Mercer MSPCS vs GA-PCOM Biomed

[fifthcupofcoffee]

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Hi All,

I recently have been accepted to both Mercer University's Preclinical Sciences MS program (1 year program so I would finish it and get an MS) as well as GA-PCOM's Biomedical Sciences MS program (2 year MS and I would probably only get the graduate studies certificate after the first year instead of completing the full MS). I was wondering if anyone could share some insight into this decision.

GA-PCOM is very close to my home and I could live there. Mercer's program is a one year master's however. If I attended PCOM, I probably would not complete the second year of the Master's and just apply to medical school. I am leaning more toward PCOM at this time. The cost of both programs are similar but I would have to get an apartment and such if I was at Mercer. The area of Macon is also not very appealing while PCOM is located in Suwanee, GA (close to home, nice suburban area, near Atlanta). But what do you all think? Like I said, it seems that Mercer has the fact that I'd receive an MS the first year going for it, but will that matter if I ultimately receive an MD or a DO degree subsequent to either program? I'm trying to go to med school after one year of graduate school (gpa repair reasons...great MCAT and extra curriculars otherwise)

Let me know your thoughts! Thanks!


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[fifthcupofcoffee]

bump


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[fifthcupofcoffee]

bump


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[fifthcupofcoffee]

one last bump??


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[Granny Watkins]

Hi All,

I recently have been accepted to both Mercer University's Preclinical Sciences MS program (1 year program so I would finish it and get an MS) as well as GA-PCOM's Biomedical Sciences MS program (2 year MS and I would probably only get the graduate studies certificate after the first year instead of completing the full MS). I was wondering if anyone could share some insight into this decision.

GA-PCOM is very close to my home and I could live there. Mercer's program is a one year master's however. If I attended PCOM, I probably would not complete the second year of the Master's and just apply to medical school. I am leaning more toward PCOM at this time. The cost of both programs are similar but I would have to get an apartment and such if I was at Mercer. The area of Macon is also not very appealing while PCOM is located in Suwanee, GA (close to home, nice suburban area, near Atlanta). But what do you all think? Like I said, it seems that Mercer has the fact that I'd receive an MS the first year going for it, but will that matter if I ultimately receive an MD or a DO degree subsequent to either program? I'm trying to go to med school after one year of graduate school (gpa repair reasons...great MCAT and extra curriculars otherwise)

Let me know your thoughts! Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app

Looks like you really want an opinion, so I will make an attempt. However, I think you know the decision is your own. I was going to apply to Mercer, but got into PCOM before the Mercer app opened so I didn't bother because PCOM was sort of my first choice. If you search "SDN Mercer post bac" or something similar you'll find reviews on the program from actual students. Same goes for PCOM and that should allow you to compare the programs based on curriculum, difficulty, etc. With respect to the MS - your thinking is similar to mine. We want a DO or MD so why put so much pressure on getting a masters? If you think it will give you a good back-up plan or help you get a job to pay for your med education then you should give it serious consideration. However, it looks like most of us just want to increase our GPAs, prepare for MCAT retakes, build up our apps, etc. The masters is just a nice bonus, but what will you do with it if you have a DO or MD? I am also curious on comparisons and contrasts between both of these programs. I've heard and read vague comments about the success rates of the PCOM students getting into the DO program or another school. How successful are the Mercer students? Apparently, those PCOM students who don't attend the DO program do so because they were accepted elsewhere. It seems like most students get what they intend to as long as they perform well. That is the key. Just like when you were choosing a college - go where you think you can perform best.

 

[fifthcupofcoffee]

thank you so much for your input!! i'm choosing PCOM. i thought about it and read testimonials from other students at both schools and my conclusion is similar to what you said; for my situation, a master's degree will make little difference.


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[Granny Watkins]

thank you so much for your input!! i'm choosing PCOM. i thought about it and read testimonials from other students at both schools and my conclusion is similar to what you said; for my situation, a master's degree will make little difference.


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You're welcome. I'm glad that I could help you make the right decision. Good luck to all of us in this program.

 

[futureunknown2018]

thank you so much for your input!! i'm choosing PCOM. i thought about it and read testimonials from other students at both schools and my conclusion is similar to what you said; for my situation, a master's degree will make little difference.


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Any input now that you have been through the program?