SMP Necessary?

[AB92]

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Non-traditional student here. I'm trying to figure out if a SMP is actually necessary? I'm 27 and I've been an engineer for 5 years. I have completed all pre-req's for med school during undergrad, except Ochem 1 and 2. My sGPA and cGPA are both 3.5, which seems to be competitive enough for DO school, and maybe some low tier MD schools. Should I try and get into an SMP program, or just DIY it- take both OChem's and study for the MCAT?

Also, being non-traditional, I'm worried about extracurriculars. I have been volunteering at a hospital 4 hrs/week, so I have well over 100 hours of that. I'm involved in an education committee for a professional organization I'm in(relating to engineering). But what else do I need/can I do? As much as I'd like to, I can't quit my job and focus on developing EC's full time, as I still need health insurance and a way to pay bills, groceries, etc! Thanks in advance for the advice!!

 

[Dr panda]

You are fine for DO schools, check forum for nontrads there will be more useful information.

 

[Schwifty]

You GPA is good for DO schools, depending on your MCAT maybe some MD as well. Also, did you take biochem before Ochem? Many (if not most) schools require biochem, and you should really take that before the MCAT as well. As for EC’s, try to get like 50 hours of shadowing in, and keep volunteering (maybe add another clinical or on clinical volunteering experience as well).

 

[Goro]

Non-traditional student here. I'm trying to figure out if a SMP is actually necessary? I'm 27 and I've been an engineer for 5 years. I have completed all pre-req's for med school during undergrad, except Ochem 1 and 2. My sGPA and cGPA are both 3.5, which seems to be competitive enough for DO school, and maybe some low tier MD schools. Should I try and get into an SMP program, or just DIY it- take both OChem's and study for the MCAT?

Also, being non-traditional, I'm worried about extracurriculars. I have been volunteering at a hospital 4 hrs/week, so I have well over 100 hours of that. I'm involved in an education committee for a professional organization I'm in(relating to engineering). But what else do I need/can I do? As much as I'd like to, I can't quit my job and focus on developing EC's full time, as I still need health insurance and a way to pay bills, groceries, etc! Thanks in advance for the advice!!

You do NOT need an SMP.

 

[AB92]

You GPA is good for DO schools, depending on your MCAT maybe some MD as well. Also, did you take biochem before Ochem? Many (if not most) schools require biochem, and you should really take that before the MCAT as well. As for EC’s, try to get like 50 hours of shadowing in, and keep volunteering (maybe add another clinical or on clinical volunteering experience as well).

I have not taken biochem- based on your advice though I probably will as it’s nothing I saw in undergrad and it is on the MCAT.