Applying with MS?

[yawkeyway]

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How much would already having completed a master's degree benefit a MD/PhD applicant?

I'm basically done with the requirements for the BS in my major (biochemistry) after two and a half years and I can complete the MS if I push myself over the final three terms. Alternatively, I could take a variety of courses from other departments in the interest of getting a more "well-rounded" education (though, due to the requirements of the MS program, I would still take a decent number of non-science courses if I pursued that option).

There are pros and cons to each path, so I'm interested in whether either route would be likely to have an effect on future admissions/consideration.

Thanks!

 

[bd4727]

The value isn't so much in having the MS degree credentials, as it is in having done a somewhat comprehensive body of research work as an independent thinking student. This can be accomplished without actually doing a MS, as is most common. So basically, you will need to spend a significant amount of time getting research experience (estimates on here range from 1-2.5yrs), and if you decide the best way of doing that for your situation is as part of a MS degree program than that is great. Otherwise, just doing solid work for the same amount of time in a good lab and getting great LORs will be more-or-less equivalent in terms of your chances for MD/PhD admission.

 

[leeeooooo]

What undergrad do you go to?

 

[ablavar]

The value isn't so much in having the MS degree credentials, as it is in having done a somewhat comprehensive body of research work as an independent thinking student. This can be accomplished without actually doing a MS, as is most common.

Exactly this. I finished my BS precisely the way you plan to, and now am applying with an MS. I really don't see myself with an advantage over other candidates.

There is also absolutely no substitute for a solid undergraduate science GPA and a solid MCAT.

 

[yawkeyway]

Exactly this. I finished my BS precisely the way you plan to, and now am applying with an MS. I really don't see myself with an advantage over other candidates.

There is also absolutely no substitute for a solid undergraduate science GPA and a solid MCAT.

Yes, those are by far the most important. I didn't mean to suggest that having MS credentials would compensate for poor GPA or MCAT. Rather, I was just curious to see if it had any impact.

Pursuing the MS program would allow me to spend much more time in my lab rather than in class, so in that respect I think it would be valuable.

 

[ablavar]

Yes, those are by far the most important. I didn't mean to suggest that having MS credentials would compensate for poor GPA or MCAT. Rather, I was just curious to see if it had any impact.

Pursuing the MS program would allow me to spend much more time in my lab rather than in class, so in that respect I think it would be valuable.

Exactly why I decided to complete my MS too. I only did it because it would not cost me any more in tuition than a fourth year in college would have.

On the other hand, I would trade my MS for a tenth of a point or two on my science GPA

 

[K31]

Pursuing the MS program would allow me to spend much more time in my lab rather than in class, so in that respect I think it would be valuable.

If the MS would allow you to spend more time in lab than you could by finishing your BS requirements early and taking a minimal course load for the last year or so while spending lots of time in lab, than I'd say it would be valuable. The degree itself doesn't count for much, but the research obviously does.