Is this a crazy idea?

[Nontradlooking4advice]

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Hey everyone, I’m a Nontrad working as a scientist for 5 years post grad. Haven’t taken the MCAT.

I’ve been considering 2 SMP’s as they have a really high linkage to their medical schools. The conditions of their linkage are a good SMP GPA and an MCAT >490. So far it seems like 95% of students that get through these programs get accepted into the COM.

I feel I have a solid chance at getting into these SMP’s and feel good about getting good grades, as I have completed a masters in immunology before with a 3.9, but my big risk here is taking minimal MCAT study time to meet the threshold to get into the COM.

Here is my timeline. Taking some post bacc fall 2025 to boost my application to the SMP’s. Start studying for MCAT in January 2026, take in May 2026 with aims for at least a 490. Start the SMP fall 2026, then matriculate into the med program fall 2027. Is this crazy?

Rationale is that given my stats this would get me into med school a year earlier than I could otherwise, save stress on applications and trying to get a high MCAT score, and be better prepared for the med school with the SMP curriculum.

 

[Goro]

Take the MCAT only when you're ready for it.

 

[Crayola227]

I don't think what you "save" is worth doing an SMP, I don't think that's the best use of it, time, money. Plus you save yourself none of that if you do the SMP and the MCAT doesn't go your way.

At the same time, 6 months to study seems reasonable with your science background. When I did Kaplan many years ago, they had simulation MCATs and they had you do a baseline with zero prep. Not sure if you can do that to gauge your plan.

 

[Nontradlooking4advice]

I don't think what you "save" is worth doing an SMP, I don't think that's the best use of it, time, money. Plus you save yourself none of that if you do the SMP and the MCAT doesn't go your way.

At the same time, 6 months to study seems reasonable with your science background. When I did Kaplan many years ago, they had simulation MCATs and they had you do a baseline with zero prep. Not sure if you can do that to gauge your plan.

I guess my primary concern is that I take 2 years of DIY postbacc and MCAT prep, and spend lots of time and money on applications and still not get in lol.

 

[Crayola227]

I guess my primary concern is that I take 2 years of DIY postbacc and MCAT prep, and spend lots of time and money on applications and still not get in lol.

But if you don't do well on the MCAT first time around, aren't you already in that situation even with the SMP?

I get the appeal of linkage, but it seems overkill if your app on its own is pretty good. Especially if you are willing to apply DO.