Key Information:
- Medical schools don’t require a specific major—strong academic performance, MCAT readiness, and meaningful experiences matter more than the field of study.
- Science majors like biology and chemistry naturally align with pre-med prerequisites and MCAT prep, while non-science majors offer communication and critical-thinking strengths that diversify the medical profession.
- Admissions committees evaluate candidates holistically, valuing interdisciplinary backgrounds—from public health to data science—that reflect medicine’s evolving, data-driven landscape.
- Success in gaining admission depends on aligning your major with your strengths, maintaining a competitive GPA and MCAT score, and demonstrating readiness through research, service, and clinical experiences.
Are you wondering what to major in for medical school? If you are, read on. You’ll appreciate the topics in light of the evolving pre-med landscape.
Today, pre-med students must have a broad and flexible academic foundation. Yes, a science background is vital to prepare for the MCAT, among other purposes.
But it must be complemented by soft skills, too, for a well-rounded approach. Critical thinking, communication, and empathy skills are essential as well.
The shifts in medical school admission criteria also fuel the evolving pre-med landscape. Nowadays, medical schools perform holistic reviews of applications. There’s more focus on diversity and interdisciplinary skills, too.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best pre-med majors 2026 has to offer. We’ll also cover GPA and MCAT benchmarks, and emerging fields like data science and public health.
Indeed, choosing the right major today can shape your medical school success tomorrow.
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Top Majors for Medical School Admission
According to the AAMC, medical schools don’t require specific majors for applicants. As such, applicants can major in anything.
But it must also be said that certain majors align more naturally with prerequisites. Applicants with biology or biochemistry degrees find that their major courses meet prerequisites. The overlap means easier fulfillment of their degree and medical school requirements.
In contrast, applicants with business or engineering degrees have to complete pre-med courses. The extra time and tuition are a major concern.
You must also consider other admission criteria in the holistic review process, including:
- Strong academic performance
- Meaningful experiences like clinicals, community service, and research involvement
- MCAT readiness
With that said, here are the common majors among applicants and their acceptance rates.
Table – Common Majors & Acceptance Rates
| Major | % of Applicants | Acceptance Rate | Key Strengths |
| Biological Sciences | 60% | 42% | Strong foundation in biochemistry and anatomy |
| Physical Sciences | 10% | 47% | Analytical and quantitative reasoning |
| Social Sciences | 9% | 46% | Understanding of human behavior |
| Humanities | 4% | 50% | Communication, ethics, and critical thinking |
| Engineering/Computer Science | 3% | 48% | Data and problem-solving skills |
| Public Health | 6% | 44% | Systems-level view of healthcare |
Key Takeaways
Why do non-traditional majors have comparable acceptance rates to traditional majors?
- Admissions committees value performance within a major, not the major itself.
- Interdisciplinary skills bring more to the table than subject-specific knowledge alone. Philosophy or economics majors entering medicine may have an advantage in this respect.
- Non-traditional majors diversify physician perspectives.
Indeed, the best pre-med majors 2026 align with your strengths, interests, and goals. Furthermore, what matters more is your readiness for a career in medicine. This means a combination of planning, preparation, and commitment.
Science vs. Non-Science Majors
There’s no right or wrong choice in the science vs non-science pre-med majors debate. Instead, your choice can be the right choice if it’s based on your strengths, interests, and goals.
Science Majors
That said, pre-med majors with the highest acceptance rates are still the science majors. The foremost reason is the overlap of the core courses and pre-med prerequisites. You can go directly into your medical studies without completing extra courses.
The most popular science majors for pre-med students are as follows.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Neuroscience
Here are the pros and cons of science majors for pre-med students.
Pros:
- Natural alignment with prerequisites
- Provide strong MCAT preparation
- Offer meaningful laboratory experience and research opportunities
Cons:
- Risk of GPA deflation
- limited exposure to humanities and communication skills development
Non-Science Majors
But as the table above shows, non-science majors also have comparable acceptance rates. The popular non-science majors include:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
Here are their pros and cons.
Pros:
- Develop strong writing and empathy skills
- Help applicants stand out to medical schools by developing a diverse perspective
Cons:
- Must independently complete science prerequisites
- Additional planning for MCAT preparation
Strategy
If you decide to earn a non-science degree, keep these tips in mind to leverage it.
- Pair your non-science major with a science minor.
- Combine it with a science electives cluster.
- Gain research experience in a medical- or science-related field.
- Take part in volunteer experiences in healthcare settings and/or clinical experiences.
- Highlight your transferable skills gained from your non-science major.
These are effective strategies since AAMC emphasizes a holistic admissions model. Admissions officers value diversity in experiences, backgrounds, and views.
Here are five more unconventional pre-med majors that work.
- English
- Economics
- Art/Design
- Environmental Science
- Political Science
GPA & MCAT Considerations
Academic performance (GPA) and standardized test scores (MCAT). These are still the most critical factors in admission into medical school.
Of course, experiences and extracurriculars are also vital for a competitive application. But your GPA and MCAT scores are usually the admissions panel’s initial filters.
GPA Benchmarks
But it isn’t your cumulative GPA that matters either. Admissions panels will also consider your grades in math and science subjects. Special attention may be given to your grades in chemistry, physics, and biology.
The target ranges for pre-med GPA requirements 2026 are as follows.
- Top schools 3.8+
- Mid-tier schools 3.6+
- DO programs 3.4+
If you’re concerned about a lower GPA, there are things you can do. For starters, highlight the upward trend in your grades. This shows your growth and resilience.
You may also consider one of these options to show your readiness for medical school.
- Post-baccalaureate premedical programs (e.g., Bryn Mawr Post-Bac Premedical Program)
- Special Master’s Programs (e.g., Georgetown University SMP in Physiology)
Either one will also strengthen your application by showing academic readiness.
MCAT Trends in 2026
The average accepted MCAT is between 511 and 514. Note the new emphasis on data interpretation and social science reasoning.
The MCAT score trends for 2026 are summarized below.
| Metric | Average Applicant | Average Accepted Student |
| Overall GPA | 3.6 | 3.73 |
| Science GPA | 3.52 | 3.67 |
| MCAT | 506.5 | 511.9 |
Study and Strategy Tips
Here are steps you can take to strengthen your application.
- Plan your prerequisites early. Biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and statistics are a priority.
- Use MCAT diagnostics by junior year. Identifying your knowledge gaps means more focused study.
- Integrate clinical experiences to offset a modest GPA. Volunteering, shadowing, and internships are great examples.
Indeed, getting into medical school isn’t easy. But you can boost your chances by preparing early.
Emerging Pre-Med Trends (Public Health, Data Science)
Look beyond the popular science and non-science pre-med majors, too.
Public Health as a Pre-Med Major
The public health pre-med major option has been growing in popularity. This is particularly true after the COVID-19 pandemic. Not surprising at all since clinical decision-making involves population health and epidemiology.
A public health degree creates a strong foundation for medical careers, too. This is because it combines biology, epidemiology, and social determinants of health. The degree is also a strong bridge to MD-MPH pathways.
Key courses include epidemiology, global health, biostatistics, and health policy.
Data Science & Informatics
The pre-med data science major option has also been growing in importance. This is due to AI, electronic health records (EHRs), and precision medicine.
Physicians must have data literacy skills, and the degree makes them possible. Skills learned include data modeling, biomedical analytics, and machine learning. Keep in mind that strong math skills are essential for success in this degree.
Check out these universities that offer pre-med and data science programs.
- Northeastern University – BS in Data Science & Health Science
- Merrimack College – BS in Data Science and Public Health
Hybrid Options
Explore double majors or interdisciplinary pathways, too, such as:
- Biology + Data Science
- Psychology + Global Health
You’ll enjoy flexibility for careers in research, telemedicine, or healthcare technology.
Innovative schools that offer these programs include:
- New York University – BS in Applied Psychology & Global Public Health
- University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign — BSLAS Major in Molecular & Cellular Biology + Data Science
Conclusion
If you’re wondering how to choose a pre-med major, start with yourself. You must identify your strengths and goals first, then choose one that aligns with them.
Then, consider the trends toward interdisciplinary education, data literacy, and global health. You must also focus on performance, experience, and personal fit. In doing so, you’re looking past the prestige of a major and gaining a well-rounded view.
In the end, the future of medicine starts with what—and how—you study today. So, consider the top majors for medical school admission with this in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best pre-med majors for 2026?
Biology, neuroscience, chemistry, and public health are excellent choices. But you must also consider interdisciplinary programs for their well-rounded education.
Do I need to major in biology for med school?
No. Medical schools consider any major provided you have completed the required science prerequisites.
What GPA and MCAT scores do medical schools require?
It’s 3.8+ for top schools, 3.6+ for mid-tier programs, and 3.4+ for DO programs. MCAT scores are around 511-514, on average.
Is public health a good pre-med major?
Yes, because of its interdisciplinary approach (e.g., biology and epidemiology).
How is data science changing pre-med education?
Students gain skills in machine learning, data analytics, and bioinformatics. These fields reflect the expanding role of precision medicine and AI in healthcare.