Public Health Masters VS. Biomedical Sciences Masters Programs

[Dr. Flower]

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Hello!

I have applied to both MPH (3 schools) and MS in biomedical sciences (3 schools) programs and got into all MPH programs and 2 schools for MSBS that I applied too. I am currently waiting on my first choice school for MSBS.

My main question is, if I do not get into a my first choice school to complete a MS in biomedical sciences, should I pursue an MPH or are there other options or routes to take in order to help with my GPA situation.

Took the MCAT once got a 25, plan to take it again. Have 4 years of shadowing, 1 year of research, plenty of leadership positions, and work experience.

I do plan to apply to both MD/DO.

Help and advice will be much appreciated 🙂

 

[hoihaie]

what about postbacc programs?

 

[Dr. Flower]

what about postbacc programs?

Unfortunately, I did not apply to any.

 

[ems2doc]

Ouch that GPA is dismal, and unless you get better than, say, 32 on the MCAT, it won't matter if you do a post-bac or a masters. That ugrad/MCAT combo will kill you even if you do a masters. However, if you were to score 35 or so I'd say you have pretty good chances with successful completion of a masters. What makes you think you will get better grades in the masters? Getting a masters degree isn't some miracle program where you're going to get into medical school no matter what. In fact, if you do poorly in the masters program too, it will only worsen the situation. I know I'm sounding hard on you, but you really need to bring that MCAT up. Also, don't do the masters unless you really know that you will do exceptionally well.

 

[alpinism]

If you can pull off a 30+ MCAT do an SMP.

 

[Catalystik]

An MPH will not reassure med school adcomms that you have what it takes to excel in an intense hard-science curriculum.

 

[235009]

You need to take a more realistic look at your stats and realize that US MD is most likely no longer an option. Your best bet is probably to retake any of the prerequisite classes that you did poorly in, do better this time around and take advantage of DO grade replacement. If you apply broadly enough and have good ECs you may not have to retake the MCAT.

Both masters programs would be useless in your situation.

 

[LAtoDavis]

I've known people with those stats that have done MPHs... they ended up matriculating to places like the alabama college of osteopathic medicine.

You should look into the issues behind why you've gotten those grades/scores before considering throwing money and time at a masters of any type. @DrMidlife

 

[ems2doc]

You need to take a more realistic look at your stats and realize that US MD is most likely no longer an option. Your best bet is probably to retake any of the prerequisite classes that you did poorly in, do better this time around and take advantage of DO grade replacement. If you apply broadly enough and have good ECs you may not have to retake the MCAT.

Both masters programs would be useless in your situation.

I think a 25 is too low no matter what. The average MCAT for accepted students is approaching 32. Unless he/she was involved with the invention of the particle accelerator, there's not much anyone can do about a 25 except to retake it.

 

[235009]

I think a 25 is too low no matter what. The average MCAT for accepted students is approaching 32. Unless he/she was involved with the invention of the particle accelerator, there's not much anyone can do about a 25 except to retake it.

There are a bunch of DO schools that routinely take people with 25 on the MCAT. The statistic you are citing is for US MD schools

 

[pbrocks15]

I think with a solid retake thats above 30+ will increase your chances more than a masters.