Double Major and Masters

[sparklingwater]

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I am planning to do a double major and a masters - Math (B.A) and Biochemistry (B.S./M.S.) all in four years. This is easily possible, since I need a minimum of 36 credits to graduate and with AP credit, I only need to take 27 classes to fulfill all these requirements. Taking into account distribution requirements, etc., I still will have 6 free classes to do whatever so it's not like I am over-stretching myself. If anything, graduate courses and upper division courses are notorious for having a higher percentage of As given out (as far as I know, I might be wrong).

I have a few questions about this --

1. I will have to take X number of graduate courses and semesters of research for my thesis. Does this count toward my undergraduate GPA?

2. Though it won't change my choice to pursue a masters, do medical schools look favorably upon candidates with masters? I'm sure indirectly the research I pursue will help, if nothing else.

3. Do upper division courses and graduate courses have massive grade inflation typically? (and do medical schools know that stigma and look with more scrutiny on your GPA)

If anyone has done a BA/MS in 4 years and has any tips, advice, or experience to share, that'd be awesome.

 

[sparklingwater]

Sorry double post. *

 

[mauberley]

1. I will have to take X number of graduate courses and semesters of research for my thesis. Does this count toward my undergraduate GPA?

Classes that will be counted towards your graduate degree will not count towards your undergraduate GPA.

2. Though it won't change my choice to pursue a masters, do medical schools look favorably upon candidates with masters? I'm sure indirectly the research I pursue will help, if nothing else.

A master's degree doesn't help or hurt, from my understanding.

3. Do upper division courses and graduate courses have massive grade inflation typically? (and do medical schools know that stigma and look with more scrutiny on your GPA)

The scuttlebutt I hear tossed around these parts is that graduate GPA is not considered as heavily as undergraduate GPA as an indicator of academic achievement and potential.

 

[sparklingwater]

Thanks for the quick response. If you could answer one more question

Do medical schools care the number of undergraduate courses you take or just GPA because I'll be taking 30 undergrad courses and 6 grad courses instead of 36 undergrad. Thank you

 

[mauberley]

Thanks for the quick response. If you could answer one more question

Do medical schools care the number of undergraduate courses you take or just GPA because I'll be taking 30 undergrad courses and 6 grad courses instead of 36 undergrad. Thank you

So long as you're earning a bachelor's degree, you're fine.