The short answer is that there isn’t just one best major for pre-med — and that’s a good thing.
You should choose a major that fits your strengths and interests while allowing you to meet medical school prerequisites and preparing you for MCAT success.
“Above all, the best major for anyone who’s interested in going to medical school is the major that they are passionate about, that they see themselves thriving in and really enjoying the classes,” says Kate Karacay, senior academic advisor and pre-health coordinator at the University of Iowa.
Medical school admissions committees care more about GPA, rigor, and competencies than the title of your major. So, look for a pre-med program that is designed to give you the flexibility to choose the right path — whether that’s science heavy or uniquely your own.
What is the most common major for pre-med?
Biology is, by far, the most popular pre-med major. Nationally, more than half of med school students hold degrees in biological sciences, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Other popular pre-med majors include chemistry, biochemistry, and neuroscience. These majors align well with the science-heavy prerequisites for medical school: general and organic chemistry, biology, physics, and sometimes calculus or statistics.
While these paths can make it easier to fit in core science classes and prepare for the MCAT, they also can be competitive, with demanding labs that may affect your GPA. You’ll want to pair your science coursework with electives in writing or communication to strengthen skills that med schools value.
Can unique or non-science majors work for pre-med?
Absolutely. Majors like English, philosophy, music, or art history can work well for pre-med students.
“I always reassure students that if they want to major in something like philosophy, it’s not going to hurt their chances one bit for getting into medical school,” Karacay says. “I have seen some wonderful pre-med students with majors such as English, art, and music go on to successful health careers. I always tell students, if you’re interested in the humanities, if you’re interested in social sciences, yes, it can work. And I think it can often make for a more well-rounded physician.”
Choosing a non-science major may help you stand out. Admissions committees appreciate applicants who bring diverse perspectives to medicine. A student who excels in both science and the humanities can demonstrate strong communication skills, empathy, and intellectual curiosity.
That said, you’ll still need to complete the core science prerequisites that most med schools require. But with smart planning, you can do it.
“It could be tricky at times,” admits Cole Rich, a second-year medical student at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine who got his bachelor’s degree in music and minor in biology from Illinois State University. “But I made it work thanks to good support from my academic advisors.”
Make sure you work closely with your pre-med advisor to plan your schedule early to fit in required science classes, stay on track, and make sure you’re doing what you can to prepare for the MCAT.
How medical students talked about their unique majors during med school interviews
“I talked a lot about my extracurriculars, such as volunteering for a crisis line. I think no matter what major you’re in, you’re going to be building the same skills that we look for in physicians and med students. You don’t have to focus on the clinical or scientific aspect of what you did, but what are those soft skills that you took away? How did you connect with people? How did you help them? What did you learn? That would be the biggest thing to focus on when you talk about your experiences.”
“Music takes a lot of dedication and practice. It also forces you to have really good time management. Being in music, you have required concerts you have to be at, and there was a push to be in extracurricular groups. I was in an a cappella group in Illinois State that had extracurricular rehearsals. So, I feel that my music major experience with pre-med background really helped me with my time management, and that’s a huge skill to have in advance of med school.”
What are the best majors for specific career goals, like surgery?
If you already know you want to become a surgeon or pursue another highly technical medical specialty, a science-intensive major such as biochemistry, physiology, or neuroscience could offer advantages. These programs emphasize analytical skills, lab research, and anatomy knowledge — all valuable in surgical training.
However, as we’ve been saying, any major can get you into medical school.
Amy A’Hearn, assistant director for admissions for the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, talks about pre-med programs.
And remember, you don’t need to choose your medical specialty as an undergraduate student. Medical school is where you’ll gain focused clinical experience and decide what kind of doctor you want to be.
“I always encourage students to keep an open mind about what they might want to specialize in once they get to medical school because they may be cutting themselves off from other opportunities that they don't know about yet,” Karacay says.
As an undergraduate, your priority should be building a strong GPA, completing prerequisites, and gaining clinical experience. What matters most is choosing a major that challenges you, excites you, and helps you develop skills you’ll use in patient care.
You can also seek out hands-on opportunities. Shadowing surgeons, volunteering in hospitals, or engaging in research can shape your readiness more than the major title itself.
Tips for choosing the best pre-med major for you
- Look at prerequisites and MCAT requirements: Medical schools require a specific set of prerequisite courses, such as chemistry, biology, and physics. The MCAT also assesses content in biology, chemistry, and psychology, so it can be beneficial to choose a major or electives that will help you prepare for this important exam.
- Focus on your interests: Choose a major that genuinely interests you. The more personally invested you are in a major, the easier it will be to stay motivated and apply yourself fully.
- Consider your strengths: If you excel in science, a major like biology or chemistry can provide a strong foundation for medical school. If you are strong in another area, such as English or political science, that can be a great option to allow you to shine in a subject you enjoy while still completing the necessary science courses as electives.
- Think about your GPA: Your GPA is a critical component of the medical school application. Some science majors have more rigorous grading curves, making it harder to achieve a high GPA, while a non-science major might offer a GPA advantage. Choose a major in which you are confident you can perform well and maintain a high GPA.
- Consult your advisors: Talk to your academic advisor and pre-med advisor to help you chart a path that ensures you are on track to meet all your requirements.
How many years is pre-med?
Pre-med is not a major, but rather a set of required courses that you complete alongside your undergraduate degree. Most pre-med students follow a traditional four-year undergraduate timeline.
Some classes need to be sequenced thoughtfully across semesters. For example, you need to take general chemistry before organic chemistry, and organic chemistry before biochemistry.
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | General Chemistry | Principles of Chemistry I |
| Math based on placement | Math related to major | |
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Year 2 | Principles of Chemistry II | Organic Chemistry I |
| Foundations of Biology | Diversity of Form & Function | |
| Elementary Psychology | Additional Psychology/Sociology | |
| Year 3 | Organic Chem. II | Organic Chem. Lab |
| College Physics I | College Physics II | |
| Biochemistry | Advanced Biology course | |
| Summer | Take MCAT in spring or summer Apply to medical school | |
| Year 4 | Courses to complete major | Courses to complete major |
Choosing a school like the University of Iowa with strong advising, local hospital partnerships, and active pre‑health organizations can make navigating the timeline much smoother.
Karacay says it’s not uncommon for students to ask about graduating earlier than four years.
“I always tell students that you’re building a foundation, and you want your foundation to be strong,” Karacay says. “I often encourage students to slow down. Take the courses in the sequence that you need them and don’t try to do three or four science classes in your first year. Get that strong foundation because, one, you’re not going to be as stressed out. And two, you’re going to earn better grades and really understand the material, which is important because everything builds from here on out.”
Pre-med frequently asked questions
What GPA do medical schools typically look for in applicants?
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the average GPA for students enrolled in medical school is 3.79. Medical schools also look at your science GPA. The AAMC says the average science GPA for medical students is 3.73. That said, GPA isn’t everything. Students with GPAs lower than the national average have been accepted to medical school when matched with a strong MCAT score, meaningful clinical experiences, and powerful letters of recommendation.
Is it possible to change your major and still stay on track for pre-med?
Yes, many students change majors and remain pre-med. The key is early planning and working closely with a pre-med advisor to ensure prerequisite courses stay on schedule, especially those that must be taken in sequence.
How stressful is the pre-med track overall?
Pre-med is widely considered one of the more demanding undergraduate paths due to rigorous science courses, labs, MCAT preparation, and extracurricular expectations. Students who succeed typically rely on strong time-management skills and campus support resources.
Which pre-med classes are often the most challenging?
General chemistry, organic chemistry, and introductory biology are commonly cited as the most difficult pre-med courses. They move quickly, cover large amounts of material, and often include time-intensive lab components.
How important are clinical experiences and volunteering for pre-med students?
Hands-on experiences are a key part of preparing for medical school. Volunteering, shadowing physicians, participating in research, or working in health-related settings helps students confirm their interest in medicine and strengthens medical school applications.
Do you need to be officially “pre-med” to apply to medical school?
No. Medical schools do not require a pre-med designation. What matters is completing the required coursework and demonstrating readiness for medical training. That said, pre-med programs often provide helpful advising and application support.
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