choices after BA

[nicky44]

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I just finished school UCLA with a BA in biochem.and a GPA of 3.0. I know that my grades are not good enough to get into DO school... so i was wondering about my choice and what about getting a masters degree to help my chances. help me out thanks

 

[Dave]

Remember the GPA's listed are an average, some above and some below. I wouldn't count you out just because your gpa is a little low. To begin w/ a biochem degree from a great school like UCLA won't hurt your chances at all. Have you taken the MCAT? Do you have any volunteer or other health care experience? If you did well on the MCAT they will take that into consideration as well. A graduate degree would definetly help but if your end goal is to be a DO you might as well try and get in, it won't hurt you any. There is a lot more to getting into school then have good grades. Good Luck.

 

[Yosh]

There is always the Post Bac option.....don't rule that out..I did it...

 

[Deb]

Assuming you do really well on the MCAT and have solid health care experience,
there is another option you might consider: an MPH. This is a good idea for
several reasons. First of all it shows admissions committees that you really
understand public health issues, and have a basic knowledge of epidemiological
methods and statistical applications. You'll also get some exposure to the
"business" of medicine. Another plus is that many programs are flexible, so if
you are accepted, you can finish your degree during med school.

This is the option I chose and I've never regretted it. Most of my interviewers
were impressed with my choice and agreed that it was a very useful degree. Remember,
alot of programs now offer an MPH in conjunction with a medical degree and those
schools in particular would really appreciate an applicant who had already begun
this type of graduate work.

Deb
MS3 UHS-COM

 

[Yosh]

Just wanted to say that I agree with Deb, and her response was quite well stated. I was impressed with her reply, agree 100%. If I had taken the pre-med courses in college, I would have done a MPH program, because currently I am interested in DO/MPH programs.

Congrats Deb!!!!!

What do you think of UHS? I just decided to apply there...and am waiting to hear from them.

[This message has been edited by yosh (edited 11-20-1999).]

[This message has been edited by yosh (edited 11-20-1999).]

[This message has been edited by yosh (edited 11-20-1999).]

 

[Deb]

Yosh,

Please see my reply in the thread "UHS-COM".