aap questions and concerns

[fatima2]

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So I get my MCAT scores tomorrow but while I'm anxiously waiting, here is a little about me.

My overall GPA is 3.69.
I have two BA degrees in biology and religion.

I am applying this year and wondering what is best to do while I am waiting. I got accepted to a Masters in Biotechnology at Columbia University. Should I do a Masters to boost my GPA or continue doing research instead? I don't think I will get a chance to publish.

Also, is one LOR from a doctor I shadowed enough? The others are from 3 bio/math professors, 1 from a religious studies professor, and 1 from my research mentor.

The amcas application can be submitted on June 2nd but how long does it take for everything to be verified and processed?

Thanks!

 

[scattun]

I would say do whichever you will be happier doing. I think adcoms will probably view them as six of one, half a dozen of the other. As far as the MD LOR, my vote is always that you don't need one, so I certainly wouldn't advise you to get more. Unless of course you are actually working under an MD, but that doesn't sound like the case.

 

[witness23]

masters doesn't boost GPA.

 

[schizosquirrel]

If you already doing research, don't get a masters degree. It's generally thought of as somewhat useless in the biology community, unless you want to be a research technician or go into industry. PhD is the holy grail and it's really the only way to move up the scale if you don't have an MD.

I think (at least financially), you'd be better off continuing to do full-time research for a year and get paid what? ~32k to do it....than paying Columbia probably about the same amount to get a Masters degree. Your undergrad GPA (3.69) is pretty strong...above the 3.65 standard, so I definitely think if you get a 30+ MCAT you're in great shape to get in somewhere.