<p>Sorry if this is a stupid or redundant question...</p>
<p>I am currently a Chemistry major with ACS Biochemistry concentration. I am hoping to get into PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology. I am already decided on spending a 5th year in my undergrad to do research with my PI to increase my chance of acceptance into top schools. Since I am not doing anything, should I get a second major (Biology) done when I am at it? Of course I have pay extra money..But I will lose my health issurance if I am not a full-time student..So there are pros and cons....
Do you think double-majoring will increase my chance of getting into a top grad school?
Give me your honest answers and million thanks in advance</p>
<p>Have you considered applying now anyway? The cost is relatively low compared to an extra year’s worth of undergrad tuition, and if nothing else it makes a great dry run for your next attempt. Besides, you might make it in!!</p>
<p>If you are dead set on staying that extra year, make the most out of it - certainly concentrate on the research, but strong academics always helps. Whether or not that should involve an extra major or minor depends entirely on your intended area of specialty. Grad school is so specific that very often only 2-3 of your undergrad courses will even relate to your final thesis! Do you see yourself bridging the biochem-microbiology gap (Not my field, I have no way of knowing)?</p>
<p>In general, my recommendation would be to strengthen yourself towards your intended area - more courses in that specific subject, grad-level if possible. It is okay to hedge your bets a little and take some courses in related areas, but if you are set on biochem, don’t waste time on biology.</p>
<p>Why bother staying on as a undergrad research asst when you could just as easily get a tech job for the year and be paid rather than the reverse relationship? If the decision has already been made then I would suggest taking classes that will benefit your research, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that you should definitely fulfill the requirements for another degree. It wouldn’t make much difference in applying to graduate school and who knows, maybe a stats class would make the difference between publishing a higher impact article. btw, take stats.</p>
<p>thanks for the responses…so you guys think that a second-major wouldn’t make a difference to graduate school admission?..I am anxious to know and try to make a decision as soon as possible</p>
<p>I think a second degree would be an advantage only if your intended research area directly straddles both majors - a rare occurrence. Spend the time on research, and take more upper-level classes in your areas of interest, and any other areas (like stat!!!) that you are likely to need in grad school. The second major does little for you.</p>
<p>Fast answer: no. Grad school (PhD) adcoms don’t care much about double majoring, triple majoring, minors, etc. They will look at what classes you’ve taken. With that said, instead of wasting money as an undergrad research assistant taking classes, you should really look into being a lab tech for one or two years and make some money.</p>