Complete DIY PB + Retake MCAT vs. Formal SMP (Please Advise)

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

swollcat

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2014
Messages
305
Reaction score
124
Hello everyone,

I'm a non-trad student finishing off the last leg of my DIY post-bac. I have a strong upward trend of pure 4.0 grades in my last 50 units. I'm enrolled in another 20 units this semester that are all comprised of grade replacement courses. EC's are good with a couple hundred hours in all categories, DO shadowing, and extensive volunteering with the underserved.

Unfortunately, I just received my MCAT and its a balanced, but devastating 21. I'm currently sitting at a 3.0/3.0 but will potentially have a 3.5/3.5 by mid June. Despite the fact that I anticipate a 4.0 DIY PB GPA in the end (4.0 in all the prereqs + others) I don't know if my efforts at a herculean comeback are going to be enough.

For a Fall 2016 matriculation, would you guys advise that I stick to my guns by finishing off my PB strong, do an August MCAT retake, and apply to DO school directly in September or should I apply to a DO SMP now, finish my PB, and commit myself to that program for the next year?

As a Nevada resident, I would like to get into one of the west coast programs in California that have some of the highest GPA/MCAT averages (to stay close to my family/support group).

I suppose I have nothing to lose by applying to an SMP now, but I would hate to not get in (since my comeback is still not 100% complete) and then be looked down upon when I actually do apply to that schools DO program this summer.

Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for all of your help.
 
Last edited:
I would finish strong in your PB, then retake the MCAT. Correct me if I'm wrong, but even if you get into a SMP you will need to retake the MCAT eventually. You might also need to consider broadening the list of schools you apply to, because a 3.5 and a decent MCAT should get you in somewhere.
 
need to be above a 3.25 in both GPAs. but regardless, you have to retake your MCAT. I wouldn't advise applying with less than a 24. Even then, your choices are pretty limited (<10 schools probably)


I wouldn't suggest any formal programs for grades, just retake any classes that are below a B- until you get those GPAs up, preferably around 3.4.
 
Top