masters or post-bacc?

[alexisUF]

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I just got my last rejection letter...it's now certain that I won't be going to medical school next year. I definitely do want to go to medical school though, and I'm trying to figure out if I should do a post-bacc program or get my masters degree. Does anyone have any suggestions on which one is more favored by admissions committees? Also, does it matter if you do your post-bacc/masters at the same school you did your undergrad, or is it better to go somewhere new? 😕

 

[petstoreboy]

I just got my last rejection letter...it's now certain that I won't be going to medical school next year. I definitely do want to go to medical school though, and I'm trying to figure out if I should do a post-bacc program or get my masters degree. Does anyone have any suggestions on which one is more favored by admissions committees? Also, does it matter if you do your post-bacc/masters at the same school you did your undergrad, or is it better to go somewhere new? 😕

The best thing to do is to enroll in a program that is related to the field that you will also enjoy and do well in academically. Just remember that many masters programs require two years to complete with a full schedule each semester. You want to do well in schools, but you will also need the time for applying to medical schools. Medical schools do not look favorably on people "quitting" a program early, something else to keep in mind with a masters. If you start the masters, plan to finish it. I personally attended a graduate certificate program in gerontology at my undergraduate university. This program did not require a great deal of credits, but was very interesting and applicable to the field, as well as a big topic at my interviews.

 

[Phil Anthropist]

There are also one year graduate programs (some award certificates and others offer a master's).

You should call the admissions committees of the schools you're interested in and ask them what program (if any) they would advise.

 

[AmateurChef]

I just got my last rejection letter...it's now certain that I won't be going to medical school next year. I definitely do want to go to medical school though, and I'm trying to figure out if I should do a post-bacc program or get my masters degree. Does anyone have any suggestions on which one is more favored by admissions committees? Also, does it matter if you do your post-bacc/masters at the same school you did your undergrad, or is it better to go somewhere new? 😕

I don't know which is favored more, but my interviewers certainly seemed to like talking with me about my master's program. Although post-bacc programs are only one year, I chose to get a master's degree because I felt it was a much stronger credential. Either way, pick a topic you enjoy and work hard in your program. It will make a big difference in your application the next time around!