Post Bacc evening classes + research position vs. Post Bacc Program

[SixStringPsych]

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Hi all,

I'm sure questions similar to this have been asked ad nauseam, but I wanted to give a little insight into my particular situation.

In a nutshell, I am a Senior at a private NYC university, currently finishing all of my pre-med pre-reqs, will graduate with around a 3.4-3.5 overall GPA, and a 2.9-3.0 science GPA. I want to take a year of post bacc courses (biochem, genetics, etc) to increase my science GPA and show ad comms I can handle medical school, study for the MCAT during this time, take the MCAT and apply at the end of my post bacc year.

Currently, I am trying to apply to post-bacc programs in the tri-state area (basically Penn, Drexel, Temple). These seem like the only substantial post bacc programs in the area...I have done my research and most other "enrichment" programs dont seem formal or structured at all. So, hopefully I get into one of these 3.
But, I am also starting a research position at a prestigious medical school (screw it, MT SINAI) very soon which has promise for being a paid full time position after I graduate this year. Also the position is very tailored towards my area of interest in medicine (Psychiatry/Neurology).

So my question is, does anyone have any advice as to which would be better?

Should I go to a post bacc program (if I get accepted to one) and try to get some volunteer research position in the Philly area? Or should I stay in NYC and stay with the Mt. Sinai position while taking unmatriculated courses at some school here in NYC? In this case I could stay with Mt. Sinai for my post bacc year and my application year.

I realize this is a bit pre-emptive but any advice would help. Just trying to plan ahead. Thanks!!!

-sixstring

 

[SixStringPsych]

Also, I wouldn't be a good applicant for an SMP, would I???? Judging by my mediocre (but not awful) science GPA I didn't think so. As far as what I know about SMPs.

 

[DrMidlife]

Also, I wouldn't be a good applicant for an SMP, would I???? Judging by my mediocre (but not awful) science GPA I didn't think so. As far as what I know about SMPs.

There are some SMPs and postbacs that are multiple years, or include MCAT prep, and these would be reasonable targets. Such programs don't expect you to go straight into med school after the SMP.

SMPs such as Georgetown, Cincinnati, EVMS want you to be completely ready for med school before you apply. A low science GPA wouldn't rule you out, as long as your MCAT is competitive (30+).

"mediocre" and "awful" aren't useful, with respect to a 2.9-3.0 science GPA. You might find "two standard deviations below the average MD school matriculant" to be more useful.

Best of luck to you.

 

[SixStringPsych]

So you would suggest an SMP/Post Bacc program as opposed to just taking undergrad classes unmatriculated at a local university? Realistically I don't want to take the MCAT yet just to have a score to send to an SMP...I would much rather just take undergrad classes to boost my GPA and study for the MCAT so I can take it when I am ready and apply 1 year after I graduate.

My brother had similar stats as me, went to UPenn's LPS (pre-health specialization program), got a decent MCAT, and received several interview invites at ivy league institutions, as well as several NY state med schools (we are residents), one of which he currently attends now. I would think I can do the same as him given our similar stats in terms of grades, EC's, etc.

My question was whether a research position + post bacc evening classes looks better or worse to ad comms than a formal post bacc program such as Penn, Temple, Drexel, etc. Given I receive the same grades in similar classes, what is the difference between a program and doing my own post bacc?

 

[Sinclaire]

My question was whether a research position + post bacc evening classes looks better or worse to ad comms than a formal post bacc program such as Penn, Temple, Drexel, etc. Given I receive the same grades in similar classes, what is the difference between a program and doing my own post bacc?

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=114425