BA + MS in Four Years?

[ParagonChwa]

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After finishing up my first sem of college, I went to visit some relatives over the break. When I was talking to my cousin (also pre med), she brought up the idea of me pursuing a masters in what normally would be my senior undergrad year since I had a years worth of credits from high school. As I thought more about it and did some research into the programs my uni offered, I became more interested in the idea since I would still ideally be matriculating “on time”.


My current plan involves getting a BS in bio and one or two minors. This new plan would involve getting a BA in bio and MS in global health. I plan on taking 18 units and at least two/three 4 unit science courses for each subsequent sem.


How would this appear to Adcoms? Would I appear to be an undergrad with light undergrad units/grad with light grad units? What are the general pro and cons of this plan?


Note: I’d have to cram all my undergrad courses into my first three years since the program requires that I already have a bachelors. I know this will be tough but pursuing a BA makes this much easier.

 

[puahate]

Take the easier path and use that time to do ECs

 

[Goro]

Take the easier path and use that time to do ECs

This.
/thread

 

[deleted480308]

Anything that lowers your gpa (like unnecessary courseload) is an easy no

 

[ParagonChwa]

Take the easier path and use that time to do ECs

Sure I understand that but it’s pretty common for these graduate courses to help boost GPAs. Furthermore, my initial plan was to max out at 18 units anyways in order to get the BS and one or two minors. By condensing the BA into three years, I’m not really pushing myself that much. It’s a matter of changing a two unit class that would be for a minor to a two unit bio class.

My main concern is the implications for med school adcoms. How would getting a bachelors in three years and a masters in my fourth appear to them?

 

[jarednogeek]

Take the easier path and use that time to do ECs

This x100. Your masters will give you very little boost, but rushing everything can be very detrimental. All risk 0 reward.

 

[ParagonChwa]

This x100. Your masters will give you very little boost, but rushing everything can be very detrimental. All risk 0 reward.

Thanks for the insight. Yeah I get that. But let’s just forgo that aspect for a second. I guess another way to put this question is: would this plan appear favorable or not favorable (compared to BS and minors) to adcoms. The way I see it, I want to apply on time but I don’t have anything to do senior year in terms of course work. Instead of getting a minor or two, I might as well get a masters.

 

[jarednogeek]

Thanks for the insight. Yeah I get that. But let’s just forgo that aspect for a second. I guess another way to put this question is: would this plan appear favorable or not favorable (compared to BS and minors) to adcoms. The way I see it, I want to apply on time but I don’t have anything to do senior year in terms of course work. Instead of getting a minor or two, I might as well get a masters.

To boost your app I’d suggest finishing in 3 years then taking a gap year to get unique and diverse experiences that may help your app. Your masters will have a neutral effect as long as you maintain your gpa.

 

[puahate]

My main concern is the implications for med school adcoms. How would getting a bachelors in three years and a masters in my fourth appear to them?

It would not make a difference vs finishing a bachelors in 4 or 3 years with or without a masters degree.

I could have finished undergrad in 3 years, I didn't. I just used my fourth year to focus on biochem with full force and study for the MCAT with an easy grad class.

 

[doc05]

Thanks for the insight. Yeah I get that. But let’s just forgo that aspect for a second. I guess another way to put this question is: would this plan appear favorable or not favorable (compared to BS and minors) to adcoms. The way I see it, I want to apply on time but I don’t have anything to do senior year in terms of course work. Instead of getting a minor or two, I might as well get a masters.

No. One minor (or two) is pointless. A masters is also pointless unless it's for a professional qualification (like engineering).

Nobody cares if you have a years worth or credit from high school. Best to use this to either (1) lighten your courseload, maintain a high GPA, and have more time for extracurriculars; (2) repeat coursework for an easy "A"; or (3) graduate early and forgo a year's worth of unnecessary debt.

Also, think about studying something other than biology. It's not very original. Study something that will help you get a real world job if you ultimately don't end up in med school.

 

[allantois]

Med schools will not count your master level courses in GPA calculations

 

[Toutie]

Thanks for the insight. Yeah I get that. But let’s just forgo that aspect for a second. I guess another way to put this question is: would this plan appear favorable or not favorable (compared to BS and minors) to adcoms. The way I see it, I want to apply on time but I don’t have anything to do senior year in terms of course work. Instead of getting a minor or two, I might as well get a masters.

It would likely be neither. They simply don't care what your major is. Nor do they care of you have 10 minors or no minors, nor do they care if you have a Masters. They only care that you do well. So it is always in your best interest to take the path of least resistance. Complete a major in a subject that you enjoy and can do well in...the rest does not make you look better.

You are best served to spend your extra time working on your ECs and doing things that you enjoy. THAT will impress the adcoms much more than a second major, or a couple minors, or a masters.

 

[gyngyn]

I guess another way to put this question is: would this plan appear favorable or not favorable (compared to BS and minors) to adcoms.

We really don't care.