Would a MPH help a med school application?

[floatingribs]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Firstly, I knew I wanted to get my MPH in health policy or global health before I knew I wanted to go to med school so it's not something I'm thinking of pursuing purely for my chances at med school.

Since I already want to get the MPH I'm pretty indifferent to how I get it, but if it would make me more competitive to med schools it would definitely be something to think about getting before applying. (Also are MPH programs generally more selective in med schools? as I've seen a lot where u apply to the joint degree while in medical school instead of just as MD/MPH at time of the application).

Also if it does make one more competitive is it because it may improve one's gpa by a solid amount or because graduate degrees help differentiate candidates? (if it's relevant atm my sGPA is somewhere in the 3.7-3.75 range and my cGPA is around the 3.84-3.89 range).

 

[•Syzygy•]

it wont help at all

good thing your gpas are great already

 

[wysdoc]

Firstly, I knew I wanted to get my MPH in health policy or global health before I knew I wanted to go to med school so it's not something I'm thinking of pursuing purely for my chances at med school.

Since I already want to get the MPH I'm pretty indifferent to how I get it, but if it would make me more competitive to med schools it would definitely be something to think about getting before applying. (Also are MPH programs generally more selective in med schools? as I've seen a lot where u apply to the joint degree while in medical school instead of just as MD/MPH at time of the application).

Also if it does make one more competitive is it because it may improve one's gpa by a solid amount or because graduate degrees helps differentiate candidates? (if it's relevant atm my sGPA is somewhere in the 3.7-3.75 range and my cGPA is around the 3.84-3.89 range).

The joint degree programs are more competitive so if it's something you are interested in and want to do now, go for it now! Your stats look good, so during your MPH time be sure to plan for some volunteer activities to round out your med school resume.

 

[Catalystik]

Firstly, I knew I wanted to get my MPH in health policy or global health before I knew I wanted to go to med school so it's not something I'm thinking of pursuing purely for my chances at med school.

Since I already want to get the MPH I'm pretty indifferent to how I get it, but if it would make me more competitive to med schools it would definitely be something to think about getting before applying. (Also are MPH programs generally more selective in med schools? as I've seen a lot where u apply to the joint degree while in medical school instead of just as MD/MPH at time of the application).

Also if it does make one more competitive is it because it may improve one's gpa by a solid amount or because graduate degrees help differentiate candidates? (if it's relevant atm my sGPA is somewhere in the 3.7-3.75 range and my cGPA is around the 3.84-3.89 range).

It won't make you more competitive in the eyes of a med school adcomm, except as the program provides research or teaching opportunities to which you wouldn't otherwise have access. Do it because you want to master a certain discipline for its own sake, not to impress someone.

 

[chemdoctor]

It won't help your chances. As mentioned above, do it if you want to pursue research in a particular area or if you want to really learn about it. Your GPA is fine, no need for an MPH. It won't help you get accepted. May help you learn some stuff that you won't have access to, but not for acceptance.

 

[LizzyM]

The MPH is generally cheaper and takes less time if completed in conjunction with the MD rather than before. Many MD schools offer a +1 option or a 4 year plan.