Post-bac upper level science vs. Masters degree

[DocKW]

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I just wanted to gauge everyone's opinion about these two ways to strengthen one's application to medical school.

As a biology major with a less-than-stellar ugrad GPA, is it more beneficial to participate in a post-bac program taking upper level science courses, or should one matriculate into a Masters level program in either hard science, or public health?

My dilemma is that I am conflicted between these two options. A post-bac program would give me the opportunity to salvage a weak ugrad GPA (which is, what I have heard, more important in the medical school application process). On the otherhand, a masters program would help me 'prove' that I can handle hard science courses, and a MPH would show my commitment to medicine.

So. . .what does anyone else think?

 

[DoctorInSpace]

I would go for the MPH. Not only does it show the committment to medicine and that you can handle the work load, but regardless of anything else, you have an additional degree that can never be taken away from you. You can't get that by only doing post-bacc work.

That is only my opinion, and i'm sure lots of other will have more to say about the issue.

Best of luck to you and your journey to becoming a physician.

 

[TiggidyTooth]

if your GPA is around a 2.7, post-bac ugrad will serve you best (this is the boat I am in and exactly what I am doing). If your GPA is around a 3.0 I would highly recommend a post-bac/master's program like at georgetown or drexel. The next best thing to do would be the master in a hard science but do it as a non-thesis seeking student. I would not pursue the MPH. Your science GPA is low and that is what you need to overcome, courses in epidemology (sp?) and health risk management are not going to convince adcoms that you can handle a full load of science courses. Remember that the goal of any post-bac or graduate work when in this situation is to prove that you can handle medical course load as in the science type. You can show you commitment to medicine by volunteering at free clinics or something, but this is not as important as your grades in core science classes.

Tooth

 

[DoctorInSpace]

I just realized i made a boo boo......

I would recommend against an MPH but would tell you to find an MBS program---Master's in Biological Science. My brain must have been fried when I did my last post. Sorry about that.

If you can get into an MBS program, you will show you can take the hard core science classes, bring up your GPA, etc. That is what several of my classmates have done. And some schools have an integrated program where if you get into their MBS program and do well, you automatically get into the med school (ie. NSU).

Sorry for the confusion.

 

[DocKW]

I should graduate with about a 3.2 ugrad GPA (hopefully). Although I think I will pursue a MPH in the future, I've come to realize that it won't be helpful to pursue the degree before medical school.

Now I am debating b/w post-bac and masters programs. I've heard that some med schools have cut-offs for interviews based on ugrad GPA's, so. . .wouldn't it be better to pursue a post-bac in upper level sciences than a mgb?

Thanks so much guys for replying!

Let's keep this going. . .

 

[camisho]

DocKW,

what was your MCAT score? I too hope to graduate with a 3.2...coming from Hopkins I hope it gives me a boost. If your MCAT is solid (30+) I would suggest the Master's route (non-MPH).

 

[DocKW]

I scored in the 20's, and will have to take the test again, unfortunately.

Yes, I think your situation lends itself to pursuing a masters, camisho. Perhaps a post-bac with MCAT prep will be best for my situation.

Any more thoughts?

Tooth. . .what program are you doing?

 

[TiggidyTooth]

I would strongly urge you to go to a one year master's program. You already have a science degree, it might be kind of hard taking a full load of upper division science classes without looking to repeat something.

If you don't like the costly formal ones like Drexel try Tulane's or Indiana Univerity's. Some schools do have a cut off but me thinks its usually around a 3.0 but don't quote me on that. But, if your science GPA is low then maybe a post-bac is in order, if it's over a 3.0 then I would go to a one year Master's. I think you should really speak with an adcom at your local med school. They will be upfront and honest with you and give you good advice, although be sure to speak with more than 1 as even they are fallable.

I'm in texas in a do it yourself post-bac. It's cheap, I'm working hard and getting the grades so so far so good. Since my GPA really stinks i'm taking a total of like 40+ credits of post-bac. I still don't know if with good MCATS whether or not that will be enough to offset a poor GPA. Different people tell me different things. I'm shooting for allopathic schools so it's just really hard to judge what's going to enough to overcome the previous GPA. I'm also a Texas resident so I'm hoping there's a chance!

Tooth

 

[TiggidyTooth]

I've been thinking long and hard about this one, and I think that a post-bac may be more beneficial. It's a tough call since your on that border line with numbers. Med schools love a ugpa and a post-bac certainly fills that, so if in doubt maybe that should be the way to go. I also think it really depends on the science GPA too.

Good Luck

Tooth

 

[krichan]

yes, what is exactly is this undergrad GPA cutoff? will some med schools really automatically eliminate those who don't meet a certain undergrad GPA?

 

[exigente chica]

I too was wondering wheter to do a post bac or research post bac or a masters?


🙄

 

[sendwich]

i'm in the same boat as some of you here: poor undergrad gpa (2.7) in bio. it's not going to be easy, trying to "prove" to the adcoms about my wanting to be a doctor with this sort of a past. so, what i'm planning on doing is to take a year's worth of upper div undergrad classes (DYIpostbac) at a local state school (csla...anyone hear anything about this school?) and then apply for the georgetown smp program. i was thinking about taking on a master's but i don't know of too many schools where i would be taken too seriously, since my gpa is a bit low.