Not sure what to do...

[doctormusic]

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Hi, i'm a california resident who applied last cycle and did not get in. I applied to 10 schools in late July and got secondaries in august-october. Needless to say, I made some mistakes with the application process.

I am considering applying to special masters programs this month. Based on my stats (below), and the fact that I have full confidence in my ability to kick butt in an smp, do you think that this is the best option for me? I am currently studying to retake the mcat (my scores are from 2006).

3.4 GPA (UCSD 2006)
psych major (ba)
33N MCAT
Tons of shadowing, not much research or volunteer work.
Interested in practicing medicine abroad and working in developing countries

all input is welcome. thanks!

 

[Catalystik]

Getting an SMP is an option, but an expensive one, and it would be overkill considering your GPA isn't terribly low. Your stats could well have gotten you in somewhere had you applied early and more broadly, and had the expected community service and clinical experience. You might also consider 1-2 years of additional post-bac classwork to raise the uGPA through an official or unofficial program. Formal programs would have the advantantage of providing research opportunities. If you have gained substantial medical volunteering experience since you last applied, I think you could consider reapplying this coming cycle if your very-nice MCAT won't expire too soon.

 

[doctormusic]

Thanks so much! I have not gained significant clinical experience since applying, so I guess it would be good to take another look at post baccs.