Is a BA or BS better for med school?

Neither a BA nor BS is inherently better for medical school; what truly matters is your GPA, MCAT score, extracurriculars, and completing prerequisite courses, with a BS potentially offering deeper science prep, while a BA provides broader liberal arts, but both work as long as you excel and take required science classes like biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry. Choose the degree that aligns with your interests to stay motivated, as medical schools accept students from all majors, valuing passion and rigorous study, not just a specific degree type.

Is a BA or BS more respected?

Neither a Bachelor of Arts (BA) nor a Bachelor of Science (BS) is inherently more respected; they are equally valuable degrees, but their difference lies in curriculum focus, with BS degrees often emphasizing math/science/technical skills (lab work, deeper focus) and BA degrees offering broader liberal arts/humanities, though the specific prestige depends on the major, university, your career goals, and the specific courses you took, not just the letter suffix. Employers and grad schools care more about your grades, experiences (like internships), and the rigor of your coursework within your chosen field, notes this Quora post and this SoFi article. 

Are BS good for med school?

No B's are not bad at all. To be considered for medical school you just need at least a 3.5 GPA. And even if you do get a few B's, take some upper division courses and Ace them. GPA and MCAT score are the usual cutoffs but its the reason WHY you want to be a doctor that is more compelling than just grades.

Is it better to have a BA or BS in biology?

A Biology BS (Bachelor of Science) offers a deep, specialized scientific focus with more math/science courses (chem, physics, calc) for research/med school, while a BA (Bachelor of Arts) provides broader liberal arts flexibility with electives for diverse careers like policy, education, or business, often taking fewer science courses but still preparing for health professions. Choose BS for labs/grad school, BA for interdisciplinary paths; both suit medicine, but the BS builds a stronger technical foundation.
 

Can I get into med school with a BA degree?

You can choose any major! There is no specific major for which medical schools are looking. You should pick something that you are really interested in studying for four years, whether it is science-related or not.

Are BS/MD Programs Worth It? Pros & Cons

Does a BA or BS matter for med school?

In fact, there's no required or even preferred majors that medical schools are looking for. Consider majoring in whatever interests you; this will keep you engaged and motivated during undergrad.

Is a 3.7 GPA too low for med school?

No, a 3.7 GPA is not bad for medical school; it's generally considered competitive, often around the average or slightly below for highly selective MD programs, but strong enough for many schools, especially with an upward trend and a good MCAT score. A 3.7 combined with a strong BCPM (Science) GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) and compelling extracurriculars makes you a viable applicant, though lower GPAs might need more exceptional scores or experiences to compensate. 

Is a BS more impressive than a BA?

There's no definitive answer to which degree is better—it depends on your career goals and personal interests. A BA in business often provides a broader education with a focus on people skills and communication, while a BS emphasizes analytical and technical skills for specialized roles.

Can you go to med school with a BA in biology?

Embarking on the path to medical school demands more than ambition; it requires a solid foundation in the biological sciences. For those who aspire to a medical field career, an undergraduate biology degree with pre-med courses is an excellent first step toward medical school.

Is a BA harder than a BS?

A Bachelor of Science (BS) isn't inherently harder than a Bachelor of Arts (BA), but they have different focuses, with the BS typically requiring more intensive math/science coursework and depth in the major (STEM-focused), while a BA offers broader liberal arts and language study, making the difficulty subjective to your strengths. For some, the specialized, quantitative nature of a BS is more challenging; for others, the extensive writing, analysis, and language requirements of a BA are tougher. 

Do med schools accept BS?

While obtaining a BS is optional and not a requirement for the program, students have the choice to pursue it alongside completing their prerequisites or to enter medical school directly upon completion of the prerequisites.)

Is a 3.2 GPA too low for med school?

A 3.2 GPA is considered low for medical school, as the average accepted applicant often has a 3.7+, but it's not impossible; you'd need an exceptional MCAT score, strong clinical/research experience, significant grade improvement (upward trend), and a compelling narrative to compensate, potentially focusing on DO programs or post-baccalaureate programs to boost your GPA and science record. 

What's the hardest class in med school?

The hardest class in med school varies by student, but Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroanatomy are consistently cited as the most challenging due to massive memorization, complex concepts, spatial reasoning, and integrating vast amounts of information across disciplines. While some find abstract concepts hard (Biochem, Immunology), others struggle with detailed spatial memorization (Anatomy, Neuroanatomy) or the encyclopedic scope of disease (Pathology). 

Do employers prefer BA or BS?

Employers generally care more about your major, skills, and experience than the BA vs. BS distinction, but a Bachelor of Science (BS) can be crucial in technical fields (like engineering or hard sciences) for signaling deeper quantitative/lab skills, while a Bachelor of Arts (BA) is fine for broader roles, though the core difference lies in course focus (liberal arts vs. technical). A BS often includes more math/science/lab work, which can be preferred or required for STEM jobs, but otherwise, your portfolio, internships, and proven abilities often outweigh the "A" or "S". 

What is the hardest BA degree?

Chemistry

Chemistry majors tackle some of the hardest college coursework, including organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemical sciences. These students must juggle lab reports, molecular biology, and complex reactions.

Can you make $100,000 a year without a degree?

Yes, earning $100,000 a year without a degree is achievable, especially in skilled trades, tech, sales, and specialized fields, by focusing on certifications, experience, apprenticeships, or business ownership, as many roles now value practical skills over formal degrees. Paths include elevator technician, electrician, HVAC technician, IT professional, sales manager, construction manager, air traffic controller, and real estate broker, often requiring specialized training, certifications (like CompTIA, Six Sigma), or building expertise through experience or bootcamps. 

Do med schools prefer BS or BA?

According to most medical schools across the US and Canada, the major you choose during your undergrad does not affect your chances of being accepted to medical school.

Is a BA or BS in biology better for med school?

The BS track involves more intensive scientific and mathematical study compared to BA degrees, making it an excellent choice for those aiming for medical school, graduate programs, or science careers.

What majors do medical schools prefer?

In 2021, 60 percent of all medical school applicants majored in a subject that falls under the umbrella of biological sciences, with the other 40 percent majoring in the physical sciences, social sciences, humanities, specialized health sciences, math, and many others [2].

Does it matter if your degree is BA or BS?

If you are wondering whether a BA or BS is the better degree or whether one is more prestigious in general, the answer is “no.” Both are baccalaureate degrees conferred upon those who successfully complete their undergraduate course of study; neither is more distinguished or advanced than the other.

What BA degree makes the most money?

20 Highest Paying Bachelor's Degrees of 2026

• Computer Science/Software Development.
• Engineering.
• Finance.
• Nursing.
• Business Administration.
• Construction Management.
• Data Science.
• Human Resource Management.

What are the easiest BS degrees to get?

2026 10 Easiest Bachelor's Degree Programs

• Business. A business degree is a versatile and popular choice for students seeking a broad education in areas like management, finance, and marketing. ...
• Communications. ...
• Criminal Justice. ...
• English. ...
• History. ...
• Graphic Design. ...
• Liberal Arts. ...
• General Psychology.

How do I increase my chances of getting into medical school?

Tips for Med School

1. Get Some Medical Experience on Your Resume.
2. Do Research Projects.
3. Put in Time Serving Others.
4. Choose a Major You Will Excel In.
5. Apply to Multiple Medical Schools.
6. Study Early and Often for the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT.
7. Learn Another Language.
8. Don't Skimp on Extracurricular Activities.

What is a realistic GPA for medical school?

What is a competitive GPA for medical school? A competitive GPA for medical school is generally 3.6 or higher. On average, successful matriculants — students who are accepted and enroll — have higher GPAs than other applicants.

Can I get into NYU med school with a 3.7 GPA?

Entrance Metrics

NYU's competitive candidates for allopathic (MD) medical schools traditionally earn a 3.6–3.7 GPA overall and in the sciences and score above the 88th percentile on the MCAT entrance exam.