Will a BA instead of BS hurt me specifically for MD/PhD?

[cloudysunshine]

I'm getting a BA instead of BS in Biochemistry, but I want to apply for MD/PhD programs later on.
The BA requires about 3-4 fewer courses than the BS, which I am using to take a larger variety of classes in other subjects I am interested in. If I really wanted to, I could switch to the BS...which is fine, but ideally I want to balance out my curriculum. I'm still heavily involved in research.
That being said, is this something that may put me at a disadvantage later on for my specific future goals? I know it doesn't matter for pure MD but I'm wondering how much it counts for MD/PhD.

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[chenzt]

No

 

[joonage]

Although degree choice really doesn't matter for med admissions, I think for MD/PhD there could be a slight influence. There might be some AdComs who could question your choice of pursuing a BA instead BS. BS is considered more "science-heavy" often requiring additional research requirements and more electives. They might question why you didn't opt for the more intensive BS. Comparing with a similar applicant, they might favor the BS candidate versus the BA. Your heavy research probably could counteract this notion, but it's just something to keep in mind.

 

[cloudysunshine]

If I minor in something quantitative like Math, might that help dismiss the notion that I'm looking for an "easy" way out of the intensive track? Or should I drop the minor and get the BS?

 

[darkjedi]

The distinction between a BA and a BS is something that is entirely dependent on the school. At my undergrad, the business majors got Bachelors of Science degrees, while the Bio majors got Bachelors of Arts. Made no sense, but whatever.

It does not matter at all.

 

[Aerus]

I'm getting a BA instead of BS in Biochemistry, but I want to apply for MD/PhD programs later on.
The BA requires about 3-4 fewer courses than the BS, which I am using to take a larger variety of classes in other subjects I am interested in. If I really wanted to, I could switch to the BS...which is fine, but ideally I want to balance out my curriculum. I'm still heavily involved in research.
That being said, is this something that may put me at a disadvantage later on for my specific future goals? I know it doesn't matter for pure MD but I'm wondering how much it counts for MD/PhD.

If humanities majors have gotten into MD/PhD programs, what makes you think a BA will be so detrimental? =P

 

[TriagePreMed]

Although degree choice really doesn't matter for med admissions, I think for MD/PhD there could be a slight influence. There might be some AdComs who could question your choice of pursuing a BA instead BS. BS is considered more "science-heavy" often requiring additional research requirements and more electives. They might question why you didn't opt for the more intensive BS. Comparing with a similar applicant, they might favor the BS candidate versus the BA. Your heavy research probably could counteract this notion, but it's just something to keep in mind.

You like talking about things you don't know anything about huh?

If humanities majors have gotten into MD/PhD programs, what makes you think a BA will be so detrimental? =P

Seriously, and if you want to play devil's advocate, you can say that a BA likely has a more well rounded education which is important in today's interdisciplinary world. Besides, reality is you don't do your PhD until you finish your first 2 years of med school. You have the scientific backbone needed for a PhD.

 

[pietachok]

I don't expect it would make a difference in MD admissions, but I'd be cautious getting advice regarding the PhD admission here, because they will scrutinize different aspects of your application for the PhD. (caveat being if you find people on here who confirm they've succeeded in getting into such a program etc.)

I don't know about the case of the MD/PhD, but I know that when I was in undergrad for engineering, we were advised that our engin BA's were not adequate for admission to PhD programs, b/c they skimped on the upper level courses that programs would want to use to assess your performance in a more advanced setting.

 

[Microglia]

Definitely not. They will probably not even know that the BS exists at your school for biochem, and even if they do, they really won't care.

 

[Microglia]

Although degree choice really doesn't matter for med admissions, I think for MD/PhD there could be a slight influence. There might be some AdComs who could question your choice of pursuing a BA instead BS. BS is considered more "science-heavy" often requiring additional research requirements and more electives. They might question why you didn't opt for the more intensive BS. Comparing with a similar applicant, they might favor the BS candidate versus the BA. Your heavy research probably could counteract this notion, but it's just something to keep in mind.

This, as a whole, is incorrect. Or, at the very least, less likely than my neighbors dog being accepted for an md phd.

 

[kyamh]

My schools only gives out BA's....even if you major in Astro-physics

 

[Mr Avante]

A BA won't affect your chances. Experience is more important at this stage than the status of the degree.

Cheers

 

[joonage]

You like talking about things you don't know anything about huh?

Of course, I do. Who doesn't? 😉

Seriously though. No need to attack. Just going off things based on normal Ph.D admissions. I've heard straight from directors and advisors that they would prefer BS candidates versus BA. However, this could just be my school preference, as a BS at my school is more science oriented and has research requirements while the BA doesn't. A grad school will always love the student with more experience and the BS provides that with the research component.

However, I know OP is heavily involved in research and there has been humanities majors that have gotten into Ph.D programs. All I said was just keep it in mind that it MIGHT have an influence. MD/Ph.D might be different due to its MD component so I don't have any knowledge there. But from a pure Ph.D standpoint, there are directors who prefer students with BS over BA.

But ultimately, experiences do play the larger role and since OP has vast research experience, I'm sure he will find success getting into an MD/Ph.D program! 🙂

 

[yehhhboiii]

ph.d. programs are very different from md phd
phd programs want cheap labor and it's relatively easy to get into one
md phd programs want to train physician leaders and they are more competitive than regular md admissions (no tuition + stipend from what i hear although you are working for 3-4 years in a lab)
these are just generalizations though