SMP or DO

[ForeverOCD]

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I am about to graduate and made the mistake of taking classes I didn't need to know that I will most likely get C's in. I believe I will end up with a 3.2 GPA (haven't calculated my science gpa but it should be around the same.) Also it should be noted that my university GPA will be more around the 3.3 GPA rather than a 3.2 (since I took dual enrollment classes while I was in high school and they tanked my GPA.) I will dedicate all summer to study for the MCAT as well as boost my extra curricular i.e. shadowing and volunteering (in addition i have five months of undergraduate research.) My question is would it be worth applying to D.O or should I do a SMP/Postbacc. I really don't want to invest $20k in a masters unless it is a must, I am not picky at all to which D.O school I get in. I will be applying to the 2016 cycle if I go for D.O.

 

[evooo8]

Take MCAT first then decide. If your score is good you should be able to land at least one acceptance if you apply broadly.

 

[Starry]

Definitely take your MCAT first.

I applied for DO first. In the February of that cycle, I got nervous and applied for SMPs, just in case. I ended up getting accepted into two SMPs, but then got accepted into a school. 🙂

Applying to both is not mutually exclusive. SMP applications are due a lot later.

 

[ForeverOCD]

I haven't thought about that.. I was really freaking out. Always good to come on the forum for advice. Thanks all.

 

[songl4a]

.

 

[Starry]

Are SMPS due like just the summer before you intend to matriculate?

I think it differs for each program. Most deadlines are March/April/May, I think. If you are applying to SMPs, you will have to look at each program's website since there isn't a unified application process.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

If your MCAT is >30 and you're younger than 27, spend the extra year in an SMP.