Georgetown SMP vs Masters

[bonesaw420]

Hi friends I am really needing help from my wiser and more experienced colleagues!! I'm pursuing a masters/SMP in order to boost GPA. My stats = 512 MCAT 3.03cu/2.82sc so I need lots of gpa help.

I fortunately was accepted into 3 programs all at Georgetown- SMP, MS in Integrative Medicine, and MS in Systems Medicine. There are plenty of pros/cons to each program and I'm trying to decide which program to do (all programs cost the same).

The way I see it SMP is the highest risk/highest reward. I believe in myself and know I can work hard, but also want to be realistic and am not sure the SMP is a smart choice since I so clearly need gpa boost. Georgetown has an unofficial linkage to the school with a special pool for applicants from SMP, which translates to acceptance for about 25% of the SMP class.

Integrative and Systems are both programs that interest me, and I feel confident after meeting with the directors that I can do well enough to get a strong gpa boost there, and can gain extra research (I have 4 undergrad semesters already) or clinical experiences (I have a little over 2000 hours), even though I don't need either necessarily. These will be a lot more chill than the SMP which will help mental health and life be better for that year. But I'm nervous they won't be strong enough to add to my application and show schools that upward trend and that I can handle the rigor of med school.

Hopefully that all made sense, ask any clarifying questions needed! I am totally torn on what route is best, and would love insights/experiences from anyone that is willing to share!

Links to programs

SMP: Home Page - Special Master's Program in Physiology & Biophysics

Integrative Medicine: Home Page - M.S. in Integrative Medicine & Health Sciences

Systems Medicine: Home Page - Master's Degree in Systems Medicine

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[candbgirl]

Your sGPA is very low. You should take several upper level science courses and bump that GPA up to 3.2+ before you do anything else. The Masters programs you are considering will not impact your GPAs for MD schools. In fact Masters programs usually make no impact on your GPA for MD schools. You are expected to do well. Masters programs are considered for DO programs. As you stated SMP programs are High risk/High rewards but you really have to work hard or it’s game over.
You have a good MCAT score. Have you tried applying anywhere before? Are you considering DO schools?

 

[bonesaw420]

Your sGPA is very low. You should take several upper level science courses and bump that GPA up to 3.2+ before you do anything else. The Masters programs you are considering will not impact your GPAs for MD schools. In fact Masters programs usually make no impact on your GPA for MD schools. You are expected to do well. Masters programs are considered for DO programs. As you stated SMP programs are High risk/High rewards but you really have to work hard or it’s game over.
You have a good MCAT score. Have you tried applying anywhere before? Are you considering DO schools?

I have not applied yet! And I am definitely open to DO, and recognize I have a much better chance at one of those schools, but my preference is MD so I want to try and get into MD if I can.
My understanding is that while a masters gpa doesn't affect undergrad gpa, a good MS program can be used to still show academic capability, even to an MD program. Based on your comment it sounds like I am not fully understanding that part of the process/application? Any further clarification is welcome! Thank you for your reply btw, it means a lot and I appreciate it!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

The Georgetpwn SMP programs are different, but they have been around. Ask about their track record and your concerns which one is better for you regarding support and preparation for medical school.

 

[chilly_md]

I have not applied yet! And I am definitely open to DO, and recognize I have a much better chance at one of those schools, but my preference is MD so I want to try and get into MD if I can.
My understanding is that while a masters gpa doesn't affect undergrad gpa, a good MS program can be used to still show academic capability, even to an MD program. Based on your comment it sounds like I am not fully understanding that part of the process/application? Any further clarification is welcome! Thank you for your reply btw, it means a lot and I appreciate it!

Regular masters will not help. It is usually assumed that the grades are inflated. An SMP would be different since it is supposed to model courses a first year medical student would take, or a similar rigor.