should a BA or BS make a difference?

We probably need someone that has been in adcom before to answer this one.

My guess is that each school probably has a chart which has a list of degrees and how many points are awarded to your application.

In my opinion, there shouldn't be much of a point difference between a BA and BS in Biology but who knows, it could be a huge difference. If you have a BA in Biology and already have a strong application, having a BS in biology wouldn't make it much stronger.

 

When I graduate, I will graduate with a BSA in Microbiology and Cell Science. Whats the difference b/w a BS, a BA, and a BSA?

 

BS is Bachelor of Science and BA is Bachelor of Arts. Typically, BS is more specific and specialized to the major, while BA is broader. For the BS in computer science, I learned more specifically software engineering, while I was told the BA is for people interested in the business side of computers.

I think BSA stands for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. I don't know what it means.

 

If you don't get into pharmacy school and don't go into grad school, BA is useless. Just take those few extra classes and get a BS.

As for pharmacy school, some of them don't even care if you have a BA or BS. They want you to at least complete the pre-requisites and have high GPA and PCAT score.

 

Ha...that is interesting. The fact of the matter is, it all depends on what school you go to. I attended a highly selective college that only offered a BA. It is a liberal arts college that has an amazing reputation within academia. My BA isn't useless...not only did I get accepted to each school I applied to, but I have enjoyed a successful career for three years after graduation before deciding to pursue pharmacy.

 

How did I know that comment was gonna come back and bite me in the behind?

 

BS is more beneficial than BA. BA is more libral-art related and you don't get much training inhardcore sciences, which is require for the professional pharmaceutical career. BS provides you more chances to learn research skills, critical thinking and management in sciences and you deal with more difficult stuffs. Usually people with BA seem to go into teaching as far as I know. I'd defintely pick BS (which I'll have this coming May )

 

I personally think a B.A. makes u stand out as an applicant given you got good grades for all your pre-reqs. I am a BS. tho.

 

I think it totally depends on which school you go to. Some schools that only give out B.A. actually require more upper division science classes than schools that offer B.S. So it depends. But in general, for schools that offer both B.A. and B.S., it's better to get the B.S. because it's a little more challenging and it will show that you can handle the tougher science classes. If you can do well in those classes, you will certainily make a good impression on the adcom. However, I have to say I don't like the sound of BS.