<p>First things first. I'm a senior attending a Nevada HS that offers a pre-med magnet program, and I'm certain I'd love a job as a pediatrician or a pharmacist, or wherever my interests take me in the future. All my life I've been surrounded by medical professionals, mainly in my family, and I've sparked an interest in the field, and of course, it's lucrative benefits. Thus, I'm certain I want to take the pre-med route in college, which means courses in bio, chem, physics, etc., a decent MCAT score, and medical-related research or clinical experience. I don't mind that; in fact, I'm excited for it. </p>
<p>Because a majority of my magnet friends aspire to be doctors also, nearly 100% of them have firmly decided to major in biochemistry. While I know many of them will probably switch their majors, I'm already certain I don't want to major in a science. 1) I'm not passionate in science; rather, I'm deeply interested. There's a difference. 2) I've been contemplating not just what I want to study, but what I want to get out of my college education. Transforming into a walking science textbook is not what I want to become. </p>
<p>Thankfully, and unregretabbly, I've realized the meaning of the word, "passion." I think an interest can be defined as a passion when it's pondered, applied, and allowed to create personal satisfaction nearly everyday. To me, it's writing and music. Ever since I was in 6th grade, I've contributed to Wikipedia and wrote hundreds of articles for the site out of my own will, communicating with others along the way, and I simply love writing, synthesizing information, learning from sources, and creating my own carefully-crafted sentences, articles, and essays. Perhaps it's the leading factor as to why my favorite modern musical artist is the lyrical Eminem. Also, ever since I was a kid, I was exposed to music; I used to sing, play guitar, and my grandfather was an outstanding singer and internal surgeon, and I believe he's been a huge factor towards my interests, which is why since 7th grade, I've harnessed a love for the piano.
Whether I choose to major in English or music, or both, I hope to gain the abilities of a communicator, critical thinker, and empathizer, traits necessary to succeed in any work force. The best part is, I'll love studying these fields.</p>
<p>However, I continuously stumble upon the peer pressures of my classmates, and even posts on the internet. My major decision always begs the question, "Why are you going to major in English/Music?" People repeatedly tell me I can't make a decent living with a degree in these majors, and while I agree with them to an extent, I don't even intend on having a career in these areas if I'm planning to go into med school. I understand the chances of acceptance are slim, but I'm hoping my complacence after choosing from these majors while striving to complete the prereqs for med school will improve my chance of acceptance. Perhaps this will be the bed of both worlds to me.</p>
<p>Even then, doubt is still conking me in the head. I may like to write, but when it comes to reading, an important aspect of an English major, I've only read a few famous books/plays/poems/novels in my life, and I don't read for fun. However, I enjoy reading, but it's not something I willingly do. Thus, I question my potential as in English major (For more context, my SAT CR was 540, and W was 680, which supports the disparity and my doubt). Also, regrading piano... I'm not a prodigy. I started playing piano at age 10 or 11, while most experienced pianists started at age 4-8. Sadly, my sight-reading skills are at a grade 2 level, but my memorization skills are phenomenal, and my technique is at least decent, having been mainly classically trained. I can learn almost any moderately difficult piece (Fantaisie-Improptu, Liebestraum No. 3, Clair de Lune) up to performance level with my level of motivation and passion for piano, but in a way, I question if I'm good enough to major in music, even with my years of private lessons and undying love of simply playing and practicing. </p>
<p>Does it make sense for me to major in English/Music given my circumstances? Will these majors really help me in med school and life? What colleges are best for these majors? (Aiming for UW, UCB, UCLA, UCSD, Pepperdine, or USC; however, I don't think I can perfect an audition repertoire in time for music major, so majoring is only an option where no formal auditions are required (UCSD and UNR)). Is English Major with a music minor on a pre-med track too much at a top school? How about low one? Double major at a low ranked school? Is the high tuition at a top school worth studying my majors? How about any back up plans? Basically, I just want to know if my plan is doable, balanced, and practical, and what ways I should approach this. </p>
<p>I apologize for my lengthy post. I'm just really doubtful and worried, and anybody's input on my situation would be greatly appreciated!!</p>
<p>Thank you in advance.</p>
And truthfully, though I may be flamed for so-saying, there’s a lot more to being a good physician than a background in biomed, which in itself is only a component of the bigger picture in terms of human health, and the focus of which does not in and of itself produce necessarily better health outcomes.</p>