Best Pre-Med Majors: Choosing the Right Track

Choosing the best majors for pre-med is one of the most important decisions you will make before applying to medical school, and most students get the framing wrong from the start. “Pre-med” is not a major you declare. It is a preparation strategy you build through whatever major you choose, as long as you complete the required science and math courses along the way.

If you are already exploring Biomedical Sciences at Keiser University, you are asking the right questions early. This guide breaks down which pre-med majors give you a solid foundation, which ones are underrated, and how to choose the track that fits your goals — whether you are heading toward an MD, exploring PA programs, or keeping options open in related healthcare fields.

Key Takeaways

• Pre-med is a pathway, not a program — any major works if you complete the required science coursework.
• Admissions committees weigh GPA, MCAT score, clinical experiences, research experience, and personal statement above major title.
• Biomedical Sciences maps well to MCAT content and first-year medical school curricula.
• Psychology works best as a supplement to science coursework, not a replacement (aim for roughly 75% science, 25% psychology).
• Applied science programs — Medical Laboratory Science, Imaging Sciences, Biotechnology build diagnostic thinking useful for pre-med preparation.
• A well-chosen major keeps doors open in healthcare fields beyond medicine, including research, allied health, and leadership.

What “Pre-Med” Actually Means

Before comparing pre-med major options, it helps to clarify what “pre-med” actually is.

Pre-med is a combination: a checklist of required courses, a mindset of long-term preparation, and a pathway toward a medical career. It is not a degree program you enroll in.

“Pre-med is all three — a checklist, a pathway, and preparation for a potential career in medicine or an allied health field. The biggest misconception is that being on a pre-med track automatically means a student will get into medical school, become a physician, or practice medicine.”

— Dr. Judy Jean, DHSc, CCRP, CCRC — DHSc Program Coordinator, Keiser University

Pre-med requirements are about course completion, not major selection. According to the AAMC, eligible students can apply from any undergraduate background as long as they fulfill the required prerequisite courses. What changes based on your major is how naturally those pre-med requirements fit into your degree, and how much room you have left for clinical experiences, research, and extracurriculars.

Does Your Major Affect Medical School Admissions?

Short answer: less than you think.

According to AAMC data analyzed by the American Medical Association, biological sciences remains the most popular major, with 13,420 out of 23,156 matriculants in 2024 — roughly 58% of the total. But popularity does not equal advantage.

About 9% of matriculants came from social sciences backgrounds, and roughly 3% came from humanities. Students who major outside the natural sciences often maintain competitive acceptance rates and average MCAT scores. Per AAMC data, matriculants who majored in math, statistics, and humanities posted MCAT scores slightly above those who majored in biological sciences — a finding that challenges the assumption that a biology or chemistry major is the strongest foundation.

Admissions committees weigh achievements, motivation, leadership, clinical experiences, and life story. Academic performance in your pre-med courses matters far more than the name of your major.

“I don’t think the undergraduate degree itself is the deciding factor. A stronger applicant is a well-rounded student who has taken advantage of volunteer opportunities, internships, hands-on experience, and patient- or healthcare-related hours that help build a more complete resume and application.”

— Dr. Judy Jean, DHSc, CCRP, CCRC

One metric that does matter deeply: according to AAMC data, the average GPA for medical school matriculants is 3.79 to 3.81, and competitive applicants typically need a 3.6 or higher to be in range. Science-heavy majors can make this harder to achieve due to grading curves, while non-science majors often offer a GPA advantage — provided you still complete all pre-med requirements in the natural sciences and math. Choosing a major that protects your average GPA while fulfilling medical school prerequisites is often a smarter strategy than defaulting to biology because it sounds safe.

Medical School Requirements: Course Requirements Every Pre-Med Student Must Know

Understanding what medical schools expect applicants to complete is the foundation of any good pre-med plan. Most medical schools require the following core science and math courses:

• General biology (with lab) — at least one semester of each required sequence
• General chemistry and organic chemistry (with labs)
• Physics (with lab)
• Biochemistry
• Math courses including statistics
• Psychology, sociology, and behavioral sciences

Fulfilling medical school prerequisites early shapes your entire course selection strategy. Students majoring in non-science fields will need to plan additional courses alongside their major coursework to meet these requirements. Admissions representatives look closely at whether applicants have demonstrated a deep understanding of these subjects — not just that they completed the boxes.

Tip: Schedule time with an academic advisor during your first semester to map out your pre-med and degree requirements. A clear plan from the start can help you avoid surprises and keep you moving toward your goals. 

The Best Majors for Pre-Med Students

Here are some of the most common pre-med majors to consider, what each does well, and who each is best suited for. 

1. Biomedical Sciences — A Well-Designed Pre-Med Foundation

Biomedical Sciences is one of the most deliberately constructed pre-med majors available. The curriculum covers the chemistry and science foundation that maps directly to MCAT content, while also giving you broad exposure to healthcare pathways beyond medicine.

“The Biomedical Sciences track is a very good pathway for someone looking to get into medical school. It supports students whether they ultimately go to medical school or pursue another allied health or healthcare pathway.”

— Dr. Judy Jean, DHSc, CCRP, CCRC

Keiser University’s BS in Biomedical Sciences (Pre-Med) is designed to prepare students with the science GPA and pre-med coursework they need, while leaving room for clinical experiences and electives that round out a competitive application. The program includes a strong molecular biology and biochemistry sequence, which maps directly to what medical school curricula cover in the first two years.

Keiser’s one-class-at-a-time format is particularly valuable here. Demanding pre-med courses like organic chemistry and biochemistry can derail students who are juggling several classes simultaneously. At Keiser, students give each course their full attention.

“Keiser’s one-class-at-a-time format is a major advantage for pre-med students, especially in demanding science courses. It allows students to focus on the key factors of one course without having to think about several others at the same time. The model makes a particularly big difference in higher-level science major core courses — it could be a game changer.”

— Dr. Judy Jean, DHSc, CCRP, CCRC

Pivot-proof upside: If your plans shift, a Biomedical Sciences degree keeps many options open — allied health professions, healthcare leadership, graduate study, or the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) are all accessible next steps.

2. Health Science and Health Professions Pathways

For students who know they want a medical career but have not committed to MD vs. PA vs. clinical leadership, Health Science, BS provides a systems-level view of how healthcare works. It covers health policy, administration, patient care, and clinical infrastructure in ways that pure laboratory-science programs do not.

This pathway suits students drawn to the broader health professions landscape. It also tends to support a more manageable course load than a dense science major, which can make a real difference in maintaining strong academic performance across all four years.

The Biomedical Sciences, BS (Pre-PA) is another strong option for students leaning toward physician assistant programs, with built-in advising support and application preparation structured into the degree.

Who fits Health Science over Biomedical Sciences? Students interested in healthcare leadership, health policy, administration, or allied health — rather than primarily clinical or bench science — will find Health Science a better match for their goals.

3. Biological Sciences: Biology and Chemistry

Biology remains the most common pre-med major, and chemistry is a close second among traditional science majors. Both align well with medical school prerequisites and the biological and physical sciences sections of the MCAT.

The trade-off is GPA pressure. Science majors like general biology and chemistry often involve competitive grading curves that can make it harder to maintain the academic performance medical schools expect. Students who choose this path need a realistic plan for managing course load across all four years. Many applicants underestimate this challenge until they are already deep into required coursework.

4. Biomedical Engineering — High Reward, High Workload

Biomedical engineering offers excellent quantitative and analytical preparation. Students who major in biomedical engineering build a deep understanding of physical sciences, mathematics, and systems-level thinking that translates well to the MCAT and to medical research environments.

The challenge is the workload. Biomedical engineering is one of the most demanding undergraduate programs at any university. Managing a strong science GPA alongside required engineering coursework requires careful planning, and many students find the course load difficult to balance with gaining clinical experience simultaneously.

Seleni Frometa, BioMedical Sciences Student 

Find out why Seleni highly recommends Keiser University to anyone seeking a supportive and engaging educational experience.

As previously mentioned, AAMC data shows that students who major in quantitative fields like math and physical sciences tend to post higher average MCAT scores than biological sciences majors, but the path requires honest self-assessment about workload management before committing.

5. Psychology — Underrated, with One Key Caveat

The current MCAT includes an entire section — Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior — covering content that psychology majors encounter in depth across their program. Medical schools also highly value candidates with strong communication skills, cultural competency, and an understanding of human behavior. These are areas where psychology majors often stand out.

The caveat is that psychology alone does not replace the science foundation. Dr. Jean is direct on this point.

“Students interested in psychology as part of a pre-med path should still choose a science-focused undergraduate degree and then couple it with psychology. The science foundation is too important to replace entirely. A rough ratio of about 75% science and 25% psychology is the best approach.”

— Dr. Judy Jean, DHSc, CCRP, CCRC

Keiser’s Psychology, BA can serve as a complement to your science coursework, particularly for students drawn to psychiatry, pediatrics, or behavioral medicine. According to BeMo Academic Consulting, citing AAMC data, humanities and psychology majors tend to have an advantage on the MCAT’s Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section — an area that pure science majors sometimes underestimate in their MCAT preparation.

6. Applied Science Paths: Medical Laboratory Science, Imaging Sciences, and Biotechnology

Not every pre-medical student takes the biology-forward route. Some of the most well-prepared applicants come through clinically applied science programs that give them hands-on diagnostic or molecular biology experience before they ever write a personal statement.

“An applied science background can provide advantages, especially when it includes clinical laboratory experience. Lab work is important because it gives students hands-on understanding of diagnostics, systematic approaches to the body, and related applied science skills.”

— Dr. Judy Jean, DHSc, CCRP, CCRC

Keiser offers three applied science programs that work as pre-med foundations:

• Medical Laboratory Science, BS — builds clinical reasoning, diagnostic skills, and bench experience that connects directly to what first-year medical students encounter
• Imaging Sciences, BS — develops anatomy and physiology knowledge in a clinically applied setting
• Biotechnology, AS — provides a solid foundation in molecular biology, lab technique, and medical research skills

These programs can give a pre-medical application a distinctive story — one that demonstrates real clinical and research experience alongside academic preparation. Pair any of them with the recommended courses for medical school eligibility, and you have a differentiated application.

7. Public Health — The Macro-Level Option

Public health is a growing pre-med choice that gives students a macro-level perspective on healthcare systems that pure science majors rarely develop. Pre-med students in public health programs often build a strong grasp of social determinants of health, health policy, and community-level clinical experiences.

AAMC data shows a growing trend of applicants from diverse academic backgrounds — including public health, economics, and anthropology — reflecting a shift in how admissions committees evaluate preparation. Majors like public health and biochemistry also offer useful career alternatives in health policy, research, and administration if your plans evolve, making them pivot-proof choices alongside Biomedical Sciences.

What Actually Gets You Into Medical School

Your major is one input. Here is what admissions committees actually weigh.

GPA and Science GPA (BCPM)

Admissions committees track your Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math GPA separately from your overall GPA. According to the AAMC, the average GPA for medical school matriculants is 3.79 to 3.81, with competitive applicants typically needing a 3.6 or higher. Selecting a major that allows for strong academic performance while completing pre-med requirements is one of the most important factors pre-med students underestimate.

MCAT Score

The MCAT tests biological sciences, physical sciences, behavioral sciences, psychology, sociology, and critical reasoning. According to AAMC data, the average MCAT score for medical school matriculants has been 512 consistently across recent application cycles. The most important MCAT preparation move is auditing your degree coursework against MCAT content domains early — ideally in your first year, not your junior year.

“Students who intend to pursue a medical degree should speak with their counselors early, understand the different MCAT sections, and identify which courses in their degree will best prepare them for those sections. Learn what the MCAT entails, then audit how your degree supports your preparation — don’t wait until late in the process.”

— Dr. Judy Jean, DHSc, CCRP, CCRC

Building Clinical Experiences

Gaining clinical hours is non-negotiable. Roles like emergency medical technician (EMT) or certified nursing assistant (CNA) are common entry points for pre-med students. Volunteer hours in patient-facing healthcare settings are equally valuable. The goal is demonstrating a deep understanding of patient care before you apply — not just completing non-science classes and science classes in the right ratio.

Research Experience and Medical Research

Medical research experience matters — and the type matters. Clinical research is different from bench research. Dr. Jean, who coordinated clinical trials at Miami Children’s Hospital and held CCRP and CCRC certifications, recommends starting as early as possible.

“Start building hands-on experience as early as possible. Seek opportunities in healthcare settings, patient care, internships, and volunteering. Soft skills, leadership, and understanding the operational and administrative side of medicine all matter. The earlier students take these opportunities seriously, the better supported they will be.”

— Dr. Judy Jean, DHSc, CCRP, CCRC

Planning Your Medical Career: What if Plans Change?

Medical school admissions is highly competitive. According to AAMC data, there are typically over 50,000 applicants competing for roughly 23,000 seats in U.S. MD programs each year. That reality makes it important to choose a major with flexibility across healthcare fields — not just one optimized for a single outcome.

Biomedical Sciences is designed for exactly this.

“A Biomedical Sciences degree gives students a number of options. It can prepare them for different allied health professions, healthcare leadership, and graduate-level coursework. I don’t see the degree as a disadvantage if a student pivots away from medical school — it keeps many healthcare options available.”

— Dr. Judy Jean, DHSc, CCRP, CCRC

Majors like biochemistry, public health, and psychology also offer alternatives in research, mental health services, and health policy — providing a related field to move into if plans change.

If your path evolves, Keiser’s graduate programs offer clear next steps: the MS in Biomedical Sciences for advanced research or clinical preparation, and the Doctor of Health Science for healthcare leadership, academic program coordination, or clinical administration.

The Non-Traditional Pre-Med Student

Career changers and adult learners are a significant part of Keiser’s student population and a pre-med track is a reachable goal for students returning to school after years in another field. The adjustment is real, but manageable. Industry expectations, clinical protocols, and healthcare technology evolve. Students transitioning from non-healthcare backgrounds should familiarize themselves with current pre-med requirements and gain a clear understanding of today’s healthcare landscape before beginning their studies. 

“Non-traditional students may need time to acclimate to the current healthcare industry, because what was done years ago may not reflect what is being done now. Lean on advisors and professors to understand what is the current environment in the field, what will be required of you, and how you can leverage your existing experience to market yourself effectively.”

— Dr. Judy Jean, DHSc, CCRP, CCRC

The advantage non-traditional students carry is often underestimated. Professional experience, leadership, and real-world healthcare exposure can make an application stand out in ways that a straight-from-high-school transcript rarely does.

Support and Advising at Keiser

Course selection is step one. Getting into medical school requires years of intentional preparation — and no student should navigate that alone. Admissions counselors and academic advisors at Keiser are structured to support pre-med students throughout their undergraduate years and beyond.

“Keiser provides support through advisors, professors, and one-on-one guidance. Advisors are integral to future academic success because they understand what is needed for students pursuing particular degrees and can guide them in the right direction. Support includes help with recommendation letters, preparation for national exams, and close contact with professors.”

— Dr. Judy Jean, DHSc, CCRP, CCRC

Keiser’s small class sizes make this kind of access realistic. Students receive direct faculty contact, structured advising, and support through the application process — not just through degree completion.

Jackmarie Vazquez, Keiser University Biomedical Sciences Graduate                                

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best majors for pre-med students? Biomedical Sciences, Health Science, biology, chemistry, psychology, and applied science programs like Medical Laboratory Science are all common pre-med majors. The right choice depends on your goals, your GPA strategy, and whether you want flexibility across healthcare fields. Speak with an advisor early to match your course selection to your intended path.

Does my major matter for medical school admissions? Your major matters less than your GPA, MCAT score, clinical experiences, and personal statement. Most medical schools do not require a specific major. What matters is completing the required pre-med coursework in the natural sciences and math — and performing well in those courses.

What is the most popular pre-med major? According to AAMC data analyzed by the AMA, biological sciences is the most popular, accounting for roughly 58% of medical school matriculants in 2024. But students from diverse academic backgrounds are accepted every year.

Can I be pre-med without a science major? Yes. Students who major outside the natural sciences can still fulfill medical school prerequisites through additional courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. Humanities and psychology majors tend to have an advantage on the MCAT CARS section, which tests critical analysis and reasoning skills rather than content knowledge.

What GPA do I need for medical school? According to AAMC data, the average GPA for medical school matriculants is 3.79 to 3.81. Admissions committees track your overall GPA and your BCPM (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) GPA separately. Academic performance in your science classes is an important factor throughout your undergraduate years.

What MCAT score do I need? According to the AAMC, the average MCAT score for matriculants is 512. MCAT preparation should start early, ideally by auditing your recommended courses against MCAT content sections during your first year of college.

Is Biomedical Sciences a good pre-med major? Yes. Biomedical Sciences is designed to prepare students with a strong science and math foundation that maps well to MCAT content and early medical school curricula. It also keeps many healthcare fields open if your plans evolve.

What if I don’t get into medical school? Pre-med students with a strong undergraduate foundation in health sciences have many options, including physician assistant programs, allied health professions, clinical research, healthcare administration, and graduate study. Choosing a degree with flexibility across healthcare fields, like Biomedical Sciences, helps protect your career options.

Speak with an Advisor at Keiser University

Your pre-med major is the foundation. Choose one that lets you maintain strong academic performance, complete your medical school prerequisites, and build the clinical and research experience that separates competitive applicants. If you are ready to explore program options and find the right fit for your goals, speak with a Keiser advisor today.

“Students should understand the path does not come quickly or easily. Be patient, stay focused, and continue working toward your goal.”

— Dr. Judy Jean, DHSc, CCRP, CCRC — DHSc Program Coordinator, Keiser University

About Keiser University

Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students to achieve their career goals through career-focused, accredited education. As one of Florida’s largest private, nonprofit universities, Keiser is institutionally accredited by SACSCOC (learn more about our accreditation), ensuring degrees are respected by employers and institutions nationwide. Founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, the university is built on a student-centered model designed to support working adults, transfer students, and first-time college learners.

As a Keiser University student, you’ll benefit from:

• Over 100 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs aligned with today’s workforce.
• Flexible learning options, including on-campus, online, hybrid, and one-class-at-a-time formats.
• Personalized academic and career support, with dedicated faculty and career services.
• Financial aid, scholarships, and tuition guidance to help make education more accessible.
• Recognition as the No. 1 university in the U.S. for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report (2023)
• Proud membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)
• More than 45 years of educational excellence with a proven focus on student success and outcomes

Contact Keiser University today to learn how our accredited programs, financial aid options, and career-focused approach can help you move forward with confidence. Call toll-free 888-KEISER-9, contact a Keiser campus near you, or schedule a campus tour to take the first step toward your goals.