Dilemma regarding MCAT vs. GRE to make up for poor science grades

[the Undergrad]

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Alright guys, before you think this topic does not belong in the MPH forum... keep reading:

- When I started college, I was a biology major because I wanted to go to med school. Then I learned that one doesn't have to be a bio major to do that. So I switched my major to psychology. But I continued taking pre-med courses because medical school was still in the back of my mind. And so far I have completed every pre-med course, except for O-Chem...

- In between, I decided that I am really interested in doing humanitarian work/social service in poverty-thick countries. Something like International health, etc. I will be done with my undergrad by the end of this year. And, thus, I have decided to apply for MPH for Fall 2006.

- Here is the problem: My grades in those pre-med courses are really average. Think lots of "Cs" and couple of repeats for General Chemistry. So I was thinking, since the schools I want to apply for MPH accept MCAT, maybe I should take the MCAT this August and do really well to make for my "C" average GPA in those Science classes? Do you guys think that would be worth it? Enough so that a decent MCAT score would show these public health schools that this student (me) has the potential? (Ofcourse I'll have to work really hard to attain atleast a 30.)

Or should I just forget about it and simply take the GRE and do well?

Also, if I take both the MCAT and GRE and do reasonably well, then do I have to send scores for both?

Thanks for reading guys...but PLEASE help me out. 🙂

 

[AtlChic]

Alright guys, before you think this topic does not belong in the MPH forum... keep reading:

- When I started college, I was a biology major because I wanted to go to med school. Then I learned that one doesn't have to be a bio major to do that. So I switched my major to psychology. But I continued taking pre-med courses because medical school was still in the back of my mind. And so far I have completed every pre-med course, except for O-Chem...

- In between, I decided that I am really interested in doing humanitarian work/social service in poverty-thick countries. Something like International health, etc. I will be done with my undergrad by the end of this year. And, thus, I have decided to apply for MPH for Fall 2006.

- Here is the problem: My grades in those pre-med courses are really average. Think lots of "Cs" and couple of repeats for General Chemistry. So I was thinking, since the schools I want to apply for MPH accept MCAT, maybe I should take the MCAT this August and do really well to make for my "C" average GPA in those Science classes? Do you guys think that would be worth it? Enough so that a decent MCAT score would show these public health schools that this student (me) has the potential? (Ofcourse I'll have to work really hard to attain atleast a 30.)

Or should I just forget about it and simply take the GRE and do well?

Also, if I take both the MCAT and GRE and do reasonably well, then do I have to send scores for both?

Thanks for reading guys...but PLEASE help me out. 🙂

Hey...I would aim to do really well on the GRE...and not worry about the MCATs unless you plan on going to med school sometime later.

 

[LizzyM]

Do not take the MCAT. It is expensive and time consuming and isn't going to be very impressive to a MPH admission committee. Hard science isn't a big part of MPH unless you are in environmental health (heavy on chemistry & physics) or infectious disease epidemiology (microbiology), so don't sweat it, particularly if you are interested in what boils down to health services management or health education and counseling.

The MCAT option is there for applicants who have already been admitted to med school and who are applying for MPH as well. They tend to have really high MCATS (that's how they got into med school) -- you don't need that pressure. Take the GRE.

 

[Homer101]

I agree with what has been said about the issue. I think you should just take the GRE and try to do really well. If you later decide to take the MCAT you can do that either during summer break or during a lighter semester. Remember the MCAT only has a 2 yr or 3yr validility based on the school you are applying too. Once you get your MPH you might want to work for a year or two before you go into Medical school and then would have to retake it. Also after the MPH you might want to go into a different program then your money would get wasted, as the mcat is pretty expensive. Good luck.

 

[ailuj9]

I agree-Take the GRE. Another option is to get a double master in Physician Assistant Studies (check out what a PA is/does @ www.aapa.org) and Public Health. That way you can do public health and medicine!

 

[pedsid]

You are crazy if you take the MCAT to apply to a public health school. I took both (I'm working on an MD/MPH) ... the GRE is 100 times easier and you'll do better.

 

[faith100]

I'm in the same boat as you. Take the GRE. I also don't think it would be wise to take the MCAT w/o any O-Chem...this is an important portion of the exam!