SMP vs. MCAT Retake?

[CommSNTS]

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Hey guys, after reading pages of various SMP threads and still having some questions, I thought I would post them here.

I was considering what to do now as it seems that I am unlikely to be accepted this year for med school; I have a 3.6/28P entering my final senior semester. I only received one interview that I was subsequently turned down for. So, with my current status,

Is it worth doing an SMP (I am considering Georgetown) or should I just retake the MCATs?

If this is not a good idea, then what other backup plan should I have?

What are chances of admissions into a state school (UVa, I'm a VA resident) after completing a SMP program? That is my ultimate goal out of this.


Does the program bypass the MCAT? Do I have to take it again?


Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Perrotfish]

SMPs are generally for people with low GPAs and high MCATs, not the other way around. SMPs are high risk (a poor performance negates that 3.6), high cost (around 60K), and, with the exception of a few high linkage programs, require that you apply after the SMP is finished (meaning you won't start medical school until two years from this fall).

If your problem with the MCAT is that you don't speak English as a first language, and you absolutely cannot break a 25 even after your fifth retake, then maybe you would consider an SMP. You, however, should just sign up for an MCAT review course this spring and make sure you have a 30+ score on your next AMCAS application (which you will submit the first day you can, to over 20 schools). Leave the SMPs to those of use with sub 3.0 GPAs. I don't know if it will get you into UVA (that's a tough school), but it will get you in somewhere.

If you want a backup plan, spend the spring shadowing a DO so that you can submit an application tere as well. If you're just looking for something to occupy your time next year, try an MPH.

 

[braluk]

SMPs are generally for people with low GPAs and high MCATs, not the other way around. SMPs are high risk (a poor performance negates that 3.6), high cost (around 60K), and, with the exception of a few high linkage programs, require that you apply after the SMP is finished (meaning you won't start medical school until two years from this fall).

If you want a backup plan, spend the spring shadowing a DO so that you can submit an application tere as well. If you're just looking for something to occupy your time next year, try an MPH.

You can apply to med schools before you finish your SMP. I applied the summer before I started my SMP and sent in grades as I received them. Many schools, if you indicate on your AMCAS that you are in an SMP, will put you on hold to get those valuable SMP grades. I sent in grades after every exam or two to give adcoms an understanding of generally where I stood. I sent in final grades after my semester was done and was accepted to medical school the November of my SMP year. After I finished my first two classes in med biochem and med physio my holds suddenly became invites. So you can apply to medical schools before you finish your SMP- although your grades won't be as strong as it possibly can be with a full year of SMP grades.

Most SMPs are high cost, but some like Cincinnati are very low cost for a year program. Cincinnati cost me 22K in tuition for 72 credits, a MS in physiology and cost of living wasnt too high. Some SMPs like GT will inevitably be extraordinarily high around 60K but there are variations in tuition.

In addition, only go after a MPH if you're really thinking of using that degree and willing to pay for it. Some students I know went for an MPH believing that it would make them more competitive for residencies but ended up disliking public health and shelled out a lot of money to get it (you're basically paying for an additional graduate school)

For the most part, Perrotfish hit the main parts. SMPs are designed for high MCATs/low GPAs. Retake the MCAT. Should you hit a 30+ you should make yourself a much more competitive candidate

 

[Isoprop]

I think you should save your money and take a review course for the MCAT.

Your numbers are not bad. There may have been other non-MCAT issues with your application. Other than the MCAT, where are your other weaknesses? Spend the glide year improving on that.

Also, did you apply early and broadly? What is your state of residence? Did you apply to both MD and DO?

 

[braluk]

Agree here. Use your glide year to address your AMCAS weaknesses. Theres no need for an extra degree unless your grades are poor.