Will obtaining an Masters(MA) help my app?

[blackarrowmoose]

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Well im in ungrad right now, but for my specific major i have the option of going to an extra year of school (total of 5) and getting both my BS and MA. However im just wondering, would this increase my chances of getting into med school? Or should i just stick with the 4 year program and get my BS.

 

[courtnes]

Medical schools care more about your undergraduate cumulative and science GPAs than about any masters grades. You need to make sure you do well in your pre-med classes before you really worry about the masters courses. Beyond that, the masters degree can make you a more interesting candidate depending on what it's in, so by all means go for it if you can do it all and do it well!

 

[Algophiliac]

Medical schools care more about your undergraduate cumulative and science GPAs than about any masters grades. You need to make sure you do well in your pre-med classes before you really worry about the masters courses. Beyond that, the masters degree can make you a more interesting candidate depending on what it's in, so by all means go for it if you can do it all and do it well!

Does any particular Masters degree subject choice look better than others? I always assumed most of those aiming for a Masters degree were in some sort of science fields.

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

However im just wondering, would this increase my chances of getting into med school?

not by much, and it won't make up for a shaky undergrad GPA either. the undergrad GPA is really what counts.

 

[blackarrowmoose]

well if it won't help me achieve my end goal im not to keen on applying for the MA program. Thanks guys

 

[Catalystik]

If being in a masters program helps you get research and teaching opportunities you wouldn't otherwise have, those activities would enhance your application.

 

[Frazier]

If being in a masters program helps you get research and teaching opportunities you wouldn't otherwise have, those activities would enhance your application.

^^^ this

...or you can just save the 30-40k and find these opportunities on your own.

 

[KUNRD07]

I have a MS in the biomedical sciences from a top 10 school and I honestly believe the MS itself hasn't helped me at all.

However, I did my master's thesis research in the lab of a HUGE name in the HIV/AIDS field, and the LOR from him has definitely helped.

So, having a master's listed on your CV won't help, but getting a great research experience/LOR out of it will, though obviously pursuing a master's isn't necessary for this.

I have heard that having a master's will help for residency applications.

Overall I wouldn't recommend doing it.

 

[drghost]

I have a MS in the biomedical sciences and I honestly believe the MS itself hasn't helped me at all.

However, I did my master's thesis research in the lab of a HUGE name in the HIV/AIDS field, and the LOR from him has definitely helped.

So, having a master's listed on your CV won't help, but getting a great research experience/LOR out of it will, though obviously pursuing a master's isn't necessary for this.

I have heard that having a master's will help for residency applications.

Overall I wouldn't recommend doing it.

I am in the same position. My masters didn't help me at all it was a foot note.

 

[JJMountainMan]

It depends on why you are doing the masters? Do you have shaky ungergrad grades? Then do an SMP where you take med school classes and prove that you can handle med school. Do you have fine undergrad grades? Then just apply to med school now and save the money unless you are dying to do a masters to get research experience, but if that is the case then consider doing an MD/Phd program instead.

I have not been accepted anywhere yet, but I NEVER would have gotten an interview this cycle without my masters program. Its helped people before, and will help more people in the future but if you dont get good grades and do clinical volunteering and have great research, youre dead in the water.

 

[Catalystik]

I have heard that having a master's will help for residency applications.

This is true.

 

[drghost]

This is true.

Good to know I will be ahead of the game there.