How does a self-design degree affect your marketability for grad school?

KJLINDEM
Thu, 22 Jul 2021 10:00:09 +0000

Hello,
I am currently a junior at the York College of Pennsylvania who is currently in debate over doing biology or a self-design degree in bioinformatics. My dilemma more specifically goes involves choosing which path is best. Here are some key notes about both:

1. Major in Biology:

Graduate Spring 2023 (more time to work - 1 year earlier than average freshman)

Broader degree allows for more doors to be open

Already established so no hassle in terms of courseload and is already created for higher education and/or jobs out of college.

Allows for more exploration (though I am rather confident I want to go down this route)

Would minor in Computer Science and Mathematics.

2. Major in Bioinformatics:

Graduate Fall 2023 (1 semester earlier than average freshman)

Specific degree might make me more niche and better for job opportunities

Graduate schools might appreciate my degree more

Already created a formal proposal (but keep changing it for certain courses)

Would take 2 graduate level classes at the undergraduate level.

There is a lot of dualities to both and I have been kind of under pressure to decide since I have only about 1 more month. I am also more than open and encourage further discussion. Thank you very much!