Hello! I am a freshman at Pitt who started off in bioengineering and next semester I am going to switch into another major. I realized that engineering was too specific and I wanted to explore other things before I went to medical school. Getting into med school is my number one goal. For the major I am switching into I am conflicted between Neuroscience and Mathematical Biology, I also want to pursue a second major of either political science or religious studies. I am not too worried about my second major, but I am very conflicted between Neuro and Mathematical Biology, Would it be better to just major in Neuro and Poli Sci/Religious studies or to do Mathematical Bio, minor in Neuro, and major in Poli Sci/Religious Studies? I am more interested in Neuro, but on my calc midterm I got a 99, so I"m wondering if Mathematical Biology will be too hard for me because it involves theoretical math and I have never taken any theoretical math classes before. On the other hand, neuroscience is the second most popular major at pitt for pre-meds and I feel Mathematical Bio would help me stand out. This semester I am taking Chemistry 2, Calc 3, Physics 1, and a Literature Class. In all honesty, I know which major will give me the highest GPA will be the best, but I am having a tough time deciding between the two! Please help!!
Thanks!
Some questions:
Which major has the most overlap with the pre-med requirements so you have time for a minor/second major?
Do you have to have a second major or just take some classes in the topic?
Which one would have a path forward if you dont’ end up going to med school?
Which one will help you get the best GPA?
So let’s get this straight: you want to switch into another major as a sophomore, pick up a second major, complete your pre-med requirements AND possibly pick up a minor?
That’s too much!
Pre-med requirements are, on their own, something like a minor. You should probably concentrate on selecting one major, maybe a minor to go with it. Trying to double-major when you start in your sophomore year and keep your grades up will be difficult.
That said, you don’t need to have your major “stand out.” That’s not really what gets you into medical school. Besides, no biology major - not even mathematical bio - is really going to make you stand out that much. If you’re more interested in neuroscience, then choose that as your major; you can always take additional math classes as electives. And then minor in political science or religious studies.