Post-Bacc vs SMP: Conflicting Answers from Current Physicians (Texas Resident, GPA: 3.49, sGPA ~3.45, MCAT: 510)

[connorbee]

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Hi SDN,

New to SDN! I'm hoping to get some urgent guidance as I decide between doing a SMP or Post-Bacc coursework to strengthen my med school application for the 2026 cycle. I've gotten conflicting advice from physicians (one of whom previously served on an ADCOM), and would really appreciate insights from this community of non-trads.

Background​

• 24 years old, Texas resident
• Graduated Dec 2023 with a BS in Neuroscience from Tulane
• uGPA: 3.49, sGPA: ~3.45
• MCAT: 210 (May 2025) – planning to retake, ideally aiming for a 515+ (feels very achievable; strong CARS score, content knowledge was lacking)
• Took a gap semester Fall 2020 (COVID-related), returned Spring 2021
• Significant academic dip in Spring 2022 due to mental health and family medical issues. Earned C-'s in Orgo II, Biochem, and a 4000 lvl Spanish class
• In Fall 2022, medically withdrew from all but one science course (which I completed)
• Otherwise, mostly A range grades and a slight upward trend in the last 2 semesters — aside from one D+ in a writing class due to an extension/miscommunication issue

Despite all this, I’ve still feel strongly about a future in medicine. I’ve been working odd jobs this past year and more recently joined a family friend MD in growing her small academic coaching business as an assistant and tutor. However, I need more consistent income and ideally want to shift toward something more clinical.

Other Background - Clinical / Research / Volunteering​

• ~1.5 years of part-time neuroscience research, minor publication credit as a co-author on a PhD student’s paper and a summer program at LSUHSC with a poster presentation
• 70 hr culinary medicine internship at a teaching kitchen (non-clinical but health-focused)
• Other small volunteering opportunities including some through Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity
• Very limited shadowing and clinical volunteering — I’m actively working to address this

Main Questions​

1. SMP or Post-Bacc?
   One physician (with ADCOM experience) is adamant I need a structured SMP, while another says a DIY post-bacc would be fine as long as I ace it and improve my MCAT. I’m leaning post-bacc for flexibility when it comes to bolstering the rest of application, lower cost, and staying close to home in Texas, but want to know what others think based on my situation.
2. If SMP: any worthwhile TX-based programs still open for this fall besides Tulane (which closes July 31)?
3. If Post-Bacc: what courses should I focus on?
   I plan to retake Orgo II and Biochem. Should I also include a writing course to offset the D+? What about other classes (A&P, etc.)?
4. MCAT Retake necessary?
   If so, what timeline should I target for a retake (considering I'm applying spring 2026)?
5. Gap-year Job Suggestions?
   I’m job-hunting now and would love suggestions for roles that maximize clinical experience while allowing time for coursework and MCAT prep. I’m open to scribing, MA positions, hospice work, or anything else that strengthens my app.

Any help on any topics is greatly appreciated. Thank y'all!