Opinion for Gap Year

[xprodigy92]

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During my gap year, I want to do a master's program at columbia in nutrition. (I was accepted into the 12 month program) I am not doing this program for GPA repair purposes. My BCPM GPA is ~3.49, I don't' think I need to stress that number too much. Please tell me otherwise if you feel so. I have yet to take the MCAT, I'm taking it this summer. On the AAMC tests I've average at ~33-34 on the tests.

My reasons for wanting to do this program at Columbia is I love nutrition. I am an athlete (powerlifter) who has competed and won at the state level and national level. My undergraduate degree is in chemistry (which is related to nutrition). Columbia also offers opportunities to do clinical research and I would be writing a thesis.

I have accumulated a lot of money from working the past three years and my parents didn't pay for undergraduate, so money is not really much of a concern. Though I don't want to be wasteful...

If I were to go to columbia, I have a job at Mt. Sinai medical school I could accept, a job at a cardiology research company, and I would continue to tutor (I've made a lot of money tutoring the past three years, already started an IRA)

My other offers are:
Nutrition MS at: Tufts, Case Western School of Medicine, Syracuse, I have an interview at UConn.
MPH: Mount Sinai, Dartmouth, waitlisted at BU (Though I'm sure I will get an offer, I had a letter written for me by the dean after I was wait listed)
Medical Sciences: BU and Mount Sinai

What is the best option? If I leave New York, I am leaving three jobs and a lot of connections. What are everyone's thoughts? What do you think is best?

I should also mention I already have a pretty stacked resume, I would like to beef up my research and work experience, but that's about it.

 

[LizzyM]

Just one thing that occurs to me is that going between Mt Sinai and Columbia's Med Center campus is a hell of a commute. Can you really take a job at MSSM and be a full-time student at Columbia?

 

[xprodigy92]

Just one thing that occurs to me is that going between Mt Sinai and Columbia's Med Center campus is a hell of a commute. Can you really take a job at MSSM and be a full-time student at Columbia?

I think it's only about a half hour commute one way?

 

[Cmdr_Shepard]

Closer to 40 minutes on the subway.

I suppose travel is out of the question?

 

[LizzyM]

Without knowing the class schedule, it is hard to know if commuting between the two would be a once a day affair or require multiple trips.... the Columbia program recommends that students not work more than 10 hrs/wk. Also, note that the half-hour commute on the subway presumes walking across Central Park which is not, in this weather, a walk in the park (well, it is but you know what I mean). The OP seems interested in holding down three jobs and one presumes he plans to keep up his fitness regimen too. That's a lot on his plate.

 

[xprodigy92]

Without knowing the class schedule, it is hard to know if commuting between the two would be a once a day affair or require multiple trips.... the Columbia program recommends that students not work more than 10 hrs/wk. Also, note that the half-hour commute on the subway presumes walking across Central Park which is not, in this weather, a walk in the park (well, it is but you know what I mean). The OP seems interested in holding down three jobs and one presumes he plans to keep up his fitness regimen too. That's a lot on his plate.

I should also mention that my work at Mt. Sinai, I can take a leave if my studies become overwhelming and resume in the summer without any problems. (They already stated they would work with me) My other job I can work from home. The only job that requires serious travel is tutoring, but that can be done mostly on weekends as well. In terms of my goals and strengthening my application for medical school, what do you guys recommend? I will travel outside of New York, but as you can see, I am reluctant to do so.

 

[Cmdr_Shepard]

No I mean travelling out of the country and checking out the world.

 

[xprodigy92]

No I mean travelling out of the country and checking out the world.

I would rather pursue a master's degree.