PB Question/Clarifications

[ShadyBard]

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I've been thinking about this for a while (before I even graduated with my first major)

I want to go back to school as a PB, complete premed requirements (or rec's, whatever your school would call them), and follow the path to work in Infectious Diseases.

1. What GPA is going to hold more weight, my first UG bachelors degree, or the completion of my science requirements? (my first degree did not have me taking many science courses, only the ones I took on my own for extra credits)

2. Also, in your own opinion, since I have to take all of these biology/chemistry courses- should I just go for it all and obtain a microbiology degree?

3. I'll just throw it out there that my first degree, will not be looked at with warm hearts and empathetic eyes by any med school admissions committee.

 

[vc7777]

I've been thinking about this for a while (before I even graduated with my first major)

I want to go back to school as a PB, complete premed requirements (or rec's, whatever your school would call them), and follow the path to work in Infectious Diseases.

1. What GPA is going to hold more weight, my first UG bachelors degree, or the completion of my science requirements? (my first degree did not have me taking many science courses, only the ones I took on my own for extra credits)

I can only speak for AMCAS (US MD programs excluding TX), but they will calculate ALL of your undergrad work into a cumulative UG non-science GPA and a science GPA. This includes even post-bacc coursework not technically 'graduate level' (although this will be broken out into a separate line).

If you can get into a graduate program, will have your "new" GPAs (both sci and non-sci) separated, and this may help your application. Although I am of the humble opinion that many good schools will take the time to look for trends -- many will not look beyond the cumulative as a first screening pass.

If you truly have little or no sci classes already, then you do have the advantage of not having old grades affecting your science GPA (often called "BPCM" here on SDN for Biology Physics, Chem & Math). You can really take advantage of having this sci GPA number stand out

2. Also, in your own opinion, since I have to take all of these biology/chemistry courses- should I just go for it all and obtain a microbiology degree?

As mentioned above there are programs as some universities tailored to folks with BAs or BSs already who want to return to medical school. Some people do get another bachelor's degree, but that is a very personal choice, I think. Will it necessarily help your application? I am of the opinion it will not, all things being equal, but that's just my humble opinion.

3. I'll just throw it out there that my first degree, will not be looked at with warm hearts and empathetic eyes by any med school admissions committee.

You'd be surprised how receptive adcoms are to unusual and different degrees. Nontrads are just that...not traditional.


Good luck.