Pre Medical studies

[Samender]

I am planning to do pre-medical studies in MA, USA (I am an in-state student). But I do not know which course combination to take (majors and minors) so that in near future i have some backup too.

Is biochemistry with genetics / cellular biology a good choice ?

Edited April 1, 2011 by Samender

[emmm]

It really depends on your interests . . . . Once you have the medical school prerequisites done, you can study whatever you want.

[Samender]

It really depends on your interests . . . . Once you have the medical school prerequisites done, you can study whatever you want.

but first I need to do pre medical and then the medical school (after I take the MCAT)l !

For the MCAT the basic sciences are required but if I do biochemistry .......do i have an advantage ?

[emmm]

You should get a good review book for the MCAT. As far as I could tell (many years ago) the MCAT only tested on the science subjects required for applications: Chem, Org. Chem, Physics, Biology -- and all at the introductory level. Taking classes like biochemistry might make the first 2 years of med school easier, but biochemistry will be part of the med school curriculum anyway. Think of college as a great opportunity to study all sorts of fascinating subjects. Think about what you want to do and what you'd like to learn. Don't think of any potential class as a waste of time -- you can learn a lot by taking a variety of classes. I teach now, and I wish my students had a better background in critical thinking and better writing skills -- both important no matter what field you go into. Don't worry so much about what courses will make the MCAT/med school easier. Focus instead on getting a really good background from the foundational classes and getting research experience.

And if biochem with genetics/cellular bio is what you're really interested in -- go for it! But still make sure you can think well and write well! And if your science classes are mostly graded using multiple choice tests and/or problem sets, that means I'd recommend taking humanities classes (literature, philosophy, etc) that actually require some analytical writing.

And get research experience -- med schools seem to want it nowadays. (Correct me if I'm wrong on this, someone ...)

Edited April 2, 2011 by emmm

[Eigen]

There are only a handful of courses that are required for med school, you can major in anything you want. I know people in English that got in fine.

Any of the engineering majors gives you a nice backup plan.

[Samender]

thank you

[waddle]

I am planning to do pre-medical studies in MA, USA (I am an in-state student). But I do not know which course combination to take (majors and minors) so that in near future i have some backup too.

Is biochemistry with genetics / cellular biology a good choice ?

I recommend you check out the Student Doctor Network forums (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/) for pre-med advice.

[kcola]

as someone who went through the rigmarole of premed/mcats... you do not need research unless you want MD/PhD. actually, if you just want the MD you could do clinical research and get some patient contact while your at it!