How are Senior Research Thesis viewed?

[evo512]

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Hello,
I am a biochemistry and biophysics major at RPI, with a minor in Psychology. That is a single major at my school and not a double. I have a lower than desired GPA currently as a rising junior (3.28 cGPA, 3.30 sGPA), but with a rising trend. I was looking at a backup plan for not getting accepted the first time through to my dream medical school USUHS, and found out if I took a biology senior research thesis class I could graduate with two degrees on time, and that class would count as an elective for my BCBP degree. I was wondering how medical schools view senior research thesis classes, is it viewed as actual research or since its going towards the degree is it viewed as slightly something less? Also would it be worthwhile to change a free elective to the biology research thesis class and get two degrees? I currently do not have any research experience as of yet but I am applying for some this fall.

 

[Catalystik]

Hello,
I am a biochemistry and biophysics major at RPI, with a minor in Psychology. That is a single major at my school and not a double. I have a lower than desired GPA currently as a rising junior (3.28 cGPA, 3.30 sGPA), but with a rising trend. I was looking at a backup plan for not getting accepted the first time through to my dream medical school USUHS, and found out if I took a biology senior research thesis class I could graduate with two degrees on time, and that class would count as an elective for my BCBP degree. I was wondering how medical schools view senior research thesis classes, is it viewed as actual research or since its going towards the degree is it viewed as slightly something less? Also would it be worthwhile to change a free elective to the biology research thesis class and get two degrees? I currently do not have any research experience as of yet but I am applying for some this fall.

-Med schools won't care about double majors.
-Having written a thesis won't make you more competitive.
-Getting involved in a research project for which you get class credit is a good way to "check the box" for gaining research experience. It would be viewed the same as a research activity through volunteerism or paid employment.
-Taking a senior research thesis class will be detrimental to your application if you don't get an A in the class, considering that your GPA is on the lower side. Better to take a Bio elective in which you are sure to excel.

 

[HouseJC]

I agree with the above post. Don't just check off boxes or you will appear too generic (i.e. cookie-cutter application). If you envision yourself continuing to do research in medical school and research will be a large part of your career as MD/DO, then do the senior thesis. Otherwise, do not do "X" because it's what you think Adcoms want to see/hear/read on your app. An app that doesn't flow well will stand out in a negative way.