Masters Program/ Undergrad GPA advice

[broccolyn]

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Hello!
I am currently in a science based master's program. My classes are pretty difficult but I think I will be getting all A's/A-'s and one B+ (maybe) this semester based on my progress so far. I truly think I can have at least a 3.7 by the end of this semester and maybe this year depending on how I do next semester. I am looking to apply this upcoming cycle. I will have 1000+ research hours by application and will have around 800 more by matriculation if I do apply this cycle. I don't have a publication yet besides an abstract but will likely have one by end of next semester. My undergrad GPA is a 3.29/3.0 or 3.29/3.1. I am wondering if it would make sense to try and take some more undergrad level classes while in my program. Either at the local community college or I've looked into some online at a UC extension. The school I am currently at my master's for is $5,000+ to take a class since I am not a resident. And the classes would count towards my master's program and not my undergrad GPA. Does it make sense for me to try and take some more post-bacc level classes? Or should I try and just do well in my current program? Will schools look down on me taking more credits at a different institution than my masters? I want to try and apply early so I was thinking trying to classes either first summer term so I could apply by end of June if I cant take them during the semester or during a winter term. thanks in advance 🙂

 

[Goro]

So this is a research based MS program? If so, MD schools will discount your work, but DO schools will not.

Read this:

• Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

 

[broccolyn]

So this is a research based MS program? If so, MD schools will discount your work, but DO schools will not.

Read this:

• Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

It's in the pharmacy school but it's researched based. I read the thread and cost of taking classes is definitely an issue (my masters is fully funded thats the only reason I'm here tbh). Do you think taking classes at a distance school ( ex. UCSD extension) or my state community college online (or possibly in person through winter session) is better. There's no community college here, I could commute to one but I'd be out of state so price would definitely be more. Also, Whats your opinion on taking those post-bacc classes while in my masters program?
Thanks so much

 

[MrBigglesworth]

Yes doing some undergrad post-bacc classes are a good idea. I would wrap of your research though, get that publication and stop doing that. You need to focus on your grades. A million research hours aren't going to save a bad GPA

 

[Goro]

It's in the pharmacy school but it's researched based. I read the thread and cost of taking classes is definitely an issue (my masters is fully funded thats the only reason I'm here tbh). Do you think taking classes at a distance school ( ex. UCSD extension) or my state community college online (or possibly in person through winter session) is better. There's no community college here, I could commute to one but I'd be out of state so price would definitely be more. Also, Whats your opinion on taking those post-bacc classes while in my masters program?
Thanks so much

Online classes? No. COVID is over.
I suggest that you wait until you finish the MS, and then relocate to an area that has less expensive schools.

 

[broccolyn]

Online classes? No. COVID is over.
I suggest that you wait until you finish the MS, and then relocate to an area that has less expensive schools.

Oh ok. Thanks for your advice!

 

[broccolyn]

Yes doing some undergrad post-bacc classes are a good idea. I would wrap of your research though, get that publication and stop doing that. You need to focus on your grades. A million research hours aren't going to save a bad GPA

I am doing the masters because I'm genuinely interested in the research and the program not necessarily for research hours/ potential grades but obv that would be a plus. I also think that some of the classes I'm taking are helping me prepare a bit for the rigor of med school classes (also definitely not the same but closer to the same level as the pharmacy students) What's your opinion on taking the post bacc classes at the same time as my masters?
Thank you 🙂