Not so good SMP attempt

[xia101010]

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There are tons of success stories of those who did well in SMP moved on to do MD/DO. Any SMP's that did not do so well i.e. just around 3.0 - I am falling in that pile? Did they still make it or what they did?

 

[tley1115]

can you stay in the smp a little longer and take some more classes to boost that gpa to like a 3.5? how many classes have you taken and how many are left.

this is why it is important to solidify your study skills before going into a SMP.

hows your mcat?

 

[xia101010]

I will be around 3.0 at the end of first year, it is not really SMP - but a SMP like Post-Bacc at PCOM. The program is exciting and not easy.
My MCAT is 25. I have option to do another year and earn a Master degree. I am aiming at DO schools.

I am kind of split at this point whether to continue here or go carib.

 

[johnnyscans]

I will be around 3.0 at the end of first year, it is not really SMP - but a SMP like Post-Bacc at PCOM. The program is exciting and not easy.
My MCAT is 25. I have option to do another year and earn a Master degree. I am aiming at DO schools.

I am kind of split at this point whether to continue here or go carib.

IMO going to the Caribbean would be a huge mistake. It's obvious you don't have the study skills necessary to succeed in medical school. The attrition rate at Caribbean schools is extremely high, and the advisors aren't known for their empathy. That said, I'm not really sure what the next best option is. To put it bluntly, you may have blown your audition at the big leagues - time to scramble.

 

[tley1115]

I will be around 3.0 at the end of first year, it is not really SMP - but a SMP like Post-Bacc at PCOM. The program is exciting and not easy.
My MCAT is 25. I have option to do another year and earn a Master degree. I am aiming at DO schools.

I am kind of split at this point whether to continue here or go carib.

well my moto is that it never hurts to try. i had a friend who got in last year to a DO school with a 26 mcat. apply everywhere and in the mean time get more clinical xp in

 

[Unzbuzzled]

Do a real SMP. Then you'll have a much better shot at MD schools. And you'll still get a masters in one year.

 

[DoctaSleepy]

Your options narrow considerably after a poor performance in a structured post-bacc or SMP. That being said, the fact that you are shooting for DO does help matters.

You could (1) Apply to other structured postbaccs/SMPs (2) Continue in your current program and take classes to boost your GPA there (3) Retake some of the classes that have pulled your GPA down at a 4-year institution as an informal postbacc.

Another SMP/PB with decent linkage would be the fastest option, but be aware that it will be much harder to gain entry into one of these programs when they can see that you've performed poorly at one already. Also, it could very well be the nail in the coffin if your study skills don't do a 180. The purpose of Option 2 is to cut your losses regarding linkage to your postbacc's med school, but to at least salvage your GPA there so that you can leave with a decent-looking number on your transcript. Option 3 takes advantage of the grade forgiveness policy of DO schools - it will require more time, but it will raise your GPA.

If it's feasible to stay where you are now for another semester or year so that you can leave with a decent GPA, it'll keep more doors open. Depending on other details of your application, that alone could get you into a DO school. If not, another SMP or an informal postbacc could take you the rest of the way. First and foremost, as others have said, fix your issues with studying and/or test-taking. An SMP, post-bacc, DO school, MD school, the Caribbean - none of these will remedy the problem. Better to fix this now than to find yourself ill-equipped in med school.

 

[common man]

don't make decisions based on hearsay. and promote yourself in a positive way. how do you know that 3.0 is bad? sure, it's not great but it is competent. i am not familiar with pcom's program but iirc you don't take classes alongside med students. that's ok - i'm sure the grad classes are challenging. go talk to your program director and people at admissions. go talk to people at broad range of schools. tell them that you've taken pcom's grad program and shown a very competent B average / 3.0 see what they say. have some confidence and go ahead apply unless the program director is very negative. smp is very expensive and i wouldn't recommend "smp repair." i remember reading from a student who did the ucincy smp - he said something to the effect that people realize in med schools / med school classes that you are going to have a lot of Bs. i'd go for the A if possible but don't undersell yourself either.

 

[fbradley99]

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