Hello,
I am planning to go to Cornell starting this January. My question is…is it possible to minor in something like performing arts/acting and major in a science like biology? I am on the pre-med pathway, but I really do love acting and theatre. Pursuing a different minor might give me something to talk about when applying to medical/PA school. Thoughts? Would this be a good idea?
First of all, I know zero about demands of theatre/acting in college. So I’ll guess yes to your question. But med schools don’t care what you major in. You should pick a major that interests you (that you really “love”) because if you like/love material you’re more likely to do well GPA wise which is something med schools will care a great deal about initially. Most premeds pick bio, chem, in part because of interest, but also because they’re killing two birds with one stone (ie satisfying major and premed reqs at same time), whereas say you’re a theatre major, you’re going to have to squeeze in premed reqs into your schedule.
So I’m asking you, have you considered being a theatre major along with premed reqs? Wouldn’t being a theatre major along with premed reqs be something unique to talk about when applying to med school? Would having a theatre degree be a good plan B if premed doesn’t work out? As you really “love acting and theatre,” are you sure about medicine? I don’t need answers, just my random thoughts on your post
@Jugulator20 It’s just a thought. I’m planning to major in biology as of right now, and honestly I don’t see myself majoring in anything else. I was just considering doing a minor in something of my interest so that I can make myself more well-rounded for future medical/PA school applications. I’ve done acting since middle school and I’ve taken a few classes, but I don’t think it’s that kind of thing where I would pursue a theatre degree as plan B. Honestly, my plan B would probably be something like nursing. Any additional thoughts now?
I misunderstood your OP to read that you were on fence as to bio as a major. My bad. If bio is your main interest, absolutely go for it. As to colłege itself med schools only require a degree and premed reqs. So how you fill up your class dance card is up to you. However you can be incredibly well rounded but med schools will initially tend to care about whether you can cut it academically by looking at your GPAs/MCAT. Some schools will set up filters where if you don’t have certain GPAs/MCAT you will be auto rejected and no eyes will ever look at your app and see how well rounded you are. So it’s best you fill up your dance card with courses you’re actually interested in which is apparently theatre (and bio) as if you’re interested in material you’re more likely to get good grades.
Schools will also look at whether you have qualities (eg altruism, compassion, leadership, communication skills, etc) that they believe will result in them graduating good MDs. They will do this by looking at other parts of your app such as ECs. IMO sometimes completing minor reqs may be limiting as to when minor courses are scheduled whereas having no minor may allow you more flexibility as to scheduling. This may be important when you’re trying to set up ECs. Good luck.