Medical Should I do a linkage SMP?

[GoSpursGo]

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Hey guys,

While planning for my reapplication, I stumbled upon EVMS's med masters program, which seems like a pretty viable method of gaining admission to EVMS.

I am considering applying to some DO and MD (~6 DO and ~20 MD) schools this cycle while also applying to the SMP as a backup plan. I wanted to get some feedback on whether this would be a good idea.

While I understand that my GPAs are not low enough to warrant an SMP, this specific program seems like an attractive opportunity to forgo the possibility of another failed cycle and gap year. I'm confident I can do well in the program, which will likely grant me admission to the school afterward.

Thank you in advance.

Why don't you just apply to more DO schools? With your stats I would be surprised if you don't get in somewhere.

The problem with SMPs is that they are kind of high risk/high reward. Of course it's attractive if you do well, but the downside is that if you DON'T succeed and get in through the linked program that turns into a major red flag. It's also super-expensive. When your application appears to be pretty close to being acceptable as-is, I would really focus on having a broad school list before deciding to go for an SMP. In general I don't think you're so far off on academics that I would advise that route.

 

[Goro]

To reiterate, no, you don't need an SMP. You need a better list

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Don't do the SMP. The extra cost, the time, the energy, and the unpredictability is not worth it. Apply to more DO schools, maximize your MD list, and work on your interview skills.