SIU (MD/MPH) vs WMed (MD/MBS)

[nawguhl]

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Bit of a unique one here. Received an acceptance to MD/MPH program at SIU, rejected by WMed for MD this cycle, but accepted to their Masters in Biomedical Sciences with guaranteed acceptance in next year's MD class upon completion.

SIU (MD/MPH)
Pros

• Southern Illinois resident, ease of move
• Lower end of MD COA
• Future career flexibility/new opportunities with MPH
• MPH coursework very relaxed acc. to former students, asynchronous, and online

Cons

• Southern Illinois resident, desire to leave
• Full COA for MPH year ~ $20k
• Multiple moves (Carbondale for 1 year then Springfield for 3)
• Genuine interest in an MPH is relatively low
• Summer-Summer MPH work, then MD, then MPH work again in fourth year

WMed (MBS, then MD)
Pros

• New environment
• Small class size for both MBS (6-10) and MD
• Tuition-free AND stipend for rent/cost of living provided
• One move to Kalamazoo
• 10 month MBS program leading to exclusive MD coursework

Cons

• MBS is solely to gain admittance in MD program, no use after
• MD seat isn't guaranteed without completion of program (though I don't doubt I'll be successful, it's still worth mentioning)
• Newer school—not sure about residency implications but from light research it doesn't seem to be a problem for most specialities from previous match lists

Summary: They both seem to be in the same-ish tier ranking-wise (correct me if wrong), with small class sizes including opportunities for meaningful connections with supportive faculty and students. With my interest in an MPH being relatively low, I'm leaning more towards free even if the MBS has more limited future implications.

Any input is appreciated!

 

[dllock713]

Tough decision. I would choose SIU just because you can start the long term delayed gratification process now instead of next year.
If I am assuming correctly, both ways you are going to do a pointless master degree and gain an MD. Do you want to start med school now or later ? Is this a legit full-fledged guaranteed acceptance without taking the MCAT again or do you have to take it ? Are the requirements also to maintain an 80 percent throughout the MBS? How much is the total COA with the MD/MPH vs the COA Wmed?