Do minors matter for med school?

Minors generally don't significantly impact medical school admissions, as admissions committees prioritize high GPA, strong MCAT scores, extracurriculars, and clinical/volunteer experience over specific minors, though a relevant minor (like Public Health, Spanish, or Humanities) can demonstrate passion, broaden skills, and complement your application if it doesn't harm your GPA. The most important thing is to choose a minor you enjoy, can excel in, and that fits within your schedule without jeopardizing your core science grades.

Does med school care about minors?

If and when you apply to medical school, those who evaluate you will look for intellectual depth and rigor, strong letters from faculty, and genuine intellectual curiosity, not for any particular subject of study.

What minors look good for med school?

Another approach you could take is minoring in a science-related field different from your major, like Biochemistry, Genetics, or Environmental Science. Such minors could provide you with a broad scientific background, which may be beneficial for the MCAT and in medical school.

What is the 32 hour rule in medical school?

The "32-hour rule" in medical school admissions refers to a policy where some medical schools focus on an applicant's GPA from their most recent 32 credit hours, often in post-baccalaureate coursework, to evaluate academic strength, giving a chance to those with a weaker overall undergraduate record but strong recent performance, like at LSU-New Orleans and Wayne State. It's a way for schools to see recent academic growth, with examples including focusing on recent semesters or post-bacc programs to demonstrate improvement.
 

Are 2 majors and 2 minors too much?

A double major and double minor can be manageable and rewarding if you have strong time management and deep interest, but it's often too much for many students, risking burnout, lower grades, and less time for extracurriculars, unless you plan summer classes or have a very specific, demanding career goal like diplomacy where it's crucial. The key is balancing your personal interests, career aspirations, and potential for a heavy workload to avoid sacrificing your GPA or well-being, with advisors suggesting it's great if it feels like fun, but potentially overwhelming if it's just a chore. 

The BEST PRE-MED MAJOR | Proven By Med School Acceptance Data

What is the #1 easiest major?

There's no single #1 easiest major, as it depends on your strengths, but Psychology, Education, English, and Criminal Justice frequently rank as the easiest due to higher average GPAs and less demanding technical skills compared to STEM fields, often focusing on human behavior, societal structures, and communication. Majors like Sociology, Social Work, and Communications are also commonly cited as easier liberal arts options. 

Why shouldn't you double major?

Con: Can Take Longer to Graduate

While some double majors may only need one or two extra semesters to graduate, others might need an extra year or more. With the additional time spent on a double major, you'll also have added tuition costs and may need to take out more student loans.

What is the easiest MD school to get into?

The "easiest" medical schools to get into often have higher acceptance rates, favoring in-state applicants and those with strong but not necessarily top-tier GPAs (around 3.7+) and MCATs (around 500+), with examples including University of Mississippi, ECU Brody School of Medicine, University of North Dakota, and Mercer University School of Medicine, but even these are competitive, requiring dedication to building a strong application with experiences and good scores. Osteopathic (DO) schools like William Carey and Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine are also options, often with lower average stats. 

Is a 3.7 GPA too low for med school?

No, a 3.7 GPA is generally considered strong and competitive for medical school, but it's not a guarantee and becomes much stronger when paired with a high MCAT score and a robust science GPA. While MD school matriculant averages hover around 3.8+, a 3.7 is above the applicant average, especially if you show an upward trend in your grades, but a lower science GPA (BCPM) could raise concerns. 

What is the oldest person to go to medical school?

The oldest recent medical graduate making global headlines is Toh Hong Keng, a 70-year-old retired Malaysian executive who graduated from Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA School of Medicine in the Philippines in 2024, becoming one of the world's oldest medical students to earn a degree. While there's no official record for the absolute "oldest," Toh Hong Keng's story highlights that age is no barrier to achieving medical dreams, even with challenges like memory and eyesight.
 

How old is a typical med student?

The average age of a student starting medical school is 24, according to the American Medical Association, but med students come in all ages.

What minor is most useful?

Here are some of the best subjects for college students to minor in.

• Creative Writing. ...
• English Language. ...
• Political Science. ...
• Foreign Language. ...
• Healthcare. ...
• Data Science. ...
• Graphic Design. ...
• Public Administration.

What is the most accepted major for med school?

1. Which major has the highest acceptance rate into medical school? Math and statistics majors, humanities majors and physical science majors have the highest acceptance rates into medical school. However, biological science majors remain the highest number of applicants to medical school.

What disqualifies you from becoming a doctor?

You can be disqualified from being a doctor due to serious criminal convictions (especially violent or sexual), substance abuse, fraud, sexual misconduct, patient neglect, or failing to meet licensing/educational standards, but many physical and mental health conditions are manageable with treatment and don't automatically disqualify you, though honesty and rehabilitation are key. Dishonesty on applications or failing ongoing requirements like Continuing Medical Education (CME) are also disqualifying, as is any behavior that shows a lack of fitness to practice. 

What is the lowest GPA a med school will accept?

The lowest GPA for medical school is highly variable, but generally, U.S. MD programs often filter for GPAs below 3.0, with averages closer to 3.6-3.8; however, exceptional MCAT scores, strong post-baccalaureate work (like SMPs), or unique experiences can sometimes allow admission with GPAs in the low 3s, while DO schools might be slightly more lenient, sometimes accepting averages around 3.5.
 

Is it possible to have a kid while in med school?

You can have a baby during school and still match into a reasonably competitive specialty. It's hard! Having a baby is hard work for anyone, and especially so if you are already working your tail off.

What is the lowest GPA accepted at Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's overall median GPA is 3.97. HMS does not have a minimum GPA requirement. Harvard Medical School's median GPA is 3.97, but its mean GPA is 3.94. In 2025-2026, all medical school applicants and matriculants had an average overall GPA of 3.64.

Is a 3.3 GPA bad for med school?

A 3.3 GPA is considered low for medical school, as the average accepted GPA is closer to 3.7-3.8, but it's not impossible; you'll need a strong MCAT, an upward trend in grades, excellent <clinical experience, and a powerful personal narrative to offset it, especially by applying broadly to both MD and DO programs. A low science GPA (BCPM) is a bigger red flag than a strong overall GPA, so focus on improving both, perhaps through a post-bacc. 

Which med schools use the 32 hour rule?

Some notable medical programs, such as Wayne State, LSU, Boston University, and Michigan State, have been said to follow this rule.

Is DO or MD school harder?

Is DO easier than MD? It's harder to get into a DO program because there are fewer accredited schools for them. In the United States, there are 141 schools for MD programs, while there are only 31 for DO programs. However, on average, MCAT scores and GPAs are slightly higher for MD students than DO students.

What is the least competitive doctor to become?

With that in mind, the five least competitive medical specialties are:

• Family medicine.
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation.
• Anesthesiology.
• Pediatrics.
• Psychiatry.

How rare is it to double major?

Increasing numbers of college students in the United States are accumulating more than one major, with an estimated 25% of college graduates with more than one major. Some schools report that 30% to 40% of their undergraduates are double majors.

Do employers prefer BA or BS?

Companies generally value both degrees and look for candidates who match the job requirements and company culture. A BS may be preferred for technical or analytical roles, while a BA can be a great fit for roles requiring strong communication and strategic thinking.

Does double major look good on a resume?

A double major can enhance your resume by showing commitment to education and can make you stand out to employers, especially if the majors are relevant to the job. Display it clearly in your education section, emphasizing any related minors or certifications, and include a high GPA, if applicable.