advice - start M.S. or retake courses

[nontradfutdoc]

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I'm seeking advice. Should I retake some undergraduate science courses, or begin a Master's program to strengthen my application? My problem is that the courses that are closely looked at (General Bio, Gen Chem, Organic and Physics) probably work out to a 2.9/3.0 GPA. My overall undergrad GPA with a bio major is 3.54, and I have since completed an MBA with a 3.9. I have good extracurriculars, good work experience in the pharmaceutical industry (I'm 28 yrs old), and hoping for a 30 on the MCAT. Any thoughts would be welcome.

 

[BME All-Star]

I don't think you need a Master's in Bio, just retake your undergrad courses. Your MBA and performance already show you can handle an advanced degree environment.

peace

 

[reesie0726]

I don't think that you should retake any courses. I assume you did well in the upper level bio courses since your gpa is 3.54. It is better to show success in advanced level science courses than to retake courses unless you recieved grades that were less than a C. Some med schools require a minimum grade of C in the basic sciences. If you did well in the upper level courses then go ahead and do a master's and take even more advanced level science courses. Of course, perform well on the mcat.

 

[BME All-Star]

I'm gonna have to disagree with the above post. You should definitely consider the time and money involved in obtaining a Master's degree. Depending on whether it is a non-thesis or thesis degree, it could take 3-4 semesters to fufill. It simpler and more practical in my opinion to enroll in a GS program and retake the basic science courses, especially if you haven't taken the MCAT yet, as they will help refresh your knowledge. The MCAT doesn't test on advanced bio courses. Just my two cents.

peace

 

[nontradfutdoc]

Thanks to the responses. I was also thinking of taking my chances with the test by studying on my own and taking a review class, i.e. Kaplan, and seeing how I do. I could sure use a solid organic and physics review. Do you think I could get that through an MCAT prep course?