MPH vs. post bacc program?

[Azalea]

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I need some advice on a decision that i cannot seem to make. I have a low gpa 3.15, and low mcat scores 22 first time, and 21 the second time (cruel isnt it). My first two years of undergrad really messed up my gpa, and my science gpa is probably in the 2.5 range. I applied to a few mph programs thinking that this would be a good route for me to strengthen my application. I have been accepted into the ones i wanted, and have chosen boston (international health) (i got into gw and dartmouth). I have recently learned about post bacc programs and am thinking that they may be the better choice since my stats are so low. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what i should do in this situation. I am due to enroll in boston in a few weeks, i am from florida, so i need to make a decision fast. I may have to take a year off and retake the mcat, and then apply to post bacc programs, or should i just join the mph program? I would appreciate any advice, thanks for reading this long post 🙂

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

My thoughts on post-bac vs advanced degree program:

Go with the degree (MPH). Post bac prepares you for nothing should you not be accepted to medical school, while an MPH prepares you for a career in the public health field. Both may strengthen your application, but MPH does something for your future career as well. I really dont see much of a value in a post bac, unless you didnt understand the material the first time around a need a second chance at learning it before you apply.

 

[katnapper]

Depending on your history, you may not be elligable for the post-bac programs either. Many of the ones I applied to required you to have not studied in the "typical" premedical fields. They were not set up to help up the person's gpa in the sciences, they are for people without that premed background. I would go with the MPH, for sure. You'll get a more broad perspective and you never know what may come your way.