Master’s Programs

[deleted1011020]

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Given the radio silence I’ve decided to start looking at gap year plans which include either a post-bac research program or masters.

My question is, would it be looked upon unfavorably if I pursue a masters in say, data science or clinical informatics? Does anyone have experience with this?

 

[Goro]

Given the radio silence I’ve decided to start looking at gap year plans which include either a post-bac research program or masters.

My question is, would it be looked upon unfavorably if I pursue a masters in say, data science or clinical informatics? Does anyone have experience with this?

It won't be looked down upon, and it's wise to get a degree in something that will help your job prospects if you don't go to medical school, but it won't add to your app.

You should consider what your deficits are and improve your app.

 

[deleted1011020]

It won't be looked down upon, and it's wise to get a degree in something that will help your job prospects if you don't go to medical school, but it won't add to your app.

You should consider what your deficits are and improve your app.

So I’m dead set on medicine. I’ll do whatever needs to be done to get into medical school.

My stats are 3.5, 507.

My plan was to do a masters and then retake the MCAT. My reason for not doing a bridge program or similar is due to cost. It’s something like 2-3x the cost of a traditional masters and my hope is to integrate the skills I develop in a data science/clinical informatics masters into my career in medicine.

What would be a better alternative to add to my application?

 

[candbgirl]

Did you apply to DO schools? Depending on your ECs you are right in-line for DO.

 

[deleted1011020]

Did you apply to DO schools? Depending on your ECs you are right in-line for DO.

For several reasons I would rather do an MD program (not an ego/pride thing).

I recognize and am willing to sacrifice the years/income as a result of making this choice. My only question as I begin to plan my next gap year is what I can do to improve my application and is within my means financially. A few of these SMP/bridge programs are not even covered by federal loans so Im trying to find cheaper alternatives which would improve my standing.

 

[bluepeony]

For several reasons I would rather do an MD program (not an ego/pride thing).

I recognize and am willing to sacrifice the years/income as a result of making this choice. My only question as I begin to plan my next gap year is what I can do to improve my application and is within my means financially. A few of these SMP/bridge programs are not even covered by federal loans so Im trying to find cheaper alternatives which would improve my standing.

DIY postbacc classes at your local university or CC. Retake the MCAT.

 

[deleted1011020]

DIY postbacc classes at your local university or CC. Retake the MCAT.

Im currently taking classes as we speak so I guess I’ll continue to do that.

Thank you for your input.

 

[bluepeony]

Im currently taking classes as we speak so I guess I’ll continue to do that.

Thank you for your input.

Yup, just keep up with the upward trend.

 

[Goro]

For several reasons I would rather do an MD program (not an ego/pride thing).

I recognize and am willing to sacrifice the years/income as a result of making this choice. My only question as I begin to plan my next gap year is what I can do to improve my application and is within my means financially. A few of these SMP/bridge programs are not even covered by federal loans so Im trying to find cheaper alternatives which would improve my standing.

Beggars can't be choosy. You need to have DO schools on your list.

If you're boning for MD, then ace a DIY post-bac and retake the MCAT and score at least 510+

 

[deleted1011020]

Beggars can't be choosy. You need to have DO schools on your list.

If you're boning for MD, then ace a DIY post-bac and retake the MCAT and score at least 510+

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

I’ll make sure to get on the DIY post-bac and score higher on the MCAT.