What's Next??? MPH v SMP

[jyb5011]

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So I am still waitlisted for med school and naturally am looking at options on what to do next. Stats first:

30 MCAT ( 11,10,9)
Double Major - History/Microbiology
cGPA - 3.4something
Undergraduate Thesis
EMT
Tutor
Studied Abroad
blah blah

Anyway I was really excited about getting an MPH in my time off while working/studying for MCATs. However, after reading on SDN, as often happens, I became sad. This is because everyone says an MPH does not help with getting into medical school (although I want it for my own interest). So now I am thinking about looking for an SMP program. I have been accepted to Jefferson for MPH. If I work, do MPH, and retake MCATs, do I have an opportunity for MD school or should I do an SMP instead? Any suggestions are appreciated greatly

 

[ksmi117]

I'm moving this thread to the "What Are My Chances?" forum. Also, please refrain from posting identical threads twice. I've merged your two thread into one. Thanks. 🙂

 

[JJMrK]

What schools did you apply to this cycle and when were you complete?

 

[Catalystik]

Why not take additional post-bac coursework (upper-level science classes preferred) to raise your undergraduate GPA? An expensive SMP might be more than you really need to do unless you already have 160 undergrad hours.

 

[jyb5011]

I applied to a wide variety on the east coast, Drexel, Temple, Albany, VCU and a bunch of other. As for the SMP I have 146 credits that I am graduating with. My issue is paying a bunch of money for classes I am going to take in medical school again. I understand that med schools like to see that, but it makes no sense to pay 20000 just to say, look I can take upper level sciences. College and medical school are different as in med school you just focus on studies not on tons of ECs, or am I wrong on this. Do any medical schools look favorably on an MPH? I actually want the MPH a lot and was hoping it would give me some great insight into a different view of medicine.

 

[Isoprop]

It's been my understanding that an MPH is pretty much a REALLY good EC. Completing an MPH doesn't necessarily demonstrate that you have the capacity to do well academically in medical school. Esepcially since grade inflation is quite common in grad school.

 

[JJMrK]

I applied to a wide variety on the east coast, Drexel, Temple, Albany, VCU and a bunch of other. As for the SMP I have 146 credits that I am graduating with. My issue is paying a bunch of money for classes I am going to take in medical school again. I understand that med schools like to see that, but it makes no sense to pay 20000 just to say, look I can take upper level sciences. College and medical school are different as in med school you just focus on studies not on tons of ECs, or am I wrong on this. Do any medical schools look favorably on an MPH? I actually want the MPH a lot and was hoping it would give me some great insight into a different view of medicine.

It may make sense if you want to get in.

 

[sarahl86]

I think with an average MCAT and below-average GPA, post-bac/SMP would be better if this is really what you want to do. Ends justify the means in this process. Doing well in an MPH won't prove you'll ace med school...it will help later on, yes, but you have to do what you can to get in first.

 

[drizzt3117]

With 3.4/30, SMP is probably your best bet.

 

[drizzt3117]

With 3.4/30, SMP is probably your best bet...

MPH is good to take if you're interested in it, but won't really help you get into med school with those stats.

 

[drizzt3117]

With 3.4/30, SMP is probably your best bet...

MPH is good to take if you're interested in it, but won't really help you get into med school with those stats.

 

[drizzt3117]

SMP is your best bet for getting into med school.

 

[jyb5011]

Thanks for the 4 responses Drizz haha. Thank you all for the advice, I will be taking the MCAT over however. If I can get it to lets say a 34 then is an SMP still recommended?

 

[drizzt3117]

Thanks for the 4 responses Drizz haha. Thank you all for the advice, I will be taking the MCAT over however. If I can get it to lets say a 34 then is an SMP still recommended?

sorry, something weird was going on with SDN. If you raised your MCAT that much then a MPH might be enough but keep in mind delaying your app will hurt.

 

[Caprica6]

I know everyone on SDN has really high stats but isn't 3.6/30 MCAT average for acceptance into medical school? So your cGPA is a little low, what about other parts of your application? Shadowing? Clinical experience? Volunteering? If you would rather do a MPH do the MPH. If you have good ECs, strong LORs, good PS, I don't see a problem getting in with a 3.4/30.

 

[drizzt3117]

I know everyone on SDN has really high stats but isn't 3.6/30 MCAT average for acceptance into medical school? So your cGPA is a little low, what about other parts of your application? Shadowing? Clinical experience? Volunteering? If you would rather do a MPH do the MPH. If you have good ECs, strong LORs, good PS, I don't see a problem getting in with a 3.4/30.

3.65/32 is matriculant average... 3.4/28 is the applicant average.

 

[jyb5011]

Why will delaying the application hurt? I will be working and doing graduate school in the off time. Don't most people not go to medical school right after college? Avg age starting med school is 24 I believe

 

[witness23]

Why will delaying the application hurt? I will be working and doing graduate school in the off time. Don't most people not go to medical school right after college? Avg age starting med school is 24 I believe

he meant retaking the mcat in like july will delay your app

 

[bobdogsam43]

the MPH is definitely NOT a "really good EC".......it's an advanced professional degree that 98% of applicants don't have. Only get an MPH if you are sincerely interested in public health and think the education/experiences/networking will help you in your career.

 

[jyb5011]

Thanks bobdogsam, that is what I was thinking but I wanted to see why everyone saw the MPH as an EC. I sincerely want the degree because I hope to participate in international medicine and I think it will be useful to have in order to see medicine in a slightly different way (macroscopic vs microscopic).

 

[bobdogsam43]

Thanks bobdogsam, that is what I was thinking but I wanted to see why everyone saw the MPH as an EC. I sincerely want the degree because I hope to participate in international medicine and I think it will be useful to have in order to see medicine in a slightly different way (macroscopic vs microscopic).

those are perfect reasons to get an MPH....make sure you find/apply to schools that are strong in your interests