Within reason, does your undergrad degree matter?

Graduate School
1

<p>I know the answer to this question is probably no, roughly, but I am in a bit of a pickle. I'm not sure what I want to do exactly, but my top choices for a Master's program would be cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, nutritional science, etc. Something very lab and healthcare related without being healthcare directly. I'm currently a Biochem major, and am fine with it, but I know for a fact that I will have a higher GPA if I go with Biology and take extra Chemistry courses.</p>

<p>So my question is, roughly, school specific pre-reqs aside, is there really any difference in applying to any of these programs (in a general sense) with a Biochemistry major vs. a Biology major vs. a Biomedical Sciences major? My biochemistry major is a little lacking in the Bio department, and I'm making up for that, but the Bio major also lacks in the chem department, which I could make up for as well.</p>

<p>A point to note is that I would be a prospective MASTERS student. Not PhD. I'm not trying to get coo'd into switching to an easier major, I'm just curious as to whether or not it makes a difference.</p>

2

<p>Probably not, as long as you have the prerequisites and experiences they like to see. Some programs may have their preferences, but they would be impossible to know ahead of time and may even be unconscious preferences of the professors looking over the applications.</p>

3

<p>Going to a prestigious school for undergrad helps, but not as much as people think. It makes it easier to gauge an applicants abilities. However, there are plenty of ways people from less well known schools can stand out, such as doing great research, especially at an REU at a well known school since it is more likely someone will know your recommender. </p>