Question regarding one year gap

[fn7909]

I have a question that I would like to ask but at first I need to inform you about my academic status;

My major is chemistry and I will receive my BA in June of 2006. I am planning to go to medical school after I receive my undergraduate degree. I will take the MCAT in April of 2006 and I will send out my primary application in June of 2006. I am applying to medical schools for Fall of 2007. There is one year gap from the time I get my BA in chemistry, till I get admitted to the medical school.

Here is my question. What would you recommend me to do during this one year gap? because I was thinking about the master degree in public health, does anyone know if this is a good path?
Your advise will be appreciated

 

[OSUdoc08]

I have a question that I would like to ask but at first I need to inform you about my academic status;

My major is chemistry and I will receive my BA in June of 2006. I am planning to go to medical school after I receive my undergraduate degree. I will take the MCAT in April of 2006 and I will send out my primary application in June of 2006. I am applying to medical schools for Fall of 2007. There is one year gap from the time I get my BA in chemistry, till I get admitted to the medical school.

Here is my question. What would you recommend me to do during this one year gap? because I was thinking about the master degree in public health, does anyone know if this is a good path?
Your advise will be appreciated

Work in a medical field. Medical schools don't like it if you start a graduate degree and don't finish it.

 

[nerdgrrl]

I have a question that I would like to ask but at first I need to inform you about my academic status;

My major is chemistry and I will receive my BA in June of 2006. I am planning to go to medical school after I receive my undergraduate degree. I will take the MCAT in April of 2006 and I will send out my primary application in June of 2006. I am applying to medical schools for Fall of 2007. There is one year gap from the time I get my BA in chemistry, till I get admitted to the medical school.

Here is my question. What would you recommend me to do during this one year gap? because I was thinking about the master degree in public health, does anyone know if this is a good path?
Your advise will be appreciated

If you can find a one year degree program, and you're actually interested in public health, it's a good idea. otherwise, find a job in a clinic, hospital, or research setting.

 

[supersash]

i would try to find a one year program, and also work in a medical type job. this way, if you dont get into med school the first time around, you already have another degree to fall back on, plus you have all those new grades to submit when re-applying!

this is what i'm doing, i graduate in may 2006 too. where do you live, and how are you stats? if u dont mind my asking.

 

[HunterGatherer]

I would go the 1 year Master's Program/work in a lab combo. I'd try to get some research out of that as well. Only problem is that you will not have the grades from your Master's Program on your ACOMAS.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I would go the 1 year Master's Program/work in a lab combo. I'd try to get some research out of that as well. Only problem is that you will not have the grades from your Master's Program on your ACOMAS.

Although research is good, clinical experience is much more important for osteopathic medical schools.

Research would be more helpful if you were applying to allopathic medical schools.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

unless you have lots of money, i'd just get a job. medical school already requires a ton of money, so why add $20k or more for some one year program? try to get something clinical, and you're good.

 

[HunterGatherer]

I'm working on the clinical research part so decided not to mention clinical experience. I can't imagine a hospital job I can get with my biochem degree that is going to pay my bills so I'd have to concentrate on school/work.

Although research is good, clinical experience is much more important for osteopathic medical schools.

Research would be more helpful if you were applying to allopathic medical schools.

 

[DODO]

If GPA is good, why take more classes? Just get a job like other's said. It would probably be good to get a break from classes and stuff like that.

 

[nerdgrrl]

unless you have lots of money, i'd just get a job. medical school already requires a ton of money, so why add $20k or more for some one year program? try to get something clinical, and you're good.

listen to this. I'm going to max out on my federal loans third year because of my masters. granted, it was a degree I actually wanted, rather than something to get me into medical school, so I think it was worth it. but think seriously about a masters. if you're only doing it to get into med school, don't do it.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

listen to this. I'm going to max out on my federal loans third year because of my masters. granted, it was a degree I actually wanted, rather than something to get me into medical school, so I think it was worth it. but think seriously about a masters. if you're only doing it to get into med school, don't do it.

yep, me too. if i go to dmu and keep my scholarship for all four years, then i might just barely wind up underneath that $189k cap. with other schools, it'd be all private for the fourth year and some of the third year. so, yeah, don't take those staffords for granted.