3.37 cGPA, 3.2 sGPA, 30 MCAT, next steps?

[shweetz911]

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[GrapesofRath]

My main question is is it really necessary to do an SMP to have a shot at an MD school or would taking upper level biology courses at my local university (UNC/NC State) be sufficient? NC State offers a Masters in Physiology program and it would be far cheaper than SMPs.

Well you dont need an SMP for DO schools. Just apply and youll likely be fine.

If MD is the end goal being a reapplicant with multiple MCAT scores( and not getting above 30) then yes you probably need something bigger and bold like an SMP. A masters that doesnt involve taking classes with MS1's isnt an SMP and isnt something that will boost your academic credentials. Your GPA is what it is; even if you take some upper level courses youll get your sGPA to around what a 3.4? That's still about 0.2 below the MD matriculant average; as a reapplicant with a below average MCAT track record that's still not a good spot.

Other key question is which SMP's have you been accepted to? There really only a few worthwhile one still out there; there are a ton of SMP type programs with no name brand/reputation that MD schools recognize and dont place many of their grads into US MD schools but still have no problem taking your money and handing you a degree of little value.

 

[shweetz911]

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[GrapesofRath]

1) Yeah do you think it'd be worth taking the MCAT a 3rd time?

2) As for SMPs I was accepted into Loyola MAMS, Tufts MBS, and TCMC MBS, waitlisted at Cinci. I guess they're not true SMPs but I know Loyola has a great reputation. Do you have any perception of them?

3) I will be applying to DO schools this coming cycle as I have a fully prepared application now that I have the DO letter

1) No. Youve likely maxed out your abilities; taking it again and not doing significantly better will only hurt you.

2) Loyola is a solid program. IMHO Cincinnati is the best one youve listed. I think Tufts is second after Cincinnati personally. So you have solid options. I wouldnt bother with TCMC's personally, a new program with not nearly as good a reputation/track record of getting people into US MD schools.

3) Decide if you are content with the DO route before you do an SMP. If you are content with DO dont do an SMP, its a risky endeavor. If MD is the end goal, then yes an SMP would be the move but I wouldnt apply again to MD or DO in your shoes until after you finish the SMP.

 

[trickydick]

Another thing to keep in mind, be aware of when your MCAT expires. If you took it in 2014 and apply to medschool after an SMP to matriculate in 2018 then you may have to retake the MCAT.

 

[shweetz911]

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[gyngyn]

Something I've been curious about. So I took my latest MCAT at the end of 2014, I plan on applying after I complete a masters program as you suggested so I"d be applying in 2017 for matriculation into 2018. My MCAT score would still be valid since it's valid for 3 cycles, correct? Also, say I apply in 2018 for matriculation in to 2019, would I still have to report my old MCAT scores since they are expired?

They will be automatically included in your AMCAS application.

 

[Dr.NickRiviera]

Generally the MCAT is valid for 3 years. So if school starts August 1st 2018, your MCAT would need to be taken August 1st 2015 or later.

Actually, I don't think the cut-off date is based on the start date of med school. I think it's based on year but not month? For example, if you take the MCAT in April 2013, it should be good for three cycles: 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016. So even if classes start in August 2016, any score taken in 2013 should be valid.

 

[gyngyn]

Actually, I don't think the cut-off date is based on the start date of med school. I think it's based on year but not month? For example, if you take the MCAT in April 2013, it should be good for three cycles: 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016. So even if classes start in August 2016, any score taken in 2013 should be valid.

It varies by school.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

• I have approximately 120 hrs clinical volunteering
• 40 hrs non-clinical volunteering
• 60 hrs medical shadowing (including DO for 25 hrs)

OP, everyone is talking about your grades and SMP, but the thing that's standing out to me is your clinical and non-clinical volunteering. 120 hours clinical really isn't that much. Most volunteer programs are 4hours/week for a year which alone is 200 hours. You also only have 40 hours as a non-clinical volunteer. More than anything, I would work on bolstering those.

 

[italiancowgirl]

I agree with @CyrilFiggis , you have to improve your grades and your clinical/volunteer experiences before you will be a strong candidate in my opinion. You might be able to get into DO with just added clinical/volunteer experiences but you really should wait and revamp your application enough to be a really good applicant so you don't have to go through 3 cycles. (just my opinion and some may disagree) GL.

 

[shweetz911]

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[flagellamonster]

It varies by school.

I've heard from an advisor that while schools will technically accept the old MCAT, they will give preference to new MCAT scores because they want to have a good comparison between students. I'm not sure how true this is though.

If this is true, I'd guess that it would benefit to take to new MCAT.