Hi all! I am a high school senior currently filling out college applications right now but I’ve been experiencing quite a bit of stress trying to pick a major. I’m planning on entering into undergrad school as a pre-med student, then hopefully going to medical school. However, as of right now I’m having a lot of trouble choosing whether to major in Computer Science or Biological Sciences.
(I apologize ahead of time for how long this post is, haha)
One thing I am deeply worried about is that biology (Biological Sciences) unfortunately is not one of my strong-points. I know medical schools really pay attention to your GPA, and it could potentially be harmful if I end up getting a low GPA because I had chosen to major in something that I don’t consider to be one of my strengths. The only reason I am considering a Bio Sciences major is I thought that it might be able to help me on the MCAT, which is another thing that I know medical schools check to see if you fared well in. Would anyone advise that I choose the Biological Sciences major for this reason?
To sort of break it down:
Computer Science:
- could possibly achieve a better GPA than the one I might get by majoring in Bio Sciences
- may not prepare me for the MCAT as well as the other (unless there are outside resources I could use)
- would end up having to take the required classes for med school AND the required classes under the major itself, which could result in even longer school time
- obviously a much more interesting course since, again, bio is not exactly a personal strong-point
Biological Sciences:
- potentially will have a unsatisfactory GPA, which could be detrimental to my med school application
- may better prepare me for the MCAT
- required medical pre-reqs are most likely merged with the required classes under the major already, but still continues to go in depth into the study of biology in its other classes (which is not one of my strengths)
- may have more opportunities to do clinical volunteer work
Should I just choose a different major entirely, such as Psychology or PT/OT?
In case it’s unclear, I am extremely interested in going to medical school. And yes, I know it doesn’t seem that way because I am constantly saying I’m not that good in the subject of biology. I personally believe I am much better in chemistry and physics because of the math components, but it is biology that has just always been a difficult subject for me, most probably due to the amount of memorization you need to do. I’m terrified I won’t be able to handle the amount of information the Biological Sciences major will give me, especially considering how in-depth the classes will go.
I thank everyone who offers insight. I don’t know a single doctor, and so any help that I can get would be extremely beneficial for me!