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[eurydicejacque]

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Hi everyone,

I just graduated from college and planned to apply to allopathic schools mid-July. However, reading through all the threads has led me to doubt the strength of my application.

science major, state university
cgpa: 3.45
bcpm: 3.30
MCAT: will take July 16
experience: I've done the bare minimum so far (1 year clinical assistant which involved a lot of patient interaction, 5 months and presently continuing research, 17 years playing cello seriously, work-study jobs throughout college). I'm planning to get training next month in order to get part-time work in a hospital. Also will continue research under my PI for another 3 months.

It really blows that I'll have to wait another 2 years to start med school 🙁

Anyway, I think the following aspects of my application need working on:

improve both cGPA and BCPM to 3.5
(take MCAT, get 35+)
gain more experience during my gap years

by the way, my dream is to study and work in New York or Boston--I have a specific musical activity I have been longing to pursue alongside my medical career. So I need to get into a private allopathic school in either of the cities (I'm ruling out state schools, since I'll be considered OOS).

anyway, what is the general rule of thumb on whether to pursue an SMP or an academic-enhancing post-bacc for someone with minimum experience? and I'm looking for specific numbers. For example, for a bcpm range of 3.0-3.3, would it be more advantageous to enter an SMP? And for a bcpm range of 3.4-3.59, would it be more advantageous to enter an academic record-enhancing post-bacc? this is, of course, the mcat score is at least in the 30s.

Just wanted to add that this forum has been so helpful to me, as advising at my school is pretty much non-existent. Thanks anyone for any advice!

 

[RegulateRo]

A lot of the advice you will get will depend on your mcat score. If you get a 33+ on MCAT you may not even need a postbac program. Applying early and to the right schools might be enough.

If you're specifically aiming for New York or Boston then you can't apply so broadly, in which case you may want an SMP or postbacc as a fallback. But again if you rock the MCAT you could have a shot at a school like NYMC and some others, without having a >3.5 gpa.

There is no formula for what the right thing to do is--its pretty individual specific. In general if you have GPA issues such that your GPA is below 3.0 you should something to bring up your GPA, like a post-bacc program or informal post-bacc . The range you're in, I don't think it would really be worthwhile to do a straight up post-bacc program. You can consider taking a few classes at the local state university to help raise the GPA a little if you want to, but I wouldn't do a postbacc program. I think YOUR main target however should be the MCAT. If you can get >30 you can at least be set up for SMPs with strong linkage as a worst case scenario.

For GPA 3.3-3.59 with MCAT of 33+ you should have a shot at at least some of the lower tier programs in NY without a postbacc/smp program if you apply early. If MCAT is below or around 30ish you may need to either retake the MCAT or do an SMP with strong linkage if you feel that you absolutely can't improve your MCAT score.

Also If you want to increase your chances more, consider DO schools when you apply. Unless you are trying for competitive specialties you should consider DO. Or at least if you're not going to consider DO then at least know exactly why you don't want to, so its not just some psychological block.

Bottom line for you, imo, is to rock the MCAT. Don't take it until you are ready. You can potentially avoid an SMP or postbacc, if you do well on it. And if you feel a little insecure about your GPA try taking some courses at a local college.

Hi everyone,

I just graduated from college and planned to apply to allopathic schools mid-July. However, reading through all the threads has led me to doubt the strength of my application.

science major, state university
cgpa: 3.45
bcpm: 3.30
MCAT: will take July 16
experience: I've done the bare minimum so far (1 year clinical assistant which involved a lot of patient interaction, 5 months and presently continuing research, 17 years playing cello seriously, work-study jobs throughout college). I'm planning to get training next month in order to get part-time work in a hospital. Also will continue research under my PI for another 3 months.

It really blows that I'll have to wait another 2 years to start med school 🙁

Anyway, I think the following aspects of my application need working on:

improve both cGPA and BCPM to 3.5
(take MCAT, get 35+)
gain more experience during my gap years

by the way, my dream is to study and work in New York or Boston--I have a specific musical activity I have been longing to pursue alongside my medical career. So I need to get into a private allopathic school in either of the cities (I'm ruling out state schools, since I'll be considered OOS).

anyway, what is the general rule of thumb on whether to pursue an SMP or an academic-enhancing post-bacc for someone with minimum experience? and I'm looking for specific numbers. For example, for a bcpm range of 3.0-3.3, would it be more advantageous to enter an SMP? And for a bcpm range of 3.4-3.59, would it be more advantageous to enter an academic record-enhancing post-bacc? this is, of course, the mcat score is at least in the 30s.

Just wanted to add that this forum has been so helpful to me, as advising at my school is pretty much non-existent. Thanks anyone for any advice!

 

[eurydicejacque]

.

 

[Rooni]

by the way, my dream is to study and work in New York or Boston--I have a specific musical activity I have been longing to pursue alongside my medical career.

This is sort of aside from your point, but what's this "specific musical activity" that can only be pursued in Boston or NYC?

 

[drizzt3117]

The suny schools do take oos ppl.