What Does it Mean to be Pre-Med, or Pre-Anything?

Congrats! Your student is heading to college as a pre-med student. Hooray! But what does it really mean to be pre-med, or pre-anything?

Not a Major

For the most part, a student who is pre-med or pre-law isn’t talking about their academic major. Few believe they are actually entering a pre-med major. Then, why call themselves pre-med?

Using the term pre-med, pre-law, pre-dentistry, etc., are statements of intent. Students who use these terms are stating their intention to enter a professional career, one that requires work beyond the bachelor’s degree. This gets them into the mindset of working hard to make their dreams a reality.

Pathways

The first and most important requirement for those seeking a medical degree is the bachelor’s degree, but that’s just the preliminary. Many undergraduate colleges and universities point pre-med students to the American Medical Association or to groups closely tied to medical education for information on majors and courses for medical school. These sources reveal the courses most commonly taken by pre-med students, which include courses in the biological and physical sciences, and mathematics. This makes sense, as so much of medical training involved the human body and very scientific concepts involving chemistry and ergonomics. But even these obvious subjects and competencies aren’t enough these days.

Many colleges now recommend more than simply courses in the biological and physical sciences. In addition to those courses, many schools encourage students to take courses in English literature, sociology and psychology in addition to the often recommended calculus.

They Don’t Have to Major in Biology

Ask most college students what they should major in if they’re pre-med, and four times our of five they will say “biology.” But while over half of all students applying to medical school majored in the biological sciences, they don’t have to. Students can major in pretty much anything they want and still apply to medical school. Medical schools look for a balance of different prospective majors, including those in the social sciences and humanities. This still means that those students applying who were psychology majors, say, have to demonstrate the same competencies as those who were chemistry majors. But they bring to their medial education a wider background than solely in the hard physical sciences.

However, this doesn’t mean that applying with a studio art major is necessarily the best choice for or student. But—within reason—students should pursue the major they will enjoy the most and that will allow them to shine academically. This applies to other pre-professional programs, such as students who want to become lawyers or physical therapists.

Pre-Law?

Contrary to popular opinion, students who want to become lawyers probably shouldn’t major in pre-law even if that major is available at their college. There are several reasons for this. For one thing, some law schools don’t view a prelaw major as particularly rigorous. Instead, students are encouraged to pursue a common liberal arts major such as English, history, political science, and philosophy. Even an undergraduate major in chemistry is fine for law school, since students will learn everything they need to know about the law in law school, rather than beforehand. However, that doesn’t mean students should just mosey along in their curriculum without thinking about their future law career.

Have Them Seek Guidance

Every student—whether they’re pre-med, pre-law or simply pre-life should speak with academic advisors from day one of college. Many colleges have people on staff who specializes in pre-professional advising. While they may not be your student’s academic advisor, that shouldn’t stop them! Students should be encouraged to use all of their resources, whether that’s in the form of advisors, counselors or checklists. It’s best for them to visit all of their advisors as well as pre-professional clubs early in their enrollment so they learn the inside scoop and can craft their academic program using advise from both advisors.

If you think that sounds like a bit of work—you’re right! But it’s the students who put in the work and who ask for guidance who make their dreams come true.

Pass it on!