MS vs Post bacc

[neofight]

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The recommendations on this thread has been leaned more towards obtaining a Masters Science degree (Biology or Chemistry). I am wondering if anyone thinks obtaining an MS in Physics or Math would be just as effective in strengthening an applicant's competitiveness considering these subjects also count for the BCPM GPA.

 

[optimistique]

I have 3.0 UGPA and 4.0 Post-bacc, how are grades calculated on the Application? How can i estimate my chances?

 

[Adcadet]

Originally posted by optimistique
I have 3.0 UGPA and 4.0 Post-bacc, how are grades calculated on the Application? How can i estimate my chances?

I'm not exactly sure how post-bacc stuff is calculated, but grad school grades are lumped into their own category just as freshman/sophomore/junior/senior year stuff is. As one admissions director told me, your undergrad grades will be with your forever. I'm not sure how to estimate your chances. Check out MDApplicants.com and see if you can find anybody with similar stats.

 

[neofight]

When AMCAS calcuates your undergraduate GPA, your post-baac courses are considered as part of your undergraduate GPA. So you could just average out your post-baac courses with your undergrad GPA to see how much your GPA went up...

 

[JZZZZZZZs]

How does graduate GPA get calculated by AMCAS? Is it included in BCPM and cumulative GPA?

 

[pathdr2b]

Originally posted by JZZZZZZZs
How does graduate GPA get calculated by AMCAS? Is it included in BCPM and cumulative GPA?

Graduate GPA's are calculated seperately by AMCAS.

 

[Kimya]

Glad that posters are bringing it up. Graduate work DOES NOT factor into your undergradate GPA. Also, graduate classes are usually easier to get A's in. So if you need to bring up your undergraduate GPA, you need to take undergradate (preferably upper division) classes, specifically science classes.

So if you have a very low GPA, you might be better off doing a post bac. If your GPA is moderately low, you might be better off doing a masters so that you can also get research exp, recs, etc, as well as having something marketable when you are done.

 

[pathdr2b]

Originally posted by Kimya
[B Also, graduate classes are usually easier to get A's in.
[/B]

I don't know about this one. I had a VERY hard time getting a "B" in Medical Biochemistry and got an "A-" in Physical Biochemistry. So I'd say it depends on the degree.

 

[Adcadet]

Originally posted by pathdr2b
I don't know about this one. I had a VERY hard time getting a "B" in Medical Biochemistry and got an "A-" in Physical Biochemistry. So I'd say it depends on the degree.

I think it totally depends on the class/professor/student. I breezed through public health toxicology, while I know others really struggled. Similarly, Epi II was a ton of work for me, but I know others that found it relatively easy.

Bottom line (IMO): adcoms don't know how to evaluate graduate school grades, and may (rightfully or wrongly) assume that there is grade inflation. Therefore, take at least some upper-level undergrad courses that pre-meds typically take. That and do well on the MCAT. This way adcoms can compare you more directly with the typical undergraduate med school applicant.

 

[Adcadet]

hey path - I think I PMed you a few days ago - are you intentionally ignoring me?

 

[pathdr2b]

Originally posted by Adcadet
[BTherefore, take at least some upper-level undergrad courses that pre-meds typically take. [/B]

This is a very good idea and I think some good courses are: Histology, Physiology, and embryology.

 

[pathdr2b]

OK people, you're running out of time...................

 

[pathdr2b]

bump for my peeps !

 

[exmike]

I got my MPH, so I cant really say anything about MS degrees. I wonder how you can separate your BCMP classes you take in grad school from the rest of your classes, since you cant really add it to your undergrad BCMP. (on your amcas)

 

[Adcadet]

Originally posted by exmike
I got my MPH, so I cant really say anything about MS degrees. I wonder how you can separate your BCMP classes you take in grad school from the rest of your classes, since you cant really add it to your undergrad BCMP. (on your amcas)

Your undergrad grades are listed by AMCAS (BMCP, non-BMCP, total) and your grad grades are listed (BMCP, non-BMCP, total). Your grad stuff will never eliminate your undergrad grades, for better or worse.

 

[pathdr2b]

Bump!

 

[pathdr2b]

My once/year bump!

 

[Adcadet]

Your undergrad grades are listed by AMCAS (BMCP, non-BMCP, total) and your grad grades are listed (BMCP, non-BMCP, total). Your grad stuff will never eliminate your undergrad grades, for better or worse.

See above.

Lots of people have decent but unremarkable undergrad grades and still manage to get into medical school. There are many ways - rich uncle who donates a couple million to a school, admissions office mistake, post-bac program that you do well in, grad classes that impress the adcom, life experiences, great essays, research, volunteer experiences, etc.