2nd BA in Bio

[chaeymaey]

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I will finish my first BA, in English, this May. I was just rejected from all the med schools I applied this cycle, and I was thinking of getting a second BA, this time in Bio at my local state school to up my science GPA for reapplication. It will take me 3 semesters. Do y'all think that this is a good idea? Has anyone ever done this before as a post-bac project? Did you go to med school or are currently interviewing?

 

[sidewalkman]

Based on your profile, I wouldn't do it. The degree isn't necessary so much as the classes in them. Just take a year of upper-level sciences a nearby 4-year school and reapply. I'm not sure about retaking the MCAT.

 

[junebuguf]

I thought about getting a second BS in Biology, I even spent a year completing most of the upper-level requirements for it. Ultimately, I realized that it would not make much of a difference because my gpa was low and adcoms wouldnt be that impressed. I am now in an SMP, which is what I would recommend for you as well. Doing well in actual med school classes will make a much bigger impact. Also, SMPs (Georgetown and BU) have an excellent track record of getting people in. The other advantage is that SMPs can be done in one calendar year, as opposed to 3 or 4 semesters.

Also, you should consider retaking the MCAT. Even a two point difference (very possible after going through an SMP) will be a big improvement. I think your problem may have been that you were applying with a low gpa and a low MCAT. If you fix the MCAT slightly and go through the SMP to overshadow your gpa, you should be able to get in.

I'm sorry you were not accepted anywhere this year. I remember reading through your PS, it was well written. Keep working towards it, and it will come.

 

[mshheaddoc]

Based on your profile, I wouldn't do it. The degree isn't necessary so much as the classes in them. Just take a year of upper-level sciences a nearby 4-year school and reapply. I'm not sure about retaking the MCAT.

I agree, just take upper level classes and reapply to boost your science GPA. Also, are you sure you had strong letters of recommendation? Sometimes its the little things. If you could talk to them about how to strengthen your application or talk ot your advisor on how to strengthen your application out of school.

 

[chaeymaey]

Well, I was thinking of retaking the MCAT this August, taking the upper level bio classes for a year, apply over the summer, and finish up the BA in time for December graduation.

The SMP idea sounds good as well. I'm currently applying to Creighton's post-bac w/ automatic acceptance after a year of undergrad coursework.

 

[mshheaddoc]

Well, I was thinking of retaking the MCAT this August, taking the upper level bio classes for a year, apply over the summer, and finish up the BA in time for December graduation.

The SMP idea sounds good as well. I'm currently applying to Creighton's post-bac w/ automatic acceptance after a year of undergrad coursework.

I'm taking a second degree but my gpa is lower than yours (alot). Post-bacc's would probably be your best bet as I would believe that most med schools would look favorably especially if it was one of the more noteable post-bacc.

MCAT retake sounds like a good plan and then go with the classes. You can always do post-bacc if you still don't get in for the next application cycle (2007 we're talking now).

 

[junebuguf]

I dont think that just taking upper level classes will cut it. I would talk to the admissions director at every school to you applied to and ask them for guidance on how to proceed. At this point, it cannot hurt. Just call/email/snail mail them until they agree to meet with you. I think a lot of them will not be overly enthusiastic at reevaluating your application with only upper division sciences.

In any case, reapplying this summer for 2007 matriculation is a bad idea. Your application will be no different than it is now. You should take the remainder of this semester and even the summer to study for the MCAT, and also work on your EC's this summer. Then dive into classes in the Fall (whether at undergrad level or an SMP), reapply in 2007 for entry in 2008.

If I were you, I would send out applications to all the SMP programs *right now*. Classes fill up quickly once people realize they will not be accepted anywhere. Fortunately for you, this realization occured early. Apply to Georgetown, BU, Drexel, EVMS and even RFU. If you decide later that the SMP is the way to go, you wont have to sweat for a seat once classes fill up. Its just a good safety idea.

 

[dca_55]

I will finish my first BA, in English, this May. I was just rejected from all the med schools I applied this cycle, and I was thinking of getting a second BA, this time in Bio at my local state school to up my science GPA for reapplication. It will take me 3 semesters. Do y'all think that this is a good idea? Has anyone ever done this before as a post-bac project? Did you go to med school or are currently interviewing?

I would agree with the above posters that contacting the admissions offices of the schools you were rejected from would be a good idea. You can get a better idea of what you need to improve. Looking at your stats, did you take many of your premed courses at a community college? I've heard that sometimes committees look down on that unless you take upper level science work at a 4yr school. Personally, I think your gpa's are not that bad and can be fixed with a 2nd degree program. The one advantage would be that a 2nd degree at a state school will likely be a lot cheaper than some of the SMP programs. With a 3.3 bcmp, a 2nd degree program might just be enough and will save you some money if that's an issue for you.

 

[chaeymaey]

Looking at your stats, did you take many of your premed courses at a community college? I've heard that sometimes committees look down on that unless you take upper level science work at a 4yr school.

I didn't take any premed courses at the CC, just 7 hrs total: Human A&P Basics and General Nutrition. Thanks for your help. 🙂