Hey! I’m currently a freshman in college going pre-med. Is it worth is to minor in a language (Chinese)? (Will that impress med schools?). Or should I just take Chinese courses here and there and not worry about the minor?
Do not do any combo of minor(s) / major(s) for the purpose of impressing med. schools adcoms. It will not impress them. Frankly, most of D’s medical school class were Asian and by my estimation the most of Asians were Chinese. There are a lot of native Chinese speakers in medicine.
On the other hand, pursue any interest(s) in college as your hear desires. That is what college for, to develop as a person in addition to getting the educational background. Personal development is essential for the path that you chosen. If you want to study really useful language - take Spanish.
The point is DO NOT DO ANYTHING AT ALL TO IMPRESS MED. SCHOOLS.
Do you actually speak Chinese?
Chinese is useful, but it will not “impress” med schools, especially if you’re a heritage speaker. If you’re not Spanish is a good one to have.
No
Yes
I am not a heritage speaker but I have taken 4 years of Chinese in high school and I want to continue to learn the language. I was just having trouble deciding if I should stress over having a minor or just focusing on my major.
Focus on your major, your premed requirements, and add a Chinese class here and there. Since you like Chinese, take one class first semester and go from there.
Your first semester would likely include Chinese, Freshman English, Calculus or Stats, Biology with Lab, First year Experience (/seminar), and a social science or a science.