Do I qualify for an SMP? If not, other post grad options?

[akani]

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So i am currently a rising senior at UCLA studying neuroscience with hopes of going to medschool sometime soon (next 2 -3 years). I have a 3.5 cGPA, and i think around a 3.3 science gpa. I have an mcat score of 33Q (9 verbal 12 physical 12 bio). I have all the extracirricular activity stuff for applying down (medical and non medical volunteering, research, music). The obvious solution is to work harder this last year for a 4.0 to raise my final gpa, which im going to try and do. however, assuming my gpa stays where it is, I am concerned about my chances of getting into medschool after applying straight out of undergraduate.

With my stats, would you recommend an SMP? If not, what are some other post graduate options that will improve the appeal of my application to med school?

 

[deleted248403]

No

 

[SixStringPsych]

Your stats are nice, should be fine for getting into plenty of medschools, definitely your state schools depending on where you live. Try and work in research for a year or 2 if you really want some kind of leg up.

 

[ModernAlchemist]

Work hard in your last year. Get a 4.0 after quarter. If you need to, take more science classes than you need. Make doing well in your last year your main priority. Then, apply broadly and early (like the first day the app opens).

Do that and there is absolutely no reason to do an SMP. As an aside, why would we be assuming your gpa stays the same if you have one year left? If you're considering an SMP, you would absolutely have to get really good grades in harder classes than you will be taking in your last year. So, it doesn't really make sense to do an SMP instead of just taking more science classes and doing well in your final year.

Good luck!