What should I do? Masters program for gap year question.

[WildEMDoc]

This may be a little bit early to even be thinking about my plans considering masters programs don't even start the application process until winter. But I really like to have some input on what to do.

Briefly I will be taking a gap year, in order to hopefully raise my borderline GPA a little bit senior year. During that gap year I would really like to get a masters degree in order to keep my mind busy.

Basically I have two scenarios:

1. Stay at my undergrad university and get a 1 year MS in Biotechnology.

Pros:

• Cheap, <$2,500 tuition, housing I get free
• Keep heavy preference at my only in state medical school (UNM) that accepts 50% of the 200 in state applicants a year.
• Degree is (somewhat) marketable if I decide not to go to medical school

Cons:

• The program does not really help me get into medical schools (like a SMP would)
• I don't feel like staying at my undergrad institution is a good move, I feel it is high time to leave, so I don't get too comfortable.
• Even though the degree is marketable, I know my undergrad is not the most prestigious institution and I feel like a MS from my undergrad is kind of worthless.

2. Do a SMP, the programs I am considering are Tulane (Pharmacology or Cell and Molecular), Loyola Chicago and Rosalind Franklin

Pros:

• All programs have been proven good at getting students into medical school
• I feel like getting a degree from one of these actually will demonstrate dedication to going to medical school rather than focusing on a backup.

Cons:

• Cost is the only real issue I see with these, in all 3 schools the general cost will come out close to $38,000 (in Chicago I can live for free and the Tulane program will be $24,000 + Living = ~38,000)

Like I said, I know this really shouldn't be an issue for a couple of months, but I really like to have a general direction of where I would like to head.

Any input?

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[aSagacious]

If you have a 'borderline GPA' you shouldn't need either an SMP or traditional master's. Simply taking more undergraduate coursework at your current institution should give you the push into the competitive range.

Neither type of master's program will contribute to your undergrad GPA, they are listed separately.

 

[WildEMDoc]

If you have a 'borderline GPA' you shouldn't need either an SMP or traditional master's. Simply taking more undergraduate coursework at your current institution should give you the push into the competitive range.

Neither type of master's program will contribute to your undergrad GPA, they are listed separately.

Which is why I'm applying after my senior year. I just don't want to be sitting around doing nothing for a year before medical school.

 

[aSagacious]

Which is why I'm applying after my senior year. I just don't want to be sitting around doing nothing for a year before medical school.

Oh, well in that case my vote is for the traditional master's

 

[Astarael]

I agree with aSagacious. Doing an SMP with a decent GPA is a terrible waste of money.

That being said, are you really sure that you want to do a master's? If you will have your GPA where you want it by the end of senior year, a master's degree probably isn't going to make you a better applicant. You'd probably be better off getting some experience in a position such as a medical scribe (or something similar).

 

[WildEMDoc]

I agree with aSagacious. Doing an SMP with a decent GPA is a terrible waste of money.

That being said, are you really sure that you want to do a master's? If you will have your GPA where you want it by the end of senior year, a master's degree probably isn't going to make you a better applicant. You'd probably be better off getting some experience in a position such as a medical scribe (or something similar).

I don't really want to leave academia. I really enjoy being in school.

If I was to do the program at my home school most of my 400 level classes transfer as the science requirements so I only need 12 credits total for the masters meaning I could do the masters essentially part time (leaving time for more clinical experience and medical school interviews).

 

[0123456]

What is the difference between a SMP and a Masters Program?

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

What is the difference between a SMP and a Masters Program?

The S in SMP stands for special. It is specially designed for soon-to-be or current medical school applicants to take a mix of graduate level science and/or actual medical school courses in order to "prove" themselves worthy of the rigors of medical school. Usually it's one year (its really more of a certificate program than an actual degree) and is of no use to applicants with good GPAs or anyone NOT considering medical school.

 

[gbmd15]

I don't really want to leave academia. I really enjoy being in school.

If I was to do the program at my home school most of my 400 level classes transfer as the science requirements so I only need 12 credits total for the masters meaning I could do the masters essentially part time (leaving time for more clinical experience and medical school interviews).

This is my exact predicament. I want to stay in school with my gap year (applying after senior year, not junior) but my GPA is fine (3.9) so I opted for the Master's. If I am accepted this year, I will not be finished with the Master's because though it is one year, it is Sept-Sept. Fortunately, the program allows up to 6 years to complete it so I can return the summer after first year or something for the last quarter. However, I recently heard of someone who received an automatic rejection letter from a school when they found out he was in an SMP that would not be done before he would be matriculating. Is this just an SMP concern or will it apply to regular Master's as well?

 

[bucks2010]

My vote goes for getting a job and reading books to keep your mind busy.

 

[wholeheartedly]

My vote goes for getting a job and reading books to keep your mind busy.

I'll second something along these lines. If you get your GPA where you want it by graduation time, there are plenty of ways to keep your brain engaged that don't require you to pay tuition.

I'd say do something else to round yourself out a bit, volunteer, get a med related job, have a cool adventure and then read thought provoking books or journal articles to keep your mind sharp. Some other activities might challenge your brain more than you might expect.

 

[235788]

If you have a <30 mcat and a borderline GPA i'd do the SMP. Unless your comfortable taking a gamble on med schools schools and have no problem going DO.

Edit: In addition, SMP allow you to have the comfort of knowing you may not be taking 2 years off. In the end, money is not a problem if you get in. Doing an SMP at a state school will in the end cost you about the same if you would have chosen to do a private MD school. So don't sweat the money.

 

[Astarael]

This is my exact predicament. I want to stay in school with my gap year (applying after senior year, not junior) but my GPA is fine (3.9) so I opted for the Master's. If I am accepted this year, I will not be finished with the Master's because though it is one year, it is Sept-Sept. Fortunately, the program allows up to 6 years to complete it so I can return the summer after first year or something for the last quarter. However, I recently heard of someone who received an automatic rejection letter from a school when they found out he was in an SMP that would not be done before he would be matriculating. Is this just an SMP concern or will it apply to regular Master's as well?

Most schools require you to complete your current degree program before matriculation. They do this so that they aren't "poaching" students from other programs.

 

[bajastapler]

if you have a borderline gpa (like I do) i don't think you should do the smp or masters. In your case I think an smp or masters might be a waste of money.

Instead I'd to study like crazy for the mcat & work on ECs.

IMO for those w/ borderline gpas: a high MCAT and strong ECs > SMP or masters

 

[genswim24]

if you have a borderline gpa (like I do) i don't think you should do the smp or masters. In your case I think an smp or masters might be a waste of money.

Instead I'd to study like crazy for the mcat & work on ECs.

IMO for those w/ borderline gpas: a high MCAT and strong ECs > SMP or masters

Most SMP programs are designed for people with low/borderline GPA's and decent/high MCAT scores. Those were the type of people who had the most success at the program that I went to. The other med students in my class who did SMPs had similar experiences. SMP's are not really designed for people with a high GPA, you already proved your classroom abilities. A regular masters program will do very little to boost your chances of getting into medical school.

Strong EC's can make a difference if you have a foot in the door with an interview, which requires strong stats. Rarely are you going to get that interview if your GPA or MCAT is lacking.