Recent grad in need of advice

[suspirox]

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Hi guys-

I've been a long time reader & would like to thank everyone for all the great info. I'm in need of some guidance with my journey into school.

I've been debating between medical and optometry school, with medical school being my preferred choice, but I'm afraid I do not have the stats : (

I graduated in 05/2011 with a degree in Molecular Biology and since then landed a great research job at a private research institute.

With my GPA (3.1) I dont think I have a chance through regular admissions (or am I wrong) should I apply to an SMP? If so, do I need to submit my AAMC app as well? Just would like some sound advice and a little guidance through this process.

BTW currently studying for my MCAT which is scheduled for August- Is it possible to apply for the 2013 app cycle through an SMP and/or regular admissions?

Stats;
GPA 3.1
Over 8 years of shadowing and working in the medical field.
1 year of phase 3 clinical trial development for new drugs

Background:
Worked 3 jobs and put myself through college.
Have lived on my own since age of 18 <family problems.
Economical and racial disadvantaged background.

Thanks guys- Sorry for the long post

 

[theWUbear]

Economical and racial disadvantaged background.

Check out AAMC table 25

https://www.aamc.org/data/facts/app...mcat-gpa-grid-by-selected-race-ethnicity.html

If you score a 30-32 MCAT and your race is hispanic, your chances of acceptance are 59%. If african american: 79%.


I would apply and get accepted to an SMP for next year, I would focus on killing the MCAT, and I would worry about app stuff next spring to get ready for a June application. Your MCAT is coming too late for you to be timely in any sense of the word this application cycle, and applying this cycle will diverge a lot of time away from MCAT studying. One huge thing at a time.