MD with chance of waitlist choices vs. MD/MPH and withdraw apps elsewhere

[pstomd]

---

Members don't see this ad.

(Cross posting this here from the school a vs. school b forum.)

Hey! I’m having trouble deciding between going to Tulane for an MD/MPH (late May start) or holding off on doing the MPH summer start and just committing to the standard MD program in August for the chance to be admitted off of UVM’s high priority waitlist or waitlists at UIC and Case Western Reserve.

I’m lucky to have been admitted to Tulane for an MD, and loved the feel of the school and program. I would be thrilled if that’s where I end up, so this is more a matter of when I should plan to start. I’m considering doing an MD/MPH there, as it would be a way to move to New Orleans early, quit my job early, and do an MPH which would help combine my interest and background in public policy with my plans to be a physician. I’m also not particularly interested in research and think that an MPH could help fill the gap that that would leave. This program has a late May start date.

On the other hand, I’m on the high priority waitlist at UVM, likely to be waitlisted at UIC, and on the alternate list at Case Western Reserve University. I’m guessing I wouldn’t know about getting off any of these waitlists before May, which could be difficult if I plan to do the MPH program with a late May start date. Should I just hold off on finding housing in New Orleans until the last minute or should I just plan on going to Tulane and taking advantage of the summer start?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[lalalallala]

Wait so what school is your top choice? Is it that you really want to get into UVM?

 

[pstomd]

Wait so what school is your top choice? Is it that you really want to get into UVM?

I like the location of UIC, the facilities at UVM, and the vibe at Tulane. Case was my top choice but I’m not sure if I have a chance of making it off the alternate list there.

 

[goriku671]

Doesn’t the Tulane MD/MPH have flexibility with their start date? I was talking to a student during my interview there and they mentioned that you don’t have to start in the summer. It would certainly help if you want to complete the degree in 4 years, but it certainly is a lot more flexible I thought.

 

[candbgirl]

I don’t think any of us can answer or really give a good opinion. I was really confused by your post. You should sit down and think this through. Maybe make a list of pros and cons. It seems that your interest in the MPH is mainly for personal reasons without much real impact professionally. You can always do a MPH. Lots of schools offer opportunities for a MPH. You have some decisions to make . Luckily you have a little time. Good luck.

 

[pstomd]

I don’t think any of us can answer or really give a good opinion. I was really confused by your post. You should sit down and think this through. Maybe make a list of pros and cons. It seems that your interest in the MPH is mainly for personal reasons without much real impact professionally. You can always do a MPH. Lots of schools offer opportunities for a MPH. You have some decisions to make . Luckily you have a little time. Good luck.

I appreciate your input but do want to correct you on something. I'm considering the MPH for professional reasons, as I spent my first career in public policy and would like to continue this interest in my medical career. I also think it would be nice to be able to do the MPH at the same time as I'm working on medical school. I'm not sure what is confusing about this...

 

[pstomd]

Doesn’t the Tulane MD/MPH have flexibility with their start date? I was talking to a student during my interview there and they mentioned that you don’t have to start in the summer. It would certainly help if you want to complete the degree in 4 years, but it certainly is a lot more flexible I thought.

That's a great point. I will look into seeing if that's possible. I believe the summer session starts late enough that I can still stay on the waitlists for a while longer as well. I hope you're doing well and wishing you the best of success.

 

[goriku671]

That's a great point. I will look into seeing if that's possible. I believe the summer session starts late enough that I can still stay on the waitlists for a while longer as well. I hope you're doing well and wishing you the best of success.

It sounds like you have several promising options. If the other schools that you’re waitlisted at are places you would rather be, whether it be culture, finance or location, then I would wait it out a bit. April 15th is the when students are asked to narrow their list to their top three schools and the 30th is when the students are asked to narrow to one. There’s going to be a lot of flux this month and I wouldn’t be surprised if you start hearing back from some of those schools, especially the high priority ones. Personally, I’m waitlisted at two and hoping for the best. Hoping for Tulane hehe. Best of luck! Keep us updated with whatever you decide! 🙂

 

[pstomd]

It sounds like you have several promising options. If the other schools that you’re waitlisted at are places you would rather be, whether it be culture, finance or location, then I would wait it out a bit. April 15th is the when students are asked to narrow their list to their top three schools and the 30th is when the students are asked to narrow to one. There’s going to be a lot of flux this month and I wouldn’t be surprised if you start hearing back from some of those schools, especially the high priority ones. Personally, I’m waitlisted at two and hoping for the best. Hoping for Tulane hehe. Best of luck! Keep us updated with whatever you decide! 🙂

I really appreciate your thoughtful input. Leaning towards not doing the MPH or delaying the start of it. It’s a lot of money and this way I can work during the summer and save a little bit. I’m hoping Tulane shows you some love - maybe we’ll be classmates!