Advice on how to approach my time before apps?

[StretchDoe]

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So currently I'm studying for the January MCAT. Dates aren't out yet, but I'm aiming for the first date in January. Therefore, I'm set on applying next summer for matriculation in 2018

I'm also working in a hospital as well as doing clinical volunteering.

I've been on two gap years so far. Some of it I didn't do anything due to other circumstances killing my motivation, etc. I'm past all that and have been working and studying well now. I'm hoping working until I start med school makes up for my hiatus where I didn't really do much.

This is where I'm a bit iffy about what my next step should be. After taking the MCAT in January (hopefully doing well) I'll still have another gap. I'm not sure what to do between working full time as a clinical researcher, taking extra classes at a college or pursuing a SMP? I'm not sure if taking classes even helps my GPA since I have so many credits already.

My stats aren't the best. Between a 3.52-3.55 GPA and I took the MCAT back in 2013 and scored a 30. I decided to hold off applying until I was fully ready/I improved my MCAT.

 

[StretchDoe]

Sorry to bump this, but could use some advice on what would be best for me.

 

[thatwouldbeanarchy]

What are your EC's like so far?

I'm no expert on SMPs but I'm not sure that your GPA, while below average, is low enough for something so drastic. Have you taken many upper level science courses? You could take a couple in your time off. But you're right that if you're applying MD, it'll be difficult to achieve much GPA change without tacking on a significant number of courses. If you're applying DO, it's much more worthwhile with grade replacement.

 

[StretchDoe]

What are your EC's like so far?

I'm no expert on SMPs but I'm not sure that your GPA, while below average, is low enough for something so drastic. Have you taken many upper level science courses? You could take a couple in your time off. But you're right that if you're applying MD, it'll be difficult to achieve much GPA change without tacking on a significant number of courses. If you're applying DO, it's much more worthwhile with grade replacement.

Yea I would say I took a good amount of upper level science courses. My GPA dropped Sophomore year (around 3.0-3.1) but Jr and Sr year I picked it up (3.8 and 3.62-3.63 respectively).

I plan on applying to a few DO schools, but my main focus is on MD schools to be honest.