I throw myself at the mercy of the SDN community: Should I probably start looking into an SMP?

[deleted1160192]

I am probably a pretty typical non-traditional pre-med.

I am older and did terribly my first 2 years in university. I left school for like 8 years and worked for a fire department for a while, then came back and am now a dean's list student every quarter with a GPA hovering around 3.7 (will go higher probably, as I only have easier upper division classes left in my bio major). Even with a 3.8-3.9 gpa my last 2 years, my overall will probably be like a 3.0. Yes... I did that poorly my first couple of years lol.

I am involved in a research program assisting an underserved demographic in my community a few hours a week, year-round. I'll have a few LOR from my research adviser and some science class professors.

I take the MCAT next May. So like 13 months away, and I have started perusing ANKI decks and Jack Westin CARS and so on.

It's probably like reading the bones or a crystal ball trying to get an idea of if I have a chance without my MCAT, but assuming I get like a 513 or something. Not the best, not the worst. What is the opinion of the SDN senate? Prep for SMP?

Thanks!

I am open to D.O. too.

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[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

If you're open to DO in particular I think you'll probably be fine. Just make sure you get over 3.0, that's a big cutoff. You could consider a SMP if you have a really rough first app.

 

[Goro]

If you're open to DO in particular I think you'll probably be fine. Just make sure you get over 3.0, that's a big cutoff. You could consider a SMP if you have a really rough first app.

I agree

 

[EthylMethylMan]

Yeah, as above, I would apply DO. If you were hellbent on USMD, then yeah, some method of improving your GPA would be non-negotiable. But with you being a bit older, why put off your career even longer? The only significant advantage with a USMD is better chances of matching into competitive specialties. That's not nothing, but you almost certainly won't know what specialty is right for you until MS3 anyway. I don't think the extra time investment is worth it.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I'd check your in state MD schools too. You never know unless you ask.

 

[deleted1160192]

Awesome! I'll try for a 4.0 my last year and shoot for a high MCAT and then repost.

Thanks for all of the input/advice!

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Many DO schools reward reinvention, especially with a stronger MCAT

 

[Mr.Smile12]

DO schools do grade replacement

Just clarifying, AACOMAS does not do grade replacement for GPA calculations anymore. Individual schools could at their discretion.

 

[LunaOri]

There are also MD schools that are partial to nontrads with good stories like yours. Do well on the MCAT, and you have a shot at these, too. It does make a difference that you have a strong upward trend.

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

Just clarifying, AACOMAS does not do grade replacement for GPA calculations anymore. Individual schools could at their discretion.

Thank you, I was unaware of this and will update my post.

 

[deleted1160192]

Will do. the MCAT is going to be a bit of a make or break. I can't get my GPA past more than a 2.95 or so, just because I messed around so much as a kid. And that is with a couple quarters of DIY post bacc.. Impressive, really! lol. So hopefully with a good MCAT score, strong trend and some life experience I can get an interview. Pretty sure if I do not get screened out before having my app reviewed, I will be okay. It is PAINFULLY obvious that the student I was 8 years ago is not the same one applying to medical school. Anyways...

If not, there is always the peace corps.

Thanks for everything! This a fantastic resource.

 

[LunaOri]

Best of luck! When you are ready to apply, please come back and we will help you with your school list.

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

Will do. the MCAT is going to be a bit of a make or break. I can't get my GPA past more than a 2.95 or so, just because I messed around so much as a kid. And that is with a couple quarters of DIY post bacc.. Impressive, really! lol. So hopefully with a good MCAT score, strong trend and some life experience I can get an interview. Pretty sure if I do not get screened out before having my app reviewed, I will be okay. It is PAINFULLY obvious that the student I was 8 years ago is not the same one applying to medical school. Anyways...

If not, there is always the peace corps.

Thanks for everything! This a fantastic resource.

I'm sorry about the grade replacement thing, it was perfect for these types of situations

And there is always the sunscreen option if you absolutely can't get in anywhere / be able to incresse GPA... But I would certainly hope that some DO will give you interest with a decent MCAT

 

[deleted1160192]

I have posted previously as a (very) nontraditional student. I did terribly in school for various reasons 8 years ago. I racked up lots of W's and some D's and F's.

Long story short, I am a new person now with lots of life experiences to share! Unfortunately, some of those life experiences include an anchor of a bad GPA in the past.

Quick Stats:

Last year and a half (50 units) of finishing my B.S. at my state university, I have accumulated a GPA of a 3.8. This includes biochemistry, o chem series, physics and other various upper division biology courses.

On more year (52 units) of undergraduate course work remaining. I should have no issue maintaining this GPA (its a lot easier when you are old and have no life ).

Volunteer hours: 300-400 minimum. Probably more, since I was a volunteer firefighter for quite a while and did big brothers big sisters... But not sure if they expire?

Research Hours: 180-200 hours

Shadowing: 50 hours

Clinical Hours: Literally thousands of hours in EMS and in a physical therapy clinic.

Now the reason for SMP...

My cGPA will be 2.95 when I apply. (I have so many units from way back when that a year diy post bacc at a community college only moves this like .03 points with all A's.)
AAMCAS sGPA: 2.85
AAMCOAS: 3.12

MCAT MAY 2024. I am no genius, but not dumb either. So I am assuming I will get an average to slightly above average score.

So, I have accepted that I am going to do a little more than most and do an official SMP. I have been heavily looking at one that has linkage to a program and has 50% of its students accepted into the linked DO school.

My question: Will this SMP make me a more competitive candidate at other MD and DO schools as well?

Thanks!

 

[chilly_md]

My question: Will this SMP make me a more competitive candidate at other MD and DO schools as well?

Thanks!

I have merged your post to your prior thread.

Yes, an SMP has value outside its own parent med school/any linkage agreements.

 

[LunaOri]

Volunteer hours never expire, and being a firefighter is a great experience to have on your application. Good luck!

 

[deleted1160192]

I have merged your post to your prior thread.

Yes, an SMP has value outside its own parent med school/any linkage agreements.

Thank you!

 

[deleted1160192]

Hello! I have some updates:

I took my MCAT and just got my results back. 515 overall. C/P 130, CARS 127, BB 129, P/S 129
2.96 cGPA
2.75 sGPA
3.8 cGPA last 120 units (2.5 years)
3.7 sGPA last 120 units (2.5 years)

I was accepted into an SMP with linkage and start that soon.

6000 hours pt care experience
1000 hours health care experience
1500 hours research experience
150 hours Shadowing/Scribing
3 poster presentations
LOR from a physician and various science faculty.
California resident

Any further advice on how to succeed or where to apply?

 

[deleted1160192]

I agree

Hi @Goro ,

I am responding to you in particular with the same thread as I know you often give this sort of input as well. This is where I am at today. Thanks!
Any further advice on how to succeed or where to apply?

 

[Faha]

Where is your state of residence ?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Hello! I have some updates:

I took my MCAT and just got my results back. 515 overall. C/P 130, CARS 127, BB 129, P/S 129
2.96 cGPA
2.75 sGPA
3.8 cGPA last 120 units (2.5 years)
3.7 sGPA last 120 units (2.5 years)

I was accepted into an SMP with linkage and start that soon.

Any further advice on how to succeed or where to apply?

I forgot what your non-clinical community service profile was.

Whatever you do, your number one job is getting all A's in your SMP. Ideally 3.75+ given your upward trend. Do not think about applying to medical school before you are finished. Show us you want to go to medical school, and get that guaranteed interview.

Ask your SMP director if there are any other significant issues about your application profile. They should tell you if you need more community service while enrolled in the SMP.

 

[deleted1160192]

Where is your state of residence ?

California

 

[Goro]

Hi @Goro ,

I am responding to you in particular with the same thread as I know you often give this sort of input as well. This is where I am at today. Thanks!
Any further advice on how to succeed or where to apply?

I think that you've shown enough reinvention that you don't need an SMP.

How many nonclinical volunteering hours do you have?

I suggest the following:

Dartmouth
Pitt
Mayo
Mt Sinai
Temple
UCSF
EVMS
Hofstra
Emory
Jefferson
U VM
Miami
Drexel
Albany
Tufts
NYMC
TCU
all other CA state schools.
Rush
Loyola
Rosy Franklin
Tulane
Wake
MCW
SLU
Creighton
Wayne State
Netter
NovaMD
NYU.LI
Gtown
GWU
NOTE: as a reinventor, you need DO schools on your list. Any DO school. Include PacNW. I can't recommend LMU, SOMA, RVU, BCOM, ICOM and LUCOM, for different reasons. Avoid those new schools that haven't graduated a class yet, if possible.

 

[deleted1160192]

I forgot what your non-clinical community service profile was.

Whatever you do, your number one job is getting all A's in your SMP. Ideally 3.75+ given your upward trend. Do not think about applying to medical school before you are finished. Show us you want to go to medical school, and get that guaranteed interview.

Ask your SMP director if there are any other significant issues about your application profile. They should tell you if you need more community service while enrolled in the SMP.

Ok, thank you! I have volunteered with big brothers big sisters and a local homeless shelter for around 500 hours.

I think that you've shown enough reinvention that you don't need an SMP.

How many nonclinical volunteering hours do you have?

I suggest the following:

Dartmouth
Pitt
Mayo
Mt Sinai
Temple
UCSF
EVMS
Hofstra
Emory
Jefferson
U VM
Miami
Drexel
Albany
Tufts
NYMC
TCU
all other CA state schools.
Rush
Loyola
Rosy Franklin
Tulane
Wake
MCW
SLU
Creighton
Wayne State
Netter
NovaMD
NYU.LI
Gtown
GWU
NOTE: as a reinventor, you need DO schools on your list. Any DO school. Include PacNW. I can't recommend LMU, SOMA, RVU, BCOM, ICOM and LUCOM, for different reasons. Avoid those new schools that haven't graduated a class yet, if possible.

Awesome, thank you so much. I have been literally waiting for a list from you like this for 2.5 years since I started chasing this dream, so this is a milestone too. For nonclinical volunteer hours I have 500 hours from quite a long while back with Big Brothers Big Sisters (6 years). I have roughly 20 hours at a homeless shelter. Also, a large portion of my research hours involves time in a local syringe exchange service where I also volunteer. The medical clinic where I scribe/shadow/medical assist is also a nonprofit, free clinic where I volunteer. I may end up dividing these hours. I will also search out more volunteer opportunities in my community. I enjoy it, just did not have much extra time.

With respect to the SMP, I was accepted to a DO linked SMP which sounds like a guaranteed acceptance for the Fall 25 start so long as I keep a B average. I don't love the idea of an extra year of tuition. However, seeing as I am in my mid 30's, I would like to attempt to ensure an acceptance somewhere ASAP and that seems to be the best way.