Is it true that SMP gpa is completely divorced from undergrad GPA unlike postbacc gpa

[2026PreMed]

Many on here have commented how a SMP gpa is completely separate and distinguished from undergrad GPA due to it being a masters program.

Therefore isnt this an advantage over the traditional postbacc program which will only add to undergrad gpa but not replace it ?

Would it make more sense for me to take an SMP over a postbacc given these conditions ?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[unc_jack_of_A]

I think a Post bacc adds to the cummulative undergrad gpa and is also shown separately like a masters program gpa.

I think of Post-baccs as gpa-repair, or for non-trads its to complete the pre-reqs. And that SMPs can show that you are ready for the same higher level courses that are in med school.

 

[Isoval]

Yes.

An SMP is a completely different program and degree process than a post-bacc.

Just to reaffirm, this isn't necessarily going to paint you in any different of a light. Doing GPA repair with a post-bacc vs saying "screw it" and just doing a new SMP with high grades will have the same effect. The only difference here is that SMPs often mimic medical school coursework to some degree and success in these programs tends to translate favorably to your medical school applications, but to be clear the difference is because of the content of the coursework and not because funny GPA number go higher.