<p>I send off my early application this week and just wanted to run my rough 'plan' by you guys and see how it sounds to you. Obviously, I could change my mind and decide on something totally different but I'd better go in with an idea of where I'm headed, right?</p>
<p>I'm an Intl student (British) studying A Levels in English, Mathematics, German and Music. As the title of this thread would suggest, I want to study some maths and philosophy alongside completing the premed requirements. My intention is to go to medical school but I'd be happy to consider a PhD in theoretical physics/applied maths if I find that the current dream fades.</p>
<p>Do you think that I will be able to fit in:
*A math major - specialising in theoretical physics with some classes in combinatorics and game theory with;
*A philosophy minor - classes on ethics, logic and 'existence' (ie. religion and epistemology or metaphysics) and;
*A year of physics, 2 of chem (inc. 1 organic), 1 of biology (inc. some biochem and genetics), and maybe a class in psychology/sociology if I need it to keep med schools happy. And lastly;
*Language classes in either German or Russian.</p>
<p>If I can't squeeze it all in to 4 years then I might consider post-bacc premed but I'd rather not do that. Obviously, whether my programme will work depends on where I am accepted and how their timetable works but I'd appreciate a quick yes/no/'are you psycho?' response!</p>
<p>Am I correct in thinking that you are looking at US universities?
Whether or not you’ll be able to fit it all in depends on what school you go to. Generally, there is enough flexibility in US college major requirements that it is possible to fulfil pre-med requirements while not majoring in biology or something similar. However, a non-science major, a non-science minor, language classes, AND pre-med requirements might be a bit too much. Your best bet would be to look at what the requirements are for each of these aspects at different schools you are interested in. I wouldn’t be surprised, though, if you had to drop one of these things or take summer classes to finish in time.</p>
You are correct! I’m applying by Early Action to Princeton this week After that, If I am not accepted, I will be applying to other Ivy League Universities since I captain my national lacrosse team so figured I’d play to my strengths.
<p>That would likely fulfill all of the requirements for med school. It doesn’t seem too unreasonable to complete that in 4 years. You’ll have some busy semesters though.</p>
<p>Be aware though, that a year in physics is not going to be anywhere near adequate to get into a doctoral program in physics. A first year physics sequence is basically just a broad overview of the entire field, with no real concentration in any specific area. Just something to keep in mind if you find that the dream of med school does fade over time.</p>
I would probably apply to study under an applied mathematics graduate programme rather than a physics one. I appreciate your warning, though. Thanks again.</p>
<p>You are applying to more than just Ivy League schools, right? It’s nice to reach for those, but I want to make sure that you also have some matches/safeties on your list!</p>
Yeah, I will be applying elsewhere. However, I think my chances will be significantly higher at need-blind Universities given my family’s financial background.
I have a perfect score on the SAT and high 2000s in physics, chemistry and math II in SAT subject so I’m confident my academics are within range. </p>
<p>Otherwise, I competed in the British maths Olympiad last year and expect to compete in Columbia for the International Olympiad this year, captain my national lacrosse team, have volunteered for St John Ambulance for 4 years (which lead me to volunteer in South Africa and Australia for a 6 weeks each) along some other relevant and interesting ECs like creating a chess club which, because of a lack of venue, we play on a app I created through programming! I’ve also been part of a debating club in which I have had the chance to talk at Westminster about palliative care which was really interesting. </p>
<p>I am obviously being cautious but I am happy with my application and think that I will do okay. I have also applied to Universities in the UK but the goal is definitely the US.</p>
After that, If I am not accepted, I will be applying to other Ivy League Universities since I captain my national lacrosse team so figured I’d play to my strengths.