Fork in the Road!

[LawToDO]

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Hello All,

I've come to a fork in my road and am in need of some advice.
As I stated in my first post here, I've recently resolved to become a physician from my previous law geared aspirations, and for the past year have been working myself through a self directed post bacc program at my alma mater UC (University of California).

I have been enamored by the DO philosophy and intend fully to apply to DO schools. In 2008 I graduated with a gpa of 2.7 but at the end of this year of study I should be rounding roughly 3.0. I am a URM student, for what it's worth, and figured I should have at least a chance pending a 32+ MCAT? However, after speaking with an admissions rep at a local DO program it was strongly suggested that I complete an SMP in addition to my informal post bacc work.

Based on the information I've gathered from various sources, an official post bacc program would better suit me as a means to improve my application, but the admissions rep I spoke with was pretty resolute; very strongly suggesting an SMP over a formal post bacc program.

I was hoping to apply this coming summer to begin in the fall of 2012, but since I only recently joined the ranks of the pre-med, my medically relevant EC's are considerably lacking. Knowing that my numbers will not be very competitive, an additional year in a formal program would also give me the opportunity to participate in more research and clinical work.

My primary question is this:
Will it be better to my benefit to go through a post baccalaureate program or an SMP? And should I apply in the summer with a 3.0 and potentially 32-33 MCAT or hold out till I can improve my application?

 

[ruiner]

Can't really say until you take the MCAT and have a score. I potentially could of gotten a 40 but I didn't. I think for a lot of SMPs you have to have taken the MCAT to apply, at least over here on the East side.

 

[DbDan]

I'll give you my opinion but it is just that, my opinion.

Personally, if you are committed to becoming a DO and legitimately confident that you can score a 32-33 on the MCAT (keep in mind this is 90th percentile and many people fall short) I don't see an SMP as worthwhile; especially given you have over a year before June 2012's application cycle. SMPs generally cost a large amount of money which will be paid for via loans, thus adding to your post-graduate debt. To me, it is more beneficial to get a job, take night courses as you have been, and get clinically relevant experiences. The important part is to make sure you do VERY well in the informal program. If you do that and are applying June 2012, you still have plenty of time to drastically improve your GPA and your resume. Also, you will save yourself 40k+ in debt.

The only reason I would do an SMP is if you are set on going to an MD school, where grades cannot be retaken and GPA is MUCH harder to raise, or if you have your heart set on one particular DO school. Often times these schools will give interviews to their SMP students and since they are familiar with the coursework will favor students who have gone through their program for acceptance the following year.