Academic Enhancer programs withOUT masters?

[raruuuu]

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My background: I will be graduating at the end of this year, with approximately a 3.2-3.3 cumulative GPA. I'm not sure about my science GPA, but my upper div major (General Bio) GPA is around 3.6. I had a very rough start the first couple years especially with prereqs and gen ed requirements, and took several years off to work. When I returned, my grades jumped from 2.1 to 3.1, but I haven't been getting 4.0's every semester. I have a few non-academic misconduct marks (underage drinking.. really stupid). I haven't taken the MCAT yet but plan to early summer. I also have some EC's like volunteerwork, shadowing, research internships. I feel like I would receive good LORs from my employers but only generic or weak LORs from the professors at my school.

I think my only real chance at med school is an academic enhancement post-bacc program, but I'm having a lot of trouble finding one that fits my needs. I'm not interested in a true SMP because I am not interested in obtaining a masters and would rather spend that money and time better. Can anyone give me suggestions on academic enhancement post-baccs without the graduate program SMP? So far the only one that seems to fit my needs are Temple's Advanced Core in Medical Science program.

Thank you!

 

[deleted248403]

a non graduate program prob wont help much - do the calculations of adding another years worth of undergrad grades to your grades. i doubt it will improve much.

hence the need for an SMP because the grad grades are recorded separately from your undgrad grades.

Id rethink your adversion to an SMP...

 

[raruuuu]

I thought I'd benefit most from a structured program, but wasn't interested in writing a thesis. I don't plan on taking the GRE and will most likely be taking the MCAT in June or July maaaybe early May if I push it. Would that mean I would only be able to apply to SMP's for the next round -- Fall 2012? Also, are the grades from certificate/nonMS programs added onto undergrad GPA or shown separately?

I've just started really researching post bacc programs and thought that I would be ineligible to apply for Fall 2011 without a GRE score or will the MCAT score suffice, although it will be taken in June or July?

Thanks for your help!

 

[DrMidlife]

I thought I'd benefit most from a structured program, but wasn't interested in writing a thesis.

In a one year program you can't be expected to produce original thought. The thesis in an SMP isn't a thesis. It's a book report. And a chance for faculty to get to know you. LOR ka-ching!

I don't plan on taking the GRE and will most likely be taking the MCAT in June or July maaaybe early May if I push it.

Don't push it. Get an above average score, so that med schools are less worried about your below-average GPA.

Would that mean I would only be able to apply to SMP's for the next round -- Fall 2012?

Correct. They need that MCAT score to consider your suitability, and there are teeming hordes of applicants.

Also, are the grades from certificate/nonMS programs added onto undergrad GPA or shown separately?

If it's undergrad it's undergrad, if it's grad it's grad (varies by program).

I've just started really researching post bacc programs and thought that I would be ineligible to apply for Fall 2011 without a GRE score or will the MCAT score suffice, although it will be taken in June or July?

These programs start in August, and admissions are competitive. Even if you take the GRE, you're expected to have an MCAT score well ahead of the app deadline (varies by program).

The students you're competing against, on average, have already applied to med school, not gotten in, and are doing the SMP to improve their chances. They're very nicely packaged for the SMP admissions department to consider. The SMP wants to admit students that are just a wee bit shy of admissible to med school. Without a good MCAT score in hand, you're an unknown.

I'll give you one hint though: VCU. You should be looking through the lists of programs here and on the AAMC site. It's time consuming. But it builds character.

Best of luck to you.

 

[raruuuu]

Thank you DrMidLife! That was a really really helpful post! I agree that I shouldn't push it with MCAT studying, but it's just a bit discouraging to have to tack on another year of waiting. However, you are completely right. I'm starting to plan out a realistic but doable timeline. Looks like my best bet would be a SMP starting Fall 2012 and hopefully no gap year necessary. Thank you so much for your help. I have a lot to think about.