Going back for another bachelor's degree?

[sjroth]

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Hi all!

I have a BS in Computer Engineering, and will have a MS in the same field come next year. However, I am planning to move forward with my interest in medicine by pursuing another BS in Neuroscience, which will allow me the time to take the MCAT prerequisite classes and spend more time getting exposure to the clinical setting.

That said, when it does come time to apply to medical schools, how exactly do I present my GPA? I had a 3.3 undergrad and am floating around a 3.2 right now for my MS, but I anticipate a higher GPA for the neuroscience BS.

Has anyone else gone back for a second bachelors? How did you report your GPAs?

Thanks!

 

[SpoiledMilk]

With a BS already, you likely have all the non-science prereqs already (English, humanities, etc). So unless you really want another BS just for kicks, having a second bachelors degree, per se, will not help you get into medical school. What will help is doing a DIY postbacc by taking enough upper level science courses. Do the math to determine how many hours you will need to improve your 3.3 to a competitive 3.7-3.8 cGPA and 3.6-3.7 sGPA, which are the aprox. averages of competitive MD applicants. DO applicants have slightly lower averages.

You could also look into formal SMPs, but they are very expensive. With your underlying 3.3, I suggest you go the cheap DIY route.

When you fill out AMCAS, your first BS GPAs, will be divided up into a chart listing F, So, Ju, Se--hence having a upward trend in grades is important. Your postbacc GPA will also be listed and have its own row on this chart.

Most if not all MD schools will not consider a graduate degree (your MS) in determination for admissions. Look into getting MSAR to confirm the very few that might.

There are DO schools that will take into consideration your MS GPA. I am unfamiliar with DO applications but SDN DO Adcoms like goro will be able to help if you PM him.

While you are doing that, continue to improve upon your ECs. Volunteer in clinical settings that involve active patient interactions, non-clinical settings assisting low-income/underserved populations, shadowing physicians (esp. primary care), and settings showing leadership. Also kill the MCAT.

GL!!!

(PS--> If that is your pic, change it for anonymity)

 

[Skiiiiiing]

Have you been working in CS? If so, you need to have a good narrative about why the move.

 

[sjroth]

With a BS already, you likely have all the non-science prereqs already (English, humanities, etc). So unless you really want another BS just for kicks, having a second bachelors degree, per se, will not help you get into medical school. What will help is doing a DIY postbacc by taking enough upper level science courses. Do the math to determine how many hours you will need to improve your 3.3 to a competitive 3.7-3.8 cGPA and 3.6-3.7 sGPA, which are the aprox. averages of competitive MD applicants. DO applicants have slightly lower averages.

You could also look into formal SMPs, but they are very expensive. With your underlying 3.3, I suggest you go the cheap DIY route.

When you fill out AMCAS, your first BS GPAs, will be divided up into a chart listing F, So, Ju, Se--hence having a upward trend in grades is important. Your postbacc GPA will also be listed and have its own row on this chart.

Most if not all MD schools will not consider a graduate degree (your MS) in determination for admissions. Look into getting MSAR to confirm the very few that might.

There are DO schools that will take into consideration your MS GPA. I am unfamiliar with DO applications but SDN DO Adcoms like goro will be able to help if you PM him.

While you are doing that, continue to improve upon your ECs. Volunteer in clinical settings that involve active patient interactions, non-clinical settings assisting low-income/underserved populations, shadowing physicians (esp. primary care), and settings showing leadership. Also kill the MCAT.

GL!!!

(PS--> If that is your pic, change it for anonymity)

I have also looked into post-bacc programs, but my question was primarily asked in the hypothetical scenario where I do go back and get a second, relevant bachelor's degree (in Neuroscience). If I did this, would I post the stats from that bachelors degree? Both?

Have you been working in CS? If so, you need to have a good narrative about why the move.

I'm coming from an unrelated field, and this has killed my MD interviews. DO's haven't said anything about it.

I have done a bit of work in computer science, and I am pretty sure I have a good transition story. I am currently writing software for a medical research lab and have really enjoyed the exposure to the clinical aspects of their work.

 

[SpoiledMilk]

Both

You have to account for every grade you received in undergrad and postbacc programs on the AMCAS primary application.