Low MCAT mediocre GPA...what next?

[doc90210]

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So I am very new to this forum but I just wanted to thank all who frequently contribute their stories, knowledge and opinions because you have all helped me and I'm sure many others greatly.

Here is my issue, I will graduate in the spring with about a 3.2 overall, 3.1 science and an MCAT score in the teens (very poorly advised into taking them early and unprepared). I am currently looking at special masters programs and post bacc programs. I know that the majority of SMP's are geared towards allowing students to raise their GPA's and only accept studens who already have high scores on the MCAT i.e. 27 or higher. However I was wondering if their are any programs out there that focus on raising MCATs as well as GPA. I know Drexel is one option and I've heard Buffalo Roswell Park is also an option, does anyone know anything positive about the Buffalo program? Furthermore, I have a slight problem attending a post bacc program as opposed to a SMP because if for some reason I am ultimately unable to gain acceptance into medical school after spending two years at a post bacc program I will have nothing to show for it while I would have a masters if I attend a SMP. With that said I am curious to hear which schools, specifically, offer the most credible post bacc programs. From the research I've done I've found/heard that Havard-extension, Columbia and CUNY-Hunter are all pretty good programs (actually heard a decent amount of negative feedback about Columbia here on this forum) but I'd love to hear other options and testimonials from anyone else willing to offer them. I'm also interested in programs that have direct linkages to med schools pending, for instance, a certain GPA upon completion of the program. I'm also interested in hearing about schools who post raw data. By that I mean that I would like to see which schools sent what percentage of students onto what medical schools. As for now Im going to try not to let location or cost influence my decision so if willing I would love to hear everyones input. Thanks so much and good luck to everyone in future endeavors.

 

[Lindyhopper]

I don't know how you feel about becoming a DO, but one possible route is to focus on DO programs. Several offer post-bacc programs that I understand are not terribly difficult to get into. I heard good things about PCOM's program. You have the option of staying one intense year & earning a certficate. Reportly a "strong B" average will usually get you into their next med school class. You can also earn a master's by staying a second year. It may make you competitive for a broader range of schools. But I'm not sure about any employment options opened up by these Masters in Biomedical Sciences.
You probably should retake the MCAT & but this time really prepare well. Good Luck 😉

 

[doc90210]

Does anyone know of any programs that really stress improving MCAT scores? I know Drexel offers something of this nature but I was wondering if there were any others out there. Also I was wondering which schools, if any have the most reputable ability to send students to their MD/DO linkage schools. I appreciate all of the feedback!

 

[WISC-ite]

The Drexel MSP program is geared toward the MCAT. I improved my score 9 points and it made all the difference in the world for me. Check my previous posts about my thoughts on the program.

As far as your concern with doing two years of school and having nothing to show for it (as opposed to getting a Masters Degree), either way it doesn't matter. People in science know that a non-thesis masters (what you would be getting at every post-bacc) doesn't mean a hill-of-beans to someone who did research to get their masters. You will not be more or less hirable at another job...

Either way it is a bit of a gamble, but you are betting on yourself and that is the best gamble to take. Yes it is expensive and two years... but it is also the rest of your life and happiness.

Cheers,
WISC-ite