Every premed student looks for ways to boost their application to get into medical school. Some may think that having a masters degree will benefit them. And give them an added advantage.
But this is not the case. As long as you have all the requirements needed by the medical school you will get your admission. A masters degree will not be of much help if the school’s main requirements are not met.
Put your goals at the center
The main question is whether pursuing a master degree in a medical field will make you more eligible for admission in a medical school?
It is worth noting that if medical research excites you, then pursuing a masters in medicine is a good idea. This should be your reason for pursuing a masters degree. Also, medical schools may note your hard work. Because your qualifications are higher than other applicants.
But is it worth doing it just to boost your GPA or beautify your application? It is presumed that if you pursue a master's degree you will get admission into any medical school. This is not the truth.
You should pursue a master’s degree out of personal interests. Because you love medicine. And you are into medical research. This is the only way the master’s degree will be worth your while.
Know the medical school requirements
You need to find out what the requirements to get into medical school are. Most medical schools have the same requirements.
Some requirements include:
- Taking basic science classes
- MCAT scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Volunteer work
A masters degree could provide you with some skills. But it will not give you the upper hand.
Med School Alumni Views on Graduate Degrees
Nancy, who is currently a medical student, shares the challenges she faced when making her application to medical school. Before applying to Trinity medical school, she got an MPH and an MS.
She says that both degrees were meant to boost her application for medical school. The reason she pursued the MS was she thought she could use the knowledge she acquired later in life.
In a way she regrets the MS and appreciates the MPH. She says she feels it was a waste of time and money. The knowledge she got from there she would have gotten from retaking science courses at the local college. This would have better prepared her for the MCAT exam. Her MCAT score was the only thing keeping her from getting admission at a medical school.
Special Masters Program
This is a master’s program to get into medical school. They equip you with skills to join medical school.
It is a risky step. The minimum grade for promotion is 3.65 and above. If you do not get this grade you will not get promoted. Meaning you will have a medical degree that will be useless to you.
