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[Tenk]

Because you lose a crap ton of money.

 

[Sky138]

That and there’s no standard for traditional masters programs.

 

[candbgirl]

And you are expected to do very well in grad programs so the only thing that would make you stand out is if you do poorly!

 

[lumya]

I didn’t get a science based masters (MHA) but I took a couple of math courses. One of the professors straight up told us that he won’t give anyone below a B- because my schools graduate policy was you can’t get a C+ or below and you must average a B. He won’t give a C because he doesn’t want to be the sole reason why you fail your graduate degree. N=1 but I wonder if other graduate professors have this philosophy.

 

[gyngyn]

We don't "look down" on them, they just have little bearing on an MD application.
What you learn in a degree program may be enlightening, but the grading standards tend to be quite loose. Thus, they do not remediate a weak undergraduate performance.

 

[GreenDuck12]

Undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores are the only common metrics between applicants. It’s not exactly fair to compare one applicants graduate GPA to another applicants undergraduate GPA.

 

[LizzyM]

They do not remediate a poor undergrad GPA.
No one will look down on a grad degree in any subject if your undergrad is 3.8 or better.

 

[GreenDuck12]

Fortunately, I am in a position financially where money is not an issue for me. Also, master's programs sometimes have opportunities available such as TAships and research fellowships that help pay for some (in some cases all) of the cost. Scholarships and aid are also usually available.

You could get the same benefits you outline here without completing a masters degree (research and TAing). What the masters degree really costs you isn’t just money but time.

 

[Goro]

In addition to what was mentioned above, taking courses in DNA Technology, or Seminars in Neuroscience don't tell us if you can handle a med school curriculum.

 

[Tenk]

Fortunately, I am in a position financially where money is not an issue for me. Also, master's programs sometimes have opportunities available such as TAships and research fellowships that help pay for some (in some cases all) of the cost. Scholarships and aid are also usually available.

It’s not only the cost of the program. It’s the lost attending salary from waiting an extra year+.