I have a 3.8 GPA. Is it ridiculous to do an SMP?

[tavokeri9]

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[Kelevra]

Waste of money. GPA's already good, and risk doing worse, thus actually hurting you.

 

[tavokeri9]

Waste of money.

Consider that finances aren't an issue…then would it be a good idea?

 

[RTC19]

Consider that finances aren't an issue…then would it be a good idea?

I would still say no.

Med school is HARD and there is always the chance that you will not do as well as you want to in the SMP.

Doing poorly in an SMP would then likely be fatal for your medical school application, as ADCOMS would take that as evidence of inability to handle the medical school courseload.

It isn't worth the risk IMO.

 

[ZedsDed]

I might have to take a gap year (b/c of MCAT) and therefore, plan on applying next cycle. I will finish my undergrad by this fall. I was wondering whether it would be a good thing to do an SMP next year starting in 2016 (during my gap year & basically, starting summer after I apply).

I feel like it would prepare me very well for medical school so that I don't have to stress too much MS-1 and also that it would give me much greater chances at an acceptance. However, I'm not the typical SMP candidate as I have a 3.8 GPA. I don't have anything planned for the gap year as of now, but would ideally like to pursue something that will increase my odds of getting in. But with my GPA, would SMPs even accept me? Is it a good idea?

YES, it is ridiculous. SMPs have been known to reject those with high GPAs before. Though, it wouldn't surprise me if the potential to collect tuition overrode their good judgement. I would say AdCom members are likely to think you have very poor decision making skills if you take a shot at an SMP with that GPA.

 

[Holmwood]

If you want to do a masters to help prepare you for a research focused school or MD/PhD program, then by all means.

Special masters is more for GPA repair right? Does it include research experience?

 

[ZedsDed]

If you want to do a masters to help prepare you for a research focused school or MD/PhD program, then by all means.

Special masters is more for GPA repair right? Does it include research experience?

Yes and sometimes

 

[Holmwood]

In terms of acceptance, you're better off devoting time to perfecting the MCAT in your gap year.

Don't worry about SMP if you've already got a 3.8. Chances are, you'll perform fine during preclinicals with consistently high undergrad performance in the sciences.

 

[Flashfan]

Plenty of grad programs that are not SMP. MPH, Masters in Anatomy or Biochemistry are all possible.

 

[tavokeri9]

Plenty of grad programs that are not SMP. MPH, Masters in Anatomy or Biochemistry are all possible.

I would really like to do the MPH (my dream is to partake in international medicine, global health related issues), but most of the programs I've looked into need either two years work experience or a high degree both of which I don't have 🙁 plus, I need a one year MPH, do you know of any I could apply to straight out of UG?

 

[Holmwood]

I would really like to do the MPH (my dream is to partake in international medicine, global health related issues), but most of the programs I've looked into need either two years work experience or a high degree both of which I don't have 🙁 plus, I need a one year MPH, do you know of any I could apply to straight out of UG?

You can apply for combined MPH/MD programs. : ) Plenty schools have a combined accelerated 5 year track.

 

[tavokeri9]

You can apply for combined MPH/MD programs. : )

Yes, but that still leaves my gap year with nothing productive to do…I feel like i'm wasting time :/ Also, that is another year on top of my gap year, I don't want to have to take 10 years to get my MD

 

[Holmwood]

Yes, but that still leaves my gap year with nothing productive to do…I feel like i'm wasting time :/

Edit: dumb question. Sorry, I didn't read.

Do some research or volunteer work.

 

[Gandyy]

I posed this same question with my situation several months ago.

Everyone responded with a big "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO".

 

[tavokeri9]

You finished taking MCAT?

No, I will take it this September. I'm a junior going into senior year. I will graduate in December and apply to schools in June 2016. Right now, I'm clueless as to what to do June 16-17 until matriculation. I don't want to waste a year of my life!

 

[deleted480308]

do not take an smp

 

[Holmwood]

No, I will take it this September. I'm a junior going into senior year. I will graduate in December and apply to schools in June 2016.

Sorry, I edited my post. I suggested doing some other volunteer work or conducting research with faculty.

 

[GrapesofRath]

If you have over a 3.4 its foolish to take an SMP unless under specific conditions( ie you are re-applicant and there is a solid linkage program with your SMP as an example). Do it as someone who as a 3.8 and you'll look like a clown to ADCOMs who can't make good responsible decisions to save their life.

You have to realize the risk; do poorly and you are completely done. No chance of recovery. DO or MD. Right now even with a poor MCAT you still line up multiple DO interviews with a 3.8 GPA(as long as we are talking 23+ MCAT). If we are talking 27+ MCAT its worth applying to certain MD schools as is with that 3.8.

 

[ChrisMack390]

There is not a single med school that will reject you for a 3.8. If finances are not an issue, that's great - take a year off of work obligations and build a monster of a resume and crush the MCAT.

"If it ain't broken, don't fix it."

 

[Gandyy]

If you have over a 3.4 its foolish to take an SMP unless under specific conditions( ie you are re-applicant and there is a solid linkage program with your SMP as an example). Do it as someone who as a 3.8 and you'll look like a clown to ADCOMs who can't make good responsible decisions to save their life.

You have to realize the risk; do poorly and you are completely done. No chance of recovery. DO or MD. Right now even with a poor MCAT you still line up multiple DO interviews with a 3.8 GPA(as long as we are talking 23+ MCAT). If we are talking 27+ MCAT its worth applying to certain MD schools as is with that 3.8.

"look like a clown"

 

[doc05]

it's a waste of time. maybe you should try to find a job like every other college graduate.

 

[ComputerGuy365]

Don't act so neurotic. A 3.8 is GOOD. Kill the MCAT and you'll be competitive for a lot of top schools.

 

[Goro]

Ridiculous, no.

Stupid, yes.

I might have to take a gap year (b/c of MCAT) and therefore, plan on applying next cycle. I will finish my undergrad by this fall. I was wondering whether it would be a good thing to do an SMP next year starting in 2016 (during my gap year & basically, starting summer after I apply).

I feel like it would prepare me very well for medical school so that I don't have to stress too much MS-1 and also that it would give me much greater chances at an acceptance. However, I'm not the typical SMP candidate as I have a 3.8 GPA. I don't have anything planned for the gap year as of now, but would ideally like to pursue something that will increase my odds of getting in. But with my GPA, would SMPs even accept me? Is it a good idea?

 

[youmed]

Use that time to help the underserved community through volunteering or working.

 

[chocoholicsoxfan]

Why not scribe? Every hospital in my area is desperate for FT scribes.

 

[MrLogan13]

Yes, but that still leaves my gap year with nothing productive to do…I feel like i'm wasting time :/ Also, that is another year on top of my gap year, I don't want to have to take 10 years to get my MD

Get a job.

 

[bear2roo]

Get a job or volunteer for the gap year. Remaining free time do something you will most likely not have time for when med school starts

 

[ChillDawg]

Apply to the Caribbean, do your MS1 there, then be super prepared for real MS1 the next year.