masterer's programs and applications

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jmritty711

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i am wondering what the conensus is on doing a master's program before applying. i have an average gpa, but hope to do well on the mcat. how much weight could a master's degree carry on my application?
 
A master's doesn't help that much, concentrate on your mcat. A great mcat goes a very long way. A master's in some form of science couldn't hurt, but keep in mind doing great on the MCAT is easier and quicker than high grades from a master's (and cheaper)!

I know, I have a master's and just applied for 2004.
 
I'm going to be applying to a masters program in case I don't get accepted into any medical schools. Is this a good idea?
 
a master's doesn't hurt...my interviewers asked me about my masters, the research, etc., but I could tell that they weren't overwhelmed by it. I would say that it's worthwhile if you do a thesis/research-track MS (and that you like research)...or, if you get a MS in something non-science but fits in with your outside interests and makes sense in your personal story. Keep in mind that the MS usually takes 2 years, so it would mean putting off med school for an additional year.
 
Actually, if you are going to do a Masters do one of the special 1 year programs. You won't get much research experience but it will demonstrate that you can achieve at the graduate level. I found that the medical schools were very impressed with my Masters from Colorado State (especially at CU where the program is the most well known). Just make sure that if you do the 1 year Masters that you excel in it. Here is the website for where I did my 1 year Masters in case you are interested: http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/bms/planB.htm
 
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