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Hey everyone--
This spring, I graduated with a BS in Biopsychology from a pretty good school with a 2.7 GPA. I've decided that I still want to go to medical school but know it's not realistic to aim for attending anytime soon. I will be going for my MPH in a hard-science field (toxicology) next Fall at the same school (highly ranked in public health). I'm even surprised I got in, but I managed to get a good GRE score and had decent research experience + recommendations.
I'm pretty burnt out from undergrad so I'm giving myself a year off to figure out my life😛 In the meantime, I have a year-long commitment as a research assistant for a federal government-based health agency in DC. The PI happens to be a professor at a prestigious medical school in the area and I hope to get closer to him as the year progresses (for recommendations, etc). Moreover, as this job will be part-time for a while, I'm looking into internships as well.
Through an AMCAS post-bacc search, I learned that my local state university offers science classes in the evening; somewhat of a post-bacc program for working individuals. I'm not sure as to which classes will mostly benefit my grades -- do I retake the basic sciences (I've already completed all the prereqs) or do I take upper levels? I will already take similar courses in my MPH program, though I've been told graduate courses don't counts. That's the bind I'm in now.
I figure that I will use this year to get as much experience as possible, take and do well in post-bacc courses, complete my MPH, perhaps work for a year (while taking classes if need be) afterward thereby applying to medical school in about 5 years.
I've read a lot about the SMP but I honestly don't think it would be worth it to someone in my position. Not knocking on anyone who chooses that route though; to each, his/her own. I just feel this plan suits my goals, not to mention financial background.
Does this sound like a good plan? Is there anything more I should be doing aside studying like crazy for the MCAT?
Thanks!
This spring, I graduated with a BS in Biopsychology from a pretty good school with a 2.7 GPA. I've decided that I still want to go to medical school but know it's not realistic to aim for attending anytime soon. I will be going for my MPH in a hard-science field (toxicology) next Fall at the same school (highly ranked in public health). I'm even surprised I got in, but I managed to get a good GRE score and had decent research experience + recommendations.
I'm pretty burnt out from undergrad so I'm giving myself a year off to figure out my life😛 In the meantime, I have a year-long commitment as a research assistant for a federal government-based health agency in DC. The PI happens to be a professor at a prestigious medical school in the area and I hope to get closer to him as the year progresses (for recommendations, etc). Moreover, as this job will be part-time for a while, I'm looking into internships as well.
Through an AMCAS post-bacc search, I learned that my local state university offers science classes in the evening; somewhat of a post-bacc program for working individuals. I'm not sure as to which classes will mostly benefit my grades -- do I retake the basic sciences (I've already completed all the prereqs) or do I take upper levels? I will already take similar courses in my MPH program, though I've been told graduate courses don't counts. That's the bind I'm in now.
I figure that I will use this year to get as much experience as possible, take and do well in post-bacc courses, complete my MPH, perhaps work for a year (while taking classes if need be) afterward thereby applying to medical school in about 5 years.
I've read a lot about the SMP but I honestly don't think it would be worth it to someone in my position. Not knocking on anyone who chooses that route though; to each, his/her own. I just feel this plan suits my goals, not to mention financial background.
Does this sound like a good plan? Is there anything more I should be doing aside studying like crazy for the MCAT?
Thanks!
