Apply to Med School or Take job offer?

[Action Rigby]

Hi,

I am currently in the process of applying to med school for Fall 2012 (haven't submitted my AMCAS yet). I am retaking my MCAT in August with hopes of getting a score in the high 20s or low 30s. My undergrad gpa is pretty bad (3.0) due to a really bad freshmen and sophomore year. I believe that with a high MCAT score, I could definitely get into a school in the Caribbean.

But I was just offered a job at a renowned research lab. The downside is that the lab asks for a 2 year commitment. If I take the job, will it increase my chances of getting into a US med school in Fall 2013? Or should I just apply to a Caribbean med school and attend during Fall 2012?

Thanks for all your help!

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[Mithril]

The general consensus here is to avoid the Caribbean if you can since it will be harder for you to come back to the US and practice. I think taking the job will give you something to talk about on your application, but I would avoid applying and subsequently being accepted by a Caribbean school if you can. There are ways to bring up a poor undergraduate GPA, such as by retaking bad courses or by doing a post-bacc. With a 30+ score on the MCAT, you should have a solid shot at US med schools.

 

[upchurch]

In your situation, I would take the two year research job and apply for Fall 2013. You can take some classes while you work to boost your GPA.

Or to be competitive here, I would also consider an SMP.