Should I get Master's degree before applying with my stats?

[whoopaggie]

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I'm getting my bachelor's degree this summer, but I discovered that I want to pursue med too late.
My stats aren't really in a good shape, especially extracurricular activities. Should I get master's degree before applying? or what would be the best option for me before applying?
Here are my stats
cGPA 3.69
sGPA 3.63
1000+ hours research assistant in biomedical department
80 hours hospital volunteering
30 hours volunteering in research labs
1 semester of Executive committee in engineering and scientist association
And..I'm starting a small donation group for homeless people with my friend and that's in preparation. We've already received multiple donations
Also, I'm volunteering in a nursing home for Alzheimer patients this year

Texas residence

I have not taken MCAT.... people said not to waste money on Master's degree, but spend money instead on special master's degree.
What are your thoughts and advice? I really need to improve both my GPA and extracurriculars

 

[Omppu27]

Your gpa is absolutely competitive for medical school. Don't waste any time on a masters of any kind if you're just trying to improve your chances at getting into medical school. You should focus on doing well on your mcat and improving your resume. Continue your volunteering and other ECs and work on getting some shadowing. When are you taking your mcat?

Edit: just noticed you're a Texas resident which is a great plus

 

[docbsb2015]

I agree with the above. Don't do a masters… volunteer and shadow and get a 30+ MCAT and in Texas you are good (33+ and I think you are pretty competitive everywhere in Texas). Apply early!!!! That is my biggest piece of advice!

 

[whoopaggie]

Your gpa is absolutely competitive for medical school. Don't waste any time on a masters of any kind if you're just trying to improve your chances at getting into medical school. You should focus on doing well on your mcat and improving your resume. Continue your volunteering and other ECs and work on getting some shadowing. When are you taking your mcat?

Edit: just noticed you're a Texas resident which is a great plus

I'm taking MCAT this summer because I need to focus on keeping my grades up this semester (lowering my grades at this time would be the kiss of death)
and also because I don't know if 'procrastinating' my resume in one semester would be acceptable to medical school (since dedication is a must). That means I'm applying in 2016. If that's the case, then before applying, I'll maybe improve my grades by re-taking a few classes and postponing my graduation to winter..
I was told by my primary doctor that it is very..competitive to get into med school and that his sister had a 4.0 GPA but did not get in. So I should just concentrate on ECs for about a year n half before applying? No special master's degree or

 

[Omppu27]

I'm taking MCAT this summer because I need to focus on keeping my grades up this semester (lowering my grades at this time would be the kiss of death)
and also because I don't know if 'procrastinating' my resume in one semester would be acceptable to medical school (since dedication is a must). That means I'm applying in 2016. If that's the case, then before applying, I'll maybe improve my grades by re-taking a few classes and postponing my graduation to winter..
I was told by my primary doctor that it is very..competitive to get into med school and that his sister had a 4.0 GPA but did not get in. So I should just concentrate on ECs for about a year n half before applying? No special master's degree or

Your grades are very good, dude... What classes are you planning on retaking and what were your grades in them? Retaking any classes with a 3.7 cgpa and 3.6 sgpa (these are practically median gpas for accepted MD students, btw...) is just a HUGE waste of your time and money.

If you're applying in 2016, you have plenty of time to build a strong resume. Do well on your mcat and I think you'll have a strong chance at at least one acceptance as a tx resident.

 

[whoopaggie]

haha thanks for the encouragement. All the beasts out their with crazy stats had me thinking you need at least a 3.8 cGPA to be in the safe zone. I'm thinking of re-taking organic chemistry I and II. I ended up with 88 in both classes, so B's.. unfortunately..( B's bring my grades down, but professional school doesn't recommend you retake classes unless you got Cs...awkward situation truly) So for med school, retaking classes won't replace your old grades right?

 

[Gibbward]

So for med school, retaking classes won't replace your old grades right?

MD programs do not do grade replacement, though DO schools do. In any case, I wouldn't retake classes you got Bs on anyway since it would not make a significant increase in your overall GPA.

From what I've gathered from going through this forum, there is no safe zone when it comes to the admission process! Sure, a 4.0 GPA will significantly increase your chances of getting in somewhere, but adcoms still look at the total package. Your GPA is very much competitive so don't worry about that. If I were you, I would focus on getting a good MCAT score, continue my volunteer duties and go from there. Good luck!

 

[Omppu27]

haha thanks for the encouragement. All the beasts out their with crazy stats had me thinking you need at least a 3.8 cGPA to be in the safe zone. I'm thinking of re-taking organic chemistry I and II. I ended up with 88 in both classes, so B's.. unfortunately..( B's bring my grades down, but professional school doesn't recommend you retake classes unless you got Cs...awkward situation truly) So for med school, retaking classes won't replace your old grades right?

Do not retake those classes. Even if you got A's, ADCOMs might look down on you for it and view you as a perfectionist. Same idea goes for people who did really well on their MCAT and retake it.

 

[Doug Underhill]

The MCAT should be your top priority. The person you know with a 4.0 who did not get in may have had a 27 or 28 on the MCAT. The average for accepted students is a 31.

There are plenty of people who got in with a 3.69 and a good MCAT score. Keep getting clinical experiences and study for a few months.

 

[Goro]

You need to work on the self-esteem, because the GPAs are excellent.

So forget about the MS, and start prepping for MCAT!

I'm getting my bachelor's degree this summer, but I discovered that I want to pursue med too late.
My stats aren't really in a good shape, especially extracurricular activities. Should I get master's degree before applying? or what would be the best option for me before applying?
Here are my stats
cGPA 3.69
sGPA 3.63
1000+ hours research assistant in biomedical department
80 hours hospital volunteering
30 hours volunteering in research labs
1 semester of Executive committee in engineering and scientist association
And..I'm starting a small donation group for homeless people with my friend and that's in preparation. We've already received multiple donations
Also, I'm volunteering in a nursing home for Alzheimer patients this year

Texas residence

I have not taken MCAT.... people said not to waste money on Master's degree, but spend money instead on special master's degree.
What are your thoughts and advice? I really need to improve both my GPA and extracurriculars