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- May 17, 2004
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Here we go again -- this is a serious proposition and I really could use some solid advice. I'm not speculating on how best to tackle my med school apps or chart my premed strategy, I've got that down with SDN forums thank you!. But I could use suggestions for the longer career horizon.
Here's my story:
I'm in my late 20s, female, unmarried, career changer, started my prereqs last Fall, applying for 2006 so I rushed to take the April MCAT (did ok with 9s on every section), and done with secondaries. Retook in August, didn't break 30, VR 8, PS 10, BS 10 (28R). I was surprised that my VR was so low, but can't do anything about it now. I applied w/ April scores but no interviews yet. I am absolutely not going to retake the MCAT. I feel that I've expended enough energy towards the whole process and don't want to hold off life to be a reapplicant. With such low scores, 3.5 GPA, and mediocre CV of just volunteering and work experience, I need to devise a plan B that is also viable long-term solution. I'm currently unemployed, and having trouble landing a job b/c of this glide year hiatus. Although I have solid work experience in business development and project management, healthcare companies aren't interested in me b/c of the prospect of leaving for med school (a long shot if you ask me) and that my prior exp. is unrelated to healthcare. I totally understand where the employer's coming from, b/c I've been a boss before. Even if I do land a f/t job in healthcare, it would be entry-level (lower salary) and will set my career back.
So #1: I can more easily land a non-healthcare position. Should I concentrate my job-seeking efforts towards that or the entry-level healthcare position? How much should I compromise, salary-wise and responsibility wise? #2: If med school doesn't pan out, I still need to get a Masters degree for the long-term. This will be my last degree, I won't try to switch back to medicine. MPH is a good alternative. With that, I could find mgmt work in healthcare, and that would be the end of story. The question: is an MPH enough to secure a viable career path involving management, where I can make $100K in 3-5 years? Or do I need other accreditation as well? What kind of jobs can I get with other Masters degrees, i.e. MSc and DSc? I don't know of the options, please advise.
Ok, back to the MPH. I would need to take the GRE asap to apply for MPH schools for 2006. #3: Is 2 months enough time to study for the GRE? (All this standardized testing and application process is exhausting.) I'm not sure how to obtain LORs or even what my statement of intent would be, but I have about 2 months before apps are due. Any advice on how to tackle MPH application would be appreciated. Also, if med school falls through this year, I would like to relocate next year to either Washington state, Oregon, or Georgia to settle down, buy a house, move on with my life -- any advice on the MPH school and job options in those areas would be great!
Thanks for listening and playing guidance counselor!
Here's my story:
I'm in my late 20s, female, unmarried, career changer, started my prereqs last Fall, applying for 2006 so I rushed to take the April MCAT (did ok with 9s on every section), and done with secondaries. Retook in August, didn't break 30, VR 8, PS 10, BS 10 (28R). I was surprised that my VR was so low, but can't do anything about it now. I applied w/ April scores but no interviews yet. I am absolutely not going to retake the MCAT. I feel that I've expended enough energy towards the whole process and don't want to hold off life to be a reapplicant. With such low scores, 3.5 GPA, and mediocre CV of just volunteering and work experience, I need to devise a plan B that is also viable long-term solution. I'm currently unemployed, and having trouble landing a job b/c of this glide year hiatus. Although I have solid work experience in business development and project management, healthcare companies aren't interested in me b/c of the prospect of leaving for med school (a long shot if you ask me) and that my prior exp. is unrelated to healthcare. I totally understand where the employer's coming from, b/c I've been a boss before. Even if I do land a f/t job in healthcare, it would be entry-level (lower salary) and will set my career back.
So #1: I can more easily land a non-healthcare position. Should I concentrate my job-seeking efforts towards that or the entry-level healthcare position? How much should I compromise, salary-wise and responsibility wise? #2: If med school doesn't pan out, I still need to get a Masters degree for the long-term. This will be my last degree, I won't try to switch back to medicine. MPH is a good alternative. With that, I could find mgmt work in healthcare, and that would be the end of story. The question: is an MPH enough to secure a viable career path involving management, where I can make $100K in 3-5 years? Or do I need other accreditation as well? What kind of jobs can I get with other Masters degrees, i.e. MSc and DSc? I don't know of the options, please advise.
Ok, back to the MPH. I would need to take the GRE asap to apply for MPH schools for 2006. #3: Is 2 months enough time to study for the GRE? (All this standardized testing and application process is exhausting.) I'm not sure how to obtain LORs or even what my statement of intent would be, but I have about 2 months before apps are due. Any advice on how to tackle MPH application would be appreciated. Also, if med school falls through this year, I would like to relocate next year to either Washington state, Oregon, or Georgia to settle down, buy a house, move on with my life -- any advice on the MPH school and job options in those areas would be great!
Thanks for listening and playing guidance counselor!