Decisions: Tulane Cell & Molecular Bio Program

[jch1989]

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I just graduated this year (June 2011), and so now I have a gap year between undergrad and (hopefully) med school. I'm currently applying to med school.

I applied to 3 SMPs: Tulane Cell & Molecular bio, Cincinnati SMP and Georgetown SMP. So far, I've only been accepted to Tulane.

I also have a job as a medical assistant in a dermatology clinic lined up for the next year.

Here are my stats: MCAT (32R), cGPA (3.67) and sGPA (3.6). I have around ~800 hours of clinical volunteering (at various places, both in the US and overseas), 3 years of research with an abstract + poster presentation, and some work experience.

My parents are really pushing me to do an SMP, but I feel like it's a lot of money for a program that I don't know for SURE will help out my application. I'm scared that it'll hurt me and end up being a waste of money. My parents think that the Masters I get at the end will help me find a job if I don't get into med school this year.

So here's the question: stick with the med assistant job or go to Tulane (or another SMP, if I get in)?

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[bdvz]

With a 3.67 and a 32 you don't need a SMP. Find out the weaknesses in your application and fix them. If it's not clinical experience was it your essays? Did you have several people read them? Maybe your interview? SMP is risky, if you don't do well, you could screw up your chances forever. Only do a SMP if you have a low GPA.

 

[bigloley]

I wouldn't recommend an SMP in your situation, if you apply early and broadly enough you should get in somewhere. And by early, your AMCAS should be completed or very near completion.

If you really want a masters, do something in research or an MPH that will help you down the road.

In your situation you stand to lose much more than you can gain from an SMP.

 

[patel2]

With a 3.67 and a 32 you don't need a SMP. Find out the weaknesses in your application and fix them. If it's not clinical experience was it your essays? Did you have several people read them? Maybe your interview? SMP is risky, if you don't do well, you could screw up your chances forever. Only do a SMP if you have a low GPA.

sounds like the OP hasn't even applied, and is not a reapplicant.

An SMP will not help you, OP, and may hurt you. You have far more to lose than gain, as it can be very difficult to get a 3.7+, and even if you do, you haven't really shown adcoms anything they didn't already know about you if you already have a high GPA. Stick with the med assistant job

 

[jch1989]

thanks for the responses! and yea, I'm not a reapplicant; this is going to be my first time.

My plan so far is to hope that an early and very broad application will help me out. I really appreciate all of the advice!