SMP or continue to scribe

[lifesavor1234]

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Hello all,

I just started a job as a scribe in the ER and was planning on doing that for a year while also applying for this cycle. However, I just got accepted into TCOM SMP program and I am torn on what to do. I have a sGPA of 3.84, cGPA of 3.89, and MCAT of 505. I am not planning on retaking my MCAT for this cycle. I am torn on whether or not this program would help my application or if I should continue with my scribing position instead. I am a TX resident with pretty normal EC but not research. The only thing that would be a little different would be I did to international medical brigades. Thanks for any advice!

 

[FutureOncologist]

FYI SMPs are meant for people who need to prove themselves academically (i.e. low-ish GPA, but not necessarily dead-in-the-water (thinking 3.1-3.4 cGPA, 3.0 sGPA.)) With your GPA, there is absolutely no reason, especially as a TX resident, to attend an SMP. If you're not going to retake the MCAT at all, then I'd stick with the scribing position and apply broadly.

 

[icevyne25]

There is absolutely no reason for you to do an SMP. Maybe retake mcat to be more competitive and if you are adamant about not retaking, apply broadly.

 

[DubbiDoctor]

Scribe and focus on retaking the MCAT. SMPs are a high-risk but high-reward option (compared to the lower risk, lower reward option of a post-bac) most effective for people with low GPAs who want to demonstrate that they can handle the rigor of medical school. If your GPA is high but your MCAT is low, your best path is to study for the MCAT and retake it. In some ways, it's a better position to be in, since you simply need to do well on one (beast of an) exam. And preparing for it, even if you take the most expensive in-person MCAT prep course, is far cheaper and less time-consuming than doing a post-bac or SMP.