How has your experience as a pre-med non-science major been?
When I was a freshman, I was interested in the MCB major. Although, when I looked through the booklet of required courses to complete the major, I saw that most (if not all) of the classes were science. I wondered if I would have a chance to take anything else that interested me like anthropology, political science, public health, and other non-science classes. Either way, I decided to stick to MCB. I admit, I found the Math 1A-1B series hard, which helped me lean towards my interests even more. Around the end of my sophomore year, I started looking for majors that would let me take classes in all departments. That’s when I decided to major in Development Studies. With this major, I had room to take classes of interest while at the same time taking pre-med classes. I was juggling my major classes as well as pre-med requirements on the side. I thought I needed to have my pre-med requirements done around my senior year if I wanted to go to Med School straight out of CAL. But then I decided to take some time off before applying to med school after hearing Med School Dean’s/representatives speak at workshops. They encouraged students to take some time off before applying to Med School for a number of reasons. I wondered why I was so rushed to get into med school when there was no real reason to feel rushed. So I decided to take it slow, and finish the rest of my pre-med requirements at a post-baccalaureate program. This allowed me to take more of the classes I wanted to take like Portuguese, many P.E. classes, and others. I also decided to graduate in 5 years rather than the traditional 4. During my fifth year, I’ve been taking upper division science classes like human anatomy, human reproduction, and other interesting courses. Taking some time off can be very beneficial because during that time off, one can volunteer, travel, explore other interests, and see if one is ready to commit to Med School. Applying and preparing for Med School can also be much easier during that time off.
I’ve really enjoyed being a non-traditional pre-med student because my major has allowed me to explore other interests in addition to science. Some people ask me: “But aren’t you at a disadvantage or falling behind in your sciences?” I say no. Many Med Schools encourage students to major in something that interests them and where they can
do well in. In a post-baccalaureate program, students can finish the pre-med requirements without feeling rushed. I can truly say I am well rounded when it comes to academics.
By Edith Bretado, Career Center Peer Health Advisor
