<p>Both my parents have been convinced (for a few years now) that applying to a BS/MD program and majoring in Biochem is the way to be. But I honestly have no interest in Biochem, but they'd never let me pursue a major in Genetics or anything that I'm more interested in in college.</p>
<p>I've a sophomore right now, but I just want to get this cleared up since it's been bugging me for a while. Also, are BS/MD programs really worth it? I've personally heard more negatives related to that than the benefits.</p>
<p>So is there any way to persuade my parents that it WON'T be the end of the world if I don't major in Biochem and apply to a BS/MD program?</p>
<p>my parents have always told me that, in picking a career, it is better to do something you love even if it isn't the most prestigious rather than become a lawyer or doctor or something just for the money (which sounds really sappy and stupid unless you understand it) Do you know why they have a thing for biochem - they see it as the future of science, they're personally attached to the idea of you biochemming?
Maybe your parents aren't the best for direct confrontation, but if they are, just say, "Hey Mom and Dad, why are you after me to do this?" They answer. You say: "Ok, but there are equally great opportunities in field X." If you have to, find the articles to prove it.</p>
<p>My dad majored in Biomedical engineering, so I guess he just wants me to. And since neither of my parents are medical doctors, they just hear that Biochem is the most common major among Premeds, so I'm guessing that that's why they want me to major in that.</p>
<p>who cares what everyone else is doing? (phrase that more politely for your parents) I know premeds who are majoring in slavic literature. you can still get into med school just fine w/o majoring in biochem. in fact, NOT majoring in biochem might even be better for you b/c then you won't be competing with all those biochemmers for grades; GPA from college when applying for med school is treated a lot more like a pure number than it is in college, where admissions officers look at GPA in context of what high school you went to, what AP classes you took, weighted or not, etc. </p>
<p>see if you have a family friend or relative who is a doctor or someone your parents will trust, get their expert opinion on what it takes to become a doctor, and then make your case. ask your parents to explain the grounds behind their irrational wants - tell them you won't stand for just, "Well, it's what we've heard and it's what we want you to do."</p>
<p>It depends on what their goals are. Do they need you to major in biochem because they love the subject? Or because they think it's the best way to get to medical school?</p>
<p>Do they want you to go into medicine for the money? Or because your father is a physician? Or because your mother tried hard and couldn't ever get in? Etc.</p>
<p>Their motivation will reveal a lot about how you should discuss the subject with them.</p>