double major?

[misslovely]

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I'm quite new to this site but I'm hoping someone can give me a little advice. I'm a third year Physics major. Organic Chemistry killed my gpa, and I'm trying to recover. I was thinking about adding a Philosophy major. If I choose to do so, I would graduate a semester late. If I don't add the Philosophy major, I can still graduate on time with a Philosophy minor. I'm really lost here. :x

 

[Tapepsi]

I'm quite new to this site but I'm hoping someone can give me a little advice. I'm a third year Physics major. Organic Chemistry killed my gpa, and I'm trying to recover. I was thinking about adding a Philosophy major. If I choose to do so, I would graduate a semester late. If I don't add the Philosophy major, I can still graduate on time with a Philosophy minor. I'm really lost here. :x

Adding an extra semester just to boost your GPA isn't worth it imo. What is your cGPA and sGPA now?

Med schools don't look at double majors any more favorably than those with only one major. Also, keep in mind that many schools consider your science GPA to be just as important as your cumulative GPA, so no amount of philosophy courses will help raise the sGPA.

 

[sammmyiammmy]

I began school as a biology major, and then i picked up philosophy second semester of my sophomore year. I didn't decide to major until I finished my junior year, and I had to take summer classes after senior year to finish my philosophy major. I'm really glad I double majored in philosophy and biology--in fact, it was my best decision in college.

I don't want to get into the GPA boosting/looking good for your application deal. If it helps your GPA, it helps your GPA. The most valuable asset that studying philosophy provided me was the ability to think about situations/arguments very rationally and to formulate valid, coherent arguments when I speak with other people. It also boosted my writing ability a ton. Having already taken some philosophy classes, you probably realize that philosophy challenges you to think very much as a non-scientist. The breadth of your knowledge as a physics and philosophy major would serve to make you a more interesting candidate; the writing in your personal statement/secondaries would definitely approve, and your interview skills would sharpen. For example, if an interviewer tries to grill you on an ethical question, you'll have no problem ducking out of a corner and doing the "different perspectives" sort of answer.

In short, pursue philosophy further if you're genuinely interested in philosophy. I recommend all pre-meds to take at least one philosophy class. But please don't pursue it for sake of a better GPA.

 

[penndoc]

Adding an extra semester just to boost your GPA isn't worth it imo. What is your cGPA and sGPA now?

Med schools don't look at double majors any more favorably than those with only one major. Also, keep in mind that many schools consider your science GPA to be just as important as your cumulative GPA, so no amount of philosophy courses will help raise the sGPA.

And how would you know this? I have a double major in Biology and Philosophy and I think it's done nothing but help me. My philosophy major has come up in every single interview I've had. It's different. Plus, a second major, in my opinion, demonstrates a commitment other interests besides "pre-medicine." But, you should only do a second major if it interests you.

What you said about the sGPA is, of course, correct. Plus, I wouldn't recommend that the OP take on an extra semester to get the major, but I do think a second major can do nothing but help an application.

 

[Tapepsi]

And how would you know this? I have a double major in Biology and Philosophy and I think it's done nothing but help me. My philosophy major has come up in every single interview I've had. It's different. Plus, a second major, in my opinion, demonstrates a commitment other interests besides "pre-medicine." But, you should only do a second major if it interests you.

What you said about the sGPA is, of course, correct. Plus, I wouldn't recommend that the OP take on an extra semester to get the major, but I do think a second major can do nothing but help an application.

Imo I think that the major in philosophy helped set you apart from the crowd (and I saw this for myself as well as me being a psych major came up in every interview), moreso than the fact that you were a double major.

Of course you're right, I don't know how every school views a double major but one med school I interviewed at flat out says that those with double and triple majors are at no better advantage.

And you're right, this comes down to the fact that misslovely should do this if she enjoys philosophy and not just to raise her GPA. I don't think that should be a reason to major in philosophy.

 

[lilslsailor]

I will finish Biology and Spanish majors this coming year. While the spanish has helped my GPA, it has been more of an enjoyable hobby than anything. The way I have tried to link the two (volunteering in South American clinics) has been really rewarding. Staying late wouldn't be ideal, but if you really love it and want to finish it then I would say go for it. Any chance you could finish over the summer?

 

[misslovely]

My grades for this semester aren't up yet, but my gpa is ~3.5. I transferred to my current university so my freshman year gpa of 3.89 got cleared completely. I know I can bring it up regardless of having a double major, but I do like philosophy a lot. I took three courses already and learned A LOT from each. I just can't decide if I want to spend an extra semester to add it as a major. I also am not sure exactly when I would use it. If I am not admitted to any US med schools, I plan on going on to get my masters before reapplying. That will take time as well, so it makes me question if that extra semester is worth it.

 

[Tapepsi]

My grades for this semester aren't up yet, but my gpa is ~3.5. I transferred to my current university so my freshman year gpa of 3.89 got cleared completely. I know I can bring it up regardless of having a double major, but I do like philosophy a lot. I took three courses already and learned A LOT from each. I just can't decide if I want to spend an extra semester to add it as a major. I also am not sure exactly when I would use it. If I am not admitted to any US med schools, I plan on going on to get my masters before reapplying. That will take time as well, so it makes me question if that extra semester is worth it.

🙁 I'm sorry that sucks. I didn't realize if you transfer it wipes out your GPA. But anyway, a 3.5 is fine and with another year you can definitely raise it to a 3.6 so you'll be fine for M.D. schools. Make sure you do very well on the MCAT though so that it'll make you more competitive.

Good luck! 👍

 

[4ksibe]

🙁 I'm sorry that sucks. I didn't realize if you transfer it wipes out your GPA. But anyway, a 3.5 is fine and with another year you can definitely raise it to a 3.6 so you'll be fine for M.D. schools. Make sure you do very well on the MCAT though so that it'll make you more competitive.

Good luck! 👍

NOt on the AMCAS. your graduation GPA will be different but AMCAS will consider all your courses

 

[senorsquishie]

My grades for this semester aren't up yet, but my gpa is ~3.5. I transferred to my current university so my freshman year gpa of 3.89 got cleared completely. I know I can bring it up regardless of having a double major, but I do like philosophy a lot. I took three courses already and learned A LOT from each. I just can't decide if I want to spend an extra semester to add it as a major. I also am not sure exactly when I would use it. If I am not admitted to any US med schools, I plan on going on to get my masters before reapplying. That will take time as well, so it makes me question if that extra semester is worth it.

The 3.89 counts toward med school! It asks all grades from any college/university. To most people this is bad news IRONY!