Undergraduate Degree for Pre-Meds in Hawaiʻi

Undergraduate Degree for Pre-Meds in Hawaiʻi
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Choosing an undergraduate major is one of the first major decisions for pre-med students in Hawaiʻi. While medical schools do not require a specific major, students must complete all prerequisite coursework, maintain a strong GPA, and demonstrate sustained commitment to medicine. Science majors often align more directly with medical school prerequisites and MCAT preparation, which can make academic planning more efficient. However, students from any academic background can be competitive as long as required courses are completed strategically. Careful planning during undergraduate years is essential to remain on track for medical school admission.

What Major Should You Choose?

An undergraduate degree is required for medical school, but it does not have to be a science major.

Medical schools accept students from all academic backgrounds. What matters most is:

  • Completing the required prerequisite courses
  • Performing well academically
  • Demonstrating commitment to medicine

That said, majoring in a science can make the path more straightforward if you know early that you want to pursue medicine. Many required science courses overlap with medical school prerequisites and MCAT content, which can simplify the process.

If you truly enjoy a non-science subject, you can absolutely major in it — just plan your prerequisites carefully.

Warning

While you can do any major for your bachelors it may help to do a dedicated science so you get a strong foundation for medical school. Consult with your pre-med advisor for advice.

Required Prerequisite Courses for Medical School

Most medical schools require the following (always verify requirements for the specific schools you plan to apply to, as they can vary slightly):

  • 1 year (2 semesters) of Biology
  • 1 year (2 semesters) of General Chemistry
  • 1 year (2 semesters) of Organic Chemistry
  • 1 year (2 semesters) of Physics
  • 1 semester (or more) of Biochemistry
  • 1 year (2 semesters) of English/Writing
  • 3 semesters of Math (often including Calculus and/or Statistics)
  • Sometimes: Psychology and Sociology

You can review specific MD school course requirements using the official AAMC resource. For DO schools you can use the CHOOSE D.O. EXPLORER and for Caribbean schools you will need to go to each individual school website.

Warning

It is always best to go to the websites of the specific medical schools you are intrested in as they will have the most accurate and up to date information.

College Is About More Than Just Classes

Undergraduate years are when you:

  • Build clinical experience
  • Volunteer and serve your community
  • Gain research experience
  • Demonstrate leadership
  • Form relationships for letters of recommendation
  • Begin MCAT preparation (often junior year if not taking gap years)

Admissions committees evaluate the whole student, not just grades.

GPA Expectations

GPA isn’t everything — applications are reviewed holistically — but strong academics are important.

Typical overall GPA averages:

  • MD programs: ~3.7
  • DO programs: ~3.5
  • Caribbean programs: ~3.2

These are averages, not strict cutoffs. Upward trends and strong experiences can make a meaningful difference.

Note

These figures represent approximate historical averages and are not minimum requirements or guarantees of competitiveness. You should review each individual school’s admissions website for its specific GPA expectations and requirements.

Final Thoughts

Your undergraduate degree is the academic foundation of your journey to medicine.

Plan early.
Stay consistent.
Build intentionally.

There is no single “right” major — only the path you execute well.