High MCAT, Low GPA, Do I Need SMP?

[whitcoatsyndrom]

Hey All,

I've applied and gotten into all of the big name SMP programs for a gap year (I'll end up choosing Georgetown or Cincinnati if I decide to do it). My stats are:

Will graduate with a 3.2 GPA, 3.06 math/sci gpa, strong upward trend from sophomore year.
3 years biochem research, published
Biology Major
Some amount of clinical volunteer experience, plan on getting more
Lots of other volunteer experience, including leadership positions in the community
MCAT: PS: 13, VR: 12, BS:12, writing: R composite: 37R, taken one time
I have not previously applied to any medical schools.

My GPA is pretty low, perhaps too low, which is why I am sort of under the impression that to be competitive, I need an SMP to prove myself. I am a VA resident so there are really no "safe schools" for me as far as in-state goes. The gamble I face is that if I do not get in by applying early (like, now), then I need to take a year to work, then do an smp, then get into medschool...ouch. What do you all think?

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[UF2011]

Will graduate with a 3.2 GPA, 3.0 to 3.1 math/sci gpa, strong upward trend from sophomore year.

What's your major?

 

[whitcoatsyndrom]

biology, I just made that edit, good call

 

[whitcoatsyndrom]

Any takers?

 

[luvofgod]

What are your thoughts on DO schools? I think you would be good to go for DO schools. You can also try applying to some low tier MD schools.

 

[TuloRocks]

What are your thoughts on DO schools? I think you would be good to go for DO schools. You can also try applying to some low tier MD schools.

What are the low tier MD schools?

 

[luvofgod]

Hmm...I would go to MDapplicants.com and search for profiles within a certain low gpa range and research the schools they these applicants applied to. Also, I would see whether the applicants were state residents to the schools they received interviews from. I would try applying to the schools that consistently appear to be applied to by these low gpa applicants...just my 2 cents here

 

[whitcoatsyndrom]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I ended up committing to the University of Cincinnati MS in Physiology program (SMP). Although I would not mind a "low tier" MD program, I would rather spend another year in school, better prepare myself for M1, and greatly raise my chances of acceptance into a mid-tier school. This is certainly a bit of a cost burden, but hopefully the investment in myself will pay off in the end!