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- Jun 29, 2004
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So I've done a lot of reading and searches on her and read the FAQ and although a SMP seems more suited for me (low uGPA, hopefully a high MCAT after retake, rest of app is solid) I am leaning towards a masters program in a field I've developed a lot of interest in after the past few years (Immunology). I know it won't have the same weight as excelling in an SMP program for an admission committee but in addition to my interest in immunology there are a few other reasons holding me back:
-Difficulty in giving up a job, I know tons of people have given up there very successful jobs, moved across country, support families on one income etc, however in addition to the pay I am really enjoying learning about the industry (I work for a pharmaceutical company) and just the whole process of drug discovery to commercialization. So it's not all about the money I would be losing (not that much) but more of the real life education, since I could go to school part time and still work full time and get the majority of it covered.
-I don't want to say an SMP is useless if it gets one into med school but (and I hate to acknowledge the possibility of rejection or if I choose not to go into medicine) it is a huge loss financially and time, especially since I think an SMP would be useless other then to get one into med school. One could argue that a masters in science as opposed to a Phd has little advantage over a BS with experience but it is certainly worth more then a SMP.
With what I've said, is there any reason I shouldn't choose the Masters over the SMP. I know the GPA is the weakest part of my application and this would be the best means to fix it but I am also hoping (in addition to a high MCAT to make up for it) that the masters in immunology along with the additional time in industry can show that I truly am dedicated to medicine.
-Difficulty in giving up a job, I know tons of people have given up there very successful jobs, moved across country, support families on one income etc, however in addition to the pay I am really enjoying learning about the industry (I work for a pharmaceutical company) and just the whole process of drug discovery to commercialization. So it's not all about the money I would be losing (not that much) but more of the real life education, since I could go to school part time and still work full time and get the majority of it covered.
-I don't want to say an SMP is useless if it gets one into med school but (and I hate to acknowledge the possibility of rejection or if I choose not to go into medicine) it is a huge loss financially and time, especially since I think an SMP would be useless other then to get one into med school. One could argue that a masters in science as opposed to a Phd has little advantage over a BS with experience but it is certainly worth more then a SMP.
With what I've said, is there any reason I shouldn't choose the Masters over the SMP. I know the GPA is the weakest part of my application and this would be the best means to fix it but I am also hoping (in addition to a high MCAT to make up for it) that the masters in immunology along with the additional time in industry can show that I truly am dedicated to medicine.
