How much is PostBac weighted?

[kmp0410]

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I am having a hard time figuring out where my program falls in. It is USF's Master's in Medical Sciences program.

It is not a true SMP as there is not a direct link into Medical School if you do well. But the classes seem to be all similar to 1st year medical school classes (Basic Medical Anatomy, Biochem, Histology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Immunology).

I know they mainly look at GPA, but would a program like this be weighted similar to a real SMP?

My undergrad GPA had dipped a bit (3.4) and then I took 2 years off after graduation. I will have a 3.9+ in my Master's program when I apply which will bring my overall and science to a 3.5.

I would think though this would be better than any ordinary 3.5? I've read some places where they don't take graduate school into account as much, though I would think this program would fall outside of that.

If anybody has any info on this specific program (the specific thread doesn't have the info I'm looking for) or similar programs and how it all shakes down it would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[DrMidlife]

"postbac" isn't a useful term here, because it usually means more undergrad after getting a bachelors. Whether that's exactly accurate or not is beside the point.

You're getting a masters degree in a program that is designed to improve your credentials for med school, and you're getting a 3.9. That's by far the most important thing you could be doing.

There's no formula or recipe for how med school admissions are going to go, and different schools have different policies on GPA weighting. But if I were reviewing your app, your 3.9 in an SMP-ish program is going to take care of any doubts I have about your 3.4, assuming your MCAT is strong.

The rest of your app matters a great deal. You need the best MCAT score you can get. You need to interview well. You need a great essay, strong letters of recommendation, and extracurriculars that show a commitment to service and exposure to the practice of medicine.

Best of luck to you.

 

[kmp0410]

I had just heard about how Grad School would be weighted less than undergrad because of the tendency for grade inflation. But I figured a specific program like mine would fall outside that realm.

Thanks for your response!