1. I Want To Go To Medical School
What should I major in?

2. I have been told I should major in science
Not Necessarily

3. Science Major vs. Non-Science Major
Medical school pre- reqs are included in degree requirements
Strong science background
Will take more science than needed so must love science
Built in rigor
Can major in what you are passionate about
Need to also take medical school pre- reqs (may be additional courses)
More courses are in your area of interest

4. Science vs. non-science cont.
Science Major
Non-Science Major
Will be taking 3 lab sciences per term
If research oriented science major better choice
Broader holistic education
Typically takes additional year depending on major

5. How Do I Decide on the Best Major for Me
What are you passionate about?
What kind of grades did you get in high school/college science courses?
Are you willing to take extra time to meet all requirements?
Can you afford the extra cost of extra time to degree?
What major does you institutions of choice prefer?
How Do I Decide on the Best Major for Me
Passion
Academic Strengths
Time
Cost
Preferred Major

6. PASSION What would you do if you were not a doctor?
What makes you smile just thinking about it?
If you had unlimited money what would be doing?
What major relates to the type of medicine you wish to practice?
If I asked 10 people who new you what they think you would be good at – what would be their answer? (other than doctor)
When you were 10 what did you want to be?
PASSION

7. Were the courses challenging or hard?
What were your grades in your lab sciences in high school? How hard did you work to achieve those grades?
Were the courses challenging or hard?
Did you enjoy what you were doing in lab? Discussed outside of class beyond studying.
Did the knowledge come naturally and easily?
Can you picture yourself taking nothing but lab science courses for a term and surviving?
What other courses also met the above criteria questions?
If you know you are going to have a tough semester what would be the course you would select to give balance to the semester?
ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

8. What is your life and career timeline? Is it flexible?
If your education plan shows you will need 3 years at Valencia and 3 years at the university before you can even think of applying what is your reaction?
What is your life and career timeline? Is it flexible?
Fastest vs. Happiness, which do you choose and why?
When I say tick tock what is the reaction in your body?
Time – To - Degree

9. 90,000 - 150,000 - 200,000 - 250,000 where is you comfortable?
Can you afford to take an extra year to complete your degree and pre-reqs?
Are you willing to pay out-of-pocket for some of the medical school pre-reqs?
Is borrowing extra money to pursue your passion in undergraduate worth it?
90, , , ,000 where is you comfortable?
Cost of Degree

10. What were the majors of the last class accepted?
Having researched the various medical schools what majors do they prefer?
Look at the “personality” of the medical school – does your major match?
What were the majors of the last class accepted?
Can you “sell” your major and document academic rigor?
Preferred major

11. Visit the Career Center Job Shadow
Talk with professionals in the field
Talk with professors
On-line research
NEED HELP IN DECIDING?