Conflict of interest?

[big_smiles]

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One of my interviewers suggested to apply to a master's program as a back-up option. It was something I was considering doing in the first place, but is this a conflict of interest or show lack of interest to the program? I just wanted to apply to have a back up option in place in case none of my interviews work out before it's past the deadlines. Bad idea?

 

[dr.z]

I think many people do it. I don't see anything wrong with doing so.

 

[diosa428]

You definitely need to have a back up plan. It doesn't show lack of interest, as long as (if asked) you say something like "well if I don't get in, I hope to get a master's degree in xyz in order to further study this field that I'm interested in and at the same time bring up my GPA/make me a more competitive applicant, so that I can re-apply in a couple of years". That shows not only commitment, but also that you're mature enough to think ahead and that you're willing to work on improving your application.

Although, now that I've looked at your mdapps profile, you def don't need to bring up your GPA....

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Go for it. I fully plan on applying to MHA and MPH programs at the same time I apply for med school.

 

[big_smiles]

Hey thanks guys, I guess my issue with it was that my interviewer gave me his card and is involved in the master's program, and I didn't want to show a lack of commitment to the medical school, since it is unlikely that I will hear for another 1-2 months from the med school and would need to start on the MS apps to not miss deadlines. Sure there are other programs, but there is a cancer therapeutics program at Buffalo that I wouldn't mind doing for two years if I don't get in med school, but I just interviewed at Buffalo so I thought that was a conflict of interest. Thanks for the advice though. Maybe I shouldn't worry about "sending signals" or whatever, and chances are, they won't even know, different offices and all. Thanks

 

[DrBowtie]

Could it be possible that he was sending negative feedback to you?

 

[ghostchild]

I was asked this at my interview. But I think it's really a question to see if you plan on applying to medical school again in the future if you don't get in this year. In other words, if rejected, will you just give up or work harder to improve your application so that you will get into medical school in the future. A how bad do you want it question.

 

[big_smiles]

Could it be possible that he was sending negative feedback to you?

Hmmm....I don't think so. This was probably the best of the 5 I had this day, but you could be right. I had an MD-PhD interview and explained my interest in the Toxicology or cancer therapeutics program and we had a long research discussion. HE asked what I would do if I didn't get into medical school, and I said to do post-bacc work and re-apply. Then he gave me his card and he's a mentor for that program. But that could mean "maybe you are better getting more experience", so I don't know. It does make me wonder. . but thanks for the food for thought. That could be the reality of it all. I did a sort of non-trad path: switched to biology/chem minor from a different major and am finishing the major in a year and a half...a little less experienced maybe. So you could be right. Only time will tell I guess. . . 🙁

 

[DrBowtie]

In context then it doesn't sound like it was meant negatively.

 

[big_smiles]

You know. . I got to give you credit BrettBachelor, you seem to know a lot about admissions and all and respond to a lot of threads, and aren't applying now and are a jr. Dang, last year at this time I wasn't even thinking about applications and all. You're going to be very prepared for the applications!

 

[DrBowtie]

:Blushes: Thanks. I try to give back to SDN since I've learned so much. That and I have lots of free time.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

He's the only person on here who approaches the level of excessive free time that I have. 😉 Ain't that right Brett?

 

[DrBowtie]

He's the only person on here who approaches the level of excessive free time that I have. 😉 Ain't that right Brett?

Yes, I've seen you on sometimes at 4-5 AM depending on which side of that goofy Indiana line.

What's the best thing to come out of Indiana?
I-65 SOUTH!!!!!!!

Score!!!!