<p>So I'm currently a freshman planning on double majoring in Biology and Biochemistry with a minor in Chemistry. I think I want to go more into research which would require me to progress to a PhD (my adviser told me a bachelor's won't help much). My school offers a 5 year Master's Program though. Do you think I would have a greater chance of getting into a PhD program or would this path be recommended?</p>
<p>Also, I want to keep my options open so I might try out for med school, dent school, or pharmacy school. However, I have some AP credit that allows me to be exempt from some of the classes. Should I still take the classes in college though?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance</p>
<p>Your advisor works in academia and is probably unaware that about fifty percent of scientists don’t have a Phd, but because non doctoral scientists tend to be in biotech and pharma instead of academia most academics aren’t terribly aware or view them as being marginalized.</p>
<p>Anyway, you should consider an advanced degree. The training opportunities open up new dimensions to your career that you can’t imagine and certainly couldn’t have reached with a bachelors/masters (think directing organizations, mentoring future scientists, discovering therapeutics and so on). A 5 year masters won’t do that much for you when you apply for a Phd. Unless the masters degree includes a research component it won’t be viewed any differently than a fifth year of undergrad. You should get involved in research as early as possible, as that is what makes you competitive for graduate school. That being said, unlike medical school or dental school, all Phd graduates are not equal. If you have a shaky research background, and end up in a second rate graduate program, it will haunt you for years to come. Crappy Phds lead to crappy post doc positions which funnel you into crappy permanent positions. </p>
<p>I don’t know what to tell you with regard to your AP credits. Since you know the material, the courses shouldn’t be too challenging if you retake them. Also, you might find yourself at a disadvantage if everybody around you has the same base level understanding of a concept and you don’t. However, you do have the credits and if you are sure you mastered the material, then maybe you can take more advanced and more interesting courses instead.</p>