SMP Recommendations for Low sGPA/"okay" MCAT?

[PS2summerdays]

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I was an unsuccessful applicant this cycle and I want to reapply this June. I have decided to look into SMPs to apply to during my reapplication.
MCAT: 34
GPA: 3.6 (Science Major)
sGPA: 3.25
1. I've read a lot of contradictory information about the Columbia Institute of Human Nutrition Master's Program. Is this a good option for me, given my stats?

2. Other traditional SMPs: are they too much of a risk to take or should I just some science courses at an undergraduate institution? I will need about 2+ good grades on science courses to bring my sGPA to a 3.3 so I don't even know if this is a viable option.

Thank you everyone.

 

[deleted248403]

I was an unsuccessful applicant this cycle and I want to reapply this June. I have decided to look into SMPs to apply to during my reapplication.
MCAT: 34
GPA: 3.6 (Science Major)
sGPA: 3.25
1. I've read a lot of contradictory information about the Columbia Institute of Human Nutrition Master's Program. Is this a good option for me, given my stats?

2. Other traditional SMPs: are they too much of a risk to take or should I just some science courses at an undergraduate institution? I will need about 2+ good grades on science courses to bring my sGPA to a 3.3 so I don't even know if this is a viable option.

Thank you everyone.

With those stats, you should have gotten in somewhere. Either you didn't apply broadly enough or are missing something else on your application or you interview badly.

Either way, another year of $50k debt isnt what you need. You need to sit down and critically analyze your app as harshly as you can - and figure out a way to fix it. For example, if you decide you have no research experience, then go get a research job. If you decide you haven't done enough shadowing and volunteer work, set up those gigs. If your personal statement sucks, re-write it. If you applied too late, get that started way earlier this year. If you are 100% confident your app is flawless, and so does your advisors, and so do some good mentors/friends - then think about something like an MPH; only then.

Don't waste $50k

 

[benjaminl1nus]

I was an unsuccessful applicant this cycle and I want to reapply this June. I have decided to look into SMPs to apply to during my reapplication.
MCAT: 34
GPA: 3.6 (Science Major)
sGPA: 3.25
1. I've read a lot of contradictory information about the Columbia Institute of Human Nutrition Master's Program. Is this a good option for me, given my stats?

2. Other traditional SMPs: are they too much of a risk to take or should I just some science courses at an undergraduate institution? I will need about 2+ good grades on science courses to bring my sGPA to a 3.3 so I don't even know if this is a viable option.

Thank you everyone.

1) 34 is not an 'okay' MCAT, lol. it is freakin' fantastic.

2) The Columbia program is NOT an SMP. It's just a fancy, worthless Master's program that really won't do much to get you into med school.

3) Apply Temple ACMS.

 

[PS2summerdays]

With those stats, you should have gotten in somewhere. Either you didn't apply broadly enough or are missing something else on your application or you interview badly.

Either way, another year of $50k debt isnt what you need. You need to sit down and critically analyze your app as harshly as you can - and figure out a way to fix it. For example, if you decide you have no research experience, then go get a research job. If you decide you haven't done enough shadowing and volunteer work, set up those gigs. If your personal statement sucks, re-write it. If you applied too late, get that started way earlier this year. If you are 100% confident your app is flawless, and so does your advisors, and so do some good mentors/friends - then think about something like an MPH; only then.

Don't waste $50k

Hey, thanks very much for your input and for trying to save me a fortune. I spoke to my pre-med adviser and she said it could be because I'm "too young" or because of my low sGPA. And yeah, most of the schools I applied to were within my state. I thought that would compensate for my narrow range of applications. If my sGPA is really not the problem, then I guess my personal statement or something must have been inadequate.

-->Do you think re-applying more broadly this cycle with more careful attention WHILE working a clinical job (maybe at a hospital, nursing home, etc.) would be wise? That is what my adviser recommended. Like you, she wasn't too supportive of the SMP/Master's routes. Thanks again for your time; I am very grateful for it.

 

[ZedsDed]

Hey, thanks very much for your input and for trying to save me a fortune. I spoke to my pre-med adviser and she said it could be because I'm "too young" or because of my low sGPA. And yeah, most of the schools I applied to were within my state. I thought that would compensate for my narrow range of applications. If my sGPA is really not the problem, then I guess my personal statement or something must have been inadequate.

-->Do you think re-applying more broadly this cycle with more careful attention WHILE working a clinical job (maybe at a hospital, nursing home, etc.) would be wise? That is what my adviser recommended. Like you, she wasn't too supportive of the SMP/Master's routes. Thanks again for your time; I am very grateful for it.

You don't need an SMP. Apply broadly (20+; pay attention to OOS), or go DO.