<p>I'm a high school senior entering Barrett Honors at ASU this fall. My major is going to be Biochemistry (medicinal) and I was wondering how difficult this major actually is? In terms of preparing me for the MCAT, will this major be the most beneficial? I also have a keen interest in pursuing Spanish and/or Education. Would minors in either of these subjects enhance my chances in getting into med school? I also plan on volunteering and interning during college as well (among other things). I suppose my overall question is this: what will best prepare me for medical school during my undergrad years?</p>
<p>eh…sorry if this is a dumb question or too broad. I just want to make the most out of my college experience :)</p>
<p>I know a couple of people majoring biochem before med school. They obviously think it is a good way to go. Don’t see why it wouldnt be.</p>
<p>Biochemistry or biology is good for premed program because it contains all the courses required for med school. Biochemistry is generally more rigorous than say, biology or chemistry, obviously.</p>
<p>What will best prepare you for med school? A 4.0 GPA and good mcat score.</p>
<p>If you are 100% sure you want to get into med-school, it might be better to take a biology major and spend your spare time boning up on MCAT material and volunteering at hospitals or clinics to beef up your CV. A high GPA and a solid MCAT score will probably go much farther than what your undergrad major is. Make sure you take the minimum level of physics, calculus, chemistry, organic chemistry and biology to meet the admissions requirements, as they may not all be built into a biology major (like the physics).</p>
<p>Volunteer activities will help impress during the interview. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the responses. I think I’m going to research more into biology majors as well. I was also researching pre-health/med related programs and clubs on campus, as well as certain research opportunities…is it safe to say that volunteer work in hospitals and clinics should be my top-priority, but that these clubs and research opportunities should be take advantage of as well?</p>
<p>Oh and after thinking about it, I’ve decided to change my major to Biological Sciences (w/ concentration in Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology). For one thing, it is something I’m much more interested in, and furthermore it will enable me to enjoy school much more and possibly pass with a higher GPA while also having time for more volunteer/extracurricular activities. Once again, thanks for the advice. Oi, I might have gone into an unnecessarily unenjoyable major lol.</p>
<p>The clubs and activities that are the highest priority are those that you care a lot about. Don’t do anything (even volunteering in a hospital) just because everyone else is doing it. Yes, you need some sort of exposure to the medical field, but other activities are just as important. These may be community service, music, sports, art, or whatever else floats your boat. Also, don’t spread yourself too thin…being really involved in a few activities is much better than getting involved with 25 different clubs and trying to maintain good grades on top of it. Do what you are passionate about (hopefully at least one of these is medically-related) and you’ll find it’s much more beneficial than trying to mold yourself to be like all the other “pre-meds”.</p>
<p>ahh that is so weird!! I am also going to be attending barrett as an incoming freshman this fall 2010! My major is also medicinal biochemistry AND i also want to pursue spanish as a minor!! haha! but yeah i pretty much have the same questions as you. I am going to meet up with my advisor to see if this is the best major for medical school. I want to be a pathologist so I dont see how med. biochem would be a bad major to start in. My advisor at Riosalado community college (I take an ACE program to get me ahead in college) also directed me to biochem. So i am confident this is a good major. Good luck and maybe we will have some classes together!! message me if you find anything out!</p>