Is it necessary to improve my 3.6 GPA with a SMP or a masters program?

[omegaz]

Just graduated with a 3.6. For my gap year, should I improve my average/mediocre GPA with a SMP or a masters program or should I work to improve my MCAT, boost my ECs, and earn some money?

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[kyamh]

A 3.6 is a perfectly respectable GPA, far from mediocre. To be clear, half of the people who get into medical school will have a worse GPA than yours. If you are in a post-bac you won't improve your GPA all that much since it's already solid and you won't have as much time to earn money and boost your CV...you will actually lose a bunch of money instead 😉

 

[ace12345]

Strong MCAT, strong ECs, good interviews, and you're set.

 

[Catalystik]

Just graduated with a 3.6. For my gap year, should I improve my average/mediocre GPA with a SMP or a masters program or should I work to improve my MCAT, boost my ECs, and earn some money?

Your cGPA is fine. If your BCPM GPA is low, you might need to do some work on that, though. What is your MCAT score?

 

[omegaz]

Your cGPA is fine. If your BCPM GPA is low, you might need to do some work on that, though. What is your MCAT score?

My BCPM GPA is quite low, only 3.42. Is that worth improving with a smp? It's mostly destroyed by a C+ and several B's all gotten from upper level biology courses that I took with PhD. students in my senior year.

 

[Goro]

If you take a SMP for that GPA (even with the sGPA), I'm going to reach into the computer and smack you upside the head! Now take the MCAT!

Just graduated with a 3.6. For my gap year, should I improve my average/mediocre GPA with a SMP or a masters program or should I work to improve my MCAT, boost my ECs, and earn some money?

 

[allantois]

fine GPA, exceptionally fine GPA if URM

 

[Catalystik]

My BCPM GPA is quite low, only 3.42. Is that worth improving with a smp? It's mostly destroyed by a C+ and several B's all gotten from upper level biology courses that I took with PhD. students in my senior year.

It sounds like your BCPM has a downward curve right now, which is not in a good place to be, especially if you got it by taking med school-like coursework. Rather than an SMP, consider some (less expensive) postbac upper-level bio/biochem/& math classes to change the trend (by getting straight As, of course). Since the additional coursework would be after you graduated, it will stand out by being on its own line of the application, but it will still be included in your composite undergrad cGPA and BCPM GPA.

 

[omegaz]

It sounds like your BCPM has a downward curve right now, which is not in a good place to be, especially if you got it by taking med school-like coursework. Rather than an SMP, consider some (less expensive) postbac upper-level bio/biochem/& math classes to change the trend (by getting straight As, of course). Since the additional coursework would be after you graduated, it will stand out by being on its own line of the application, but it will still be included in your composite undergrad cGPA and BCPM GPA.

I thought postbacs are for those that have not completed most or all of the required premedical courses.

 

[Catalystik]

Technically, the term "postbac" covers any coursework engaged in after getting a bachelors degree, including SMPs, do-it-yourself undergrad coursework at a convenient college, or a formal program meant for either a) those without the prerequisites, or b) those needing a booster of their undergrad GPA. On SDN, we usually use the term to suggest the latter three options. I am suggesting the do-it-yourself version, since it's the most economical, but there are also formal set programs where you also have access to excellent counseling, strong LOR writers, and ECs that you might be weak in, if money is not an issue.

The key to any of them being helpful is, of course, getting a very strong GPA, say 3.7+.

 

[LostinLift]

If you're taking time off you should improve your ECs, ideally a clinically related job and some others while making sure you take the time to prepare for the MCAT.