SDN'ers-Give your advice, please!

[DocKW]

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I know there are many 'what are my chances' threads, but I would like to know which program/programs would be the most benefical for me (such as the Georgetown SMP, Master's programs in the sciences, or post- bac studies). I go to a private university that is pretty just known in my home state, and would like to go the out-of state private route. I know that I need to do SOMETHING within the next year to improve my credentials.

Here are some of my strong points and weak points:

Strong Points to my Application

1. Very involved in university organizations, volunteer organizations, and mentoring

2. Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences at Duke University SOM

3. Summer Program at UT Houston SOM with a preceptorship in a Family Medicine Clinic

4. Worked 3 years (during school) as a Health Unit Coordinator at a teaching hospital

5. Great LOR's

Weak Points to my Application

1. GPA and BCPM GPA of ~3.15 (still have a year to increase it)

2. MCAT sub 30

3. No research

I graduate this coming May, and would like to determine what I should do the following year before school starts. Since I know MANY of you out there have background about such programs, I hope you will be as informative as you can!

Thank you!

 

[Jalby]

Try the Carribean b/c I don't think you will get into a US medical school. Maybe an Osteopathic school.

 

[DocKW]

I am NOT applying this cycle, but in a year (or longer need be).

 

[Peace420]

do a post-bacc if your grades don't increase. If they do, take a research job for a year and increase your MCAT. MCAT has to go up!

 

[enamine]

are you a URM? are you retaking the MCAT? you should study A LOT and retake it... also take some easy classes this year to bring up your GPA.

 

[stunner]

I had to respond because the advice you've received so far is such bs. First of all, you CAN get into a US school, and don't have to go to the Carribean. Secondly, you shouldn't take EASY classes just to increase your GPA. Adcoms will see that and will not be impressed. Your BCPM GPA is low, so if anything, you should take upper level science courses and make A's in them. But if you're graduating in one year, there's no way you can increase your GPA to where it needs to be anyway. I think you have no choice but to enter some kind of graduate program, and do extremely well in it, before applying to med school. I personally think getting a Masters is the best thing for you to do because you'll strenthen two weak areas at once. Assuming you do well, you'll be able to demonstrate your academic abilities by making good grades in upper level science classes AND you'll be able to do research, which is something you haven't been exposed to yet. Having experience in research isn't absolutely required, but it can't hurt. So, I think you should get a Masters and possibly increase your MCAT score before applying to med school.

Good luck.