Dear All, I am retaking the MCAT in April 2001. This, of course, means that I will have one year before I apply to medical schools. Since I am interested in applying to both allopathic and osteopathic medical schools, what should I do for my "vacant" year? I was thinking about pursuing a MPH but anticipate adcoms suggesting I complete the degree (2 years) before enrolling in their MD or DO program. Do I have any other options? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you, Together "Either engineers must become poets or poets must become engineers" - Norbert Wiener
AdComs won't be too thrilled with an applicant who leaves a program early (without a degree) to start medical school, so I'd suggest looking to something like research or volunteering in a hospital. As others have pointed out, getting adequate clinical experience is essential to your application. Without it you're a sitting duck. Tim of New York City.
I also debated what I would do for a year if I didnt get accepted to medical school this year. I considered research and a 1 year MPH degree. However, now that I am here, I have found that there are a number of students who take a graduate level Anatomy class and place out of the anatomy once they get into medical school. I would look into it if I were you. First, it seems as if these students just take only this course at a school which offers both a MD and a Masters in Anatomy. They take the same test as the first year medical students, however they present and work with the graduate students. The only downfall is that you need to make sure to do well in this class. But consider taking one Anatomy class as opposed to the 5 or 6 that you will be taking at a time in medical school...a HUGE advantage! Another great thing about it is that you get to know the staff and proffessors of the school really well. Look into this and try to talk to other students who have done the program. This may be difficult because I do not know how many of these programs there are around. Good Luck ~Pegasus~
