Post-bacc or master's programs while working full-time

[Vestiges]

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I'm graduating (undergrad) in December with weak credentials. Overall GPA is 3.24 and science GPA is 3.01. I'm taking the MCAT this weekend but practice exams have all been 498, so I can't imagine I'll land any medical school interviews this cycle.

I started an internship as a microbiologist and have been told I can expect a permanent position soon. I still fully intend to go to medical school but would like to work while I improve my GPA and possibly retake the MCAT. My question is, are there any good post-bacc or master's programs for people working full-time, possibly online programs? I wouldn't be able to attend my university's special master's program because all classes are offered during working hours.

 

[bluella]

I don't know much about postbacs/master's programs.

Just commenting to say you may want to reconsider taking the MCAT this weekend if you are still scoring sub-500. Yes you'll lose the money, but it's better to have 1 good score than a bad score with a retake. Or take it for the experience then void it.

 

[ciestar]

Do not take the MCAT this weekend.

 

[gyngyn]

A single bad MCAT is an impediment to success.
Multiple weak scores are far more damaging, though.
Don't set yourself up for an uphill slog.

 

[Goro]

My question is, are there any good post-bacc or master's programs for people working full-time, possibly online programs? I wouldn't be able to attend my university's special master's program because all classes are offered during working hours.

Not that I'm aware of. Your best bet will be to work and do a DIY post-bac, taking 2-3 classes/semester.

Working full time during an SMP is a surefire way to never get into med school. I have seen this happen to too many of my own SMP students. An SMP should be considered a full time job on its own.

 

[Goro]

The MCAT is as much a test of judgement as it is of competency. One should never, ever take a high stake, career deciding exam when one is not doing one's best.

 

[Dr. Meliodas]

The best advice would be to not take the MCAT. For MD the general consensus is you should be aiming for 510+.

You already have a weak GPA you do not want to compound that with a bad MCAT.

If all else fails and you refuse to take the wise advice you are getting here and actually take the MCAT VOID YOUR EXAM!!!!

 

[Vestiges]

I appreciate the advice, but would postponing until the end of summer make enough of a difference in my score to make up for the low GPA? I’m also taking the GRE in July so I can apply for multiple programs as a backup.

 

[ndafife]

I appreciate the advice, but would postponing until the end of summer make enough of a difference in my score to make up for the low GPA? I’m also taking the GRE in July so I can apply for multiple programs as a backup.

Its not so much about making up for a low GPA as it is about not cementing in that you are not academically capable of handling medical school by adding a low MCAT to your low GPA

 

[Jdp00921]

I wouldn't have wanted to work full time during my SMP, it really took up basically all of my time with the exception of a break on the weekend. I wouldn't have wanted to work on that weekend break either.

 

[Vestiges]

Thanks all, I’m looking into rescheduling it.

 

[Vestiges]

1) if I understand correctly, you are applying this cycle. That will almost certainly fail and put you in a weaker position as a weaker applicant. This a mistake
2) taking the MCAT and creating another bad score that will stay on your record forever, will just make you a weaker candidate. You should NOT take it. Do not, repeat, do not take it with intention of voiding because you might be tempted to have scored. It would be a mistake
3) before you even reconsider retaking the MCAT, you should be scoring consistently over 510 on practice. Taking it before that would be a mistake
4) you need to improve your GPA before retaking MCAT as it will take longer. Not to do so would be a mistake
5) since you will be working full time, you likely need a DIY postbacc part tim. Trying to do more and risking bad grades would be a mistake
6) it took you 4 years of college to be in this hole so it may take you that long to get out it. To rush it and doing too much would be a mistake

So my strong advice is to
STOP thinking about applying anytime soon
STOP thinking about retaking MCAT anytime soon
START 1 or 2 courses postbacc whole working

Unfortunately I cannot reschedule as the date to do so has already passed.The only options I have are to void the exam or accept my score. I do intend to heed the advice of the others who have replied before you in that I will void this score. Thanks for the input on applying this year, I feel it may be a waste of $500 with my current credentials.

That being said, should I retake it later this summer or wait until next summer? Also, would non degree post-bacc classes be better than an SMP or master's program? If it comes down to pursuing a graduate program full-time rather than working, I'll do whatever will increase my odds of acceptance to medical school, MD or DO.

 

[Vestiges]

1) dont reschedule exam DONT SHOW UP. Do not take the exam. Doing so is an idiotic movr move as well as risky as you could be tempted not to void. You will lose the money. You are thinking about $200,000 for med school. Worry about $500 bucks is short sighted. Move on
2) do not think about when you may retake the MCAT. You will take only, repeat only when YIU ready. You need your post bacc first and possibly repeat core courses. Move on
3) postbacc degree non degree is irrelevant. I am not a big fan of SMP a because of the expense but without knowing your overall record I cant recommend
4) To repeat
-do not think about when to MCAT until you have mostly completed postbacc or SMP
-do not think about about applying until you have a new MCAT score
-do not assume you will be applying for 2-3 years at least

Now get your head out of your A-S-S. And let me know if you take the MCAT. That way I know to ignore your posts because frankly I am tired of dealing with people to do idiotic and stupid things

I can't take you seriously with your immense superiority complex. Initially I heeded your advice, but your condescension is too off putting for me to care about anything you say. Ignore away.

Thanks to everyone else for your input, it has greatly helped.

 

[ciestar]

Unfortunately at this point you don’t get the refund but that fee is small potatoes compared to what you’d have to pay if you applied with a low MCAT and had to reapply. I would just not show up. You do NOT want to retake this exam, but i get wanting to get it overwith.

Ideal situation is one good MCAT. You aren’t doing yourself any favors walking into that exam expecting to retake it. Many schools average MCAT scores on top of it.

So many hoops, I know, but if this is what you want it is worth it in the end.

 

[Goro]

Unfortunately I cannot reschedule as the date to do so has already passed.The only options I have are to void the exam or accept my score. I do intend to heed the advice of the others who have replied before you in that I will void this score. Thanks for the input on applying this year, I feel it may be a waste of $500 with my current credentials.

That being said, should I retake it later this summer or wait until next summer? Also, would non degree post-bacc classes be better than an SMP or master's program? If it comes down to pursuing a graduate program full-time rather than working, I'll do whatever will increase my odds of acceptance to medical school, MD or DO.

You are engaging in the sunk cost fallacy. Do not give in to this.

 

[Vestiges]

You are engaging in the sunk cost fallacy. Do not give in to this.

Are you implying that I should drop $500 on applying this cycle despite my weak GPA? Or not attempt to repair it?

 

[Goro]

Are you implying that I should drop $500 on applying this cycle despite my weak GPA? Or not attempt to repair it?

Sunk cost fallacy refers to the fallacy of honoring sunk costs, which decision-theoretically should just be ignored. The canonical example goes something like this: you have purchased a nonrefundable movie ticket in advance. When the night of the show comes, you notice that you don't actually feel like going out, and would actually enjoy yourself more at home. Do you go to the movie anyway? A lot of people say yes, to avoid wasting the ticket.
Sunk Cost Fallacy


Your GPAs are lethal for MD schools and many DO. You will only have luck with at best, the newest schools. You already have one red flag in the poor GPAs. adding in a poor MCAT score will be second.

Quoting the wise Homeskool: Taking the MCAT is like getting married: ideally you only do it once, and the more times you do it the worse you start looking to suitors with good judgment.

Read this:
Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

 

[sss1219]

OP, I had very similar stats to you except did pretty decently on my first MCAT (511). Applied with that and an MPH in 2016, ended up getting 0 interviews. Aced an SMP masters program the year after and reapplied this cycle, I ended up with 7 IIs.

Most important thing to do is to heed everyone's advice - take the MCAT when you are ready. You will likely need a 510+. After that, you may need an SMP if you are gunning for MD, but may be within striking distance for DO depending on your MCAT score.