Gonna do an SMP b/c low GPA, really worried about when to apply?

[longhorn97]

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Hey everyone, I'm planning on doing an SMP b/c my GPA sucks (cGPA: 3.36, sGPA: 3.2) but my MCAT is 514. I'm applying to UNTHSC and BU SMPs but not sure where else to apply to/if it's too late.
Should I start the AMCAS process for the 2020 cycle or just wait until I graduate from the SMP? also, what other SMPs should I apply to? I'm really trying to aim for MDs because even though I think EM is what I want to do, I definitely don't want to close myself off to other specialties (if I went DO)

Female, ORM, TX, decent ECs, probably need more non-clinical volunteering, first gen (so i'm feeling super lost)

 

[907914]

Hey everyone, I'm planning on doing an SMP b/c my GPA sucks (cGPA: 3.36, sGPA: 3.2) but my MCAT is 514. I'm applying to UNTHSC and BU SMPs but not sure where else to apply to/if it's too late.
Should I start the AMCAS process for the 2020 cycle or just wait until I graduate from the SMP? also, what other SMPs should I apply to? I'm really trying to aim for MDs because even though I think EM is what I want to do, I definitely don't want to close myself off to other specialties (if I went DO)

Female, ORM, TX, decent ECs, probably need more non-clinical volunteering, first gen (so i'm feeling super lost)

Unless it is an SMP with an attached Medical school that will have grades available by June/July to that school, then you will wait until August when your transcripts are available and apply the year after graduation. Additionally, by then you will need to retake the MCAT.

 

[chemdoctor]

I think you should just do a post bacc for a year. Take around 18 credits per semester and ace them for a year. I don’t think you NEED an SMP...

 

[longhorn97]

I think you should just do a post bacc for a year. Take around 18 credits per semester and ace them for a year. I don’t think you NEED an SMP...

I think I'll graduate with too many credits for a post-bacc to make a dent in my GPA; also I feel more comfortable doing a more formal program because at least I'd graduate with a master's? I thought it was frowned upon to retake science classes you made a C or better in (made B's in most pre-reqs)
please correct me if i'm wrong

 

[907914]

I think I'll graduate with too many credits for a post-bacc to make a dent in my GPA; also I feel more comfortable doing a more formal program because at least I'd graduate with a master's? I thought it was frowned upon to retake science classes you made a C or better in (made B's in most pre-reqs)
please correct me if i'm wrong

Have you done Biochem, cell, molecular, micro, genetics, Biochem 2, upper division organic chemistry, an anatomy and physiology class...?

 

[Goro]

Hey everyone, I'm planning on doing an SMP b/c my GPA sucks (cGPA: 3.36, sGPA: 3.2) but my MCAT is 514. I'm applying to UNTHSC and BU SMPs but not sure where else to apply to/if it's too late.
Should I start the AMCAS process for the 2020 cycle or just wait until I graduate from the SMP? also, what other SMPs should I apply to? I'm really trying to aim for MDs because even though I think EM is what I want to do, I definitely don't want to close myself off to other specialties (if I went DO)

Female, ORM, TX, decent ECs, probably need more non-clinical volunteering, first gen (so i'm feeling super lost)

Think about this very carefully.

You start the SMP fall of this year. You also start applying for the 2020 cycle.

What exactly will Admissions deans have to judge you by? That promise to ace the SMP?

Like it or not, you're in a marathon right now, not a sprint, if you're boning for TX MD schools. Your MCAT will not remediate your low GPAs..in fact, it will only highlight the disparities.

You're fine right now for nearly all DO schools (except mine, PCOM, the Touros, AZCOM and CCOM..maybe a few others).

You should apply when you have the best possible app.

Med schools aren't going anywhere.

 

[longhorn97]

Have you done Biochem, cell, molecular, micro, genetics, Biochem 2, upper division organic chemistry, an anatomy and physiology class...?

I've done biochem, cell, micro, genetics, ochem II

my university doesn't offer non-major biochem II non-majors and the a&p course is a notorious GPA sinker

 

[longhorn97]

Think about this very carefully.

You start the SMP fall of this year. You also start applying for the 2020 cycle.

What exactly will Admissions deans have to judge you by? That promise to ace the SMP?

Like it or not, you're in a marathon right now, not a sprint, if you're boning for TX MD schools. Your MCAT will not remediate your low GPAs..in fact, it will only highlight the disparities.

You're fine right now for nearly all DO schools (except mine, PCOM, the Touros, AZCOM and CCOM..maybe a few others).

You should apply when you have the best possible app.

Med schools aren't going anywhere.

thanks for the insight @Goro!! do I have any chance for a 2020 acceptance for an MD school?

 

[Goro]

thanks for the insight @Goro!! do I have any chance for a 2020 acceptance for an MD school?

Not with those GPAs.

 

[chemdoctor]

I've done biochem, cell, micro, genetics, ochem II

my university doesn't offer non-major biochem II non-majors and the a&p course is a notorious GPA sinker

I know it won’t make a dent in your gpa. But they see your breakdowns by YEARS. So they’ll see that you aced the postbac. Also it’s to show that the you of of now is not the you of them. To me an smp seems unnecessary. They’re expensive and really a do or die scenario. If you don’t do well in an SMP and make all B’s like you did in undergrad, your GPA is a 3.0... you’re pretty much done.

With a post bacc, while the pressure is still there to do well, it’s a bit less stressful and you’re basically taking undergrad classes instead of med school classes.

What say you @Goro ? Does OP need an SMP? I’d go with a post bac

 

[longhorn97]

@chemdoctor is there a thread/articles on how to do a DIY post bacc? tried searching for a popular thread but could only find specific questions

 

[Goro]

@chemdoctor is there a thread/articles on how to do a DIY post bacc? tried searching for a popular thread but could only find specific questions

Read this:
Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

 

[chemdoctor]

Read this:
Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

Yes. If u can’t find the thread make ur own. You’ll get answers. Read the guide tho