MPH does it make a difference?

[idadoc]

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I am mostly likely a re-applicant. I have one more interview and still haven't heard from 3 schools, but things are looking grim. I was wondering if there are any secondary degree re-applicants out there? (MPH etc.) If not, how highly do schools look on applicants with secondary degrees? My options this summer are: a patient exposure job at a hospital, more research, or a one year MPH program. What would be the best thing to boost my application? Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Here are my stats:
MCAT 28O
GPA 3.8, 3.75 science
Have done a 10 week research internship, shadowing, service etc.

 

[kuangwchang]

The only factor holding you back is your MCAT, retake it and do well. An advanced degree will help you, but that's not a good fix if the problem is just your MCAT. Apply as early as possible too. If you can have all your apps done by at least mid-late July you'll be in alot better shape than other applicants. Thing is though if you state you're going to retake the MCAT many schools will consider you app incomplete until they get the results of the MCAT, which means you need to take it soon if you want to reapply for this coming up cycle.

 

[AtreyuRocks]

The only factor holding you back is your MCAT, retake it and do well. An advanced degree will help you, but that's not a good fix if the problem is just your MCAT. Apply as early as possible too. If you can have all your apps done by at least mid-late July you'll be in alot better shape than other applicants. Thing is though if you state you're going to retake the MCAT many schools will consider you app incomplete until they get the results of the MCAT, which means you need to take it soon if you want to reapply for this coming up cycle.

I agree. An applicant with a lousy GPA can often be convincing with a high MCAT, but not so much the other way around. Low MCAT, is low MCAT. What exactly constitutes as 'doing well'? I would say you need to shoot for 30+ and that will help you gain more than three interviews for the next cycle. Honestly even 29 might help ya (I had a 29 so I can't say acceptances with said score doesn't happen. Maybe do an mdapps search and see the acceptance difference among MCAT scores). IMO (and my friends on adcoms) breakdown is key, if your breakdown favors verbal, that helps.

Yes, apply early. Take the MCAT soon, or take your time to enhance your app even more with extensive dedication to your EC's (not necessary though if you have the standard), and apply for 2009.

Also, give your PS a once over. As a re-app you will have to emphasize what has changed since your previous application. I am a big fan of NOT reapplying to consecutive cycles because I don't feel much can significantly change. (The only consecutive cycle re-apps I truly believe in are ones who increase MCAT significantly-- from 20's to 30's, or increase by 6 points if in the above 30 range-- or get a green card. Believe me, both of these are incredibly intriguing to adcoms.)

Lastly, if you just CANNOT get that MCAT score up, and you agree with DO education, I would suggest applying.

best of luck

 

[Think Big]

An MPH might help, but honestly I would only recommend it if you really want to work in Public Health. I wouldn't advise it just to boost your med school app.

-Think Big, MPH

 

[avacado]

I'm in an MD-MPH program and several people doing an MPH seem to be people who didn't get into med school in undergrad. Several of them have now gotten in, but some have not still; so I think it can help but there may be better things to do first. Public health though I think is extremely important and can give you a good perspective on healthcare before studying medicine so it can be a great thing to do.

 

[relentless11]

MPH programs do not really say that you can "perform well in med school". Some have research associated with them, but most do not (the 1 year ones). MPH programs will always be regarded in a positive way as long as you do well in them. However, all they really say is that you spent a 1-2 years learning about biostatistics, epidemiology and public health to get some degree.

As the above posts said, the thing that stands out on your application is the near-less-than-average MCAT score. Clearly doing well in an MPH program doesn't make up for the MCAT. Any graduate degree is sorta treated like another extracurricular, therefore you its apples and oranges when compared to the MCAT. To put things in perspective, I will have a PhD in Medical Pathology. Pathology is pretty much a core class in your 2nd year in med school. However what will help me, or at least what the director of admissions told me are my immense GPA improvement since undergrad (past 4 years), my MCAT score, and my research/publications. Not neccessarily my PhD degree. It looks good though, but you want to treat deficiencies with an eye for an eye.

 

[CoolerTHANu]

study us a$$ off and then retake the mcat, a score of 30+ and you'll be solid

 

[Critical Mass]

Nope.

Do it if you are interested in public health. That's the only suitable reason. Just beware that it's a pretty low yield degree job-wise with no other work experience.

A lot of people wait to do it as part of MD/MPH. I've heard that it can save you some bank that way.

 

[Adcadet]

I think the comments above are pretty reasonable and I agree with the previous posters.

 

[Cihuatl]

My GPA wasn't that great out of college. I decided to complete an MPH before applying to med school. Now, I've been accepted to several med schools (based on my improved GPA, MCAT scores, and research experience).

ADVANTAGES OVER POST-BAC:
1. You get a degree at the end.
2. You have first pick of any university course (over all undergrads).
3. More time to take classes and re-take MCAT, if necessary.
4. Financial aide eligibility.

On the AMCAS application, your GPA will be split up as Post-Bac GPA (undergrad courses) and your graduate GPA.

 

[AwaPremed]

Just wondering---Cihuatl what was your MPH in? Epi? Or something else? I'm taking an MPH with the hopes of giving my GPA at least some kind of boost.

 

[NRAI2001]

I am mostly likely a re-applicant. I have one more interview and still haven't heard from 3 schools, but things are looking grim. I was wondering if there are any secondary degree re-applicants out there? (MPH etc.) If not, how highly do schools look on applicants with secondary degrees? My options this summer are: a patient exposure job at a hospital, more research, or a one year MPH program. What would be the best thing to boost my application? Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Here are my stats:
MCAT 28O
GPA 3.8, 3.75 science
Have done a 10 week research internship, shadowing, service etc.

With a 3.8 gpa and a 28 mcat you should have had more interviews and probably even an acceptance to some of the lower to mid tier schools (maybe even upper tier if you impressed them somehow).

Are you sure there isnt anything else holding you back? Lack of ECs? 28 mcat isnt that horrible, seen many people with around that mcat and lower get into med school with lower than your gpa; BUT never hurts to raise your mcat as it seems to be the weakest point of your app.

 

[NRAI2001]

My GPA wasn't that great out of college. I decided to complete an MPH before applying to med school. Now, I've been accepted to several med schools (based on my improved GPA, MCAT scores, and research experience).

ADVANTAGES OVER POST-BAC:
1. You get a degree at the end.
2. You have first pick of any university course (over all undergrads).
3. More time to take classes and re-take MCAT, if necessary.
4. Financial aide eligibility.

On the AMCAS application, your GPA will be split up as Post-Bac GPA (undergrad courses) and your graduate GPA.

What were you undergrad stats? I m also considering a 1 year mph program.

 

[AwaPremed]

To the OP ---- I really think a lot of people with stats similar to yours do not apply for a wide range of lower tier, mid and higher schools and apply only to a few with the expectation that they will get in and when they don't get in they are surprised. I highly recommend that you apply to more and a wider range of schools so that will increase your chances. Improve your resume, get more intensive clinical experience and write a personal statement that shows you really have a passion and an insight into medicine.

This has nothing to do with med school but I did know someone that sent out resumes to 100 different jobs and ended up getting a job from 1 and it turned out to be the best. So the more places you apply to the better your chances.

 

[Meltyman]

No, an MPH will not help you significantly. An MPH is really a pretty crappy degree. There is not much there that says you have the hard science acumen to diagnose a difficult case or to contribute to advances in medical knowledge. Not trying to be mean, but don't waste your time with it.

 

[goldengirl]

An MPH is fantastic. However, you should pursue this degree for the love of public health, not just to get into med school, that is what post-bacs are for 🙂

 

[ut2010]

Advanced degrees by themself do not make your application stronger. I have an M.S. and and a Ph.D. and I still had trouble getting into medical school.

Only do the MPH if you will find the information useful in your career.

Much more important than advanced degrees is showing the adcoms that you can do the work (i.e. GPA and MCAT).

I am also learning why adcoms want to see clinical experiences in applicants, medical school is long and hard and they want to make sure you know what you will be facing. I know some of my classmates are having serious motivational issues because of the difficulties they are facing.

Good Luck 🙂