MD/MPH When to declare?

[ajkby52]

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So I'm really interested in getting an MPH on top of an MD. I'm currently applying to medical schools... a bit late. I sent in a couple of primaries and they're getting verified. I'm going to send the primary to the rest of the schools soon.

My question is do I HAVE to declare it on the primary application when I request which schools I want to apply to? I already sent some applications with MD only on them.

In addition, if I wanted to apply to MD and MD/MPH programs, could I apply to both without having to send in two primaries and two secondaries for each? Or should I just apply to MD/MPH and see what happens. Just wondering cuz I'm not sure if it's more competitive to get into MD/MPH. If it is, I would probably opt to take a year off and finish it or finish it after medical school.

Do most schools require that you enroll as an MD/MPH or allow you to take a year off and finish the MPH in between the rotations of 3rd and 4th year?

I'm a little lost on the whole process so any input would help. Thanks.

 

[shindotp]

Depends on each school. I think most of them though you apply to the MPH during the MD program.

 

[StPlayrXtreme]

Generally it's better to apply once you're already in the medical program (and at some schools, this is the only route to apply to the joint program).

Some schools allow you to apply as you are applying to med school, and usually admissions to each program is separate. In my opinion, it's a waste of time and energy to apply to the MPH program during the med school application process....if you get into the school's med program, you are most likely qualified for the MPH program, and I'm assuming it would be a deal breaker for you if you only got into the MPH program.

Although I haven't heard of a school that doesn't allow students to apply after they've started med school, you should check with each school to make sure.

 

[ajkby52]

Okay sounds great. I just found this on GWU website.

Students in the five year joint MD/MPH degree program may begin the MPH portion of the program at any time prior to the beginning of their fourth year in the MD program.

I was just unsure since one of their projected plans had the program start the summer before 1st year medical school, which I'm assuming would need the applicant to apply MD/MPH. Applying while in medical school seems much easier, and it would also make the applications less strenuous as it is. Thanks guys for the input.