Do I need a SMP? SMP vs. Job Offer -- thoughts?

[mcat411]

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Hey y'all
I'm sure there are many many posts on like this...but I'd really appreciate your input. Below are my stats, do you think a SMP is right for me? I've gotten into a few good ones and I'm not sure if I should take a SMP or a job offer I received.

I applied for the 2013-2014 cycle but very late (verified 09/13 and complete around 10/13, I applied to like 30 schools). Interviewed at two state schools (around December) and was waitlisted at both.

About me:
3.53 GPA from a top 20 institute
3.51 sGPA
MCAT 34T (14/8/12)
"Very strong PS" according to nearly every advisor who has read it.
ECs:
ER Scribe 700 hours
Shadowing 380 hours
2.5 years research (no pubs, good rec)
4 years of student government & strong involvement in my college campus (Habitat, mentoring, tutoring, TA, the whole works).
I did very well during my first semester of college (3.9), then had family illness and did poorly for the next 4 semesters [including one F in biochemistry that I retook w/same professor and got an A and a LOR later]. In the last 3 semesters of college I had nearly a 4.0 while taking 22 credit hours per semester (the max that students are allowed to take).


Given all that--do you think I need a SMP? I've re-submitted all my application for this cycle very early and am turning out secondaries like a beast. I've gotten into GU, BU, NYMC and a few others. I also can continue to work as a scribe or I have a new job offer where I will work in medical consulting.


Anyone in a similar boat, feel free to comment or gimme your 2 cents 🙂

Thanks guys 🙂

 

[erure]

In my opinion, the only issue for you was timing last year and I would highly discourage you from going to an SMP; I feel like it would be a waste of money and time for you, plus you'd be putting yourself "at risk" (i.e. what if you somehow didn't do well in the SMP? You'd be totally shooting yourself in the foot). Since you've already fixed the timing problem, I don't think you need to do much -- just continue working and maybe get more shadowing/volunteering in if you have the time. Good luck!

 

[death prophet]

You have a 3.51 sGPA with an F on your transcript? Wow congrats on that. That's tough to do, coming from someone who has an F. Maybe your LORs could be better? Interview better? Definitely not SMP.

 

[darklabel]

Personally, I don't think you do. Its only the timing of your app. I did an SMP with similar stats (lower MCAT though) and got in without even needing my SMP grades because my undergrad academics were good enough.

Definitely would take the job opportunity and keep pumping out those secondaries quickly. Good luck!