Is Master's generally easier than Undergrad?

[DCalypso]

Hello everyone!

I was just wondering what is the main reason(s) that many students with lower GPA's in undergrad get 3.8+ GPA in their master's programs.

Is it because master's is generally easier/lighter load than undergrad?
Or is it because many "woke up" from their bad habits and became a better student (academically).

I sorta feel like an idiot posting this, but I just really want an answer.
I'm sorry if I offended anyone with this thread.

Thanks!
~DCalypso

About me: I am an undergrad junior with a sub 3.0 sci GPA due to horrible horrible study habits. I just didn't study during my earlier years. But I am definitely changing for the better.)

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[darkwalk]

Usually, people go into Master's program because they have a passion for that particular topic. That in itself motivates people to perform well and will be rewarded appropriately.

 

[userah]

Being in the same category of sub 3.0 undergrad gpa, and doing the masters program at umdnj, I can tell you that it is not easy. I'm not sure of other programs because there might be grade inflation but like you said i "woke up" from my bad habits and busted by butt. Still got two more semesters to go though haha.

Good luck with the masters if you choose to do so

 

[doc toothache]

Anything lower than a B is not an acceptable grade for grad school for a major.

 

[xaznxcountx]

Hello everyone!

I was just wondering what is the main reason(s) that many students with lower GPA's in undergrad get 3.8+ GPA in their master's programs.

Is it because master's is generally easier/lighter load than undergrad?
Or is it because many "woke up" from their bad habits and became a better student (academically).

I sorta feel like an idiot posting this, but I just really want an answer.
I'm sorry if I offended anyone with this thread.

Thanks!
~DCalypso

About me: I am an undergrad junior with a sub 3.0 sci GPA due to horrible horrible study habits. I just didn't study during my earlier years. But I am definitely changing for the better.)

Hey I was in a similar situation as you in undergrad so I can offer some advice. In terms of easiness grad school is not easier. I am doing the Master's in Biomedical Science at Midwestern University right now and I'll tell you its a lot of work. I think most people who are accepted into these programs do in fact "wake up" and realize that if they don't change their study habits and work harder, then they won't get into dental school. Personally for me I had a horrible start to undergrad for the first 3 years, buckled down my last 2 years (stayed 5 years) and am now doing relatively well in the Masters program granted I finish this last quarter strong.

Just to give you a comparison. Back in undergrad when I finally got my grades up I was able to manage a full courseload with a part time job and still have free time for myself. Here at the Master's you literally wake up go to class, study, workout, eat, study, sleep, and repeat. On the weekends you pretty much study most of the day. I don't know about the other programs but Midwestern's Masters is really intense so for those considering this program don't come in with the mindset that you'll have time to party and chillax, cause you won't. The amount of material you have to learn in the given amount of time makes it feel like midterm/finals everyday. A program like this is suppose to demonstrate to dental schools you have what it takes to handle the intense courseload cause dental school is even harder. Anyway feel free to PM me with further questions.

 

[xaznxcountx]

Oh and another thing, not everyone gets a 3.8+. It only seems like that because these are the people that post it on SDN. There are definetly people who get low 3.'s in the Masters but they're more than likely not going to mention it. I would say more realistically people get a 3.5+.

 

[coolslugs]

It's certainly not easier. I never took more than 3 science classes in one quarter in undergrad, and I am doing 4-5 science classes + electives per quarter in grad. People do better in grad school because...umm...you actually study all the time! Also, unlike undergrad, everyone is given the fair chance to get an A in the class if you put in the work.

 

[Andrea86]

I'd have to agree with everyone above that Masters programs are definitely not easier than undergrad. I just got my MPH at Columbia and I think the classes are just structured differently. We were continually asked to think outside the box and apply what we learned in lecture to different scenarios. During undergrad, there was a lot of memorization- although looking back I'm sure most people (myself included) wish they could have done better. I can only share my experiences, but for me my masters was hard, but just in a different way.

Anyways, if you do go for a masters, I hope you choose to do it in something you are truly passionate about. I've found that if you love the material/subject matter, doing well comes naturally because you want to learn the material. Good luck!

 

[Master Pain]

allota work for less credit and if you are in hybrid courses you are usually graded on a diff. scale than undergrads. Make sure you pick an a good lab with an advisor you like. Like the others said, make sure you like the project/subject matter you'll 'specialize' in if you go thesis.

 

[TerpFan]

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[niuboy]

Yup, I'm on the same boat. masters at umdnj while having a bad undergrad GPA. I think it depends on what school you are doing your masters. From experience i can tell you that masters classes at umdnj were MUCH harder than undergrad, esp if you choose to take any classes with the med students, which i did. However, for most people in my situation, this is kind of like "do or die." Not literally, of course. But if we want to have any shot at getting into dental school, we gotta pull out those 3.7+ GPAs.

is the masters at umdnj 1 year or 2 years?

 

[dentisttobeDMD]

the masters at umdnj can be done in 1-2 years. ideally, 3 semesters is the best option in my opinion b/c you dont have to cram and risk doing bad. anyway, there are two masters programs. one at umdnj in newark and a new one just starting this upcoming fall in new brunswick...umdnj gsbs at rwjms. google what i just wrote and you should find it. the deadline for applying is may 30, 2010. check it out if interested.

 

[TerpFan]

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[userah]

you can actually consider it to be 4 programs haha because doesn't new brunswick also have one that's not affiliated with rwj? or has that program just been assimilated into this new one?