Chemical Engineering -> Med School

Ray516 · 08-10-2007, 06:33 AM

Hello, I've been looking around online and have found that many people have taken the path to medical school via a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering. This is something I'm seriously considering doing, as it will give me plenty of options after college (if I decide not to pursue medicine, I have a solid job to fall back on). The only thing that worries me is that also during my search online, I found many people labeling this move "med school suicide" because of the difficulties of maintaining a good GPA in college.

So I guess my real question is - how hard is it to maintain an excellent GPA with an Engineering major? I've heard that the problem area for most people comes with math, but that's something I don't see happening with me, as I've always thought math to be incredibly easy. Also, I've heard that medical school's reliance on GPA is very exaggerated, and that even with a mid-range GPA one can get into med school with good MCAT scores.

So...advice?

Watson&Crick · 08-10-2007, 09:27 AM

Welcome to the masochistic world of would-be engineering premeds! (I am too considering this path, any comments would be helpful for me).

sky · 08-10-2007, 10:30 AM

I would disagree that "math" is the reason why engineering is so hard. It is the depth and quantity of material that makes it difficult. While it is very mathematical, it's not difficulties in math that give people trouble. You also have to remember that your peers in an engineering program were also very good at math coming in.

It takes a pretty significant level of effort and dedication, and more importantly, time management, to do well in engineering. The problem is also what is considered a good GPA. In a rigorous engineering program, a 3.5 GPA would be pretty good. Premeds in easier undergrad programs might be getting 3.8-3.9s. It's not totally hopeless, since I'm sure most medical school admission committees understand that you are coming from a more difficult program. It would certainly give you an edge over someone who did an "easy" undergrad major, as long as you do well. The problem is that if you don't do well (get a 3.0 or less), then you might be in a serious hole. With engineering, getting below a 3.0 is a serious threat.

Watson&Crick · 08-10-2007, 12:51 PM

"Premeds in easier undergrad programs might be getting 3.8-3.9s. It's not totally hopeless, since I'm sure most medical school admission committees understand that you are coming from a more difficult program. It would certainly give you an edge over someone who did an "easy" undergrad major, as long as you do well."

Probably not. Med school almost don't care about your major, as long as you get a high GPA. A 3.8 in art or music will probably be much better than a 3.5 in ChemE, even though ChemE may be a lot harder. (it's unfair, I know, but life is not fair)

TwylaBloo · 08-10-2007, 10:55 PM

yea, i think what w&c said is pretty much true. if i were you i would ONLY major in chem eng. if you were truly interested in the subject...i would not major in it if you think it will boost your med school app, or you just want a guaranteed career if med school doesn't work out.
about the gpa thing, the truth is that you WILL have to work harder than straight bio majors, which consequently may inhibit you from doing more ECs, volunteering, research etc. that would look good for med school. but, if you're really willing to put in the effort, then you will probably get a decent GPA and be okay.

Kharatos · 08-11-2007, 03:00 AM

If you're determined that you want to go to medical school, you'll get there no matter what major you choose for your undergrad. If you are not 100% sure that you will go to medical school and become a doctor for the rest of your life, then you made a good choice by choosing a major other than the traditional premed majors for undergrad. Whether you will like chemical engineering enough to stick with it, you'll find out as you take classes and go through the curriculum.

aarosurf · 08-11-2007, 03:01 PM

its not a matter of how hard or can you do it.... its a matter of will you do it. it's cliche, but if you want to go to med school you'll be able to with any major if you put in the work required to reach your goal

Watson&Crick · 08-11-2007, 08:56 PM

Sorry to disagree but NO ONE can be 100% sure to end up in medical school. Even puting a lot of efforts will not guarantee that killer LOR from the PI, will not guarantee an MCAT>30. Besides, by no way does a 4.0 GPA 36 MCAT who had clinical experience,...etc is guaranteed to end in medical school. Just look at the statistics of those who were rejected to give you an idea how much medical application is a crapshoot. The interview, once again will play the final role in rejecting potential candidates.

DocT · 08-12-2007, 08:02 PM

I continually see on CC, how people feel that engineering / science are harder majors than other majors and are concerned with gpa's relative to other majors for getting into med school etc. I would wonder why somebody would major in engineering and be thinking about medical school. I would urge those who find engineering, science or math "harder" than the humanities to reconsider the field that they are choosing. With > 35 years experience in science and high tech engineering, I have found that those who are successful find engineering significantly easier than the humanities and math comes almost naturally to them. Those who struggle with these courses in school are in for a rude awakening in the job market.