masters before med school?

[dragonfly2024]

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just wanted to get some opinions. FL resident. possible reapplicant with a 509 mcat and 3.79 undergrad gpa as a molecular and cellular bio student. theres a masters program in biochemistry and molecular biology im interested in that's largely focused on research. broken down by 18 credit hrs of research/lab and 12 credit hrs of coursework. it's also at my top med school, which i know doesn't necessarily mean ill ever accepted.

part of the reason why i wanted to do it was to provide a back up and to kickstart a career if med school doesnt work out. i've already tried cold emailing labs at the state school nearby and didnt get anything back. have also applied to whatever jobs i can find but there doesnt seem to be much in the area im in. i'm worried the risk vs reward isn't great with a masters if im still focused on med school.

now at the same time im waiting to hear back from jobs in patient care and have begun volunteering, which i think will help out my app. i could also retake the mcat since its below the median for quite a bit of MDs. if anyone wants to offer their two cents id honestly love to hear it.

 

[AJS59]

just wanted to get some opinions. FL resident. possible reapplicant with a 509 mcat and 3.79 undergrad gpa as a molecular and cellular bio student. theres a masters program in biochemistry and molecular biology im interested in that's largely focused on research. broken down by 18 credit hrs of research/lab and 12 credit hrs of coursework. it's also at my top med school, which i know doesn't necessarily mean ill ever accepted.

part of the reason why i wanted to do it was to provide a back up and to kickstart a career if med school doesnt work out. i've already tried cold emailing labs at the state school nearby and didnt get anything back. have also applied to whatever jobs i can find but there doesnt seem to be much in the area im in. i'm worried the risk vs reward isn't great with a masters if im still focused on med school.

now at the same time im waiting to hear back from jobs in patient care and have begun volunteering, which i think will help out my app. i could also retake the mcat since its below the median for quite a bit of MDs. if anyone wants to offer their two cents id honestly love to hear it.

I think we need to see a WAMC first to figure out what went wrong. It's not a terrible idea, but odds are there are better options that won't require as much in the way of loans

 

[dragonfly2024]

I think we need to see a WAMC first to figure out what went wrong. It's not a terrible idea, but odds are there are better options that won't require as much in the way of loans

mcat: 509
GPA: 3.79 with upward trend after a car accident that caused a back injury. was a molecular biology major with a psych minor at a small private university in fl

ECs
president and managed recruitment in my sorority for 3+ years amongst other small roles 2000+
tutor for student athletes 90
peer educator for health and wellness 250+

Clinical
Nursing assistant in ortho 815
medical scribe in ortho 1400
MA in derm anticipated 1850+
health coach internship 145
*i didn't intend to work in these specialties, they just happened to be the ones hiring

currently waiting to hear back from a job as a PCT in the PCU and for a clinical assistant in head and neck surgery/medical oncology

Volunteer
Hospital volunteer 56 hours
Domestic violence awareness with my sorority with a local women's shelter and hosted a ton of events on campus and w the shelter. since i was prez i managed/oversaw everything. 500+
Organized fundraiser for boys and girls club in the area around our school 50
starting to volunteer at a local free clinic and at the american red cross in emergency preparedness

research
psych research apprentice 120 hrs
senior thesis on protein in cellular fusion -- made my mutation and studied its effects 1000 hours

FL resident
also had all my writings looked over several times, especially my ps

school list
UF
FSU
UCF
FIU
FAU
Nova
U MIAMI
V tech
EVMS
Duke
Wake Forest
Albany
Quinnipiac
Penn state
UVA
Emory
Pitt
boston u
tufts
alice walton
belmont
george washington
georgetown


NYITCOM
MSUCOM
rowan
vcom

 

[Goro]

Duke, Pitt, BU, Emory, and U VA were all donations.

Have some more DO schools on your list next cycle.

Do the MS only if you really are interested in doing this.

 

[Goro]

Also concerning the charity work, did you actually engage in service for others less fortunate than yourself?

Raising money for a charity is not the same as actually working with people.

Did you interact with people who didn't necessarily look like you? How much did you get off campus and out of your comfort zone?

This may have been the red flag that possibly sank your application

 

[dragonfly2024]

Also concerning the charity work, did you actually engage in service for others less fortunate than yourself?

Raising money for a charity is not the same as actually working with people.

Did you interact with people who didn't necessarily look like you? How much did you get off campus and out of your comfort zone?

This may have been the red flag that possibly sank your application

yes to both of your questions. unfortunately, i don't think it was enough volume. between working, classes, extracurriculars, etc i didn't prioritize volunteering as much in my undergrad. either that or i didn't communicate it as effectively as i needed too.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I think your profile is close. The next natural step would be more shelter volunteer work or direct assistance/counseling to residents once you are free from your courses. Have you connected with Home - American Medical Women's Association chapters at the schools on your list or local professionals? An improved MCAT could give you a different list of schools if your desired. Not sure you need more science courses.

Granted, you have some challenges being in Florida so you might as well immerse yourself if this is truly a mission item or a purpose to be a doctor.

 

[ophthoaspirant]

I would add a couple of FL DO schools (NSUCOM, LECOM). I feel a Master's in biochemistry and molecular biology can alleviate concerns with your lower GPA and MCAT, don't dismiss the idea.