post bacc or masters?

[ChamaDoc]

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I'm have a GPA of 3.12, maybe 3.26 by the end of my bachelors if I do well in my last semester (grad may2010). I'm applying to medical school may2010, should I go for a post bacc during the off year to keep boosting my GPA? or go for masters program in medical sciences (goes from May2010 to May2011) and do well there.... any advice ???

 

[Catalystik]

If you are graduating with the typical 120 credit hours, and did a full-time one year postbac with a 4.0, your GPA could rise to 3.36. With two years, 3.48. A quicker fix would be the one-year SMP. Did you already take the MCAT?

 

[ChamaDoc]

I took it last year, got a 22 🙁... I'm retaking it in April.
...SMP, short masters program?

 

[theWUbear]

SMP = Special Masters Program.

The usual situations leading to a post-bacc are
A) Just decided to be premed
B) Don't have the GPA to get into a SMP (sub 3.0)

SMP's allow adcoms to see whether you can be successful in graduate level science coursework. Do the research on SMP's on the forums. Good luck 🙂

 

[Catalystik]

SMP=Special Masters Program. Another name for a medical masters, or at least some of them. Generally they involve taking classes with med students to demonstrate that you have the ability to do well in med school. It's like an audition that redeems a low undergad GPA. If you do extremely well, typically getting a GPA of 3.5+, you enhance your chances of a med school acceptance. If you need more information, there is a list in the Postbaccalaureate Programs Forum at http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=71 . See the second sticky.

Which program were you looking at?

 

[ChamaDoc]

Cool. That's exactly the kind of program I'm applying for. --TCOM, Masters in medical sciences. But, the one thing that worried me about this program is the fact that those grades wont be projected on my undergrad GPA......🙁

 

[ChamaDoc]

.... Would that even matter if I do well in the program?

 

[Catalystik]

Doing well in an SMP overrides the undergrad GPA.

What is the minimum MCAT score you need to get in? What kind of statistics do they have for those completing the program to get into a med school? To they offer an interview at TCOM if you surpass a certain minimum GPA? (I'm not familiar with this program offered by TCOM, but I'm assuming there's a linkage.)

 

[ChamaDoc]

If I want to qualify for consideration at TCOM I need over a 3.0 undergrad and over a 3.5 in the masters prog, MCAT scores are not specified, they just say 'competitive scores' but statistic averages show 27. Apparently, half of postbacs finishing the program meet criteria for acceptance at TCOM and virtually all of them are accepted there. Of the remaining people, half of those are accepted into other medical schools..... not bad?
For other schools in Texas, a competitive MCAT seems to be over 30ish (with my GPA that is...)

 

[Catalystik]

Not bad! Very promising, in fact. You just need to get that MCAT score raised. Have you started to study for it again, yet? You might want to check out SDN's MCAT Discussions Forum for ideas on boosting areas you're weak in.

 

[ChamaDoc]

Yes, looking at physics today... I have 4 months
... I'll scope it out. I appreciate your help 🙂

 

[DALee33]

I am currently in the Masters of Medical Sciences program at UNTHSC (TCOM). Let me know if you have any questions... Also, there is a thread that is pretty helpful with lots of info... Have you had a chance to check it out???

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=581527

You automatically get an interview at TCOM for being in the program. And you are correct, 85% of those who make a 3.5 or above are accepted into medical school (these are the stats from the program's beginning). Also, 10% of the seats at TCOM are reserved for students from the medical masters program.

I actually have been accepted into a med school in Texas, and I believe it has a lot to do with this program. I am so thankful for it--I have so much more confidence going into med school.

Best of luck & feel free to pm me with any questions.

 

[J ROD]

First, you need to get that MCAT score higher....

low GPA and MCAT are indicating lack of academic ability.....🙁

 

[ChamaDoc]

Well, I'm retaking the MCAT in April, but I don't think that's going to help me for this program... it appears to be that acceptance letters go out mid April? Even if I do stellar, those scores won't go out until May 🙁 ... sigh

 

[ChamaDoc]

...also my GPA for the last 60 hrs is 3.78. Should I even be hopeful about this program?

 

[Catalystik]

A steep upward grade trend should certainly be helpful.

Is there a late January MCAT date you could be ready for? (I have no idea how late in the next month they are offered.)

 

[DALee33]

...also my GPA for the last 60 hrs is 3.78. Should I even be hopeful about this program?

That is fantastic--I know for a fact that they do look at your last 60 hours of coursework when evaluating students for the program.

Definitely apply! Don't rush re-taking the MCAT. If you get into the program, they offer a summer MCAT course through Princeton Review.

 

[J ROD]

...also my GPA for the last 60 hrs is 3.78. Should I even be hopeful about this program?

most def!

 

[ChamaDoc]

ah darn... well I already paid for registration 🙁

 

[DALee33]

ah darn... well I already paid for registration 🙁

for the MCAT? No problem--if you do really well, above a 28, you can opt out of the MCAT class in the Master's Program--which will give you more time to focus on the summer classwork. I would say you are simply covering your bases--in case the master's program does not work out or anything else--you have taken your MCAT early & applying earlier puts you in a great position. Just make sure you work really hard & make this a great MCAT.

 

[ChamaDoc]

For sure. I'm on it. Thanks everyone!😍

 

[Catalystik]

DALee's information has been enormously helpful, educational, and reassuring.