Extra year of undergrad

[Phayanaga]

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Hi all,

I'm a sophomore (technically graduating senior) attending a six-year B.S./M.D. program at a US News Top 50 undergrad. I completed my program's MCAT requirement and am on track to finish science requirements and undergrad in about a month, but have reached a crossroads.

History is a strong passion of mine; as a premed, I will soon complete a minor in it, but want to indulge in it much more. Theoretically, I could stay a third year in undergrad (as most of my entering cohort move on to med school) and complete a B.A. in history. Now, I already expect to take on debt (maybe 130K) for at least the second half of med school, and a third year of undergrad would add on at least 40K debt. My parents (not doctors, so perhaps not the most insightful) seem to disagree with my idea, but with their caveat that I could always "get a more prestigious masters at a better school" later, if that means after finishing residency. They see a history degree from my specific undergrad as lacking any value. I see completing the B.A. as something to enjoy and develop my worldview with before tumbling into medicine, but am not so concerned with school rankings. I would also be completely satisfied with a B.A. and nothing more, so far as history goes.

My question is, would 40K more debt and a year later of starting medicine be reasonable given my circumstances? Is it reasonable assuming I will one day make a physician's salary? Could you point out more (dis)advantages to my idea? I am not lightly toying with the idea, and don't mean to sound indulgent, but am really passionate about history. I just do not see how realistic or feasible a master's so far down the road would be. I also hear that I can just open a book anytime, but I sincerely feel I've learned the most in the lecture room.

I have thought about this before, but the next several weeks are my last chance to decide. Thank you very much in advance for serious advice.

 

[M.D.Cole]

I think that is a terrible idea honestly. Your in a great position being in an accelerated program and having the luxury of being able to both practice and get out of debt quickly. I love history a great deal myself but I honestly don't think there's anything a history degree or a professor can do for you that you cant yourself to continue learning if you have the discipline, for 40k of debt you could buy all the history books on subjects that interest you that you could handle and you could use that money to travel around the world as well.

 

[rocklobstr]

You could always take history classes after residency depending on your specialty, desired income, hours, remaining passion, etc.

Would be a hell of a lot cheaper that way, and you could focus on learning for the sake of learning rather than the grade

 

[Phayanaga]

I think that is a terrible idea honestly. Your in a great position being in an accelerated program and having the luxury of being able to both practice and get out of debt quickly. I love history a great deal myself but I honestly don't think there's anything a history degree or a professor can do for you that you cant yourself to continue learning if you have the discipline, for 40k of debt you could buy all the history books on subjects that interest you that you could handle and you could use that money to travel around the world as well.

Just to ask, have you taken history or similar courses in college? I feel like the in-class lectures and discussions I've had with my professors (the ones I got close with) have taught me far better than any books can. I mean, some professors have been mentors and really changed my worldview through the subject material. I just wouldn't want to go through medical school regretting not majoring while I still had the chance. Also, if M.D.'s could reply to this (this post was relocated) that would be especially helpful. Practicing medicine is the career goal, but I don't know if I can engage in this passion to the same extent again. If I want to eventually incorporate history or anthropology (at least there are people who've done the latter) into my career, I also *feel* that a B.A. would help?

 

[rocklobstr]

No one will care what you majored in after you finish medical school and residency

 

[ERDOC555]

Hi all,

I'm a sophomore (technically graduating senior) attending a six-year B.S./M.D. program at a US News Top 50 undergrad. I completed my program's MCAT requirement and am on track to finish science requirements and undergrad in about a month, but have reached a crossroads.

History is a strong passion of mine; as a premed, I will soon complete a minor in it, but want to indulge in it much more. Theoretically, I could stay a third year in undergrad (as most of my entering cohort move on to med school) and complete a B.A. in history. Now, I already expect to take on debt (maybe 130K) for at least the second half of med school, and a third year of undergrad would add on at least 40K debt. My parents (not doctors, so perhaps not the most insightful) seem to disagree with my idea, but with their caveat that I could always "get a more prestigious masters at a better school" later, if that means after finishing residency. They see a history degree from my specific undergrad as lacking any value. I see completing the B.A. as something to enjoy and develop my worldview with before tumbling into medicine, but am not so concerned with school rankings. I would also be completely satisfied with a B.A. and nothing more, so far as history goes.

My question is, would 40K more debt and a year later of starting medicine be reasonable given my circumstances? Is it reasonable assuming I will one day make a physician's salary? Could you point out more (dis)advantages to my idea? I am not lightly toying with the idea, and don't mean to sound indulgent, but am really passionate about history. I just do not see how realistic or feasible a master's so far down the road would be. I also hear that I can just open a book anytime, but I sincerely feel I've learned the most in the lecture room.

I have thought about this before, but the next several weeks are my last chance to decide. Thank you very much in advance for serious advice.

Would I do the history B.A.? Never, not in a million years! I don't like history and I would hate losing out on time spent in medicine.

Should you do the history B.A.? It depends!
If you really like it and would find satisfaction, then 100% do it. Keep in mind that it should be worth ~40k + interest + 200-300k attending salary in the future from the year of lost work. If that is worth the satisfaction, then by all means enjoy yourself and get the History B.A. If not, go straight to med school!

You're already 2 years ahead and losing one of those to do something you love is definitely worth it!

 

[Hospitalized]

Hi all,

I'm a sophomore (technically graduating senior) attending a six-year B.S./M.D. program at a US News Top 50 undergrad. I completed my program's MCAT requirement and am on track to finish science requirements and undergrad in about a month, but have reached a crossroads.

History is a strong passion of mine; as a premed, I will soon complete a minor in it, but want to indulge in it much more. Theoretically, I could stay a third year in undergrad (as most of my entering cohort move on to med school) and complete a B.A. in history. Now, I already expect to take on debt (maybe 130K) for at least the second half of med school, and a third year of undergrad would add on at least 40K debt. My parents (not doctors, so perhaps not the most insightful) seem to disagree with my idea, but with their caveat that I could always "get a more prestigious masters at a better school" later, if that means after finishing residency. They see a history degree from my specific undergrad as lacking any value. I see completing the B.A. as something to enjoy and develop my worldview with before tumbling into medicine, but am not so concerned with school rankings. I would also be completely satisfied with a B.A. and nothing more, so far as history goes.

My question is, would 40K more debt and a year later of starting medicine be reasonable given my circumstances? Is it reasonable assuming I will one day make a physician's salary? Could you point out more (dis)advantages to my idea? I am not lightly toying with the idea, and don't mean to sound indulgent, but am really passionate about history. I just do not see how realistic or feasible a master's so far down the road would be. I also hear that I can just open a book anytime, but I sincerely feel I've learned the most in the lecture room.

I have thought about this before, but the next several weeks are my last chance to decide. Thank you very much in advance for serious advice.

Stopped reading at "top 50"

 

[allantois]

Go look up classes on edX.org

 

[JustAPhD]

It all depends on if your personal interest in history is worth the extra 40K.
Personally? No way would I do that...but it doesn't matter what I think. It's your money.

 

[37Base]

Is it really because your love of history, or is it more that you want to put off med school for a year? I definitely understand the appeal of staying in undergrad as long as possible and enjoying your time.

If this is something down the line you're really going to regret not doing, then I would say do it. But personally I do not think it's the practical option.

I think you should ask yourself whether you're ready for medical school, and whether medicine is really even your passion.


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