have three options.
I need everyone's opinion:</p>

<p>a) I major in Chemistry or biology. I probably choose Chemistry. It is a solid course. I have no worries.</p>

<p>b) I double major in chem and bio. But for this to happen, is it possible to finish double major in chem/bio in 4 years?</p>

<p>c) I try to construct an Independent major with emphasis in biochem. My college has the option of constructing independent majors but first of all they have to approve it when I go there. But this is a crazy idea, and probably I am digging myself into a big fat hole since I already need to concentrate on being a "good" and "dedicated" pre-med.</p>

<p>So what you all think? I will be working on campus already minimum 10 hours/week. Is either (b) or (c) look good for me?</p>

<p>My focus is not only pre-med. I so want to go into research one day and my focus is also molecular biology related. I know I am sounding kinda naive perhaps since I have no idea what option b or c might entail, and it is possible tht I will overwork myself as a pre-med and screw up my GPA with option b or c.
My most prominent worry is the independent major. Is it advisable for a pre-med to take on this risk. Do pre-meds take on Independent majors with science focus successfully? You know Independent major have no previous structure, so that is one of the most risky part.</p>

<p>Or just should I follow the usual path and go with option a? Follow my heart with b or c or follow pragmatics and go with a?</p>

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<p>Your school doesn't have a biochem major?</p>

3

<p>No it doesn't have. Only biology, chemistry and physics</p>

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<p>SkyGirl:</p>

<p>I'm guessing you are a senior in high school. There is no way to predict what your performace would be in A, B, or C. However, I do not think that "independent majors" are any more difficult that any other major (in fact it might be easier). Independent majors are weak in my opinion (but that is just a personal opinion of mine). Basically, in an independent major you choose a topic and take classes that relate. They are generally specialized and consist of taking classes in multiple departments. None of that would necessarily make it any more difficult. </p>

<p>I suggest you go in undeclared, take science classes, become familiar with your college strengths and weaknesses (they will not be the same as hs) and then attempt to make this decision. Also, the questions you are asking, such as could you double in chem and bio and still graduate in 4 years depend on both your particular uni and personal decisions you make (such as how many crdt hours to take per semester etc.)</p>

5

<p>you're just like me :)
at my college (williams) i am majoring in biology with a biochemistry AND a pre-med focus. i they didn't offer a biochemistry focus then i would have double majored in bio and chem. i mean granted it's more work but if it's want you want to do then do it.</p>

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<p>So I wanted to know, have any pre-med students actually constructed specific science major like biochemistry on their own successfully as an Independent major or is too risky and put them in a disadvantage like in terms of research opportunities?</p>

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<p>have any pre-med students </p>

<p>I'm sure some have.</p>