Is SMP for me?

[JohnnyNU82]

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So here's my situation...

I'm currently applying to med school, but I have doubts about how successful I'm going to be so I'm trying to make a plan B and I'm wondering if an SMP( I'm looking at Georgetown and EVMS) would be beneficial for my situation. Here are my stats....

3.64 Overall/ 3.4 BCPM from a top ten university
MCAT 27P....7V 10B 10P
Fairly good ECs, med experience, LORs, etc.

So would I benefit from an SMP. I only took the basic pre-med requirements undergrad, so I was thinking that showing adcoms that I can handle med school level courses might be a good idea.

I would REALLY appreciate any advice that you have to offer. Thanks!!! 🙂

 

[Phil Anthropist]

The SMPs at G-town and EVMS aren't exactly pocket change and I don't think you'll need them if you retake the MCAT and score 30 or better (and bring up the verbal section). I guess it wouldn't hurt to apply to SMPs in the Spring if you feel that you need a backup plan, but your GPAs are pretty decent as it is (and from Northwestern, no less). SMPs tend to be better for the low-borderline GPA, competitive MCAT applicants.

 

[dynx]

SMPs tend to be better for the low-borderline GPA, competitive MCAT applicants.

Ditto this. Retake the MCAT, that 7 is the thing that will kill your app.

 

[sendwich]

ditto, your stats are pretty good, smps are more for people who've "messed up" their academic track record (near or below 3.0) and need someway to show adcoms they can do it. study hard for the mcats and you should be okay! 👍

 

[JohnnyNU82]

Thanks for the advice you guys! I really appreciate it.

Would it be beneficial for me to take upper level bio classes a la carte at a local university? Would that count towards my GPA or would it just be included as my graduate GPA?

 

[FowlersGap]

Thanks for the advice you guys! I really appreciate it.

Would it be beneficial for me to take upper level bio classes a la carte at a local university? Would that count towards my GPA or would it just be included as my graduate GPA?

tritto

do smp if you want to check out what first year will be like if you're not too sure about going to med school

just as everyone said your numbers are alright and you shouldn't have too much trouble and if you bring that mcat up you should be even better off

smp is really good for students who have a low gpa (3.0/3.1) but decent mcats in the 30s

 

[exmike]

So here's my situation...

I'm currently applying to med school, but I have doubts about how successful I'm going to be so I'm trying to make a plan B and I'm wondering if an SMP( I'm looking at Georgetown and EVMS) would be beneficial for my situation. Here are my stats....

3.64 Overall/ 3.4 BCPM from a top ten university
MCAT 27P....7V 10B 10P
Fairly good ECs, med experience, LORs, etc.

So would I benefit from an SMP. I only took the basic pre-med requirements undergrad, so I was thinking that showing adcoms that I can handle med school level courses might be a good idea.

I would REALLY appreciate any advice that you have to offer. Thanks!!! 🙂

get that mcat to above a 30 and you're golden.

 

[DrHans]

I think with a 27 you have a chance with all 9's. Obviously I'm just echoing what everyone else said. If you don't hear anything by Jan, start prepping for MCAT in April

 

[JohnnyNU82]

Is there any way doing an SMP could hurt you? Would medical schools ask "why did he waste his time with that?"

I just don't know what else to do with another year off...ugh

 

[N1DERL&]

Would it be beneficial for me to take upper level bio classes a la carte at a local university? Would that count towards my GPA or would it just be included as my graduate GPA?

I believe they would count towards your undergraduate gpa, specifically a post-baccalaureate gpa.

I think you have a fantastic gpa but as the other sdners mentioned, that 7 is holding you back! G'luck!!

 

[imrep1972]

Is there any way doing an SMP could hurt you? Would medical schools ask "why did he waste his time with that?"

I just don't know what else to do with another year off...ugh

I would think that the only way it would really hurt you would be if you did poorly in the program.

In my one interview so far this cycle - everyone I spoke with about the program seemed very impressed with the program and the fact that I was in it. Assuming one does his/her part, they will come out of the program with a tremendous advantage over other M1's.

 

[Lindyhopper]

I vote do it. If you are sure you want to be a Doc. It will in all likelyhood significantly enhance your application. You may get into your state school & recoup the cost of the SMP.
The SMP will be of tremendous educational benefit in Med school. It will probably greatly enhance your choice of residences.
The only way it would hurt you is if you struggle in the program. But even that is valuable to know, & come to terms with, sooner rather then later.