<p>Hey Guys,</p>
<p>My college has a large American Indian program in which I am very interested. I am part American Indian, which makes this even more applicable to me. I have just one problem. I am a Biological Sciences major hoping to enter medical or dental school. My parents say that this minor would be completely useless and that I should focus on something more practical. From a graduate (medical or dental school) admission officer’s perspective, would this minor make me appear more well-rounded and involved with my heritage? or would it have the adverse effect and make me appear scattered and incoherent? Would you recommend I major in, say, mathematics, instead?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, having or not having a particular major or minor won’t advantage you in med school admissions, but your case might be the exception.</p>
<p>Do you have a tribal affiliation? Do you hold a tribal membership card? </p>
<p>Do you identify as Native American culturally?</p>
<p>Do you participate in your tribal culture?</p>
<p>If you are fully assimilated into the majority culture and want to reclaim your heritage, then a NAS minor might be one way to do so.</p>
<p>Native Americans are the most under-represented of all groups in all healthcare professions. But you won’t be considered NA for professional admissions unless you are: 1) a registered tribal member and 2) and active participant in your culture.</p>
<p>If NAS is something that appeals to you, then go ahead an minor it. It won’t hurt your application.</p>
<p>(OTOH, I can see where you parents are coming from, especially if your NA ancestry is remote [less 1/4 NA which is blood quantum required by most tribes for membership consideration] and you’ve never participated in your culture. Employment prospects for bio majors aren’t especially good if you don’t end up in professional school. A math minor would improve your employability.)</p>