Is a post-bac right for me, and am I right for a post-bac?

[necronomicon]

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I am graduating from undergrad at the end of this semester and have average grades. I have a cumulative around 3.6 (chem degree gpa of 3.51), and am en route to a 4.0 this semester. It looks better than it is, because I have retaken a number of classes after receiving two D's, 1 F and 1 C. I retook all but the C (Orgo 1), because I didn't have the time this year to do so. My retakes have yielded an A/B, which has raised my school GPA significantly. Of course, my ACMAS GPA will be much lower, around a 3.1 from what I have calculated, possibly a 3.2 from the school I attended for a semester beforehand. I planned to take this year off and take the MCAT this summer (around July), and have been studying and doing pretty well on the practice exams (34-36)...with the intention of applying next year. After reading a lot on here, it seems that I won't really have much of a shot with my low GPA, even if I can get my 35 MCAT score.

Would a post-bac be a good option for me? I have taken all the premed classes, so it would only be to raise my GPA. What types of classes would I be taking? From the programs I looked at, many of them focused on non-traditional students that were changing direction into medicine, and they offered a large selection of the pre-med classes I have already had. I am trying to get an idea of what I need to do in order to pursue medicine further, and need some help and direction.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[RokKidA]

You could look at post bac schools that offer science classes to supplement your science background, however I suggest that you wait until you take the MCAT before you make any decisions.

It looks like you may have a shot at MD/DO schools without doing a post bacc if you score 35+ on the MCAT. This is because from what you said, you have an upward trend in your GPA and have retaken the classes you did poorly in, so don't think that schools won't notice your improvement. Also, depending on the school, a 35+ may get you into med school even with a less than avg gpa (esp. in your state school), so don't believe everything you read on SDN.

 

[necronomicon]

You could look at post bac schools that offer science classes to supplement your science background, however I suggest that you wait until you take the MCAT before you make any decisions.

It looks like you may have a shot at MD/DO schools without doing a post bacc if you score 35+ on the MCAT. This is because from what you said, you have an upward trend in your GPA and have retaken the classes you did poorly in, so don't think that schools won't notice your improvement. Also, depending on the school, a 35+ may get you into med school even with a less than avg gpa (esp. in your state school), so don't believe everything you read on SDN.

Thanks for the inspiring words. I am definitely open to applying, and am likely going to apply to the schools in my state. However, I want to have a backup plan so that I am not stuck doing nothing for a year (though, I have been looking and applying for jobs in last few weeks).

 

[drizzt3117]

Smp sounds more realistic.

 

[necronomicon]

Smp sounds more realistic.

I agree...hence, this post.
Could you offer some insight into questions that I asked in my first post?

I am trying to determine which programs would be best for me, and what types of classes I would be taking. more importantly, will this realistically help my chances into an MD enough to get me into one? I recognize these are not finite questions/answers, but I want to know what others think.

 

[Kaustikos]

Would a post-bac be a good option for me? I have taken all the premed classes, so it would only be to raise my GPA. What types of classes would I be taking? From the programs I looked at, many of them focused on non-traditional students that were changing direction into medicine, and they offered a large selection of the pre-med classes I have already had. I am trying to get an idea of what I need to do in order to pursue medicine further, and need some help and direction.

Thanks in advance for any help.

SMP is what you need. SMPs are made for situations like yourself. An SMP with a good MCAT score will yield positive results. However, it's not a guarantee, as admissions isn't guaranteed. However, if you do well in the SMP and get that MCAT score, then you should be a strong candidate despite your low undergrad gpa.

 

[necronomicon]

Thank you. This is exactly what I wanted to know.
Now, I suppose the next question is this: from what I have seen, many of the programs that are around prefer URM students, which I am not. Are there specific SMPs that are developed for adequately represented applicants?

I know there are no guarantees, I am just looking for some direction at this point.

 

[drizzt3117]

Thank you. This is exactly what I wanted to know.
Now, I suppose the next question is this: from what I have seen, many of the programs that are around prefer URM students, which I am not. Are there specific SMPs that are developed for adequately represented applicants?

I know there are no guarantees, I am just looking for some direction at this point.

Read the guide to SMP thread that's pinned at the top.