Choosing a Major

Choosing a major is a highly personal decision, and those who excel academically in college are most often those students who select majors they truly enjoy. If you really enjoy the sciences and are a very strong science student, then choosing a major in that area is the right decision for you. On the other hand, if you have other interests and talents, you should feel confident in pursuing a non-science major as a prehealth student. You do not need to major in science to do well on the MCAT or be admitted to medical school.

Since you have a wide choice of subjects in which to major, your decision should be based on an honest assessment of your interests and talents. You are strongly urged to view your undergraduate years as a time for intellectual growth and not solely as a means to an end. Professional schools want students who have proven themselves not only in the required science courses, but in the humanities and social sciences as well. They will be looking to see if you allowed yourself sufficient depth and breadth in your studies. The ideal candidate shows not only good academic competence, but also evidence of strong, independent judgment and motivation for lifelong learning.

As you are developing your ideas on a choice of major, you should consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the relevant department or departments. This does not in any way commit you to pursuing a major in that area, but it does enable you to get the very latest and most accurate advice on the subject. It is also always possible to change your major, but in this situation it is absolutely crucial that you first speak with the Director of Undergraduate Studies of the department to which you plan to transfer, to ensure that it is possible for you to complete all the necessary courses in time for graduation.