Combined masters before MD?

[junebug16]

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Would doing a combined MPH program before applying be useful at all?

 

[Funny_Current]

That's a tough call given that they are going to provide it tuition free. MCAT is solid and with a good upward trend you are bound to have luck - especially at state schools. How are your ECs, volunteer, etc.? If they are solid you may as well apply. I guess it really comes down to whether or not you really want an MPH education. If you are interested in it and think it would complement your career as a physician, then go for it. If you are considering it for a GPA boost, then I wouldn't be so quick to pursue it.

 

[efle]

Wait so if I understand this correctly, wouldn't it be an option to do this free MPH during 2017-2018, applying simultaneously? Like the decision here isn't about delaying application a year necessarily, it's more like do I do a free MPH or do I work a gap year job ?

 

[junebug16]

That's a tough call given that they are going to provide it tuition free. MCAT is solid and with a good upward trend you are bound to have luck - especially at state schools. How are your ECs, volunteer, etc.? If they are solid you may as well apply. I guess it really comes down to whether or not you really want an MPH education. If you are interested in it and think it would complement your career as a physician, then go for it. If you are considering it for a GPA boost, then I wouldn't be so quick to pursue it.

It's something I'm interested in but not determined to get, if that makes sense?
I do think, while not necessarily a GPA boost, it would be an interesting thing to make me stand out a bit?

 

[junebug16]

Wait so if I understand this correctly, wouldn't it be an option to do this free MPH during 2017-2018, applying simultaneously? Like the decision here isn't about delaying application a year necessarily, it's more like do I do a free MPH or do I work a gap year job ?

I guess that is an option--I probably wouldn't try to do apps until the year later because, since it's an undergrad to grad program (4+1), I have to shoulder a full load of classes over that summer so I'm not sure I'd have a ton of time to work on my app. Also, I would like to have some grades available from the MPH before application if possible.

 

[efle]

MPH grades are not factored into your undergrad GPA they're listed separately on your AMCAS, and grad classes are notoriously inflated so As won't impress admissions. If you would be too pressed for time to put together your app in the next ~3 months then go for the gap year. Personally if I was interested in this free MPH I'd just do it in place of a gap year job.

 

[LizzyM]

An MPH rather than a gap year job is fine but if it is going to put a cramp in your AMCAS application prep, then it is not a good idea. If you are applying this year, the priority from May-August should be the primary and secondaries.

 

[efle]

An MPH rather than a gap year job is fine but if it is going to put a cramp in your AMCAS application prep, then it is not a good idea.

Does an MPH usually involve a lot more work/cramp than a full time job?

 

[LizzyM]

Does an MPH usually involve a lot more work/cramp than a full time job?

It should be about the same as a f/t job... but

I probably wouldn't try to do apps until the year later because, since it's an undergrad to grad program (4+1), I have to shoulder a full load of classes over that summer so I'm not sure I'd have a ton of time to work on my app.

If the OP doesn't believe he can do justice to classes and the application, it is best to pass on the MPH if the goal is getting the application out.

 

[efle]

I'm a little lost here on what exactly the options being debated are. Undergrad classes during summer while applying? Starting MPH in summer while applying? Full time gap position in summer while applying? Nothing at all during the summer and then starting employment after app is sent?

 

[LizzyM]

I'm a little lost here on what exactly the options being debated are. Undergrad classes during summer while applying? Starting MPH in summer while applying? Full time gap position in summer while applying? Nothing at all during the summer and then starting employment after app is sent?

I think that the MPH starts in summer... or he could get a job whenever he can get hired to cover his gap year.