The choice of a college major is a difficult one, no matter the future career goal. However, the choice of a major can be even harder when aspirations include acceptance into a competitive program after college, such as medical school. It is important to have a strong application in order to gain acceptance to medical school. Factors like GPA, MCAT score, personal statement etc, are all equally important for a strong application. Medical schools do not have a list of required pre-med majors for matriculation; however, specific majors are more popular. In this article, we will discuss the best majors for pre-med students, other pre-med requirements, most common pre-med majors, easiest and hardest majors and the odds of getting into med school.
Quick Navigation Links + FAQs
- What is the best major for premed?
- What are the requirements for premed?
- What are the most common premed majors?
- Can you choose any premed major?
- What are the odds of getting into medical school?
- Will having a 3.7 GPA get me into medical school?
- What are the best jobs for premed majors?
- Which majors are easiest for premed?
- Which premed major is hardest?
- Getting started in medicine
What is the best major for pre med?
While there is no single best major to pick, some majors align more naturally with the medical school prerequisites and thus are the most commonly chosen. Biological sciences (such as biology, physiology and chemistry) is the most common choice because it covers much of the required coursework for the MCAT and medical school. This path allows students to stay closely tied to the subject matter they’ll later encounter in medical training and may provide a more streamlined academic journey. However, its popularity also means high competition, and students must work hard to distinguish themselves.
It is important to note that medical schools do not require a specific major, and students are encouraged to choose a field they are genuinely interested in and can excel in. Majors in chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and even engineering can offer strong foundations. Some students opt for non-science majors like English, philosophy, or sociology, as long as they also complete the required science courses and perform well on the MCAT. A unique or interdisciplinary background can even help applicants stand out in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape.
Ultimately, the best major for pre-med is one that strikes a balance between intellectual curiosity, academic strength, and fulfillment of medical school requirements. Success in pre-med involves more than just choosing a science-heavy major; it includes maintaining a high GPA, gaining clinical and research experience, demonstrating leadership, and showing a commitment to service. Medical schools value well-rounded individuals who can think critically, communicate effectively, and empathize with patients, skills that can be cultivated across a wide range of academic disciplines.
What are pre med requirements?
Pre-med requirements generally consist of a core set of science and math courses that medical schools expect applicants to complete before starting school. These typically include one year each of general biology with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, and physics with lab. Most schools also require one semester to one year of English and at least one semester of college level math, often statistics or calculus.
In addition to fulfilling medical school prerequisites, students must also prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which evaluates knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, sociology, and critical analysis. Therefore, additional courses in biochemistry, psychology, and sociology are highly recommended (and required by some schools) since these subjects are heavily tested on the MCAT. Many students also take courses in genetics, physiology, and cell biology to deepen their understanding of material relevant to both the MCAT and medical school itself.
While fulfilling these requirements, students should strive to perform well academically, especially in science courses, to maintain a strong science GPA. Planning ahead is crucial, as some advanced courses require prerequisites of their own. Beyond coursework, most medical schools also expect applicants to gain clinical experience, participate in research or volunteer work, and develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, all of which contribute to becoming a competitive and well-prepared candidate.
What are the most common pre-med majors
The most common pre-med majors include biology, chemistry, physiology, biochemistry, and psychology. Health sciences and biomedical engineering are also popular choices. While science majors dominate, there’s a growing number of students choosing non-traditional majors such as public health, economics, or even anthropology, reflecting the increasing value placed on diverse academic backgrounds in medical admissions.
Can you choose any major for pre-med?
Yes, you can choose any major for pre-med as long as you complete the required coursework for medical school admissions. Medical schools are more concerned with academic performance in prerequisite courses, MCAT score, and overall readiness for the field than the specific major pursued. Choosing a major that aligns with your interests can actually enhance your performance and make your undergraduate experience more enjoyable and meaningful. This flexibility allows students to explore a wide range of disciplines while still preparing effectively for a career in medicine.
What are the odds of getting into med school?
The odds of getting into medical school are quite low, and vary depending on whether you apply to MD (allopathic) or DO (osteopathic) programs. According to recent data, out of tens of thousands of applicants, only a fraction gain acceptance into medical school: for the 2024–2025 cycle, MD programs had an acceptance rate of~ 45% and DO programs had an acceptance rate of ~ 42%.
That said, these figures don’t mean that each applicant has a ~44% chance of getting into a particular school. Many applicants apply to multiple schools, so the per‑school acceptance (i.e. the chance of getting into one particular program) is often much lower. Indeed, individual medical schools frequently have acceptance rates below 5%, and the most selective ones accept well under 2% of applicants.
Thus, while the overall matriculation rates (~ 42–45%) provide a hopeful perspective that many applicants do ultimately gain admission somewhere, the competition is stiff. Success depends heavily on strong academic metrics (GPA, MCAT), the quality of your experience and extracurricular activities, the strength of your application, and a smart strategy in choosing which schools to apply to.
Will a 3.7 GPA get me into med school?
A 3.7 GPA is generally considered competitive for both MD and DO medical schools, though it falls slightly below the average for MD matriculants, which tends to hover around 3.74–3.75. For DO schools, where the average GPA is typically closer to 3.5–3.6, a 3.7 GPA is strong. However, admissions committees look at more than just your GPA, they also heavily weigh your science GPA (biology, chemistry, physics, and math), the difficulty of your course load, and trends over time. A 3.7 with an upward trajectory or earned from a rigorous major can carry more weight than a higher GPA with weaker context.
That said, GPA is just one piece of the puzzle. A competitive MCAT score, typically 510 or higher for MD programs, can significantly strengthen an application with a 3.7 GPA. Additionally, schools evaluate your clinical experience, research involvement, leadership roles, volunteer work, and personal attributes like resilience and empathy. A strong overall application can absolutely overcome a GPA that’s not at the very top of the scale. So while a 3.7 doesn’t guarantee admission, it’s a solid foundation if the rest of your application is thoughtfully developed and strategically positioned.
What are the best pre med majors jobs?
As a pre-med major, the best jobs are those that provide clinical experience, expose you to the healthcare environment, and help build a strong medical school application. Positions such as medical scribe, certified nursing assistant (CNA), emergency medical technician (EMT), or phlebotomist are excellent choices. These roles offer hands-on patient care and direct observation of physicians, which is invaluable when it comes time to write personal statements or interview for med school. Shadowing doctors or working in a hospital or clinic also shows commitment to the field and helps confirm whether a medical career is the right path.
Beyond clinical roles, research assistant positions in biology, neuroscience, or public health labs are also highly beneficial. These jobs demonstrate intellectual curiosity and scientific rigor, two qualities valued by admissions committees. Volunteering in underserved communities or working in healthcare-related nonprofits can also set an applicant apart by showcasing empathy, leadership, and social responsibility. Ultimately, the best pre-med jobs combine experience, skill-building, and a clear narrative that supports your motivation to pursue medicine.
What are the easiest pre-med majors?
There’s no truly “easy” pre-med major, since all students on the pre-med track must complete a demanding set of science prerequisites such as biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry. However, some majors are generally seen as more manageable because they closely align with these requirements or offer more flexibility in course selection. Majors like biology or health sciences are popular among pre-med students because they naturally include many of the courses needed for medical school. This overlap reduces the need to take extra classes and makes MCAT preparation more straightforward, especially since much of the material is directly relevant.
Psychology and sociology are also considered easier by some students, especially those who are stronger in reading, writing, and understanding human behavior rather than in lab-based sciences. These majors can be less math- and chemistry-heavy, while still covering important MCAT content in the behavioral sciences. That said, students majoring in these fields still need to independently complete the core pre-med science courses to meet medical school admission requirements. Ultimately, the easiest pre-med major is the one that aligns with your academic strengths and interests, enabling you to maintain a strong GPA while preparing effectively for the MCAT and a future in medicine.
What is the hardest pre-med major?
The hardest pre-med majors are typically those that combine intense academic demands with limited overlap with medical school prerequisites, requiring students to manage both their major coursework and separate pre-med requirements. Engineering majors, especially biomedical, chemical, or electrical engineering, are often considered the most difficult. These programs are math and physics-heavy, require advanced problem-solving, and involve a heavy workload of labs, projects, and technical courses. While engineering can show medical schools that you’re capable of handling rigorous academics, it can make it harder to maintain a competitive GPA, which is a crucial part of any med school application.
Other challenging pre-med majors include biochemistry, neuroscience, and molecular biology, which are very content-heavy and demand deep understanding of complex systems. These majors often require additional upper-level science courses beyond the standard pre-med requirements, increasing the difficulty. While these majors provide strong preparation for the MCAT and med school, they can also be academically intense and time-consuming. Ultimately, the hardest major depends on your personal strengths, and what’s tough for one student might be manageable or even enjoyable for another. The key is balancing challenge with performance, since both GPA and academic rigor matter in the admissions process.
Getting started in medicine
Now that you know more about the majors required for admission to medical school, the next step is to start applying to a reputable medical school, such as the University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS). Click on the links below:
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Callie Torres is a double board-certified physician, a freelance health and medical writer, as well as an author of many peer-reviewed medical articles.
