SMP or a PostBacc PreMedical Program?

[Maxster]

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My uGPA is 3.4, MCAT 32N. I live in California.

Should I apply for an SMP or should I take post-bacc classes to raise my GPA?

Specifically, I'm thinking between an SMP or this: http://www.unex.berkeley.edu/profseq/premed.html

Basically it's a 24 unit post-bacc program in order to raise uGPA. Also, it is much cheaper (probably ~15k cheaper).

I want to apply to medical school June 07. I can probably get 15-18 units of the premedical program done before June 07.

I have reservations about attending the Berkeley program because I won't be finished with it in time for the 07 AMCAS. I'm not sure if adcoms will like a half finished premedical program.

Would an SMP be a better choice because it would pit me against medical school students, while also allowing me to apply June 07?

Or could I put the Berkeley courses I'm going to take in the future (after june 07) into the 07 AMCAS application?

Also, I have to add, I did not do so well during my last year of undergrad. I got, in Spring 05: a C+, A-,A-. Summer 05: A Fall 05:B-,P (Pass), A, NP (No Pass) The NP was an upper division math course that I stupidly took, how I regret that now.

I think this information is important because of the NP on my last semester.

Or:

Option 3) Take postbacc courses in Genetics, Introduction to Neurobiology, Biochem, and Immunology during Spring 07. In addition to that, apply to an SMP.

I want to know, with my GPA and MCAT, which options will give me a better chance of getting into the class of 2012.

Your help is needed.

Thank you.

 

[Maxprime]

Have you tried applying yet? Your stats aren't far off the averages - IIRC somewhere around 3.55 & 30.

 

[nanaschool2000]

Your UG GPA is pretty good. National average is like 3.6 to get into allopathic. You also got a great MCAT score. So, I don't think your GPA will be a problem since it is not far from the avg. I don't think SMP is necessary for you. Why don't you take the rest of premedical courses @ berkeley and apply in june 2007. If I were you, I would do this. Doing SMP can be risky (if you don't do well in it, it can make things worse). Also, if you are considering of Osteopathic as well, I think your GPA is good enough to make it. Good luck in the future. I wish I were in California. I hate snows.

My uGPA is 3.4, MCAT 32N. I live in California.

Should I apply for an SMP or should I take post-bacc classes to raise my GPA?

Specifically, I'm thinking between an SMP or this: http://www.unex.berkeley.edu/profseq/premed.html

Basically it's a 24 unit post-bacc program in order to raise uGPA. Also, it is much cheaper (probably ~15k cheaper).

I want to apply to medical school June 07. I can probably get 15-18 units of the premedical program done before June 07.

I have reservations about attending the Berkeley program because I won't be finished with it in time for the 07 AMCAS. I'm not sure if adcoms will like a half finished premedical program.

Would an SMP be a better choice because it would pit me against medical school students, while also allowing me to apply June 07?

Or could I put the Berkeley courses I'm going to take in the future (after june 07) into the 07 AMCAS application?

Also, I have to add, I did not do so well during my last year of undergrad. I got, in Spring 05: a C+, A-,A-. Summer 05: A Fall 05:B-,P (Pass), A, NP (No Pass) The NP was an upper division math course that I stupidly took, how I regret that now.

I think this information is important because of the NP on my last semester.

Or:

Option 3) Take postbacc courses in Genetics, Introduction to Neurobiology, Biochem, and Immunology during Spring 07. In addition to that, apply to an SMP.

I want to know, with my GPA and MCAT, which options will give me a better chance of getting into the class of 2012.

Your help is needed.

Thank you.