I am currently a 3rd year finance major realizing that I made a terrible mistake in choosing my major and would like to do pre-med instead. I have a strong GPA (around a 3.9), however, I have not taken any prerequisite science courses and the only prerequisites I have for med school are english and Math. I am wondering If it would be feasible to complete my finance major while taking med school prerequisites (I know this would likely require a 5th year of undergrad) or if this is a dumb idea. Also how would med schools view this? Any thoughts or advice would be helpful.
You could do pre-med alongside any major, although starting the chemistry sequence this late would delay graduation and readiness to take the MCAT.
Thank you. Do you think that med schools would look down upon taking 5 years to complete undergrad? Would they dislike the finance degree/having only taken the minimum required science classes?
Is your plan dumb? No.
Do you think that med schools would look down upon taking 5 years to complete undergrad? No.
There’s a saying that pops up about applying to med school (ie it’s a marathon, not a sprint). You want to have the strongest possible app you can and it’s best to do it right the first time.
With premed reqs forming background for MCAT and Ochem a 2 year sequence, I’m not sure how the logistics will work out for you. You do realize that applying to med school is a year long process which means that it looks like you’d be applying to med school after you complete fifth year which should mean you’ve ideally completed premed reqs (Ochem) and have taken MCAT. Waiting to take MCAT until summer after fifth year could make your app being somewhat late in cycle which could be harmful to your chances. Also don’t forget that med schools will also look closely to see if you have characteristics that they think med students should have (eg compassion, team player, altruism, good communication skills, etc) as evidenced, in part, by your ECs. Do you have any background in clinical situations (eg, contacts with patients) which may exhibit that you have an idea of what you’re getting into?
It’s okay to take your time and do it right. Good luck
Thank you for your input. No I do not have any background like that at all but with this extra time I feel as if I would be able to definitely get some experience. I would strongly consider dental school as well since I am already behind and it requires less residency. I actually came in to college as a biology major and changed my first semester for a very dumb reason (basically just being young, naive, and indecisive) and have regretted it since and I know I probably would for the rest of my life. Right now I just know that I am better suited for science and I enjoy it a ton more than what I am doing now.
I’d guess the academic prereqs for dental schools tend to match up with med schools. I don’t know about when one needs to take the DAT or how much weight dental schools put on ECs. It appears you need to make decision.
Also as to “changed my first semester for a very dumb reason (just being young, naive, and indecisive)… I’m in my 60s and still make dumb decisions. Welcome to the club of dumb decision makers. What I found important is often what you do after you recognize your dumb decision is what counts. Good luck.