Pursue an SMP and then MD schools, or grade replace and then DO schools?

[woozy]

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Hey guys,

I've read a ton of threads on here before but this is my first actual post. I'm a fourth year at a university right now and will be graduating with a 3.0 (hopefully). It's terribly low and I'm aware of that, which is why I'm posting and asking for opinions. I have yet to take the MCAT, but I will be taking it this upcoming summer after I graduate. My low gpa is due to the typical fresh/soph year screw up, but have been showing an upward trend ever since.

My question is, do you guys think I should pursue an SMP, kick butt, and then apply to MD schools? Or retake some classes at a community college (take advantage of the AACOMAS grade replacement policy), and apply to DO schools?

The only thing is that SMP's are super expensive and would delay my entry into med school by at least 2 years. Whereas the DO route would save me a lot of money as I'd be retaking classes at a CC, and would most likely only take me a year. I took an AMSA convention workshop on osteopathic medicine and was really intrigued by the different approach. So both applications of medicine interest me and I do not prefer one over the other. I just want to eventually become a physician and practice medicine. Specifically in cardiology when I get there.

Anyways, thanks for all your help guys!

 

[Hemorrage]

Taking an SMP should be your final resort. If you screw up at an SMP program your likely not going to get into any MD school anywhere. That being said, if you kick butt in the SMP program then yes you will have a great shot at M.D. If i were you i would go with the SMP and do my best to get a 3.6+, however, if you feel that you can't do that then i suggest doing grade replacements and going with D.O, it will save you money in the long haul.

 

[giants25]

I know my SMP program completely helped my application. I studied hard, got the grades, and applied as early as possible. I ended up with almost a dozen interviews in September and multiple acceptances in October. At each of my interviews my SMP grades were talked about and it gave me a chance to show how I grew as a person outside of the classroom as well. Now I have a whole year left to do whatever I want. I wholeheartedly believe that I owe this to my SMP and the hard work/sacrifice I put into that year. So if you want to go the MD route, this is an excellent way to set yourself up for success (if your willing to work extremely hard).

 

[Hemorrage]

I know my SMP program completely helped my application. I studied hard, got the grades, and applied as early as possible. I ended up with almost a dozen interviews in September and multiple acceptances in October. At each of my interviews my SMP grades were talked about and it gave me a chance to show how I grew as a person outside of the classroom as well. Now I have a whole year left to do whatever I want. I wholeheartedly believe that I owe this to my SMP and the hard work/sacrifice I put into that year. So if you want to go the MD route, this is an excellent way to set yourself up for success (if your willing to work extremely hard).

Congrats! What were your undergrad stats? SMP stats?

 

[La Presse]

I know my SMP program completely helped my application. I studied hard, got the grades, and applied as early as possible. I ended up with almost a dozen interviews in September and multiple acceptances in October. At each of my interviews my SMP grades were talked about and it gave me a chance to show how I grew as a person outside of the classroom as well. Now I have a whole year left to do whatever I want. I wholeheartedly believe that I owe this to my SMP and the hard work/sacrifice I put into that year. So if you want to go the MD route, this is an excellent way to set yourself up for success (if your willing to work extremely hard).

Excellent. I love the first hand experience. Great work.

 

[Gut Shot]

The only thing is that SMP's are super expensive and would delay my entry into med school by at least 2 years.

Um, at this point the only thing you'd be delaying is your application, not your entry.

I took an AMSA convention workshop on osteopathic medicine and was really intrigued by the different approach. So both applications of medicine interest me and I do not prefer one over the other.

You don't have to prefer one over the other, since they both practice essentially the same way. The "different approach" is hogwash aimed at premeds.

If I were you I'd suck it up and do the SMP. Graduate medical education is undergoing serious changes right now, and domestic MD grads are probably going to have the best position to ride it out.

 

[peppy]

I would suggest trying to shadow a few DOs (many DO schools want you to have an LOR from a DO anyway, so might as well get started on that) to help you decide.
I went the DO route, and I'm happy that I did. Since the residency match was just changed to combine DO and MD programs under the umbrella of the ACGME starting in 2014, I think in the future the differences between DOs and MDs will be even less than they currently are (but even now, there really isn't that much of a difference).

 

[Hemorrage]

I would suggest trying to shadow a few DOs (many DO schools want you to have an LOR from a DO anyway, so might as well get started on that) to help you decide.
I went the DO route, and I'm happy that I did. Since the residency match was just changed to combine DO and MD programs under the umbrella of the ACGME starting in 2014, I think in the future the differences between DOs and MDs will be even less than they currently are (but even now, there really isn't that much of a difference).

Isn't it 2015?

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Taking an SMP should be your final resort. If you screw up at an SMP program your likely not going to get into any MD school anywhere. That being said, if you kick butt in the SMP program then yes you will have a great shot at M.D. If i were you i would go with the SMP and do my best to get a 3.6+, however, if you feel that you can't do that then i suggest doing grade replacements and going with D.O, it will save you money in the long haul.

This is perfect advice OP, but in all seriousness only you (and your wallet) knows whats best for the long term.