Does Grad School Really Help?

[CHxyz]

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Hi,
I am reapplying this year and I was wondeirng if anyone can give me some advice or suggestion on this one. I know I want to apply to med school and I have a very low GPA from undergrad due to a very hard major (long story) so I've decided to take a few years off and go to grad school to get my Master's. During my Master's I got a really high GPA. But when I check my overall GPA, the combined with grad and undergrad, my GPA was still low. So I was wondering, how much exactly does the Grad school help when you are applying? My MCAT score is average (24-25). So I was just wondering how much does a graduate degree help when you are applying to DO. Thanks!!!

 

[Chronotropic]

I did a year of grad school and then got accepted. I can only imagine that it helped. Although I'll tell you that after the first week of class I'm glad I had that extra year of nothing but bio grad classes.

 

[kaikai128]

First, you can search on here and find about a hundred other threads that would probably give you most of the answers you are looking for, and will probably be stated better than I could state anything. Second, we are all just students (most of us) going through the process ourselves, so you have to take any advice here with a grain of salt. I would suggest talking to a few schools and seeing what they think of your specific situation--they would be the best judges.

Anyhow: here are a few pointers:
--I believe that the cumulitive GPA still has to meet the minimum GPA requirements, so if your undergrad and grad work still do not meet the minimum...I believe you still have some work ahead in that department. It all depends on what you define as "low."
--Make sure the basic sciences (2 biology, 2 gen chem, 2 organic chem, and 2 physics courses) are good grades, these are the only grades that everyone has to take and thus you will probably be evaluated upon these. If your overall GPA isn't good, maybe your science GPA could save you.
--Third, a MCAT score of 24-25 is just what you said, "Average." If you have a GPA that you are trying to make up for, I would suggest consider re-taking the MCAT and working towards a higher score..this would prove your ability and dedication.
--I believe an upward trend can prove a lot...I am kinda hoping that it makes me look better. 🙂

Congrats on the high Masters GPA...and good luck with the process.

 

[CHxyz]

Thanks for the response, wow that was fast!!! I was browsing through other thread (specifically the reapplicant thread) and realized this topic has been talked about there 🙂 So...oops. I am just getting a bit nervious because I am hearing different stories left and right, some said grad school count, some said it doesn't. One thing I do know is that it will only help if you are done with your degree, so I am good on that aspect. Thanks again for the response, good luck everyone!