Will a Master of Public Health help me get into a DO school?

[BrianK0220]

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[DrMom]

An MPH will not overcome an MCAT score like that. It can be helpful, but won't likely make a difference unless it's down to you and another very similar candidate that doesn't have a graduate degree. The UG sGPA and MCAT are *much* bigger factors.

Work on your MCAT and do everything you can to prepare well before you retake this summer. You can also see if there is anything from the UG sciences you can retake to bump up your sGPA a bit. It's not super low but it would help you if you had a good grade replacement to bring it up more.

 

[nardini46]

Short Answer: No

Longer Answer: It will help your application but I believe its better to spend your energy into improving your MCAT score. Each year the avg. MCAT score for entering DO students goes up. Its better to directly tackle your application weaknesses.

 

[user3]

Agreed. Just focus on getting that mcat up to a 25, then you should be in good shape.

 

[BrianK0220]

Awesome, thanks guys.

 

[Goro]

It will get you an interview at some but not all DO schools. You're below the minimum MCAT threshold for mine, for example. It might hold you back even after interviews, so I suggest re-taking it.

Will a Master of Public Health help me get into a DO school?

MCAT 2008: 21... 6/6/9 (no practice tests) retaking this summer

Undergrad Major: Biology
cGPA: 3.5
sGPA: 3.2
pre-req GPA: 3.67

MPH GPA: 4.0
Research experience: 2 years
Spent two summers in Mozambique building a health clinic

I guess my MCAT is weak, but I've heard DO schools look more at the whole applicant, and I feel like the rest of my application is strong.

 

[NeuroLAX]

I would aim a little higher than 25. Definitely 26+ and preferably 27-28+

Even 26 is on the lower end of the average spectrum.

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

I got in with a 26, but I think it limited my chances... 28 definitely would have helped... Either way, 26+ should be a no-brainer for you assuming all other ECs are good

 

[chicago5950]

I got a 6/7/8 on my first practice test -- pretty heartbreaking.

The sentiment I get is that while content review is important understanding the test format is just as critical. Everyone says the more practice tests you take the higher scores you get.

 

[NeuroLAX]

I got a 6/7/8 on my first practice test -- pretty heartbreaking.

The sentiment I get is that while content review is important understanding the test format is just as critical. Everyone says the more practice tests you take the higher scores you get.

Practice always helps, but for it to really help you need to go back and understand where you are deficient and why you messed up.

 

[getoutofgrenada]

it helped me get in with a lower MCAT, just make sure you have the ECs which it sounds like you do

 

[smoodle]

I agree with what most people have said. That MCAT score needs to come up to even be considered. Start with Exam Krackers, they are awesome and start from the begining on all the subjects. Do the 101 Verbal and the audio osmosis then take every sample exam and do them as if you were really taking it. Lock yourself in the library for the alotted time. You will watch as your score starts to go up over time. GOOD LUCK!

 

[deleted455728]

1

 

[user3]

Would it help me? I have a 2.4 undergrad with 35 MCAT. If I got a 3.5-4.0 in an MPH program would I be set?

did you retake any classes or have any current grad work? Because with a 2.7+ you might stand a chance. You are best off just retaking classes you did poorly in.

 

[NeuroLAX]

Would it help me? I have a 2.4 undergrad with 35 MCAT. If I got a 3.5-4.0 in an MPH program would I be set?

Not really. Master's programs don't add to your pre-req GPA, so it will still be a 2.4. You need to get that GPA up. There are minimum requirements, which you can meet by retaking unsatisfactory courses.

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