UC Berkeley: Switch to MCB Neurobiology or Cognitive Science? (Prospective Premed)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
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<p>Good evening...</p>

<p>So recently, after considering my future aspirations, I decided that I would love to pursue a career in either neurology or neuropsychology. I am currently accepted as a Chemical Biology student in the College of Chemistry (quite a difference, yes?), and plan to be a prospective premedical student at Berkeley. </p>

<p>Considering my goals, would you suggest that I switch into the MCB Neurobiology program or the Cognitive Science program? I am fascinated by what both majors offer; although I am passionate about the physiological/scientific aspects of the subject matter, I also seek to continue an interdisciplinary approach to my studies. At this moment, I feel that Cognitive Science will better accommodate my desires (I am the type who looks more to knowledge seeking/appreciating a holistic approach to learning rather than studying purely for, say, getting into medical school as another number or studying something as biology simply because it is "common" or [supposedly] "expected". In other words, I do not want to select a major solely on some factor as the MCAT...)</p>

<p>With that in mind, is the MCB Neurobiology program somewhat more restrictive in its curriculum? And would a BA in Cognitive Science be viewed any more differently than one in the former (What are some of the top medical schools truly looking for?)</p>

<p>Thank you for your time, and please feel free to include any additional advice. I appreciate everything :)</p>

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<p>I can’t comment on any restrictiveness with MCB Neurobio, but I can say that you should definitely try to get out of Chemical Biology ASAP - preferably committing to it before fall semester so you don’t have to take Chem 4A.</p>

<p>Medical schools don’t care what your degree is or where you got it (for the most part); if you satisfied your requirements, did well in your classes, had good MCATs, etc. you’ll be fine. It’s generally better to go for an easier major (which I presume can be said of Cog Sci, at least compared to anything in MCB and certainly compared to any College of Chemistry major) so you can focus on keeping your GPA high and making your application look better (e.g. shadowing doctors, volunteering at hospitals, etc.).</p>

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<p>Thank you so much for your quick reply. I would assume that what you have described would even apply for one interested in medical schools as UCLA, UNC Chapel, and Mt. Sinai for instance, yes?</p>

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<p>Hey I’m going to be a cognitive science major and will also follow the pre med track. If you take the classes required for med school, you can apply anywhere you want. Good luck, I was also looking at the mcb major but chose cognitive science because of the classes we have to take.</p>

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<p>Thank you for your quick reply</p>

<p>If I do decide to opt for Cognitive Science, we might see each other this fall! ;D</p>