Physics + premed

<p>I know physics is considered a difficult major and it would be hard to get a high GPA while majoring in it and doing pre-med.</p>

<p>Do med schools factor in the difficulty of a major into the admissions process?</p>

<p>Like is a 3.8 physics major is better than a 3.8 bio major? </p>

<p>Also, should I be doing research in physics or research in chem/bio or does it not matter?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>Yes, but it is more of a compensatory factor. Meaning there is the assumption that if you got a 3.7 in Physics you would get a 3.8 in Bio. There are ultimately limits to this, and it isn’t some universal rule of thumb either. A 3.3 in Physics is unlikely to be favored when compared to the identical candidate with a 3.8 is Bio, which isn’t to say that a 3.3 Physics major could never beat out a 3.8 bio major with different resumes. It just probably is not statistically in favor of the physics major.</p>

<p>Do research in what you are interested in. I did mine with ants.</p>

<p>GPA is every thing when it comes to Medical School. At some schools if your GPA/MCAT combination is below a certain threshold, no one will look to at your application to see what your major is.</p>

<p>But do you think they would give more leeway to a physics major and be more understanding of a lower GPA?</p>

<p>Chances are you’ll do the best in the major you’re the most interested in. If you like physics then you shouldn’t be worried that you’ll have a lower GPA. Classes are often curved anyway.</p>

<p>I’ll give you my own direct answer, MrSudden. Through my own research, they won’t really consider much that you had a physics major so, oh, this GPA is actually better than it looks. Although as an individual they will certainly take notice that you probably are better equipped in critical thinking and problem solving, as an admissions member, they don’t look at it as the stronger applicant. Why they don’t is absurd, as critical thinking & problem solving is certainly vital in medicine and should bear more weigh over some humanities major.</p>