post-bac or SMP?

[pinaydocsana]

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🙂Hi folks, this is my first post here at SDN, although I am an avid lurker. It's now time present my case....I graduated in 2003 with a BS in Biochem and double major in Classical studies. Been working for about 5 years, 2 yrs at a research lab and going on 3 years as a small business manager. I want to take a stab at my long time dream of becoming a doctor, but due to my low stats below, I am a bit stuck. Here they are:

overall GPA: 3.24
BCPM: 2.7 🙁 (one D, one F - both classes repeated and averaged in)
AO: 3.6
Started volunteering at a local hospital last May 2008
Looking for Doctors to shadow
Also looking to volunteer at another hospital (teaching hospital)

My question is, is it wise to go straight into an SMP (I was thinking Drexel MSP and IMS) or should I take more BCPM to up my GPA (I was thinking SFSU 2nd bachelors to either retake the basics or take more upper level science classes - even this part is confusing to me since I don't think it wise to retake classes)? I have done some research on SDN and found that grades from SMPs are calculated as graduate GPA.

I am stuck 😕 and any help/advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks! 😍

 

[kami333]

Many schools screen at 3.0 so even if you do a SMP you may not even get looked at. How many credit hours do you need to get above a 3.0 in BCPM?

 

[pinaydocsana]

Hi! Thanks so much for your reply!

According to the GPA Calculator at http://advising.wichita.edu/lasac/gpacalc/wsugpa.html, I need 29 hours of straight A's to get to a 3.0. So do you think it's better to first get it up to a 3.0 and then do an SMP?

 

[njbmd]

Hi! Thanks so much for your reply!

According to the GPA Calculator at http://advising.wichita.edu/lasac/gpacalc/wsugpa.html, I need 29 hours of straight A's to get to a 3.0. So do you think it's better to first get it up to a 3.0 and then do an SMP?

Certainly, you may have some difficulty getting into an SMP with under a 3.0 but you may want to take a shot at some of these programs. If you could get into one with linkage, you would be golden. If you don't make it in, you could then do more classes if you are interested.

If you do get into a SMP, you need to do very, very well. A poor performance in a SMP can totally kill your chances of medical school(their biggest drawback). Once you get into one of these types of programs, be prepared to work like you have never worked before because these are not easy to excel in and you HAVE to excel.

Taking some coursework and getting your study skills to their highest level is something that you need to do anyway (SMP or not). Attempting to think about completing 29 hours of coursework and achieve all As is a huge undertaking. Be sure that all of your skills are tight and keep your eyes on your goals. Forget about shadowing or volunteering (for a little while) and put all of your energy into your studies. Good luck.

 

[pinaydocsana]

Thank you, Dr. njbmd! 😳 You give great advice and I will definitely heed your advice for me. It can get so blinding when one is still in the beginning phase and already in these tough spots. You don't know what to do--you almost wish this deep desire to be a doctor can just go away! But this site is really great for seeing things in perspective, especially when real mentors are there and ready to help!

Again, thanks a lot! I will take a shot and apply to some SMPs and hope and pray I will get into one with linkage. Now I'm off to find those...

 

[gman33]

Agree with njbmd.

One point she made which should be emphasized; make sure you get your study skills in place BEFORE taking on rigorous coursework. Based on your past record, you have not demonstrated an ability to do well in the sciences. Anything below an outstanding performance in a SMP will effectively sink your chances of ever getting into med school. For this reason, it might be a good idea to do a year of postbacc before applying. Maybe start the first semester with just one class and make sure you learn how to do well. Use the prof and any tutoring services as a resource. Find what works best for you and stick with it. I just hate to see people try to rush into something and end up doing more damage than good.

Also, are you interested in DO schools?
If so, you should retake any of your science classes with low grades.
They will only count the retakes. This is the fastest way to raise your gpa.

 

[gman33]

One other thing, have you taken the MCAT?
Many of the SMPs require this for admission.
If you haven't, don't try to rush through this just to check it off.

 

[pinaydocsana]

Thanks for the advice, gman! I haven't taken the MCAT yet, but am now studying for it. I am currently trying to re-learn chemistry. Actually today I just realized I've forgotten everything. So maybe it is a good idea to take this class first.

But if I start taking a class at a 4-ys institution (say at a cal-state or at UCLA extension) and then apply to a SMP, if I get rejected do I need to take classes at that same institution or can I enroll in a 2nd bachelors (for example at SFSU)?

As for DO schools, I have not looked too much into it to decide. But I've read (from SDN) it's not that easy to "replace" the grades. The classes would have to be identical....do you think it would be better, if I were to take the DO route, to go back to my alma mater to retake these classes?



Thanks again!