Second Degree or Upper level courses?

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macbuff

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After this semester I will have completed all my med. school prereq's. I will be 3 DEC's and 2 Bio classes (1 freshman and 1 upper-level) away from getting another degree (BS in Bio). I could take all these classes over the Spring semester. However, I'm in the process of applying and should matriculate for the Fall'06 class so a second degree wouldn't make a difference in the application process. Yet, I have already put 4 semesters of additional undergrad learning and that second degree would bring a certain level of satisfaction. Though, I would have like to take all upper-level Bio courses and to do some research to "prep" myself for med school. Another option would be to just take the semester off and save some money... I'm leaning towards the degree but what would you do?
 
macbuff said:
After this semester I will have completed all my med. school prereq's. I will be 3 DEC's and 2 Bio classes (1 freshman and 1 upper-level) away from getting another degree (BS in Bio). I could take all these classes over the Spring semester. However, I'm in the process of applying and should matriculate for the Fall'06 class so a second degree wouldn't make a difference in the application process. Yet, I have already put 4 semesters of additional undergrad learning and that second degree would bring a certain level of satisfaction. Though, I would have like to take all upper-level Bio courses and to do some research to "prep" myself for med school. Another option would be to just take the semester off and save some money... I'm leaning towards the degree but what would you do?


I was in the same situation. I can graduate now, but was 5 classes away from a second major. My guess is taking those additional Bio classes would help you prepare for medschool anyhow, you can always self-prepare in the summer, second degree/major might make you stand out more if you are already a non-traditional applicant. It can be a chance for you to raise your GPA. All of those factors convinced me to finish a second major. If you decide not to do it, see if you can make a minor in Bio instead. Good luck!
 
me too! I can graduate this semester but I decided to take more upper level bio classes to help my gpa. Also I took the MCAT in August and I felt like I needed more indepth bio classes. I'm taking AP and Cell bio now, then Micro, Genetics, and Biochem in the spring.

I don't think you neccesarily need to get a minor if some of the classes wouldn't help..example: plants. Just take more classes..

I also agree with Moto, it will certainly help you prepare for medschool.
 
macbuff said:
After this semester I will have completed all my med. school prereq's. I will be 3 DEC's and 2 Bio classes (1 freshman and 1 upper-level) away from getting another degree (BS in Bio). I could take all these classes over the Spring semester. However, I'm in the process of applying and should matriculate for the Fall'06 class so a second degree wouldn't make a difference in the application process. Yet, I have already put 4 semesters of additional undergrad learning and that second degree would bring a certain level of satisfaction. Though, I would have like to take all upper-level Bio courses and to do some research to "prep" myself for med school. Another option would be to just take the semester off and save some money... I'm leaning towards the degree but what would you do?

I just started my second degree over the summer. I decided on a second degree when some med schools told me to retake the basics all over again while others said to take advanced stuff. To please them all, I'm doing both; however, it appears that some of those who want advanced work don't want me to take the basics again. Between a rock and a hard place, I guess.

But getting back to the post: yes, finish up that degree if you are so close. It will mean closure to another chapter in your life.
 
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