SDN Forumers... the time has come when i need help the most

[Jammunji]

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I'm lost about what I should do given my situation:

Last semester of my senior year.
AMS MAJOR
GPA Sci: 2.6
GPA Cum: 3.0
I would have applied for SMPs but I haven't taken the MCAT and not planning to take it in the next few months because I'm taking ORGO II this last semester (and let's face it, studying a couple months for MCATs? not realistic)

Thus I have two options to choose from (tell me which in your opinion is better or if neither, tell me what you would do):

1. I can get in into the M.S. program in my school for AMS which I'm thinking of doing since my year spent will be going toward a backup plan if medschool is REALLY not (but lets hope not) my destiny. And I could study enough this summer and fall for MCATs take it and apply January '08 for SMPs.

2. Do a post-bacc. But the thing is it HAS to be in NY since I don't have the $$ to go out of state. But the only ones I could find through AAMC is CUNY Hunter and CUNY City College (which wasn't even helpful in AAMC since I couldn't find the program in the school's website).

Any others around the five boroughs of NYC and does anybody have experience about the admission process?

Also with respect to choice 2, I dont understand what I would be taking? Bio, Phy, Orgo, Chem again? I dont know. So confused and frustrated right now to the point of screaming bloody murder for the world to hear.

"If I could turn back time..." -- CHER couldn't make more sense right about now! hahaha

Any respone is helpful and greatly appreciated. Thanks guys for reading this!! And potentially helping 🙂

 

[Instatewaiter]

Some SMPs will take GRE which requires a lot less studying than the MCAT.

That said you should probably work on the SciGPA and bring that up with a post-bac or taking Ugrad credits. Some universities will not make you graduate if you don't want to. I almost wasn't allowed to graduate on time because I forgot to turn in a diploma form despite the fact that I had more than enough credits! I actually had to petition the deans to allow me to graduate because a form was a month late.

So to get back on topic, a 5th year at your school improving the Science GPA might be a viable option. Ask your friends what are some easy higher level science courses (preferably Math bio chem or physics) and take those.

In terms of the MS program, most people are against it. I have heard reasons varying from "the classes are easier than med school", and they are graded easier to it will take you 2 years and you may not get accepted until you finish the masters.

 

[lawnboy313]

I'd delay graduation, take at least a year's worth of upper level science classes, and then depeding on your resulting GPA and MCAT score either apply to a SMP or directly to med/osteopathic schools. Since it sounds like you're already at a state school this will probably be the cheapest and most time-conservative option.

The other post-bacs in NYC are private and expensive (NYU and Columbia). Don't know if they do the GPA-booster thing (you wouldn't take the standard pre-reqs over). I believe CUNY Hunter/City College are the same program, except Hunter is day classes and City College is night classes. This at least is what I derived when I applied only to City College day classes and got acceptace materials from Hunter.

Regardless, it doesn't make sense to do a post-bac over extending graduation unless you'll save significant $$.

 

[Jammunji]

Thanks guys. I appreciate it. I'm thinking I might just do that. Never thought about going it that way. 5th year for me!!

Wait....is that going to look bad at all to adcoms for SMP or future Med schools that I took a fifth year??

Thanks again, you guys have been helpful

 

[imrep1972]

Thanks guys. I appreciate it. I'm thinking I might just do that. Never thought about going it that way. 5th year for me!!

Wait....is that going to look bad at all to adcoms for SMP or future Med schools that I took a fifth year??

Thanks again, you guys have been helpful

I don't think it would look too bad - its like doing a post-bacc, except its much easier. Just explain to the Adcoms what you did and why, I think they'd be fine with that.

Good luck!