Choosing between SMPs

[Joe Jewel]

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Hello Everyone,

While I maybe new to posting on SDN I have been reading threads for years. I have a situation whereby I have to choose between SMP options. A little background about it: I have an undergraduate in science from several years ago. I also got an MBA, then I started working in banking. I have always wanted to get into healthcare, particularly medicine. Long story short; I haven't had a chance to keep in touch with science so I decided to go for a Special Masters Program (SMP). I have a decent academic foundation of basic sciences but I wanted to try to engage in upper level sciences in order to experience the rigors of professional school. I researched the AAMC website for private institutions that offer biomedical science programs and do not require standardized tests since it would be very difficult for me to take one while working full time at the moment. The area I live in doesn't have a PostBacc/SMP in a 500 mile radius. I decided to apply to a few programs mainly in the northeast part of the country. Luckily, I got accepted to a couple so far and would like some insights about how to proceed. Would it be better to attend Elms College in the biomedical masters program or Quinnipiac University for the MHS in biomedical sciences? Also, should I wait to see if I hear back from Geisinger (MBS) and others or is it too late/too competitive to get into? P.S. my family is becoming heavily involved in medicine which is a trend I was on the verge of starting a few years ago and that is one of the main reasons I want to pursue it as a career.

Thanks one and all for your feedback.

 

[Gropey_Monk123]

They both seem similar tbh. Quinnipiac has a thesis option which would allow you to gain some (more) research experience. Elms has MCAT prep. Quinnipiac seem to have more interesting classes. Maybe consider CoA, proximity to your family, citylife etc. I don't think either will necessarily be a bad choice for you.

There are some postbacc programs that are geared toward career changers like Bryn Mawr and Goucher college you may want to check out.

 

[Joe Jewel]

Thank you so much for your response Prof_cinephile. I have heard of, read about, and reached out to several of career change oriented programs. The main issue is that all the ones I came across required one of three things that don't apply in my case. First, some state that one can't have a record of taking the prerequisite science courses which I did for my undergraduate degree. Secondly, some programs require standardized tests which is something I won't be able to undertake from a time constraint and financial obligation standpoint especially since I plan to enroll this upcoming fall. And last but not least, a good amount of postbaccs emphasize prior commitment and/or work experience in the field that I don't really have much of besides some more recent shadowing and volunteering primarily due to having my masters in business which limited/geared my options to working in the financial field as I alluded to in the original post. That is perhaps why I have been (hopefully not erroneously) focusing on private school SMPs mainly in the Northeast and Midwest.
And in regards to CoA which is always important in this case, the scholarship/assistant-ship from Quinnipiac all but evens it out. Proximity to family should not be an issue since I will have to move a considerable amount for either.
Really appreciate your logical and courteous input Prof_cinephile.