<p>“Keep in mind that Medical Schools actually accept more music majors preferentially even to life sciences majors. . .” </p>
<p>I’ve heard this information several times, even at the parents’ meeting on an audition day at a music school. I also read it a while ago in an article addressing the importance of music in public school. Does anyone have the source or the study backing up these data? I’m just wondering whether it’s anecdotal or whether this question has been systematically studied. The reason I’m asking is that I’ve quoted the same notion and then been challenged. It would be nice if I could give line and verse (but not important enough for me to research the question myself!) Thanks in advance, if you happen to know.</p>
<p>MusicMan, if you use the search this forum feature, click advanced, and do separate searches on the criteria “double degree”, “double major”, “dual major” and “double major” and click the search titles only, you’ll pull up all the past threads on this topic.</p>
<p>A number of schools are covered, as are a combination of disciplines. </p>
<p>Remember that a BA in music is a four year liberal arts degree, as opposed to a BS or BM which tend to be specific, focused, and can be termed “professional” degrees.</p>
<p>Combining a BA in music with a BA in liberal arts is probably the “easiest” in terms of time constraints, course selections. Much of the issue tends to center around performance/ensemble obligations, time heavy blocks, normally only offered on specific days with no other options. The rest of your schedule centers around those obligations. The more course offerings a school has, the easier it becomes to manipulate schedules around course requirements.</p>
<p>A BM contains more music specific coursework, with multiple performance/ensemble obligations so the issue exacerbates. Probably the “toughest” combo is a BM and a BS, where performance, lab and credit intensive majors become the norm.</p>
<p>KeyofH:<br>
Just keep in mind that in raw numbers very few music majors apply to med school compared to the numbers of bio and bio chemistry majors that apply.</p>
<p>I’m glad you quoted it, librarian - I was coming on to post it as well. I think the most common misinterpretation of this is that <em>more</em> med students are music majors. When I read this study, I see percentages. For example, (I’m making these numbers up) - let’s say that 10% of all music majors want to go on to med school. (I doubt there are that many, but…) 66% percent of them were admitted. So, of a 100 music majors, 10 of them applied to med school, and 7 were admitted. (Remember - all made up.)</p>
<p>Meanwhile, let’s say that a good 50% of biochem majors want to go on to med school. (And I think there are even more - that is a common pre-med major.) So, of 100 biochem majors, 50 of them apply to med school. 44% of those are accepted, yielding 20 med students.</p>
<p>So, while the music major success rate was higher, the number of biochem majors actually admitted would be higher.</p>
<p>I’ve often seen this study used to say more music majors get in than anyone else, and I just don’t think it’s accurate.</p>
<p>I do think this study suggests a couple things:<br>
Music majors aren’t stupid.
Music majors who apply to med school are hard workers (like Thumper says, they have to complete additional pre-reqs.)
You don’t have to decide the rest of your life while an undergrad.</p>
<p>I don’t have a study to link to, but I do remember reading that music majors have better pattern-detection skills, and group-dynamic, cooperative working skills.
Also, speaking from personal experience with our D, I think “music geeks” tend to develop stronger character than their perfect & popular peers. That prepares them for “real world” rejection, etc., that can send lesser souls into the adult abyss.</p>