Has anyone ever done/considered doing two postbacs/SMPS?

[xxabi]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I know this is a bizarre question, and I searched and searched the forums and couldn't find any threads on it, so I thought I'd ask. Please no sarcastic responses, I know it is an odd question and I understand how silly I may sound. I'm merely asking - legitimate responses are welcome.

I am currently in an SMP, doing decently - set to graduate with a 3.7/3.8. However, this SMP was very focused on a particular field of science, because of this I have yet to take Biochemistry or some of the other CMB courses. I was not a hard science major as an undergraduate, and this was the cheapest (and more convenient one I got accepted to), which is why I chose it. However, now looking back I regret not choosing/applying to SMPs/postbacs that focused more on the core sciences like Genetics, Microbiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, etc.

A peer of mine in the program is planning on doing another SMP next year, while she applies to medical school. I was toying with the idea of doing the same mostly because I am struggling to get into/find summer courses in Genetics and Biochemistry (which is ideally the two I'd really like take), and while I was planning on working the upcoming year while I was applying to med school, if another year of courses would help me, I'd go that route as well.

For reference, my undergraduate GPA was a 3.4 cum / 3.2 science and I got a 30 on the Jan MCAT, however I am planning to retake in June and have been preparing well for it (as well as one can prepare for the new MCAT).

Thanks ahead of time for your feedback.

 

[ZedsDed]

Hmm, what makes you say your program is an SMP? Did you take classes in a medical school, with medical students? There are only like a dozen SMP's in the country that are really worth anything. I'm not trying to shut you down or be a jerk, but you might want to consider a "real" SMP and just look at your current one as a regular masters program.

 

[xxabi]

Hmm, what makes you say your program is an SMP? Did you take classes in a medical school, with medical students? There are only like a dozen SMP's in the country that are really worth anything. I'm not trying to shut you down or be a jerk, but you might want to consider a "real" SMP and just look at your current one as a regular masters program.

Thanks for your quick response. I'm in the Tulane Masters in Pharmacology program currently, and we do take our main course (Medical Pharmacology) with medical students. Just one however. And yea, I am leaning more towards your reasoning as well. It's been a good program, however it is lacking the core courses that I feel may benefit me for med school admissions, especially since I am planning to apply this cycle.

I was a Public Health and Spanish double major during undergraduate, with the plan of taking more science classes than just my pre-requisites, which unfortunately did not happen.

 

[Blunt Dissection]

So I know this is a bizarre question, and I searched and searched the forums and couldn't find any threads on it, so I thought I'd ask. Please no sarcastic responses, I know it is an odd question and I understand how silly I may sound. I'm merely asking - legitimate responses are welcome.

I am currently in an SMP, doing decently - set to graduate with a 3.7/3.8. However, this SMP was very focused on a particular field of science, because of this I have yet to take Biochemistry or some of the other CMB courses. I was not a hard science major as an undergraduate, and this was the cheapest (and more convenient one I got accepted to), which is why I chose it. However, now looking back I regret not choosing/applying to SMPs/postbacs that focused more on the core sciences like Genetics, Microbiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, etc.

A peer of mine in the program is planning on doing another SMP next year, while she applies to medical school. I was toying with the idea of doing the same mostly because I am struggling to get into/find summer courses in Genetics and Biochemistry (which is ideally the two I'd really like take), and while I was planning on working the upcoming year while I was applying to med school, if another year of courses would help me, I'd go that route as well.

For reference, my undergraduate GPA was a 3.4 cum / 3.2 science and I got a 30 on the Jan MCAT, however I am planning to retake in June and have been preparing well for it (as well as one can prepare for the new MCAT).

Thanks ahead of time for your feedback.

Also, on top of what ZedsDed said, is there some reason that you're deciding to retake a 30? Unless you're scoring like 37s on your practices and are attempting to go for a school like John Hopkins or the "top tier," or have a section below an 8, I don't see the benefit of retaking a 30.

 

[xxabi]

Also I know there are many more flexible postbac/certificate programs as well - would doing something more informal like that and taking the courses I need be more beneficial than a true "SMP"?

 

[xxabi]

Also, on top of what ZedsDed said, is there some reason that you're deciding to retake a 30? Unless you're scoring like 37s on your practices and are attempting to go for a school like John Hopkins or the "top tier," or have a section below an 8, I don't see the benefit of retaking a 30.

Without sounding snobby, I studied for about 3 weeks for the previous MCAT and score a 30, so I feel as though if I actually put in the effort (which I have been) I could score even higher. I'm not looking at top tier schools at all actually, just hoping for an MD (obviously will be applying to DO as well just in case).

Also, while my GPA may not completely reflect it - I have two Ds from undergraduate science coursework (one of which I have retaken and received an A) as well as two Ws (also in science classes). So I'm worried about those and I guess trying to compensate for that.

 

[ZedsDed]

Also I know there are many more flexible postbac/certificate programs as well - would doing something more informal like that and taking the courses I need be more beneficial than a true "SMP"?

You need to prove yourself academically. Do whatever you need to do; you sound like you've been around the forums for a while. I wouldn't recommend retaking the MCAT, unless your from Ca and not willing to go DO. Think about it OP, you are not retaking an exam, you will have a whole new exam to study for.

 

[ZedsDed]

Without sounding snobby, I studied for about 3 weeks for the previous MCAT and score a 30, so I feel as though if I actually put in the effort (which I have been) I could score even higher. I'm not looking at top tier schools at all actually, just hoping for an MD (obviously will be applying to DO as well just in case).

Also, while my GPA may not completely reflect it - I have two Ds from undergraduate science coursework (one of which I have retaken and received an A) as well as two Ws (also in science classes). So I'm worried about those and I guess trying to compensate for that.

I suppose go for it then. However keep in mind you will have biochem (which presumably you have not taken) comprising a significant portion of the exam.

 

[buffdentist]

Yup. That's exactly what I'm doing.

 

[xxabi]

You need to prove yourself academically. Do whatever you need to do; you sound like you've been around the forums for a while. I wouldn't recommend retaking the MCAT, unless your from Ca and not willing to go DO. Think about it OP, you are not retaking an exam, you will have a whole new exam to study for.

I am (unfortunately) from CA, but really not banking on getting into CA schools unless it's one of the two DO schools. However, I do appreciate your point of view on retaking the MCAT. It's definitely something I should think about.

In terms of doing a second SMP (if mine is even considered an SMP) or a postbac, would this be looked down upon by medical schools? Especially if I will be applying simultaneously while in my second one?

 

[xxabi]

Actually that's what I'm doing. I graduated in 2013 with a chem degree and a 2.6 GPA. After graduating I went on to get my second degree in bio at a big university in my hometown and will graduate this quarter with a 3.8. I'll be attending an SMP this upcoming September. So yeah I'm essentially doing 2 post bacs. I'm going to dental school though and did well on my DAT's.

It's actually really great to hear of someone else doing something that I'm considering - now I don't feel completely crazy for suggesting it. Would you mind if I PMed you a few questions?

 

[buffdentist]

It's actually really great to hear of someone else doing something that I'm considering - now I don't feel completely crazy for suggesting it. Would you mind if I PMed you a few questions?

Sure. I'm awake and can't sleep so I'll be waiting haha.