Masters vs 2nd undergrad or change residency

[lala.lahori]

Hello Everyone,

I am in a dilemma as to what step I should do with my life. I am lost for ideas any input will be great. My GPA stats (OMSAS) are as follows:
1 3.68
2. 3.4
3. 3.45
4. 3.78
5. 3.8
Full courseload all years. I am going to graduate and have a MCAT of 14 (BS)/9 VR/13 PS. I applied this cycle without any luck.
My options are as follows:
1. Do a second undergrad (would hate this!)
2. Pursue a masters degree I have been accepted to a few research programs (Uoft, Mcgill) for masters.
3. Move to Calgary for IP status for upcoming cycle and work as a research assistant. (Calgary GPA is 3.65). Activities above average imo.

I will be writing my MCAT again so that will definitely help with QUeens and Western.
I have talked to a lot of people, my professors suggest I should do a masters, but other students point towards calgary's IP strategy. Please help me out!
Thanks!

[katie91]

Can't help much with the actual decision itself, but if you're going to hate doing a 2nd undergrad, then it's definitely not worth keeping it as an option if you're just going to be miserable for 1-2 years .

Also, have you had previous research experience to help you with deciding whether or not you like research instead of spending 2 years in a Master's which you might also hate?

[lala.lahori]

I have been doing research since first year, no publication so far. I might be getting one (case report) soon. I like doing research but don't feel I can commit as much as doing a masters.

[kpm]

My suggestion would be to do a Master's that you are interested in and will likely get publications. I would suggest clinical research over basic science research because it is easier to finish in the normal timeframe and likely to be easier.

[momo555]

you have a such a great trend, is it possible to stay for another year as a student? you can take courses in one concentrated field and become special student in department of ___ (ie.// arts and humanities, assuming you have been taking sciences).

If you keep up your trend, you won't have to waste extra years in getting degree which you did not want to and if you don't think you will be getting CIHR or NSERC or publication, MSc would be a waste of a time if you don't enjoy your research of course.


So I guess, unless you will be a strong MSc student, it might be better to be UG rather than MSc when applying...especially U of T where they look at your productivity as an important factor.

Cheers,

[whereswaldo]

Your last two years of 3.78 and 3.8 are ok. If you have strong ECs you may be able to get in with your current GPA.