Advice Please: Masters Program or Research

[shmudogg]

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Hi all, I am reapplying after an unsuccessful round and have the option of doing a 1 year masters program at either of a few places or doing research for a year at the univ of chicago. I don't really know what would be best for a reapplicant with my specs:

3.4 gpa/3.4 science gpa
32 mcat
1 summer volunteer hospital
1 summer volunteer emt
1 summer lab research
4 years volunteer emt at undergrad school

Im really torn as to what to do so any help/input would be so appreciated, thanks!

 

[rbnsafsadgf]

From your brief description, it seems where you could improve your app would be getting more time observing the doctor-patient relationship (not the EMT-patient relationship), and perhaps improving your uGPA.

Are these masters programs funded? are they SMP? Is the reseach option funded?

Standard re-app questions:
How many schools did you apply to? Were they a good fit?
Any interviews?
Were your LOR good?
When did you submit your applications?

 

[shmudogg]

The masters programs are SMP and cost regular tuition and the research position would pay me decently.

I applied to about 25 schools, with 10 being good fit schools (i thought my app was better than it was then). I got three interviews and one waitlist that I'm sitting on still. My LORs were as good as I think i'll ever get and was happy with, and I submitted my secondaries a little on the late side around october.

I keep thinking that going to a SMP would show initiative to improve my gpa but I also only have 3 months of research experience so I don't know what would look better in an admissions committees eyes. Thanks for your help tho!

 

[the humming sea]

It sounds like the easiest way of improving your chances is to apply as early in the cycle as you possibly can.

And i second the above statement that you need to get out of the EMT life. Do something out of the box like run a marathon.

 

[njbmd]

Your uGPA is your "Achilles Heel". An SMP would be a good choice for you since you have healthcare experience. Medical schools want to see that you can master the coursework. No matter what your MCAT score, that uGPA (in todays world of grade inflation and matriculant averages of 3.7) is below average. Reseach isn't going to make you more attractive or offset a below average uGPA.

It's late and you might get off a waitlist but if you don't, upgrade everything in your application that is under your control with an SMP (with an outstanding performance) being your best option.

 

[rbnsafsadgf]

I don't think a SMP is the clear-cut path for you. You had interviews, so something about your app stood out. They don't interview people who they feel aren't academically qualified.

I would wait out an application cycle and in that year, take a half-time load of post-bac undergrad sciences. Support yourself somehow (maybe with this research gig if the hours allow you to go to school), and volunteer and shadow a bit. Then re-apply early.

A SMP would help you alright, but I don't think it would help you $50k+interest worth.

 

[rbnsafsadgf]

From this chart with AAMC data (http://more.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=9677862), you see that you have between a 40% and 60% chance of acceptance given a 3.4 and a 32. Not too bad. Stand out in other ways.

 

[rbnsafsadgf]

Sorry for the multiple posts, but I keep thinking of various things.

Make sure you do exit interviews. It is best to hear it from the schools what is bad about your app. At the same time, if the timing works out, you can ask the admissions officers these specific questions about how to improve your application (i.e., SMP vs. post-bac classes vs. more research). The schools might give you differing answers since there isn't one "correct" path, but it is good to get into the heads of the specific admissions officers so to speak.

Are you hoping to get into a research heavy school?

Good luck.

 

[Bernoull]

Hi all, I am reapplying after an unsuccessful round and have the option of doing a 1 year masters program at either of a few places or doing research for a year at the univ of chicago. I don't really know what would be best for a reapplicant with my specs:

3.4 gpa/3.4 science gpa
32 mcat
1 summer volunteer hospital
1 summer volunteer emt
1 summer lab research
4 years volunteer emt at undergrad school

Im really torn as to what to do so any help/input would be so appreciated, thanks!

Are you thinking of reapplying this year or next year? If you've done things since ur last application to bolster your file I'll say reapply this year. I agree with njbmd, to an extent, about ur gpa; however, 3.4 isn't bad. 3.4 is within the 10th-90th percentile range of most matriculants.

Just choose your schools wisely and make sure you're a good fit for these schools. Apply early and nail the essays..

Best of luck!