Need help on a choice of program for Pre-Medical

[tatsuki]

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Currently an unsuccessful MD applicant. Got mostly rejections and I'm not sure what to do now. My GPA is a 3.46 and my MCAT score was a 29R. I'm intending on taking the MCAT again and perhaps reapplying this year, but what I hope for is an opinion on is whether or not a specific program should be taken.

From what I've seen a SMP is an unfavorable choice because it may hurt me and I might be too high to qualify (not to mention the deadlines). So what's left? I see "GPA Boosters" but I'm not sure of the programs out there tailored to such a thing that would be a year or so in length. Or should I just apply to a local school's extension program, re-take some classes I did not so well in back in Undergraduate, and take some other science classes to boost my GPA and then apply? I want to find something to do during the next year that would be meaningful and not make me feel like I'm getting nowhere.

Appreciate the help. 😳

 

[CoolSpot7Up]

You could take some more undergrad classes to boost your GPA, although it isn't abysmal by any means. You're near a 3.5, so I would take some post-bacc classes and raise it by a little.

Your MCAT is a little low, and I would advise you to focus on retaking the MCAT. SMPs are ideal for people with low GPAs and high MCAT scores, so you wouldn't fit the model, but it could help you if you do well.

I'd say take a few more undergrad classes and boost the MCAT to 32+.

 

[fireflygirl]

I agree with CoolSpot. The other thing to think about too is to talk to any willing AdComs after May 15th about what could have been strengthened in your application. You never know how the more subtle things can hurt your chances.

 

[tatsuki]

I'll definitely try to raise my MCAT score. But as for the GPA side, would I probably be better off just taking some extension/summer classes at my university/a community college? I've done a lot of research and volunteering experience, so I'm pretty sure it was either my GPA or MCAT that held me back, just don't know which one held me back more...

 

[CoolSpot7Up]

I'll definitely try to raise my MCAT score. But as for the GPA side, would I probably be better off just taking some extension/summer classes at my university/a community college? I've done a lot of research and volunteering experience, so I'm pretty sure it was either my GPA or MCAT that held me back, just don't know which one held me back more...

Yeah, it seems they may have held you back an equivalent amount. I'd say take the MCAT this summer and dedicate all your time into studying for it. Then during the next year, take some upper-level bio/science classes at a nearby university in their continuing studies or extension school. No need to do a formal post-bacc. I would also advise against taking classes at a community college, as adcoms tend to look down upon that.

 

[nick_carraway]

I'll definitely try to raise my MCAT score. But as for the GPA side, would I probably be better off just taking some extension/summer classes at my university/a community college? I've done a lot of research and volunteering experience, so I'm pretty sure it was either my GPA or MCAT that held me back, just don't know which one held me back more...

Echoing what fireflygirl said, I would contact some med schools that rejected you. Many are already willing to talk, so waiting until May isn't necessary for some schools. You might be surprised by what they see in your application. I too had serious research and some volunteering, but they were remarkably disinterested in my research. All my clinical stuff also had aspects of research and so they wanted a purely clinical EC (which I've got now).

They also noted things in my EC descriptions and my personals statement that led to their doubting of my interest in medicine vs. grad school.

At worst, you'll waste some time and you'll just confirm what you already know. Best case, you'll learn something about your app that you can improve in the future.

 

[tatsuki]

Didn't really think about that, definitely worth a try to see what I can improve this time around.

For now I'm going to focus on preparing for the MCATs, then try to take some classes over summer and update my transcript concurrently... *crosses fingers*

Thanks for the help. 😳

 

[nick_carraway]

Didn't really think about that, definitely worth a try to see what I can improve this time around.

For now I'm going to focus on preparing for the MCATs, then try to take some classes over summer and update my transcript concurrently... *crosses fingers*

Thanks for the help. 😳

Sounds like a solid plan. Hopefully that MCAT is all that's holding you back. Good luck!