how many SMPs and other questions

[same21]

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How many SMPs is a good amount to apply to? Four? I am applying to masters of biomedical science programs now, but I may decide to just take upper division courses at my state university. Is there a risk with applying to SMPs, getting in and then turning the acceptences down?

I am a graduate of a top 30 university with a 3.2s and a 3.4cgpa. At the moment I am leaning towards taking upper division science courses at a state uni but applying to SMPs to keep my options open. Does it look bad to go from my type of uni to state school (doing so to save money). Also if I take upper division courses and am realistic I think I can raise my sgpa to around 3.35 (I dont want to say Im ganna get a 4.0 in everything and psych myself out). Is this an okay option? I realize that 3.35 is low for allopathic med schools but with an upward trend and applying early, is this an ok alternative or is SMP better for me. I have a 30 MCAT but I would like to retake and aim for a 33/34.

 

[DrMidlife]

Depends on what med schools you are going after, and what you mean by SMP.

If you do an SMP at Gtown, Cincinnati, EVMS, Temple, RFU, Loyola or similar, then you are setting yourself up to get accepted at an MD school (assuming you do great in the SMP). That's the whole entire point of these programs. And they're expensive, and if you don't do well then you did yourself harm.

If you pick an "SMP" that's easy to get into, or doesn't publish its results, or isn't hosted at a med school, then imho that's no better than doing more undergrad.

If you're going after a med school that's never admitted a student out of an SMP, not that I can name one, then an SMP probably won't help you there.

How many SMPs is a good amount to apply to? Four?

If you want to go the SMP route, then apply to as many programs you can that you'd actually go to. 4-5 is probably fine if you do good research into what you're applying to.

I am applying to masters of biomedical science programs now, but I may decide to just take upper division courses at my state university. Is there a risk with applying to SMPs, getting in and then turning the acceptences down?

No, as long as you send a polite & professional letter to decline the offer.

Does it look bad to go from my type of uni to state school (doing so to save money).

No way to tell who will read your app or what their biases are, but I think this doesn't matter. With a 3.35 you don't get mileage from school prestige as far as med school goes.

Also if I take upper division courses and am realistic I think I can raise my sgpa to around 3.35 (I dont want to say Im ganna get a 4.0 in everything and psych myself out). Is this an okay option? I realize that 3.35 is low for allopathic med schools but with an upward trend and applying early, is this an ok alternative or is SMP better for me. I have a 30 MCAT but I would like to retake and aim for a 33/34.

It's time for do or die. Make a decision where to go, and go get A's. Prep for the MCAT like your life depends on it.

Best of luck to you.

 

[same21]

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[DrMidlife]

My attitude is that if you can raise your GPA by taking more undergrad, then do so. People like me would kill for such a chance (I've been taking undergrad courses pretty much all the time, since 1984, and my average is more permanent than a tattoo at this point).