Applying to another program during gap year

[kwu]

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Hello,

This semester is my last semester as an undergraduate biology student. Unfortunately, I have to take a gap year due to lower MCAT scores.

I am want to spend this year doing something productive that will benefit me in the future and improve my application for the next cycle.

I was thinking about applying for another program like MPH or MPA.

Do you think this will hurt/benefit me as an applicant next cycle?
Do you suggest any better program to apply to?

I appreciate your help.

 

[slippydubloons]

From what I've seen and heard, it appears the general consensus is that going for another advanced or professional degree (e.g. MPH, MBA etc.) should only be something to do if you're TRULY interested in using it for your future career. Otherwise, adding another year of tuition won't help you that much when you can use your gap year doing other beneficial things as well for your app that you also may enjoy (e.g. shadowing, volunteering etc.).

TL;DR - Do it only if you want to but it won't help tremendously more than other, cheaper alternatives

 

[kwu]

From what I've seen and heard, it appears the general consensus is that going for another advanced or professional degree (e.g. MPH, MBA etc.) should only be something to do if you're TRULY interested in using it for your future career. Otherwise, adding another year of tuition won't help you that much when you can use your gap year doing other beneficial things as well for your app that you also may enjoy (e.g. shadowing, volunteering etc.).

TL;DR - Do it only if you want to but it won't help tremendously more than other, cheaper alternatives

Very nice answer. I appretiate it.

MPH or MPA will not appreciably help. additionally, if you have other weaknesses in your application taking MPH or similar will look like you are trying to cover them up. More generally anything you do will "enhance" your application but like acceleration it can positive or negative. if you have a great record and do an MPH, it will look great. if you a weak record it will make you look like you are trying to hide it.

Thankfully, my record is pretty good, according to the average GPAs and other activities for the school I am trying to apply to, so there is nothing to cover up and make up for. The only weakness I have is my MCAT which I will retake. Thanks for your reply.

 

[kwu]

I would like to get more opinions on this 🙂

 

[Goro]

MD schoosl don't average in your graduate school GPAs to your cGPA. Do schools do.

But the big problem with MPH programs is that it's hard to measure their rigor, compared to the coursework of an SMP, which have medical school subject areas. I mean, really, how do you judge courses like these (taken from real MPH programs):

Foundations of Public Health
Research Methods and Applications
Determinants of Public Health
Public Health Interventions
Health Systems
Global and Developmental Perspectives

?????????

Show me that you can handle Anatomy and Physiology by, well, taking Anatomy and Physiology.

I would like to get more opinions on this 🙂