Do I need to do a post-bacc SMP program given my lower GPA?

[katniss09]

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[Aerus]

Under what circumstance should a student do a post-bacc SMP program? I've heard that if your undergrad GPA is not as high, then you can do a SMP to boost it. My cGPA is a 3.6, and sGPA is a 3.5, but I want to aim for a mid-tier school. My GPA would be a lot higher if it weren't for a rough year that I had my sophomore year of college. My GPA for my sophomore year is a 2.9 , but my GPA for my other 3 years are all 3.7+. Thus, this averages to give me about a 3.6 cum and 3.5 science GPA. If I want to aim for a mid-tier school, say ranked around 20-50, should I do a SMP program given that my GPA is still lower than the averages for these schools?

First, no. SMP is a huge risk. It costs a lot of money and if you don't do well, you're out of luck on that. You don't need an SMP with your GPA.

Your sophomore year isn't ideal but if your GPA was fine afterwards, it shouldn't be a huge deal. Don't have your heart set on a 20-50 school. Getting into any MD should be good enough.

There's no way anyone can tell you if you can get in without an MCAT score and your EC's.

 

[Ohyeah]

I agree, SMPs are a risky step. Your GPA is not so low that you need to be considering SMPs. Just do your best on the MCAT and make sure you're doing the necessary extracurriculars. Then we'll know for sure.

 

[Catalystik]

Under what circumstance should a student do a post-bacc SMP program? I've heard that if your undergrad GPA is not as high, then you can do a SMP to boost it. My cGPA is a 3.6, and sGPA is a 3.5, but I want to aim for a mid-tier school. My GPA would be a lot higher if it weren't for a rough year that I had my sophomore year of college. My GPA for my sophomore year is a 2.9 , but my GPA for my other 3 years are all 3.7+. Thus, this averages to give me about a 3.6 cum and 3.5 science GPA. If I want to aim for a mid-tier school, say ranked around 20-50, should I do a SMP program given that my GPA is still lower than the averages for these schools?

You don't need an expensive SMP. If you don't have a string of As in upper-level bio and Biochem, I suggest you boost your sGPA by acquiring them. A mid-thirties, or better, MCAT score would help compensate, as well, if a mid-selective school is your goal.

 

[Goro]

Quit fussing, you're fine, especially if you can pull >32 on the MCAT. But cover your bases and apply to some of the low-tiers as well.

Under what circumstance should a student do a post-bacc SMP program? I've heard that if your undergrad GPA is not as high, then you can do a SMP to boost it. My cGPA is a 3.6, and sGPA is a 3.5, but I want to aim for a mid-tier school. My GPA would be a lot higher if it weren't for a rough year that I had my sophomore year of college. My GPA for my sophomore year is a 2.9 , but my GPA for my other 3 years are all 3.7+. Thus, this averages to give me about a 3.6 cum and 3.5 science GPA. If I want to aim for a mid-tier school, say ranked around 20-50, should I do a SMP program given that my GPA is still lower than the averages for these schools?