<p>Hi, I’m a freshman (second semester) currently on the Biomedical Engineering track w/ Pre-med concentration. I switched into biomed engineering after I found I really did not feel like sitting through hours of lecturing in Microbiology and Immunology. BME is also arguably the hardest major (I believe, but then again I may be little biased) at my school (UM). That being said, I really enjoy physics and have gotten top grades (As) in all my classes thus far. I don’t really forsee any B’s or lower in the near future if anything because it’s basically physics classes upon physics classes from here on out along with organic chemistry. That being said…is it really worth it for me to put myself through this strain? I mean I love physics because I have a natural affinity for math and it just “clicks”. Is there that much of a difference to a med school that I have a 3.9+ in biomed engineer ing as opposed to a 3.9+ in lets say biology? Assume the other factors are the same (MCATs, volunteering, research, summer activities etc). Thanks!
-Z</p>
<p>The first thing I’d warn you of is not to assume that you would do better in another major. Even if BME is harder for most people, it sounds to me like another major might be harder/more stressful for you. BME might require more raw hours of school, but those hours will be much more enjoyable and worthwhile.</p>
<p>As for majors, I would say that there’s only one thing you should look for:
Be able to explain why you are majoring in that field.</p>
<p>That’s the crucial thing. Find a subject you are passionate about and be able to explain why you are passionate about it: do you find it important? Intellectually stimulating? This is what medical schools care about - that you are preparing yourself to be a doctor. Each person approaches that in a different way. I’m an economics major; I’ve been able to explain (I think compellingly) to people how that links to medicine, how that plays into my interests, and why it’s important to the world at large. When I’m asked about my major, I get very excited as I explain why economics is so important. Schools sense my passion to apply that to health care, and it’s my hope that that makes a difference.</p>
<p>Find something you feel you can explain and defend enthusiastically when interviewed about it. Find something that you love, and something that will in some way make you a better doctor. If those instructions sound broad, it’s because they are.</p>
<p>In your case, I think you’ve already found something you love, and fortunately enough it seems to have a direct link to medicine. I would, in your shoes, enjoy it. Go do what you love, and remember that you’re using it to prepare for a career in medicine.</p>
<p>so it’s all about passion and intention. Intention being that you’re doing what you love and not what you think would look best to med schools. hmm, that’s great feedback, thanks!</p>
<p>excuse me while i laugh at the fact that you think that you will have a 3.9+ in this major by the time u apply to med school…yes, freshman year may be quite easy since its just basic physics and chem then orgo the next year…but just wait for it…it hits you hard and you see your GPA tumble like nothing else. Its funny that you hear its the hardest major yet still assume you will be pulling a 3.9+ in it! thats just absurd! I dont mean to dampen your spirits, but its a very hard major and you should be realistic about it…just the fact that you are taking 5 or 6 courses a semester while others take 4 makes it harder…not to mention the fact that the coursework is much harder.</p>
<p>I’m glad I gave you the pleasure of laughter. and no, I’m not in this “basic physics” I’m actually in physics III (we have 3 physics classes… I dont know why, it goes physics I being mechanics, physics II waves optics thermodynamics fluids, and physics III is e & m) with a 100 in that class as well as the rest of my classes (alright, those are pretty basic). Ok, I concede that I have a 96 in my religion class, but I’m pretty confident I can keep up the pace. I’m sorry if you dont think you can. I’ve also already taken calc III and differential equations. I dont mean to brag which is why i didnt mention all of this in the first post but you brought it on. I am being realistic about it, i really do think most of the people within my major should drop out because they’re not cut out for it. Some people enjoy physics and can handle it, but others (most in my opinion) dont and therefore should drop it. I’d appreciate it if you keep your shortcomings to yourself.</p>
<p>Aww, Shraf, be nice to the youngster. Maybe his school is easier than yours. Or maybe he really is an engineering savant! (By the way, over here, our engineers take the same number of courses as others.)</p>
<p>In all seriousness, zahid, it sounds to me like you really are very good at what you do. A 3.9 is indeed very high - higher than you’ll need for med school - and I’ll confess that I’m always a little bit surprised whenever ANYBODY claims that that’s what they’re going to get, no matter what their major.</p>
<p>We - Shraf included - wish you the best, and - more importantly - we wish you a good educational experience. Med schools will know if you’ve gotten a good education.</p>
<p>Try not to disrespect people who are giving you advice…albeit advice laced with some sarcasm.</p>
<p>I’m a third year BME student at an Ivy FYI. Physics 3 is still basic…we have the same physics sequence here too…I personally HATE physics and love bio and math and am good at chem. I am not telling you my “shortcomings” and am not being an idealistic stuck up student like yourself…your freshman year grades do not reflect your grades later on, especially during junior year because the major gets alot harder. Dont come onto these forums asking for advice and then insulting those who give it…it is not appreciated and will not be recieved well…I’ve seen so many people like you who ace a few basic classes and think they are the ***** and then get over confident and get destroyed. Be careful cause everything you say is simply based on assumptions while mine is based on experience (mine, my classmates and others).</p>
<p>Yes, despite this rant, i do wish you the best…and good for you if you do end up with a 3.9…just try to be realistic the whole way.</p>
<p>sorry, but I took offense with your sarcasm defaulting to insulting my intelligence. also, your Ivy is probably a hell of a lot harder than UM. also, it’s not impossible, I have had 2 friends go on to med school (emory and UM) from the BME program here, both graduating with 3.9+ (emory=3.97, UM=3.92). finally, shraf…why do you think BME is for you if you hate physics? or did you just learn to hate it after the billion classes required for bme?</p>