How does post bacc/SMP work?

[NJ98]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I was supposed to graduate May 2020, but instead am going to graduate in December 2020. The reason for this is that my GPA was low so I switched from a biochem to biology major so that i can take more science classes to increase my GPA, this increased my graduation time. Best case, I will graduate Undergrad with a 3.6 science GPA, and 520+ MCAT.

Questions: I want to apply to medical schools in Spring 2021. However, if i want to do a post-bacc program to help my GPA, would i apply in Spring of 2020 even though i graduate in 2020 december? Does this mean i apply for post bacc in Spring of 2021?

- if i apply to a psot bacc in spring of 2021, when would i actually attend the program. If i do this, when do i actually apply for medical school?

 

[Cornfed101]

What will your GPA trend be and your cumulative GPA? a 3.6 science GPA is great. I wouldn't recommend a post-bacc at all unless you have a downward trend.

 

[etp123]

Do you have an upward trend, recent grades like 3.75+? If so maybe you don't even really need a post-bac. Definitely don't need an SMP at this stage. You can do a few DIY-postbac classes during your gap year, but I think a formal program is overkill.

 

[NJ98]

Do you have an upward trend, recent grades like 3.75+? If so maybe you don't even really need a post-bac. Definitely don't need an SMP at this stage. You can do a few DIY-postbac classes during your gap year, but I think a formal program is overkill.

Do you have an upward trend, recent grades like 3.75+? If so maybe you don't even really need a post-bac. Definitely don't need an SMP at this stage. You can do a few DIY-postbac classes during your gap year, but I think a formal program is overkill.

what is a DIY postbac? mine will likely be a 3.65 sGPA with upward trend

 

[etp123]

"DIY" postbac means not a formal program, you're just taking classes "a la carte" enrolling into the ones you need as a non-matriculating student/non-degree seeking student through your school or an extension program or something. You just pay per unit. Way more affordable and sometimes can be pretty flexible to fit your schedule (since you choose what classes you want, assuming they're open to enrollment).

I meant to say, if from now until your graduation you get pretty much all A's (some A-), like each semester is 3.75+, then you really do not need a postbac at all in my opinion and you might be able to apply as is.

 

[NJ98]

"DIY" postbac means not a formal program, you're just taking classes "a la carte" enrolling into the ones you need as a non-matriculating student/non-degree seeking student through your school or an extension program or something. You just pay per unit. Way more affordable and sometimes can be pretty flexible to fit your schedule (since you choose what classes you want, assuming they're open to enrollment).

I meant to say, if from now until your graduation you get pretty much all A's (some A-), like each semester is 3.75+, then you really do not need a postbac at all in my opinion and you might be able to apply as is.

Oh makes sense. Thanks a bunch for taking the time to reply🙂🙂 Really appreciate it

 

[Moko]

You've only been mentioning your science GPA. What is your expected cumulative GPA after graduating? We look at both cGPA and sGPA, and take into account upward trends in grades.

If you do graduate with an upward trend, have a final cGPA/sGPA around 3.6, AND obtain a 520+ MCAT, you will be easily competitive for medical school and will not need further post-bac coursework. This is a lot of "ifs" though. And unless you are currently scoring 520+ in your practice tests (or have already obtained a 520+ MCAT), it is unrealistic for anyone to expect being in the top 1% of scorers.

It will be easier to give more concrete advice and recommendations once you are closer to graduation and have your MCAT score. Good luck