MS -> PB -> MD/DO

[MountainClimber94]

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I have been accepted to a MS in Biology program at a local university. My undergrad grades are pretty low (2.6 cumulative...not much of a grade trend). I am hoping that w/ this MS program it will show post-baccs (possibly some med schools) that I have the intellectual capabilities to be admitted. The MS program is 2-3 years. Research focus is cell biology/genetics/cancer. I would then plan to apply to a Post-bacc as I feel that there I can have the chance to improve on my pre-requs. During my time in a post-bacc I would take the MCAT and of course, then go on to apply to medical school. I want to become a pediatric oncologist. DO is my preferred route based on the values of that subset of the profession.

Is this plan ludicrous or is there some value and well-planned strategy?

 

[liquidstatic]

This sounds expensive. Realistically that Master's isn't going to help you much. I say take a few courses that aren't in a formal post-bac. Show schools (and yourself) that you can get good grades. Maybe then consider an SMP.

 

[Weirdy]

If the only purpose for the M.S. is to stay academically involved/take up time- it is not useful. Not even marketable.

Save that money with interest, do an informal post-bac while you study for your MCAT.

 

[Goro]

I would suggest that you rather do a DIY-post back, and if you ace it, you can then apply to med school.

OR look for an SMP that has a lower threshhold for admittance. SMPs are a dime a dozen.

I have been accepted to a MS in Biology program at a local university. My undergrad grades are pretty low (2.6 cumulative...not much of a grade trend). I am hoping that w/ this MS program it will show post-baccs (possibly some med schools) that I have the intellectual capabilities to be admitted. The MS program is 2-3 years. Research focus is cell biology/genetics/cancer. I would then plan to apply to a Post-bacc as I feel that there I can have the chance to improve on my pre-requs. During my time in a post-bacc I would take the MCAT and of course, then go on to apply to medical school. I want to become a pediatric oncologist. DO is my preferred route based on the values of that subset of the profession.

Is this plan ludicrous or is there some value and well-planned strategy?

 

[Chimichica]

I would suggest that you rather do a DIY-post back, and if you ace it, you can then apply to med school.

OR look for an SMP that has a lower threshhold for admittance. SMPs are a dime a dozen.

@Goro can I ask why you advise a SMP OR a DIY post bac. Theoretically, doing a DIY post bac for GPA improvement then SMP to prove your worth/resume enhancement makes more since. One does not do what the other does, correct? However I'm all for DIY post bac. Honestly, it would even make sense for OP to do grade enhancement then a masters for graduate work as an enhancer. Also, some SMP program requirements aren't even close to the actual MD application threshold.

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[Goro]

because plenty of reinventors manage to reinvent themselves in the post-bac. I'm talking 1-2 years of straight As in med school like courses. If the OP has any Ds or Fs in pre-reqs, I recommend retaking those, especially to help for MCAT.

@Goro can I ask why you advise a SMP OR a DIY post bac. Theoretically, doing a DIY post bac for GPA improvement then SMP to prove your worth/resume enhancement makes more since. One does not do what the other does, correct? However I'm all for DIY post bac. Honestly, it would even make sense for OP to do grade enhancement then a masters for graduate work as an enhancer. Also, some SMP program requirements aren't even close to the actual MD application threshold.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

 

[ZhivagoMD]

Some MS programs will cover tuition as long as you manage the lab/do research, which you already said you planned to do. If your're not having your tuition covered or at least reduced, like Liquidstatic stated, the seems expensive. If your're already planning the DO route, it would probably be easier to do a bunch of retakes and improve your GPA. Then do an SMP program and kill it. Some programs only look at your last 60 credits or so with a post bacc/SMP. The M.S. sounds like a waste of time otherwise.