I need your help, please

[Tove]

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I have a question regarding my options in order to be a candidate for med school. Currently, I have a 3.26 GPA with no per-requisite science courses. I will graduate with a major in Anthropology by December 2014. My question is, should I opt-out for a second degree in biology, or do I have any other options available to me? (such as taking the prerequisites "a la carte") I would prefer the quickest option, but I would also like to be realistic in the options that are available to me.

 

[makingthejump]

Don't waste your money on another degree. Finish up your current degree and take the 8 prereqs over the course of the next 1.5-2yrs while also doing something medically related, while keeping unique hobbies, and separating yourself from the pack.

 

[QuantumJ]

You don't need another degree. You can simply start taking as many prereqs as you feel you can handle each semester (what we refer to as an informal post bac) until you're ready to apply.

 

[Tove]

I appreciate your replies. I will work hard and boost up my GPA, while also taking the required prerequisites.

 

[Indianarn]

I appreciate your replies. I will work hard and boost up my GPA, while also taking the required prerequisites.

I agree with not trying to get another degree. So while you take your pre-reqs, my opinion is, finding a job in anthropology won't be a bad idea. As a matter of fact I think it would help. Moreover the goal here is to get pre-reqs done and keep bringing the GPA up. Start thinking about starting some medical related and non medical related volunteer while showing some physicians should also be a part of plan. As you take your pre-reqs keep in mind that you would need letters of recommendations and should keep these science professors in good relations with you. Good luck.

 

[Tove]

In how the application system works, another degree doesnt actually exist in terms of GPA . Anything class you take AFTER you have your original degree, whether towards second bachelors, a formal postbacc, a la carte/DIY is both added to your overall undergraduate GPA as well as show up as a separate line item "postbacc" GPA. BTW, this goes for any undergraduate level class as well as any graduate classes that you take that are not used towards a graduate degree as quoted below

"Assign Post Baccalaureate (PB) status to any undergraduate level course work you enrolled in:
*After receipt of your initial BA/BS degree.
*While enrolled in a graduate program, if course work is not applied to a graduate degree"

Thank you for your reply. In your opinion, would it be more beneficial if I acquire all the pre-requesites and boost up my GPA before I graduate, or do I just go ahead and graduate?

 

[Quik]

something overlooked in the responses above, is that waiting to graduate and declaring bio as a minor or another major allowing you to finish the pre-reqs as an undergrad before graduating, will give you both registration priority and you will maintain undergraduate tuition. Doing a separated post-bacc may or may not have any effect on the perception of your academic success, and ultimately capability to handle the med-school curriculum. You'll definitely want to ace these course, but given the option if I were in your shoes, I'd be waiting to graduate until I had everything completed.

 

[familyaerospace]

That is a very valid point. How difficult is it to get into classes?

Since the priority is getting into classes over how you take the class (ie UG or PB), if there appears to be a risk in not getting into classes while in post bacc, then take them as a UG, if need be changing majors to get registration priority.

Some students, do a DIY post-bacc by registering for second degree in bio or chem for the same reason. (no, you dont have to finish the degree)

In sum, whatever tactic you need to get the classes, do it. If you can do in way to get a postbacc, thats great. If not, just get the classes which is much more important than how you take them.

I never had a problem getting into any of my postbacc classes. Post-baccs since they have additional credit often get moved to the front of the line.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

That is a very valid point. How difficult is it to get into classes?

Since the priority is getting into classes over how you take the class (ie UG or PB), if there appears to be a risk in not getting into classes while in post bacc, then take them as a UG, if need be changing majors to get registration priority.

Some students, do a DIY post-bacc by registering for second degree in bio or chem for the same reason. (no, you dont have to finish the degree)

In sum, whatever tactic you need to get the classes, do it. If you can do in way to get a postbacc, thats great. If not, just get the classes which is much more important than how you take them.

I never had a problem getting into any of my postbacc classes. Post-baccs since they have additional credit often get moved to the front of the line.

Some students do a "DIY" or do it yourself postbacc as a non-matriculated students. As such they have the last priority in registration

This is all school dependent. You will have to check with your school.

Additionally whether you take classes before or after graduating is a judgment call. Gonnif's points are valid, so are others. If you get a 4.0 in your post-bacc, the only thing you can do better from a cursory glance point of view is to improve your undergrad gpa. But once you graduate, it is set in stone, that is why some suggest taking classes and NOT graduating now. But you could have the best of both worlds by taking more classes before you graduate, and also taking some after.

 

[familyaerospace]

Some students do a "DIY" or do it yourself postbacc as a non-matriculated students. As such they have the last priority in registration

Not where I went. I was doing a DYI as a non-matriculated student. As someone with a bachelors and masters I was moved to the FRONT of the line because I was a "special student" and special students get priority in registration. Never had an issue. Not once.