Entering senior w/ no MCAT, 3.7 GPA; which postbac is right for me?

[KiGnome]

I have elected to take gap yr before entering MD/PhD. Currently no MCAT, 3.70 GPA, 1800h research, 40h shadowing (and counting), 100h volunteering (and counting), 3 pubs submitted.

With my relatively low GPA (which I believe I can raise +0.04 - 0.05 before I graduate), I was curious which postbac opportunity is best for me to pursue. I've considered PREPs, NIH OITE-PEP, and positions as a Research assistant/associate. Of course, these are research-oriented opportunities. Would it be recommended that I pursue a different type of postbac to remediate my low GPA? Like an SMP?

Thanks

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[Goro]

Relatively low GPA????

No, just no. Just get into med school and then try either getting into the MDPhD track, or do a research fellowship at the NIH.

 

[LindaAccepted]

I have elected to take gap yr before entering MD/PhD. Currently no MCAT, 3.70 GPA, 1800h research, 40h shadowing (and counting), 100h volunteering (and counting), 3 pubs submitted.

With my relatively low GPA (which I believe I can raise +0.04 - 0.05 before I graduate), I was curious which postbac opportunity is best for me to pursue. I've considered PREPs, NIH OITE-PEP, and positions as a Research assistant/associate. Of course, these are research-oriented opportunities. Would it be recommended that I pursue a different type of postbac to remediate my low GPA? Like an SMP?

Thanks

I agree with @Goro . You don't need a post-bac with a 3.7 - 3.75. Ace the MCAT, continue the volunteering, serve the underserved, if you haven't already, apply to appropriate schools, and present your qualifications effectively. You don't need a post-bac to do that.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

A 3.7 with your research hours and peer-reviewed publications should put you in a good position for a Ph.D. program. All the options you mention with PREP or PEP are for those going for PhD only. Your described accomplishments tell me you don't need those programs either.

If your description is accurate, you need more clinical and community service experience. Go to recruitment events and speak to current students. Your profile doesn't say "MD/PhD" to me, but we also have our Physician Scientists forum to also advise you.

 

[KiGnome]

A 3.7 with your research hours and peer-reviewed publications should put you in a good position for a Ph.D. program. All the options you mention with PREP or PEP are for those going for PhD only. Your described accomplishments tell me you don't need those programs either.

If your description is accurate, you need more clinical and community service experience. Go to recruitment events and speak to current students. Your profile doesn't say "MD/PhD" to me, but we also have our Physician Scientists forum to also advise you.

May I ask why my profile doesn't look like MD/PhD?

Does it help if I added I was President of our school's Premed club and clarify my volunteering came from working with dementia residents at a senior living center?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

May I ask why my profile doesn't look like MD/PhD?

Does it help if I added I was President of our school's Premed club and clarify my volunteering came from working with dementia residents at a senior living center?

IMO you need more clinical and commit service exposure. If you have another year to go, just build the hours.

Also ask the Physician Scientists forum.