Masters in Nutrition or MPH

[xprodigy92]

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I am taking a year off from applying to medical school. My undergraduate GPA is a 3.4 and my science GPA as a chemistry major is a 3.48. I have done very little studying for the MCAT but I got a 34 on my first full practice MCAT from AAMC.

I am not ready to apply to medical school yet and wish to complete a masters program. I am genuinely interested in nutrition and want to go to Columbia, NYU, Mt Sinai, or New York Medical College for a masters program.

I have read that these programs aren't helpful and some might be hurtful for a medical school application. What is the truth?

I have been told that an MPH is better for what I want to do, or a masters in biology from a school.

Basically, what do you guys recommend? If you have any other suggestions I didn't mention I'm all ears. Money isn't a factor in my decision, within reason of course. (I don't mind spending 50,000$ to help me get into medical school or to strengthen my application in general. I had a full scholarship to undergraduate so my parents are willing to help me)

My resume otherwise is strong, will complete a math and biology minor, 3 years of research in 3 different labs, 700 hours of volunteering, 1st place nationally in my sport of powerlifting, internship at Mt. Sinai medical school, so far 1 strong letter of recommendation with two others that are pretty good as well. I also work as a tutor in the sciences.

The GRE won't be a problem either. I had a perfect score on my math SAT and I've been told the GRE isn't much harder. My english is very strong as well. (except when typing online haha!)

Thanks in advance for everyone's input.

 

[wholeheartedly]

I'm currently doing an MPH in epidemiology. Like you I've heard both that it can help or be pointless with respect to a med school application. I think how that plays out depends on a lot of factors. I wouldn't do it to overcome a poor GPA or anything like that. Graduate GPAs tend to be inflated and not heavily weighted for medical school. There are specific ways to deal with a GPA below what you want. It also depends on the school you're applying to and what the rest of your app looks like.

But if its something you'd be interested in regardless then it's worth considering. Something to note is that a lot of these programs take 2 years, not just one.

If you're interested in nutrition and an MPH but having trouble deciding, some schools like mine let nutrition be you emphasis area/major like my major is epidemiology.

I think the people who've found having the MPH helpful in the medical school application process were those who made the most out of the degree and didn't just try to score a diploma with the bare minimum requirements. They did cool field experiences or internships, worked on projects they were passionate about, helped out at a nonprofit, and had things they could reflect on in interviews. Public health has all kinds of great opportunities and I've really enjoyed my program and my interactions with my classmates.

I guess I'd view the MPH as more of an extensive EC.