MPH or SMP for Non-Trad

[ocaptainmycaptain]

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I know that this has been addressed in several posts, but I wanted to get some perspective around my individual situation.

I went to a top-ten undergrad school and earned a 3.4 cgpa / 3.3 sgpa and a 31 and 32 on the MCAT. I applied this cycle and received 3 II which resulted in 3 WL. Given that I may need to reapply, I also pursued other options for next year. I'm holding an MPH acceptance at the top-ranked public health school and an SMP from GT.

I've spent the past four years in healthcare strategy consulting (e.g. McKinsey, Bain, BCG) and was told, from my preprofessional advisor, that adcoms are likely having a difficult time "believing" my genuine interest for wanting to be a physician.

So my question: I'd prefer to do the MPH (e.g. I'll be able to do a global health experience, write a thesis, etc.), though, do I need to do the SMP to help my gpa and "convince" adcoms re: my intentions around becoming a physician. Thanks for the help.

 

[tiedyeddog]

If you really have a preference, do the MPH. I think the SMP is more likely to help your app, MPHs look good but don't really help patch a weak GPA.

 

[ConsultantMD]

We have similar stories OP, so here is my feedback.

I would say do the SMP because GPA is an issue here. You did fine on the MCAT but not well enough to offset a <10th percentile. A strong SMP performance will make a better case. It doesn't even have to be an SMP just take science classes at your local state university to show you can handle the material. It will cost a lot less as well.

Another issue may be your PS and how you come across. I have a varied background as well but I used that to my advantage in my PS and secondaries. I think you really have to be convincing about why medicine and not that it's just your next idea of what to do with yourself. I had one interview this year where my interviewer was not convinced I wanted to do medicine. I had others that were more optimistic and ended up with several acceptances.

An MPH will not solve the issue of whether or not you can handle the material. If you really want to do that there are several dual degree programs as well you could pursue.

Did you get feedback from your interviews? Hopefully one turns into an acceptance and you don't have to worry about any of this at all. Good luck!

 

[ocaptainmycaptain]

Thanks all; that's helpful feedback. @ConsultantMD, I did receive some feedback: I gave off an impression that I'm "a businessman looking for a MD credential". To your point, there were likely issues with my PS and perhaps even more with my actual interview. I was mindful of this during the process, however, it looks like I wasn't able to convey the story effectively.

I do realize an SMP would help with the GPA situation. I'm trying to pursue an option that meets all my criteria, i.e. get into medical school, participate in a meaningful global health experience, write a thesis, etc. With that said, with the MPH, I am able to cross register into other schools within the university. It looks like I may be able to take several medical school classes that are offered by the school of A&S (I'll use these as my elective classes). If I take 5-6 of these heavy science courses and perform well, would that be enough? Thoughts?

 

[LizzyM]

I think that the MPH will go farther than the SMP at dispelling the notion that you are a businessman, as long as you don't do the policy/management concentration. The field experience that goes with the MPH will give you an opportunity to get "down on the ground" and be involved with people in a way that you haven't done in the past.

The SMP has the potential to show that you can handle medical school level academic work but if you don't do well it will be the death knell for your chances of getting into medical school; At least with the MPH, if you don't get into medical school you come away with marketable skills which is not so for the SMP.