Jefferson MPH vs Toledo MSBS

[Aurum]

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Hello all,

First time poster here who needs some timely advice. I am a reapplicant and need some insight as to avenues to spend a gap year. I currently am holding 2 acceptances for grad programs: one is Toledo MSBS and the other is for a 1-year Jefferson MPH.

On one hand, the acceptance rate to Toledo's MD program through the postbacc was 80% last year, which is very promising. On the other, it is extremely expensive, and travelling to interviews will be far more difficult from a small city such as Toledo than from a huge city like Philly.

Jefferson's MPH is cheaper, provides a useful degree that I am probably going to get eventually anyways, and the interview travel/moving logistics will be far easier for me. At the same time, there's no 80% acceptance rate that I can get at Toledo.

Here is some background on me:
Stats - 3.85 cGPA, 3.65 sGPA, 37S MCAT
ECs - don't want to go into specifics, but I have a lot of leadership, a full research year with an upcoming publication, and a decent amount of clinical volunteer/shadowing hours (naturally I will increase all of these throughout the year regardless of where I end up)
LORs - my undergrad committee ones weren't great, but I have 2 new ones that are strong

Last Cycle - applied to 20 schools, 5 interviews (one at a top 10 school), 3 waitlists, 2 post-interview rejects

What do you think would be the best course of action? Any advice is appreciated!

 

[katiemaude]

I'm a reapplicant as well. However I am dismayed and in shock that someone with your stats did not get at least one acceptance. I applied to 5 late, interviewed at 2 very late in the season, one waitlist, one rejection. Now I am worried!

I don't know how much getting an MPH will help with your med school goals ... though it seems to fit your personal goals. And I don't think you need to prove your academic abilities through the MSBS that won't do anything for you besides help you get into Toledo if you do well or keep you out of all medical schools (maybe?) if you do not so well.

Why do you think you didn't get an acceptance? Determining what you need to improve will help you make this decision.

I'd vote for MPH in Philly or get paid clinical experience somewhere and earn some money, if that appeals to you.

 

[Aurum]

I think the lack of acceptances had to do with weak LORs or sub-par interviews... both of which I am mending.

Anyways, here's a final bump for any insight before I make a decision, thanks

 

[SilverCat]

Did you apply late?

With your stats, the MSBS really isn't necessary, and you have to keep in mind that most students in the program are intending to matriculate at Toledo Med. Is Toledo your top choice? You could hurt your app by not performing well, remember.

I would go for the MPH, if you're interested in public health.

 

[Hemorrage]

Hello all,

First time poster here who needs some timely advice. I am a reapplicant and need some insight as to avenues to spend a gap year. I currently am holding 2 acceptances for grad programs: one is Toledo MSBS and the other is for a 1-year Jefferson MPH.

On one hand, the acceptance rate to Toledo's MD program through the postbacc was 80% last year, which is very promising. On the other, it is extremely expensive, and travelling to interviews will be far more difficult from a small city such as Toledo than from a huge city like Philly.

Jefferson's MPH is cheaper, provides a useful degree that I am probably going to get eventually anyways, and the interview travel/moving logistics will be far easier for me. At the same time, there's no 80% acceptance rate that I can get at Toledo.

Here is some background on me:
Stats - 3.85 cGPA, 3.65 sGPA, 37S MCAT
ECs - don't want to go into specifics, but I have a lot of leadership, a full research year with an upcoming publication, and a decent amount of clinical volunteer/shadowing hours (naturally I will increase all of these throughout the year regardless of where I end up)
LORs - my undergrad committee ones weren't great, but I have 2 new ones that are strong

Last Cycle - applied to 20 schools, 5 interviews (one at a top 10 school), 3 waitlists, 2 post-interview rejects

What do you think would be the best course of action? Any advice is appreciated!

I think you should just take a year off, work on your ECs and reapply. Your stats are very very solid.