3.2 sci GPA, 34S - SMP necessary?

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raab32

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I'm currently a senior at a top 50 school relatively known for tough pre-med classes (again, this is relative and I'm not trying to put much stress on this as an excuse for a low gpa). After this year, I will probably have a 3.2 cumulative science GPA with a strong upward trend (that is, low 2s during freshman year due to family problems, progressing every semester to a 3.6 during spring of junior year. I'm shooting for a 3.8 science GPA this year, which is definitely possible). I also took the MCAT recently and scored a 34S (11 PS, 10 V, 13 BS).

With those stats and assuming good ECs with strong research experience and a potential publication this year, do you think I should consider going for SMPs? Either way, I'm going to be taking a year off and I'm trying to decide between continuing research with the lab I'm working in vs. an SMP.

What do you think? I appreciate your input, very confused as to where I stand right now.
 
any additional coursework can only help you as long as you do well in them. i'm no expert but at the moment you're probably borderline
 
What's your overall GPA? If it's under 3.5 after this year, an SMP would be something to strongly consider if you're only shooting for MD schools. Even if it's >3.5, an SMP might still be something to consider.

If you don't mind going DO, then don't bother with an SMP. Those stats will be fine imo...
 
I was in a similar position as you. 3.3 GPA from a Top 10 school, 33 MCAT, good ECs clinicals research etc... I applied got many interviews and many waitlists, but didn't get in this year (note I applied for Fall right after undergrad).

Luckily I applied SMPs as a backup plan and got in. In the short time since we've started I feel like I've learned a ton, have grown up immensely and am near certain that I will be in Med School at this point next year.

My advice to you:
Though you might be able to get into medical school with good senior year grades, it would still be a longshot.

Your research might be really important/fascinating/fun whatever, but I'd only recommend continuing with it if you are going to make a significant medical breakthrough in the next year, are going to be working with someone high profile at your top choice school, or are gunning for MD/PhD. I assume you've already been in this lab for a while and thus already have gotten the research "bump" to your application.

On the other hand, an SMP could greatly increase your chances of getting in to many more schools. Not only will you be showing off your ability to succeed at a med school level (and if you are serious about this you WILL succeed) but it will give you a lot of perspective and something compelling to talk about in your interviews/applications.

Obviously SMPs aren't cheap, but I figure you're already going to be over $100k in debt leaving med school, another $50-60K is not going to significantly impact your life when you're 40.
 
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