Applying Dual Degree - more interesting applicants?

[Revolution #9]

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Im interested in dual degree programs in public health and/or public policy. Does anyone think that marking that on AMCAS on the schools that allow it would make for a more interesting application? My personal statement makes reference to my interests, and I'm thinking that checking the MD/MPH box on AMCAS might make the school more likely to interview me. Am I wrong? Thoughts please... 😀

 

[bbas]

Im interested in dual degree programs in public health and/or public policy. Does anyone think that marking that on AMCAS on the schools that allow it would make for a more interesting application? My personal statement makes reference to my interests, and I'm thinking that checking the MD/MPH box on AMCAS might make the school more likely to interview me. Am I wrong? Thoughts please... 😀

I'm in the same boat as you. I really do not know for sure, but I always thought that you needed to be more competitive of an applicant to get accepted to both programs. There are really two different admissions processes, one for the MD and one for the MPH, so you have to get accepted to each program separately. Since it is a different application process, I don't see how it would raise your chances of getting an interview.

 

[Revolution #9]

I'm in the same boat as you. I really do not know for sure, but I always thought that you needed to be more competitive of an applicant to get accepted to both programs. There are really two different admissions processes, one for the MD and one for the MPH, so you have to get accepted to each program separately. Since it is a different application process, I don't see how it would raise your chances of getting an interview.

It really depends on the school. The increased difficulty is certainly true for MD/PhD programs, but not true for all MD/MPH programs. Most schools of public health accept students with much lower GPAs and test scores, and acceptance is pretty much automatic for the MPH program for any medical student.
I'm just curious if it will catch the eye of an ADCOM member if I apply for the dual degree program, as those applicants have to be a small minority.

 

[DrBowtie]

Most places want you to express an interest in it early. Some you won't even apply to the other program until 2nd or 3rd year. I am not sure if it will help or hurt. I would want MD only at some places too so I don't know how it is handled.

As for making a more interesting app? Some places might think you aren't that into medicine and frown on other interests.

 

[deuist]

When you apply, no school will know what other programs you've decided to apply to. Only University X will know that you've applied to its MD/MPH program. That being said, the AMCAS is only good for a secondary, not an interview.** In your secondary---when you are asked, "Why do you want to come here?"---state that your goal to get a dual degree. You might have to be interviewed and accepted by both programs. Taking this route is pretty competitive and takes a lot of work on your end. Also, how are you so sure that you want an MPH? You might get through with your first year of medical school only to change your mind about which specialty to go into. One solution to dual degree programs would be to apply at the end of your first year. You'll have a better idea of what you want to do with your life and, if your grades are good, you'll have a better chance of being admitted to a dual degree program---especially since you are already attending the university. The only dual degree program that I would recommend applying to directly out of college is the MD/PhD (MSTP) because you'll get a scholarship to medical school and graduate school. The rest of the programs will accept you while you are already in medical school and will not provide you with a scholarship.


** Yes, the AMCAS plays a role in your getting an interview, too. But give me some slack here.