SMP & timeline questions

[Mattinthehat250]

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So I need some help regarding my current situation. I have a 3.44 cgpa, and took the july 6th mcat so I'm still waiting on scores, but was averaging 30 on the amcas practice tests. However, I made the mistake of not submitting my application early, so it will take a few weeks to get verified and will probably be verified at the end of August. I see that the Mississippi College MS in medical sciences is still accepting apps for the fall. I'm wondering if doing this program starting in the fall would improve my chances for this cycle? Would it be worth the money (it's around 20,000, plus I'm from California so I would have to pay for travel/ apartment, etc.)?

 

[JSReed]

Doubtful. Youre a little low on the gpa front, but not a deal-breaker. The problem you're going to face is that a) you won't be getting grades from the program until at least december, by which time most med schools will have already evaluated you b) this isn't even a true SMP (to the best of my knowledge), so what you end up doing there may not even be applicable or help you get into med school. Your decision is also going to be partially based on what the rest of your app looks like. Might be more worthwhile if there's linkage with the associated med school.

 

[DrMidlife]

This doesn't look good for California, unless you're applying DO.

Do everything you can do to get into a UC. Including waiting a couple of years to reapply. The difference is well over $100k in student debt, public vs. OOS. It matters.

UC's won't take SMP-in-progress. You have to complete the SMP before UCs will take it seriously.

The Mississippi program has a stellar listing of where their grads are. Not one student is from Calfornia, nor has anyone gotten into a UC. You could blaze a trail...

SMPs are starting this month. You missed this boat. Make the best of your app year and see if you need an SMP in October when apps open for the programs UCs have seen before.

Best of luck to you.