Best Major for Medical School: Is There a Perfect Degree?
If you’ve taken pre-med courses and are wondering what concentration would be the most strategic choice, you may be asking if there is such a thing as the best major for medical school. Your interest in medicine might lead you toward biology or chemistry, but it is not unusual for pre-med students to also be curious about English, math, or economics.
While it is true that medical schools do not require one specific major, you must complete all prerequisites. To guide you through selecting the best major for medical school, I have outlined data from current medical students, how humanities majors fare in the admissions process, and whether there is a perfect degree when it comes to applying to medical school.
Best Major for Medical School: What the Data Shows
When considering the best major for medical school, many students assume they need to focus on biological sciences such as human biology, neuroscience, or physiology. Even though most applicants come from science backgrounds, recent AAMC data shows that medical students are admitted from a wide variety of fields.
For example, in 2023 more than half of applicants had biological science majors, but thousands of successful applicants came from the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, math, and other disciplines. While it makes sense that many students with an interest in medicine pursue STEM, admissions committees also value applicants who bring different perspectives.
| Major Category | Applicants | Matriculants |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Sciences | 35,000+ | 13,000+ |
| Humanities | 1,500+ | 700+ |
| Math and Statistics | 400+ | 150+ |
| Physical Sciences | 5,000+ | 2,000+ |
| Social Sciences | 6,000+ | 2,400+ |
| Specialized Health Sciences | 1,800+ | 600+ |
| Other | 9,000+ | 3,500+ |
This data shows that while biological sciences dominate, other majors are well represented. If you are drawn to history, philosophy, or economics, you can still pursue these paths while meeting your pre-med requirements. In fact, some medical schools consistently enroll classes where 20 to 30% of students majored outside of science. Choosing a different field can make you stand out as long as you also complete the necessary coursework.
Balancing Your Major and Prerequisites
The most important factor in selecting the best major for medical school is ensuring that you complete required pre-med courses alongside your major requirements. Nearly every medical school expects applicants to have completed biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, math, and English. Many also recommend coursework in the humanities or social sciences.
Students who plan early can usually integrate these courses no matter what they choose to major in. If you later decide on medical school after pursuing another field, there are still options. Post-baccalaureate programs allow students to finish prerequisites before applying, although this route can take additional time and may compete with MCAT preparation or clinical experiences. Completing requirements during your undergraduate years generally makes the process smoother.
Why There Is No Single Best Major
There is no single best major for medical school, even though biology and chemistry remain popular. Admissions committees evaluate GPA, MCAT scores, completed prerequisites, clinical exposure, and personal qualities more than the specific subject of your degree. Majoring in a non-science field does not disadvantage you if you demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in medical school.
In fact, students who major in humanities or social sciences often bring strong writing, analytical thinking, and communication skills. These strengths are highly valued in medicine. At the same time, STEM majors can highlight their ability to handle rigorous scientific coursework. Both paths can lead to medical school if you build a well-rounded application.
Whether you pursue biology, English, economics, or a combination through a double major or minor, the key is to challenge yourself academically, plan your coursework strategically, and maintain a strong GPA. Medical schools look for students who can succeed in demanding environments, and that can be proven through many different majors.
Plan Your Path to Medical School with Expert Support
Choosing the best major for medical school is only one step in building a strong application. Our admissions experts, Former Admissions Officers and Graduate Coaches from top universities, can help you design an academic plan, prepare for the MCAT, and create a compelling application strategy. Schedule a free consultation today.