Medical School Myths

Medical School Admission: Myths versus Realities
Libby Morsheimer
Coordinator of Pre-Health Advising
SUNY Buffalo

Myth #1: "I should major in biology or some other natural science if I want to go to medical school. Perhaps I will major in pre-med."

Other myths related to Myth #1:
"I will have an advantage over other non-science majors who are applying."
"I did well in high school sciences, so I will continue to do well in college."

Reality:
Students from ALL academic majors are admitted to US medical schools. Admissions Committees value applicants who have a broad based, varied education experience. Certain prerequisite courses are required to apply to medical school and for MCAT preparation, but applicants can weave these courses into ANY curriculum.

Reality:
Students are more likely to excel in those academic areas that they enjoy. Unfortunately, success in high school courses does not guarantee success in college.

Competitive grades are critical to being a successful applicant. Students should be encouraged to study the major of their choice.

Reality:
A minority of the applicants to US MD schools will be accepted. ALL applicants need a "Plan B" and a major they can perceive as such.

Myth #2: "If I graduate with a double major or degree, I will have an advantage over other applicants."

Other myths related to Myth #2
“If I major in something ‘more difficult’ (e.g. biochemistry or getting a B.S. in biology instead of a B.A. I will have an advantage over other applicants.")

Reality:
Applicants to US medical schools are not necessarily more competitive if they have multiple majors or degrees. Far more critical are the types of courses they have taken, the rigor of the courses, the number of credit hours per semester and academic performance. A student who has a double major with a 3.2 GPA will not necessarily be perceived as equally or more competitive as a student with a 3.6 GPA with one major.

Myth #3: "Freshman year doesn't really count. I'm just starting college. Besides, I can repeat any courses I did not do well in.