Advice Needed: SMP, Post Bac Program, or science classes as a non degree student without a program?

[ILS1991]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hey Community,

Thanks in advance for taking your time to read my post. I graduated with a 3.1 GPA from a CUNY (City University of New York) in Anthropology (Medical Concentration). I had some set backs due to life and health issues in the beginning of my college career that plummeted my GPA. I was readmitted to school after dismissal with good reason. My grades have a great upward trend and I took one science "suggested" pre req for Medical School ... Human Biology and received a B+. Since graduating, I've been working along side Medical Professions in different settings as a volunteer, Prenatal/Labor/Postpartum Coach, service learning participant, and Health Program Coordinator.

After much research, I am still unsure what is best and may be ignorant to ALL my options when it comes to continuing a path in Medicine. Money is a factor but I recognize I may be able to apply as a second degree student and receive financial aid at some schools. Other schools have Post Bac programs one can get loans for but it still is a grueling ~50k for the program added to my accrued debt for a jump to a GPA that is still ... low!

As a person with little to no pre reqs completed, a low GPA and a desire to not drown in too much debt - does it even make sense to complete a Post Bac that will only take my GPA up so far? I understand a 3.3 - 3.5 is still average and research projects, work experience and stellar MCAT numbers could really be my muscles here. Then a relevant SMP in Nutrition at a state university where I could also take pre reqs at could make more sense (given I've taken the pre reqs for that SMP) ... OR I can take the science/math pre reqs as a non degree student at a state college (because I understand a community college pre med classes are looked down upon if you take them after receiving your bachelors). I am interested in a cost efficient way to navigate this low GPA and my chances of being a desirable Medical School Applicant. Can anyone share their experiences, pointers or resources I could benefit from?

Thanks again!

 

[deleted709753]

Hey Community,

Thanks in advance for taking your time to read my post. I graduated with a 3.1 GPA from a CUNY (City University of New York) in Anthropology (Medical Concentration). I had some set backs due to life and health issues in the beginning of my college career that plummeted my GPA. I was readmitted to school after dismissal with good reason. My grades have a great upward trend and I took one science "suggested" pre req for Medical School ... Human Biology and received a B+. Since graduating, I've been working along side Medical Professions in different settings as a volunteer, Prenatal/Labor/Postpartum Coach, service learning participant, and Health Program Coordinator.

After much research, I am still unsure what is best and may be ignorant to ALL my options when it comes to continuing a path in Medicine. Money is a factor but I recognize I may be able to apply as a second degree student and receive financial aid at some schools. Other schools have Post Bac programs one can get loans for but it still is a grueling ~50k for the program added to my accrued debt for a jump to a GPA that is still ... low!

As a person with little to no pre reqs completed, a low GPA and a desire to not drown in too much debt - does it even make sense to complete a Post Bac that will only take my GPA up so far? I understand a 3.3 - 3.5 is still average and research projects, work experience and stellar MCAT numbers could really be my muscles here. Then a relevant SMP in Nutrition at a state university where I could also take pre reqs at could make more sense (given I've taken the pre reqs for that SMP) ... OR I can take the science/math pre reqs as a non degree student at a state college (because I understand a community college pre med classes are looked down upon if you take them after receiving your bachelors). I am interested in a cost efficient way to navigate this low GPA and my chances of being a desirable Medical School Applicant. Can anyone share their experiences, pointers or resources I could benefit from?

Thanks again!

Harvard Extension School has affordable open enrollment postbac classes. I did a three year part time postbac there then did a one year SMP which I took out loans for. It was a long road but it got me in. Started with a 2.7 undergrad gpa. Currently an ms4 in a usmd school applying to residency.

 

[Dr.Gains]

Harvard Extension School has affordable open enrollment postbac classes. I did a three year part time postbac there then did a one year SMP which I took out loans for. It was a long road but it got me in. Started with a 2.7 undergrad gpa. Currently an ms4 in a usmd school applying to residency.

Did you take online classes from Harvard Extension School?