cGPA 3.4 sGPA 2.9, SMP vs Post bac vs masters?

[guccimed]

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Hey guys! I need some opinions on the best way to improve my low science GPA. I'm debating between a masters, SMP, or post bacc?
So I really messed up my freshmen and sophomore years because I had no idea what I wanted to do yet and just got C's and B's without caring. Last semester I had the worst teacher and got a D in orgo 2 (which I'm retaking now and will definitely be getting an A) and that completely messed up the upward trend I had going for me. I am now graduating this semester with a degree in Psychology and all my pre recs for med school are completed. My cGPA will likely come out to be around a 3.4 and sGPA around a 2.9. The problem is, I mostly have just gotten C's and B's. I don't have any D's or F's that I can retake (other than the orgo class which I'm doing now). I've heard some people say it's not worth it to retake C and B classes?
I am determined to get into medical school (either DO or MD) and I am willing to do whatever it takes to do so, I just wanna make the best decision. I am wondering how I should go about showing that I have the potential to do well. I could do a post bacc program or a masters program which will both likely take longer or I could go the SMP route. If I were to do the SMP, I would quit working that year and put all my effort into getting the best grades, and I don't doubt myself, I know I can do it. But I've heard a lot of negative things about SMPs and I'm just wondering what the general thoughts are? Are there any specific programs you recommend? If you don't recommend SMP, is there a specific post bacc program or masters program I should focus on (like biomed/biotechnology)? Thank you in advance!

 

[paradoxic_toxic]

I've heard some people say it's not worth it to retake C and B classes?

It's not worth retaking if it's a C or higher.


The shortest route is to aim for DO school.

Your best bet is defer graduation and take upper level sciences. Google "AMCAS/AACOMAS GPA calculator spreadsheet" and determine the amount of science credits you need to reach at least 3.25 sGPA. This sGPA will get it you past the screening process of most, if not all, DO schools. Get a 505 MCAT or higher and you'll be good to go.

If you can't defer graduation for whatever reason, then do a DIY post bacc as a full-time student and take as many upper level sciences you need.

Read Goro's guide to reinvention: Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

Be aware that Graduate (master's) GPA is ignored by most MD schools. Formal post bacs are geared towards career switchers.

If your gunning for MD, then you'll need a cGPA/sGPA closer to 3.6 and ~513 MCAT. I'm not saying you necessarily need a GPA that high. You need have a high upward trend for several semesters to demonstrate you can handle the rigors medical school. Another route would be to take an SMP. It's high risk, high reward so it should be considered as a last resort. With your grades so far, I don't recommend it. Stay away from Caribbean MDs as tempting as it may be.

Check my signature for DO school stats. It also includes a list of some of the better SMPs out there.