Major

Now, more than ever, medical schools seek well-rounded students who demonstrate proficiency in science. Admissions committees seek diverse interests and training. You should explore many academic disciplines while you are an undergraduate. All medical schools assert that applicants should have a broad education, by which they mean:

• Strong foundation in natural sciences-biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
• Highly developed communication skills--the use and understanding of written and spoken language.
• A solid background in social sciences and humanities.

A science major is not a prerequisite for medical school; you should not major in science simply because you believe this will increase your chance for acceptance. A breakdown of medical school acceptances by undergraduate major in the MSAR, reveals that students pursuing non-science disciplines are as successful, and in some cases more successful, than their science major counterparts. This has been the case for Tulane applicants as well.

Your specific academic major does not matter to medical schools. Medical schools desire students who are well versed in literature and the humanities, as well as in biology and chemistry. You need to strike the most appropriate balance between the sciences and liberal arts for you. Choose a field that interests you and in which you perform well; these are usually one and the same. Your major should be a subject you enjoy, find challenging, and want to pursue in depth. Demonstrate your ability in the sciences and in your major area of interest.