In an effort to bring some life back to this board...


I am a Texas resident (3.9/38). I am applying to 18 schools (5 in-state) and will be pleased if I get into Baylor or Southwestern; anything else will be gravy. You should know that I am extremely interested in health policy/adminstration.

My question is: if I get into a good school in Texas, is that worth turning down for a school like UChicago, which has unbelievable law and business programs? Would people at the school tell me what my honest chances at admittance into the dual-degree programs are?

This will all start coming into focus soon enough, but say I am fortunate enough to have the choice between a school like Penn and Baylor. I'd definitely go to Penn if I was likely to be in their MD/MBA program, but otherwise, I'd probably stick with the incredible bargain of in-state Texas tuition.

That turned into a mindless rant, sorry. Anyway... thoughts?

i am a business major, and i would advise you consider your interests carefully. i am not sure if an mba is the best approach for someone interested in health policy. i always thought mpp or mph were more suited for health policy and law stuff.

i had an md/mba student TA one of my class. from talking to him, it seemed that his interests lie in making lots of bank, and this seems to be the norm among mba students. that said, an md/mba is a great option if you have vision regarding what you want to do with it. just don't get lured in by the bling bling.

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Thanks for the responses guys. I didn't make one important thing clear... I am not sure how I am going to work towards my goals in health policy/administration, but I am definitely not set on the business degree to do it. I am equally looking at programs like law and public policy, which may prove more useful. (I think the latter degrees would prove to be more expandable than a public health degree, with its heavy focus on epidemiology.)

So, basically, this question can be rewritten, "Is it worth going to a certain school specifically for their MBA/JD/MPA/X Program?"

It's less about the degree and more about leaving in-state specifically for a certain program, if you follow.

Thanks a lot.

flindophile can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the most important reasons for going to a good B school is for the people (i.e. networking) and the recruiting for jobs. I'm not sure how important these two factors are for you. If you just want the general knowledge/education that comes with having an MBA, most schools will do the trick.

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well, i wouldnt be entering medicine if i didnt want to work in health policy or administration (i.e. working to direct national health programs). that is my career goal. (i mean, stuff can change, but stuff can always change)

what is unclear is how i want to get to that end... which is why i am wondering whether or not its worth going to a school specifically because of the strength of their other graduate programs.

i agree with your cautious tone though, i am definitely going to be careful about this. thanks for the advice.

from talking to him, it seemed that his interests lie in making lots of bank, and this seems to be the norm among mba students.

that's unfortunate because I know so many MD/MBAs who are using the two degrees to start non-profit clinics etc.