What's the Best Pre-Med Major?

Does Your Pre-Med Major Actually Matter?

Choosing a pre-med major — it's one of the biggest decisions any student has to make. There's a lot to consider. Of course, you have to cover the prerequisite courses and be prepared to take the MCAT. But what if history, not hematology, stirs your soul? Should you still stick to the sciences?

Biology and chemistry majors cover a lot of the prerequisite courses. But the MCAT also includes subjects like psychology, sociology, and critical analysis and reasoning skills.¹ Majors beyond the sciences offer opportunities to develop skills important to a career in medicine as well. So, with all that in mind, the choice of a pre-med major is clear...as mud.

Why Do Humanities Majors Have a Higher Acceptance Rate?

What do all these numbers mean for selecting a pre-med major? Well, it's important to highlight that the difference in these acceptance rates isn't really due to GPA. In fact, GPAs are pretty consistent between these majors. It seems the real determining factor here is MCAT scores. For instance, while a math or physical sciences major might not necessarily be more naturally attuned to medical school, they might have a knack for scoring higher on the MCAT on average.

So how about humanities majors? Well, since they represent a smaller fraction of medical school applicants, this rarity brings a fresh, diverse perspective to the table. Their undergraduate studies might also provide them with enhanced verbal reasoning skills helpful for sections of the MCAT, like CARS, and shudder writing personal statements. And don't forget, a humanities major might have a deeply personal and unique reason for wanting to pursue medicine, making their journey all the more compelling.

How to Choose the Right Pre-Med Major for You

Nevertheless, it seems you can choose the pre-med major that best suits you and still be a competitive applicant with a strong GPA and MCAT score. So, what sparks your curiosity? What subjects do you find most engaging?

As you consider which undergraduate studies to pursue on your journey to becoming a doctor, it's helpful to talk with advisors, mentors, and pre-health committee members at your school. They have a breadth of experience helping students meet medical admission requirements while still pursuing an array of unique interests. Older peers, current medical students, and physicians can also be a great resource.

But if you aren't sure what your major will be right away, don't worry. You have time. Take different courses, explore different majors, see which ones you find the most compelling. Maybe you're thinking about a double major, or a minor, or a concentration in an entirely different field. Your passion and dedication to whatever you choose will make you a standout applicant, even if that passion is for bio and chem — and often, that's more revealing than the subject of your undergraduate studies.

Key Takeaways

• Any major can lead to medical school — biology and chemistry aren't the only paths.
• Humanities majors have a higher acceptance rate (~51%) than biological sciences majors (~41%), per 2022–2023 AAMC data.
• The real differentiator is your MCAT score, not your GPA — GPAs are consistent across all major types.
• A non-science major can be a unique advantage, especially for CARS and personal statements.
• The best pre-med major is one that keeps you engaged, maintains a strong GPA, and prepares you for the MCAT.