<p>I am currently a high school Senior and will start college in the fall. I am not sure if I really want to pursue Medicine as a career yet, because I still need time to think about whether or not I really want to make that commitment and If i'll be able to handle Med school. I will be majoring in Biology and was wondering if I should declare myself as a pre-med student, if that's the right way to phrase it, even if I'm not sure if I'll ultimately go into Medicine. I just think I should be prepared incase I do decide to apply for Med school, but wasn't sure whether doing pre-med is right for people who are unsure.</p>
<p>Pre med is a set of courses that medical schools require; it’s not a major or even a special program (at least at most colleges).</p>
<p>As a bio major you will be taking all the required pre med coursework anyway, so there’s no need to make any kind of official declaration.</p>
<p>For med school admission, you’ll need:</p>
<p>2 semesters intro bio with labs *
2 semesters gen chem with labs *
2 semesters organic chem with labs *
2 semesters physics with labs *</p>
<p>1 semester biochem **
1-2 semesters writing intensive courses ***
1 semester intro to sociology
1 semester intro to psychology</p>
<ul>
<li>these are required for all bio majors
** bio elective that will count toward your bio degree
*** freshman writing is required for everyone at most schools</li>
</ul>
<p>So you see you really don’t need to make any decisions right away about pursuing medicine. You will have plenty of time later to decide if you want to do this.</p>
<p>Not necessarily ALL the courses as a Bio major but most of them. At my son’s school, his major did not require the two semesters of physics lab or the second semester of Orgo with lab. He was able to use one of his electives on the second semester or Orgo leaving only the lab itself. That being said, some of the other courses required or recommended by certain SOM’s (i.e. Genetics and Biochem), were required by his major. I would imagine this would vary at other schools. </p>
<p>WOWM’s advice is spot on though. ;)</p>
<p>And that handles the coursework . Now go do some shadowing or volunteering in a clinical setting to get some exposure. You’ll need those, too and they will give you insight into the profession.</p>
<p>What would you do with a bio major if you don’t go to med school?</p>
<p>PhD, teaching at high school, biotech, healthcare consulting, working for EMR companies, pharma to name a few</p>
<p>
Not sure if this was directed to the OP but for my son, medical school is the only plan. If he doesn’t get in right away he will work on whatever weaknesses the SOM’s deem and reapply. IOW, there is Plan A, A1, A2, etc but no Plan B. :D</p>
<p>^^</p>
<p>No, I was directing at the OP.</p>
<p>PhD, teaching at high school, biotech, healthcare consulting, working for EMR companies, pharma to name a few</p>
<p>Yes, I know. But, since there is a large glut of bio majors who aren’t going to med school, that route can mean employment issues.</p>