Masters vs Post-Bac for MD?

[Sjs1234]

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I cant seem to decide if I should do a Post-Bacc/SMP (my choices are between UPenn/USF/Drexel) or do a full on 2 year Masters and take the GRE and everything like that. If I do the Masters I'd have to take the GRE this year and apply in winter and then enter next August. Then its 2 more years and then the year off for applying so thats alot of time and will delay graduating med school/family etc. However, the MS will elevate the academics of my portfolio much higher. They each have their pros and cons, trying to figure out whats the best solution.

My Stats: UGPA- 3.35, MCAT-24, ~40 hrs US shadowing, 3 weeks International shadowing, ~50 hrs of non-clinical volunteering, 1 year leadership, some hospital volunteering, NC Resident.

Thoughts?

 

[flatearth22]

Post-bac: can improve your undergrad GPA which is much more important than grad GPA. But no linkage.

Advantage of SMP: linkage with a school (higher chance of interview/admission). But can't improve undergrad GPA....but do get to showcase your skills in classes that med students take during their pre-clinical years.

Either way you'll have to retake your MCAT.

 

[aSagacious]

Post-bac: can improve your undergrad GPA which is much more important than grad GPA. But no linkage.

Advantage of SMP: linkage with a school (higher chance of interview/admission). But can't improve undergrad GPA....but do get to showcase your skills in classes that med students take during their pre-clinical years.

Either way you'll have to retake your MCAT.

Flatearth, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stop giving advice on issues you know nothing about. PLEASE.

OP, there is an entire subforum for post-baccs: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=71
Lots of knowledgeable individuals in there (DrMidLife, QuarterLifeCrisis, RobFlanker, Kaustikos)

For the record, flatearth, a good number of undergraduate and graduate post-baccs offer linkage (see: UPenn, Temple, VCU, UConn, SUNY Stony Brook, etc, etc).