Double Major vs Masters

[miabullitt]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey guys, I think I'm at the point now where I have to decide if I should double major or look into a masters program to raise my GPA. Due to a lack of motivation, xbox 360, and clubs.. I am now at this point. I don't think that even pulling A-'s or higher in my remaining 60 credits that I will finish with higher than a 3.4. My goal is an allopathic FL school so I know that the GPA should be at least 3.5+ assuming all EC's, volunteering, and MCAT is in check.

Thoughts and opinions appreciated!

 

[Geekchick921]

Don't some schools count graduate GPA separate from undergrad? I seem to recall people saying this may be the case, but it didn't apply to me. That may make your decision pretty easy. Good luck.

 

[noshie]

Don't some schools count graduate GPA separate from undergrad? I seem to recall people saying this may be the case, but it didn't apply to me. That may make your decision pretty easy. Good luck.

They do count it separately, but that doesn’t mean it is weighted much in the overall admissions process. I think that you need to not only think about the GPA either program will give you, you need to think of the other things that each program can provide. The second bachelors will just allow you to raise your undergrad GPA (Postbac GPA), but a masters can give you research and leadership experiences as well as a GPA. But the postbac GPA tends to count a lot more than the grad GPA, so even though you get other things with graduate school, your GPA, which you feel is your real problem, will not be rectified in this type of program.

If you feel like your GPA is the only thing holding you back from getting in, do the second bachelors. But if you think that your overall application could use research, then do a hard science masters.

 

[miabullitt]

Don't some schools count graduate GPA separate from undergrad? I seem to recall people saying this may be the case, but it didn't apply to me. That may make your decision pretty easy. Good luck.

I'm not too sure... Man do I regret skipping freshman year classes to have 2 for $2 breakfast at McD's 🙁

 

[Dr Fraggle]

I have both: dual degree and masters. When I applied, grad and undergrad gpas were counted separately.

One thing that a grad degree can do is show that you have matured and are ready to do the work... As long as you do very well in it.

Remember that your individual grades will still show up on your transcript no mater what you do. So should you get an interview, you need to be prepared to explain those indiscretions and show (with evidence) how you have changed.

All the best.

 

[miabullitt]

I'm a bio major right now, and I think also majoring in chemistry with a strong upward trend in grades (B+ being lowest grade from this point on) would help convince adcom's of a changed man. Or am I looking at this all wrong?

 

[TexasPhysician]

I'd strongly consider the masters program. It seems like your undergrad gpa isn't great, and spending years to bring up an undergrad gpa could be a waste of time. The plus side of a masters is that it shows you can perform well with difficult case loads and you have a good option for the job market if you don't get accepted to medical school.