Gap year Americorps or MHA?

[kdn508]

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So I'm entering my final (5th year) year of undergrad and I wanted to take a year off to study & take the MCAT. However I also wanted to do something else to improve my overall application.
My question for all of you is should I sign up for a Americorps position where I'd work in a healthcare clinic for the homeless for a full year or should I apply for a grad program(Masters in HealthCare administration)? My BCPM and cGPA is currently sitting around 3.4-3.5 with a strong upward trend. I was working 30+ hours/week my 1st two years at my state school and my grades slipped, but once I transferred to my current school my GPA has been 3.7+ ever since and I'm on the verge of graduating Magna Cum Laude. IF my grades stay solid senior year I could end up getting my GPA to a 3.5-3.6 .

Also do med school admissions care about what Master's program someone would go for as in science grad programs are better non-science (my case Healthcare Administration)?

 

[Ironmandoc]

Do whatever will improve your gpa the most! Obviously you can't change your undergrad gpa, however doing a year masters with a 4.0 will help.

 

[MT Headed]

Medical schools, being professional undergraduate education (yes you read that correctly), don't really care what kind of masters you get or your performance in it. Academically the thing that matters is your undergraduate performance.

Americorps will get you MAJOR bonus points if you apply to service-oriented medical schools. If you flip through the MSAR you will find some schools have very high percentages of matriculants with service or volunteer or whatever the category is called.

 

[kdn508]

Medical schools, being professional undergraduate education (yes you read that correctly), don't really care what kind of masters you get or your performance in it. Academically the thing that matters is your undergraduate performance.

Americorps will get you MAJOR bonus points if you apply to service-oriented medical schools. If you flip through the MSAR you will find some schools have very high percentages of matriculants with service or volunteer or whatever the category is called.

Would you happen to know what schools are service oriented? The only one I know of is Tulane

 

[thlaxer]

Would you happen to know what schools are service oriented? The only one I know of is Tulane

Americorps is going to look good at pretty much any school. Also, all of the schools, even the research-heavy ones, are going to be service-oriented to some extent.

 

[kdn508]

Americorps is going to look good at pretty much any school. Also, all of the schools, even the research-heavy ones, are going to be service-oriented to some extent.

I see, but, I'm just still not sure on which path to take lol.. I mean I technically could go through the masters program and volunteer at the same health clinic but because it's not through Americorps I feel it won't stand out as much...

 

[Tummytroubles]

Americorps looks good but so will a major bump in your GPA if you spend the year taking classes. That could put you over 3.5 which tends to be the minimum cited for MD schools. Pick which ever appeals to you (the GPA boost will probably help you out more) but if you find an Americorps position you love, go for it.

Keep in mind, Amercorps terms are major commitments. Only do it if you thnk you'll love it, otherwise you will be miserable. They are full time commitments that give you 900-1100 to live on in a month. That is less than unemployment for often what is often diifcult work.

 

[mirimonster]

This is a very accurate descipriton. Mirimonster can back me up on this.

Truth. In many assignments you'll work more than 40 hours a week because they don't have to pay you overtime, so that number seems even smaller. It's a huge commitment, but it can definitely be worth it.

 

[Dan1804]

Would you happen to know what schools are service oriented? The only one I know of is Tulane

https://www.aamc.org/initiatives/aw...96/previous_community_service_recipients.html

I'd go for Americorps.

It'd be a lot cooler if you did.

 

[kdn508]

Current AmeriCorps service member here. Don't assume you'll get the placement you apply for. Competition for AmeriCorps placements is tougher than ever (there are more than thirty applicants applying to replace me) and healthcare-related positions are extremely competitive. Don't get hung up on the prestige of AmeriCorps work. You can do just as meaningful service with better pay if you have the drive. That being said, if you think a year of poverty in service to America is for you, go for it. I wouldn't trade mine for the world.

I didn't mean to sound cocky or anything, but I'm going to be doing some light volunteering at the same clinic that the americorps workers are going to be so I was going to network around get a feel for that specific location.

But yea do you think the type of Master's program matter? I'm really interested in Healthcare administration program at my school! I was able to take an introductory course in the program and made a great impression on one of the professors

 

[kdn508]

Americorps looks good but so will a major bump in your GPA if you spend the year taking classes. That could put you over 3.5 which tends to be the minimum cited for MD schools. Pick which ever appeals to you (the GPA boost will probably help you out more) but if you find an Americorps position you love, go for it.

I hear ya, I'm definitely going to talk this over with my advisor both really intrigue me so it would only be practical to take up the MHA and volunteer on the side. Another cool thing about this program is that theres a mandatory internship so it give me more exposure to the healthcare industry!

 

[robertch8]

I'm a former 2 year AmeriCorps member and I can say that doing AmeriCorps especially in a healthcare settings seemed to get me some extra interview opportunities that I did not expect this past cycle when I applied at places that maybe my GPA/MCAT themselves might not have normally netted such as Tulane and Washington as an out of region candidate. But as the other posters have mentioned, it is a huge time commitment. I had to do 1700 hours in 46 weeks, which averages out to about 37 hours per week but then when you realize that you take time off for interviews and going home you fall behind and then have to make it up with a 50 hour week plus you have required monthly service events. Also, I studied for the MCAT during my first year and it took me a lot longer to prepare for the MCAT than expected-- in fact, I had to end up re-taking the MCAT in late August in between AmeriCorps terms because I did poorly on the first attempt in July while serving. So if your number 1 priority is taking the MCAT, I'd be very careful about the commitment you're about to pick-- it's doable but it won't be easy at all.

 

[MT Headed]

Yeah, I did a 450 hour project while I was in school. I could manage it and still get good grades, I could "check the americorps box", and it was over in April so I had plenty of time to study for the MCAT. 1700 hours is 4x my project, that's bad ass!

 

[TriagePreMed]

Why would you do a masters that isn't made to help you for medical school and isn't of any use to you at all? It's a waste of your money and your time. Do the AmeriCorps.

 

[Tummytroubles]

^ I agree that classes would help you out lot GPA wise but not that particular master's program.

 

[WorldChanger36]

So I'm entering my final (5th year) year of undergrad and I wanted to take a year off to study & take the MCAT. However I also wanted to do something else to improve my overall application.
My question for all of you is should I sign up for a Americorps position where I'd work in a healthcare clinic for the homeless for a full year or should I apply for a grad program(Masters in HealthCare administration)? My BCPM and cGPA is currently sitting around 3.4-3.5 with a strong upward trend. I was working 30+ hours/week my 1st two years at my state school and my grades slipped, but once I transferred to my current school my GPA has been 3.7+ ever since and I'm on the verge of graduating Magna Cum Laude. IF my grades stay solid senior year I could end up getting my GPA to a 3.5-3.6 .

Also do med school admissions care about what Master's program someone would go for as in science grad programs are better non-science (my case Healthcare Administration)?

Americorp 👍 Good idea Requires a two year commitment though
Masters in healthcare admin 👎 Bad idea A masters doesn't hurt but it doesn't help either.
Continuing Undergrad until grades are at a 3.6 👎 Not as good an idea. You could improve your grades but it will take a long time but it is safe.

My recommendations
If you are thinking a masters program why not do one that a) can be completed in one year b) has strong linkage to medical schools c) helps you overall.... Meet my friend the Special masters program. If you head on over to the postbacc forum on this site you can gain all kinds of info on it and if you land a strong MCAT score like a 29+ with your stats you can get into one.
Here is the catch though this programs are expensive and risky, if you don't hold at least a 3.5 in the program it basically tell every medical school that you most likely can't hack it in medical school and you really need at least a 3.7 in the program to take advantage of its linkage.

So you just have to ask yourself one question..... Do I feel lucky..... Well punk do ya?

Good luck with what ever you choose but do your homework first...
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=71

 

[HealthHare]

How do schools view non-medical americorps programs like City Year?

 

[MT Headed]

I don't know what Americorps worldchanger applied to but even the elite VISTA projects are one year terms around here. Normal americorps projects are much smaller. Two years is the federal maximum americorps commitment, not the minimum. Were you thinking peace corps?

 

[sciencebooks]

I don't know what Americorps worldchanger applied to but even the elite VISTA projects are one year terms around here. Normal americorps projects are much smaller. Two years is the federal maximum americorps commitment, not the minimum. Were you thinking peace corps?

Or Teach For America is also two years? But you're right, not Americorps.

 

[mirimonster]

I'm a former 2 year AmeriCorps member and I can say that doing AmeriCorps especially in a healthcare settings seemed to get me some extra interview opportunities that I did not expect this past cycle when I applied at places that maybe my GPA/MCAT themselves might not have normally netted such as Tulane and Washington as an out of region candidate. But as the other posters have mentioned, it is a huge time commitment. I had to do 1700 hours in 46 weeks, which averages out to about 37 hours per week but then when you realize that you take time off for interviews and going home you fall behind and then have to make it up with a 50 hour week plus you have required monthly service events. Also, I studied for the MCAT during my first year and it took me a lot longer to prepare for the MCAT than expected-- in fact, I had to end up re-taking the MCAT in late August in between AmeriCorps terms because I did poorly on the first attempt in July while serving. So if your number 1 priority is taking the MCAT, I'd be very careful about the commitment you're about to pick-- it's doable but it won't be easy at all.

I disagree with the MCAT part. With dilligence, you can study for the MCAT just fine while working a full-time job like AmeriCorps. Then again, a lot of people quit everything and just focus on MCAT for a whole summer. You won't have that luxury in AmeriCorps since the term is set.

 

[mirimonster]

Americorp 👍 Good idea Requires a two year commitment though
Masters in healthcare admin 👎 Bad idea A masters doesn't hurt but it doesn't help either.
Continuing Undergrad until grades are at a 3.6 👎 Not as good an idea. You could improve your grades but it will take a long time but it is safe.

My recommendations
If you are thinking a masters program why not do one that a) can be completed in one year b) has strong linkage to medical schools c) helps you overall.... Meet my friend the Special masters program. If you head on over to the postbacc forum on this site you can gain all kinds of info on it and if you land a strong MCAT score like a 29+ with your stats you can get into one.
Here is the catch though this programs are expensive and risky, if you don't hold at least a 3.5 in the program it basically tell every medical school that you most likely can't hack it in medical school and you really need at least a 3.7 in the program to take advantage of its linkage.

So you just have to ask yourself one question..... Do I feel lucky..... Well punk do ya?

Good luck with what ever you choose but do your homework first...
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=71

👍 all this, except AmeriCorps is usually only one year. Most programs I've looked at are in the 9 months - 1 year range, but they can go a lot shorter too. Very few are 2 year commitments.

 

[mirimonster]

I didn't mean to sound cocky or anything, but I'm going to be doing some light volunteering at the same clinic that the americorps workers are going to be so I was going to network around get a feel for that specific location.

But yea do you think the type of Master's program matter? I'm really interested in Healthcare administration program at my school! I was able to take an introductory course in the program and made a great impression on one of the professors

I actually got my first choice because of networking, so volunteering there would definitely help you get the AmeriCorps position (assuming they like you). A lot of organizations would rather go with someone they know than have the risk of hiring a crazy.

 

[robertch8]

I disagree with the MCAT part. With dilligence, you can study for the MCAT just fine while working a full-time job like AmeriCorps. Then again, a lot of people quit everything and just focus on MCAT for a whole summer. You won't have that luxury in AmeriCorps since the term is set.

I didn't say it was impossible at all but it really is dependent on what type of AmeriCorps position you end up getting. If you have a sit at your desk all day position with little work, yeah it's going to be pretty doable to study the MCAT either during the day or at night because you will have a lot of energy. But if your position is one where you are helping patients non-stop and you are going over your standard 8 hours everyday or even something like NCCC or some sort of wilderness program where you're out in the field all day and doing physical work all day it's going to be draining at night to study the MCAT. It's definitely much more of a challenge than you think and you have to make some sacrifices when your other members want to hang out during the nights and weekends.

 

[mirimonster]

I didn't say it was impossible at all but it really is dependent on what type of AmeriCorps position you end up getting. If you have a sit at your desk all day position with little work, yeah it's going to be pretty doable to study the MCAT either during the day or at night because you will have a lot of energy. But if your position is one where you are helping patients non-stop and you are going over your standard 8 hours everyday or even something like NCCC or some sort of wilderness program where you're out in the field all day and doing physical work all day it's going to be draining at night to study the MCAT. It's definitely much more of a challenge than you think and you have to make some sacrifices when your other members want to hang out during the nights and weekends.

Fair enough. There are definitely some assignments that are more demanding than others.

 

[kdn508]

I actually got my first choice because of networking, so volunteering there would definitely help you get the AmeriCorps position (assuming they like you). A lot of organizations would rather go with someone they know than have the risk of hiring a crazy.

My thoughts exactly, everything is slightly easier with an insider vouching for you!

I was actually considering taking a Kaplan course the summer before an Americorp's position began and take the MCAT in September and during the Americorp's commitment work on applications for the next cycle. The Americorps position and my current undergrad is in the same city so it wouldn't be that big of a deal.

 

[djayoe]

Hey kdn

I'm actually doing City Year. You'd might want to apply soon though as registration is coming up, but thats only like a 10 month commitment. I don't got 2 years anyway. Basically the same thing as Americorp, except you tutor inner-city kids. Pay & time commitment per week look to be the same as Americorp.

I personally can't stand being in the middle of nowhere, so I applied to the New York one. Was pretty easy to get in.

Hope that helps

 

[semicharmed]

I'll be completely honest here because I was in a similar position and was seriously considering doing Americorps for my gap year...While shadowing I met a Harvard med admissions doc (I know, eye roll haha) and told him that I was hoping to try something other than bench research (I had done that for ~5 years already ugh) and wanted to do something service-based like Americorps.

His response: Don't do Americorps, high schoolers enter into that for their gap year, it is not at all impressive or prestigious (not at the same level as TFA).

In the end, I do think he was really biased towards research (he wanted me to work in his lab), but I ended up not doing Americorps because I couldn't find any programs that I fell in love with...The vast majority of my friends who have done americorps have been disappointed-it's completely inefficient, you live in total poverty, and you don't even make that big of an impact (a vast generalization, but one I have encountered multiple times as my UG is in the top 10 for sending the most Peace corps/americorps pple).

Do what you want to do-I ended up having a great gap year that totally changed the way I viewed research. If you want to do service, do it! If you're worried about your grades, a post-bac/premed program is a great option. I ended up compromising by working in a lab and volunteering weekly with a local human rights center.

 

[MT Headed]

The vast majority of my friends who have done americorps have been disappointed-it's completely inefficient, you live in total poverty, and you don't even make that big of an impact.

Consider it a cheap and valuable education in what working for the federal government would be like.

 

[lobo.solo]

I'll be completely honest here because I was in a similar position and was seriously considering doing Americorps for my gap year...While shadowing I met a Harvard med admissions doc (I know, eye roll haha) and told him that I was hoping to try something other than bench research (I had done that for ~5 years already ugh) and wanted to do something service-based like Americorps.

His response: Don't do Americorps, high schoolers enter into that for their gap year, it is not at all impressive or prestigious (not at the same level as TFA).

In the end, I do think he was really biased towards research (he wanted me to work in his lab), but I ended up not doing Americorps because I couldn't find any programs that I fell in love with...The vast majority of my friends who have done americorps have been disappointed-it's completely inefficient, you live in total poverty, and you don't even make that big of an impact (a vast generalization, but one I have encountered multiple times as my UG is in the top 10 for sending the most Peace corps/americorps pple).

Really? Maybe it's because your friends didn't make the best of it. "Living in poverty" could have been a learning experience as to how people cope and go about their lives and how do they negotiate getting health care. Or even if they do? In general, understanding this situation in a deeper level (other than reading from a book) would help you when you are in front of a patient, who is broke, has drug addiction problems, and/or is homeless.

As far as to make impact, How can you expect to make a BIG impact in problem that has been around for a long, long time. These kind of problems have not been solved because they are complex.

 

[SouthernDoc2Be]

Hi! I'm looking for some info on Americorps NCCC program. I live in Mississippi and they recently added Vicksburg as a site. Although it's not exactly "close" to me, it's in my state so I could make things work. My main question is that the NCCC program lists a wide variety of service projects (disaster relief, health, youth development, etc). Is there a point in the application cycle where you indicate your preferences? Personally, I am looking for health related efforts versus tutoring or disaster relief.

FYI: I did my undergrad at Tulane and will have a graduate degree from Mississippi College by 8/14..doing this to fill my gap year as I apply to med school.

 

[chenzt]

Why just NCCC? S&N or vista isn't a bad option either. Currently working as a S&N member and loving the experience.

 

[SouthernDoc2Be]

I haven't heard of S&N but have heard of Vista..there weren't many Vista options in my area.

 

[SouthernDoc2Be]

Ah, State and National..will look into it but relocating at the moment is not feasible.

 

[zacharyw]

There is only NCCC near your area?

 

[Davida]

I did both Americorps AND a master's program in a public health related field, so I have some thoughts on this. A lot of thoughts. This is a very long post.

I chose to do Americorps (State and National) at a site where I was working directly with patients in a clinic. This was awesome, since I really needed that clinical experience to help me figure out if I wanted to become a doctor in the first place. It's also given me a lot to talk about when I'm asked about my experiences in medicine. Finally, I got a reference from a physician in the clinic, and I'm sure that has been helpful on the interview trail. It's a time commitment, but not as bad as you'd expect - I studied for the MCATs during the last few months of my service (using a hand-me-down MCAT book) and scored in the high 30's.

I was really careful with my selection, and turned down a site in California to live in an awful place with a much lower cost of living. I made 800 a month after taxes, used food stamps, and was actually ok financially. However, I wouldn't have been if I had been applying to medical school (and paying for it on my own) because it's really expensive. Some people in my program were applying, and while some got in, others seemed to struggle. The schedule was flexible, but the program didn't seem to like all the time off that the med applicants were taking. I'd suggest you take two years - an Americorps year and then the year after to apply. This has multiple advantages. First, since you would be applying early in the Americorps year, you wouldn't have that many experiences to talk about on interviews. Second, if you wait a full year, your reference will hold a lot more weight - it's easier to take a reference seriously if the writer has known the person a long time. Finally, you won't have to take time away from Americorps.

I chose to do a master's after because I was considering MD/PhD programs, and I wanted more research experience. However, I did an interdisciplinary masters that covered scientific research, public health, and even some humanities. My program also lets me work as an RA to pay for my masters, which is great, because it's less loans and more research experience.

Interviewers so far couldn't care less about my grades in the master's program (although I did well enough to show that I was competent in multiple academic settings). When we've talked about grades, they only refer to my undergraduate grades. They'll care even less about grades in an MHA program, because while that's got a healthcare/public health component, you probably won't be taking that many hard science classes. So if you're trying to improve a GPA, a master's degree isn't the way to go unless it's specifically a post-bac program geared towards medical school entry. What my interviewers have cared about from my master's program have been my experiences - my research, my holding down a job while in school, etc. I will say that I had to retake the damn MCAT during grad school (I waited too long and my old one expired), and it was a lot harder to study for it. I did well, but not as well as the first time.

TL, DR:

If I were to pick one experience...definitely Americorps, and try to make it a program in the health care field. Less debt than grad school, more relevant clinical experiences, enough time to really study for MCATs. But do yourself the favor and take the year after that to apply.

 

[SouthernDoc2Be]

Thank you for the advice! My master's degree is specifically designed to help overcome a low undergrad GPA (Master's in Medical Sciences at Mississippi College). We have the option to take shelf exams to further prove that while undergrad was rocky, we can handle med school rigor. So, how does state and national work? I'm assuming you have to relocate?

 

[papi89]

I would think Americorps would go much further in showing personal traits that med schools would value, not sure about the return on investment in the MHA.

 

[Davida]

Thank you for the advice! My master's degree is specifically designed to help overcome a low undergrad GPA (Master's in Medical Sciences at Mississippi College). We have the option to take shelf exams to further prove that while undergrad was rocky, we can handle med school rigor. So, how does state and national work? I'm assuming you have to relocate?

I had to relocate all the way across the country for my program. That's not necessarily the case for everyone, though - most states have their own individual programs. Most people in my program were local. If you're willing to relocate, definitely search nationally. There are some programs that are of better quality than others (more structure, more support). You can usually tell by how many details they give in the description, how structured the interviews are, and how much information they provide on their websites. My program was pretty good, although they could have done a better job preparing us for the experience. (However, it wasn't significantly worse in its orientation than any of the other nonprofit/government jobs I've held since - might just be an issue in the industry.)

 

[johnphilbine]

americorps

 

[Goucher2013]

Americorps. Without a doubt. Any real job. Any public service. Every time. That kind of experience is the difference between sympathy and empathy, between "I think I'm an xyz person" and "I know I'm an xyz person, because I've tested myself and seen my strengths and weaknesses under real stress". If your first thought about that sentence is "but school is stressful!", then you really should do Americorps or suchlike.