Eligibility for MD with a part-time, online, non-thesis MSc degree?

[studentjenny]

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Hi folks, I am new to the forum, so please forgive me if this would not be the right place to post.

I am not sure what is the definition of non-traditional but I think I am one: late 20's and have been working full time for a few years. I have recently gone back to school to do a non-thesis MSc degree which is done on a part-time basis (so I can keep my full time job) and is distance-learning (online). I am doing very well - 4.0. so far. My undergrad degree was lower around 3.5.

I have always wanted to pursue medicine, but gave up as my UG GPA wasn't stellar. Now that I am getting better marks in my MSc degree, I have started to consider applying to med. However, given that the degree is completely online, part-time, and non-thesis based... I am not sure if there are any schools that would even consider my graduate GPA! I feel that I would have to ask and email each school individually to inquire but does anyone know off the top of their head? I am looking for US schools preferably, but would also consider abroad. (Not even thinking about ECs, MCATs, LOR etc at the moment since I don't even know if my graduate GPA is eligible!)

Many thanks in advance!

 

[xffan624]

Your graduate GPA is NOT a substitute or replacement for a poor UG performance. Most medical schools will not give it much weight

You need a postbacc or SMP that will enhance your record.

Do you really think a 3.5 is impossible to get in without one? I think if OP applied broadly, early, smartly, had a decent MCAT and maybe some science prereq CC courses to show that he can hack it academically, an SMP or formal postbacc would not be necessary. 3.5 is not a death sentence. It's not ideal, but people get in with lower GPA's without going to extreme measures of doing an SMP. It just requires a strategic application and otherwise admirable application.

 

[Goro]

100% agree.

Your graduate GPA is NOT a substitute or replacement for a poor UG performance. Most medical schools will not give it much weight

You need a postbacc or SMP that will enhance your record.