What undergraduate path best prepares you for the University of Hawaii medical school?

There is no single “best” undergraduate major for the University of Hawai‘i’s John A. Burns School of Medicine. The strongest path is the one where you can earn a high GPA, complete all required pre-med science courses, gain clinical and service experience, and show a real commitment to Hawai‘i’s communities.

You can major in biology, biochemistry, public health, psychology, Hawaiian studies, or almost anything else, as long as you complete the standard med school prerequisites. That usually includes biology with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, physics with lab, math or statistics, English, and often biochemistry. A science major can make scheduling easier, but it is not required.

For JABSOM specifically, a very good undergraduate path would combine strong science preparation with experiences connected to Hawai‘i. Majors like biology or public health can fit well if they leave room for volunteering in hospitals, clinics, community health programs, or outreach related to Native Hawaiian or rural health.

If you want to stay in Hawai‘i, attending UH Mānoa can be a practical option because it offers the needed pre-med courses and local opportunities for research, volunteering, and community engagement. Still, the key is not the school name or major by itself. The best preparation is a high GPA, a solid MCAT foundation, meaningful physician exposure, service, and a course plan that lets you do well academically while building a clear connection to the kind of medicine JABSOM emphasizes.