SMP for low MCAT

[ajkby52]

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I've read that SMPs will help students whose GPAs are low, which is understandable since it adds a supplemental graduate GPA taken with medical students. However, if you have a semi-decent GPA, but a low MCAT, would an SMP help? I've read that it should in the FAQ, but I'm wondering how. It makes sense that it would help those with low GPAs prove that they can study, however I feel that if I get a 28 on the MCAT and a 4.0 on an SMP, it would help, but that 28 would still make it hard to get into med schools.

My situation is that I have a 3.48 overall, 3.6 BCMP. I've been getting low 30's on my diags for the MCAT, but I've been getting an average of 7's on the verbal. And I'm sure that once test day comes, I'm probably going to get lower. (Kind of bombed the June MCAT, retaking it at the end of this month). Will the SMP help my cause so much that it justifies paying the exorbitant costs? If the help it provides is mainly in the MCAT prep, I'm not sure if it's worth it. I've spent a lot of time studying and that verbal is just shutting me down.

 

[DrMidlife]

I strongly, vehemently disagree that an SMP is good for a low MCAT. SMPs cost around $50k. MCAT prep courses cost around $1500. An MCAT score is in the category of things you can and SHOULD take care of BEFORE an SMP. (Unless you specifically intend to wait to apply after an SMP and/or your SMP includes MCAT prep, like Tufts.)

That said, a 30+ is not a low MCAT.

Retaking the MCAT one month after a weak showing is a HUGE MISTAKE. You can't improve in a month, and there's a significant chance you'll do worse. In particular, the verbal section is the hardest section in which to gain points. I recommend that you cancel that retake, clear your schedule, aim for a January retake, spend money on a prep course and probably some tutoring, and give it all you've got.

Best of luck to you.

 

[mr2trd3]

DrMidlife is spot on. SMPs are for applicants with low GPAs and typically high MCAT scores. Also as stated, a 30 MCAT is not low. Paired with a solid GPA, a 30 MCAT should be good enough for most schools.

As for improving on the MCAT, do yourself a favor and save $50k. Since you should already have the necessary basic knowledge (if you've completed all pre-med prereqs), doing well on the MCAT simply require some practice. Just buy the ExamKracker books and CDs (less than $1000 for all of it, iirc).

 

[ajkby52]

I figured that it wouldn't help. The main thing that I have a problem with is that I have been studying for awhile. The main problem with the most recent MCAT was that I wasn't able to mentally focus. It wasn't that I didn't know the material, it was that I psyched myself out by thinking of how much the test really meant, my relationships, how this could mess with my future, etc. I have a lot of materials... EK Books, TPR books (took the course once and then refreshed again this year), and BR books. It's not like I haven't put the time into studying. I feel that what I get on this next MCAT is it. I just wanted to see if I end up just getting 27-30, if I should try the SMP route, which I figured is for the low GPA and high MCAT crew.

 

[mr2trd3]

A 27-30 MCAT score paired with your GPA will make you plenty competitive for your state schools (given that you're not from CA), some low tier MD programs, and virtually all DO programs. The only problem I see with your stats is the 7 in VR. I think at least an 8 would do you some good.

 

[ajkby52]

A 27-30 MCAT score paired with your GPA will make you plenty competitive for your state schools (given that you're not from CA), some low tier MD programs, and virtually all DO programs. The only problem I see with your stats is the 7 in VR. I think at least an 8 would do you some good.

I actually just got my score and it is a 13 PS 11 BS 8 VR, making it a 32S. I am actually a Ca resident, so does that hurt my chances at other state schools?

 

[TyrKinase]

I actually just got my score and it is a 13 PS 11 BS 8 VR, making it a 32S. I am actually a Ca resident, so does that hurt my chances at other state schools?

Congratulations on a solid score. Verbal is a real challenge for lots of people and earning a score >30 is fantastic.

Regarding your question, being a resident of one state usually means you are less competitive for other public medical schools not in your state. Using Louisiana as an example, a Californian such as yourself won't have much of a shot at either of the Louisiana State University campuses (LSU-Shreveport and LSU-New Orleans) because they are state-sponsored schools, but you could very well have a shot at Tulane as it is a private university.

Best of luck.