Masters First?

[jk327]

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I am currently a sophomore majoring in biology and will complete my undergrad in the spring of 2012. I have the option of doing an accelerated masters program which would allow me to graduate with my masters in the summer of 2012. Should I pursue this opportunity? How beneficial would it be? Do most medical school begin in the summer or fall? Would I still be able to apply for admittance to medical school even though I would not be done with my masters until the summer?

Thanks so much!

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

It wouldn't hurt. Do you WANT a Master's though?
If your application is pretty well rounded with good numbers etc. and you're set on going into medicine there's no reason to get a Master's in BIO, unless you're thinking MD/phD

 

[njbmd]

I am currently a sophomore majoring in biology and will complete my undergrad in the spring of 2012. I have the option of doing an accelerated masters program which would allow me to graduate with my masters in the summer of 2012. Should I pursue this opportunity? How beneficial would it be? Do most medical school begin in the summer or fall? Would I still be able to apply for admittance to medical school even though I would not be done with my masters until the summer?

Thanks so much!

If you are getting a "masters degree" to make yourself more competitive for medical school, then it's a huge waste of time (why delay entering medical school if that's your ultimate goal?) and money unless you are entering an SMP (Special Masters Program) for medical school admissions credentials enhancement (see AAMC site for a list of these types of programs). If you want a masters in things like Public Health or Business Administration because you are interested in the subject matter, then realize that many medical schools offer these degrees along with their MD program for their students (or they allow you to take a year off between second and third year after you have taken and passed USMLE Step I). It's far better to do a masters in medical school than before medical school. You can also do and MBA during your residency (research years) or after residency.

If you are trying to "offset a poor uGPA" a masters (other than an SMP) isn't going to do it for you. Your undergraduate GPA will still be the primary GPA that will be considered. If your grades in your masters are not good (well above 3.6), you can potentially tank your application, SMP or not. If you need "uGPA damage control" post bacc coursework is a better option.