In many respects the training of a doctor begins as early as high school, where the future doctor must obtain grades high enough to be accepted to a 4-year college. In college, students hoping for an acceptance into medical school must take a large number of required science courses, such as biology, chemistry, genetics, physics, and organic chemistry. Some medical schools also require one or more writing or literature classes. However, a number of college students major in non-science disciplines or have dual majors, for example in literature and biology. As long as a student takes the required courses to gain acceptance into medical school the major is not particularly important, and, to my knowledge, medical school admission committees do not favor one major over another.
College is an extremely stressful time for many pre-med students.
Science classes are generally more rigorous than non-science classes, in part due to the huge volume of material, and also because of labs. Of course, not all of these students will be accepted to med school. Although academics are the most important requirement for medical school admission, college students should not forget to take non-science classes, nor should they neglect socialization. Patients expect that their doctor be a good listener and be able to relate to them as people, and a well-rounded social environment is a must. Volunteerism is also important, although not absolutely necessary, and most pre-med students attempt some type of volunteer activity.