Every year, students ask whether majoring in Biology or Chemistry gives them a leg up in medical school admissions. The data consistently says no. Medical schools do not preference any major, and the most important academic metric — your GPA — may actually be easier to maximize in a non-science field.
What the AAMC Data Shows
According to the AAMC, applicants who majored in Humanities posted average GPAs of 3.64 and average MCAT scores of 511.1 — competitive numbers essentially matching those of Biology majors (avg GPA 3.53, avg MCAT 510.8). Social science majors averaged a 3.53 GPA and a 510.9 MCAT. The takeaway: non-science majors are just as competitive, and sometimes post higher GPAs because they face fewer weed-out courses.
Popular Pre-Med Majors and Their Tradeoffs
Biology: The most common pre-med major. Significant overlap with prerequisites saves time but upper-division bio courses can be GPA-intensive. Good choice if you genuinely enjoy biology beyond the pre-med requirements.
Biochemistry: Excellent MCAT prep — biochemistry is heavily tested on the Biological and Biochemical Foundations section. Demanding coursework, but the MCAT payoff is significant.
Neuroscience: Strong alignment with the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations section of the MCAT. Growing in popularity among competitive applicants.
Psychology: Strong MCAT overlap for the behavioral sciences section, typically more manageable GPA than pure science majors, and directly relevant to patient communication skills valued by medical schools.
Humanities (English, History, Philosophy): Builds the writing and critical thinking skills that distinguish top personal statements and interview performance. Students who choose these paths often stand out as applicants who chose medicine deliberately rather than by default.
Economics or Public Health: Growing appeal given medical schools' increasing emphasis on healthcare systems, policy, and health equity. Pairs well with a minor in a science field.
What Actually Matters More Than Your Major
Your GPA in prerequisite sciences (BCPM GPA) matters more than your major. A Biochemistry major with a 3.4 BCPM GPA is at a disadvantage relative to a History major with a 3.85 BCPM GPA. Choose your major with GPA optimization in mind — pick something you will show up for every day.
Double Majors and Minors
Double majoring in a science and a humanities field is possible but risky — the additional course load can compromise the GPA you need. A more strategic approach is to major in one field and take elective courses in another area of interest. Medical schools are impressed by genuine intellectual depth, not credential stacking.