SMP vs Post-bacc

[migi23]

At this point in the cycle I have only received 1 interview so I'm thinking about reapplying. I think the main issue with my application this cycle was my low gpa (3.5 cumGPA, 3.49 sciGPA). I have a very good upward trend 3.9-4.0 last 3 quarters and I was hoping my MCAT (517) would at least help me a bit but I guess not. I am not sure if I should do a structured post bacc or SMP during my second gap year. So far during this gap year I have been working full time as an MA and Polish-English medical interpreter as well as participating in some clinical research on the side. I will take 2 online UC Berkley extension courses in January to begin boosting my gpa. However, Im undecided about if I should apply for an SMP starting this summer. I know that it is very high risk because if I don't do extremely well it will be a huge red flag for med schools. I am very confident I can excel in a post-bacc program but I realistically can't raise my GPA more than 0.1 with a year of post bacc courses (according to my calculations maybe I'm wrong.) Is the SMP worth it?

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[Bonne Nuit]

At this point in the cycle I have only received 1 interview so I'm thinking about reapplying. I think the main issue with my application this cycle was my low gpa (3.5 cumGPA, 3.49 sciGPA). I have a very good upward trend 3.9-4.0 last 3 quarters and I was hoping my MCAT (517) would at least help me a bit but I guess not. I am not sure if I should do a structured post bacc or SMP during my second gap year. So far during this gap year I have been working full time as an MA and Polish-English medical interpreter as well as participating in some clinical research on the side. I will take 2 online UC Berkley extension courses in January to begin boosting my gpa. However, Im undecided about if I should apply for an SMP starting this summer. I know that it is very high risk because if I don't do extremely well it will be a huge red flag for med schools. I am very confident I can excel in a post-bacc program but I realistically can't raise my GPA more than 0.1 with a year of post bacc courses (according to my calculations maybe I'm wrong.) Is the SMP worth it?

What was your school list?

What were your ECs?

 

[Goro]

At this point in the cycle I have only received 1 interview so I'm thinking about reapplying. I think the main issue with my application this cycle was my low gpa (3.5 cumGPA, 3.49 sciGPA). I have a very good upward trend 3.9-4.0 last 3 quarters and I was hoping my MCAT (517) would at least help me a bit but I guess not. I am not sure if I should do a structured post bacc or SMP during my second gap year. So far during this gap year I have been working full time as an MA and Polish-English medical interpreter as well as participating in some clinical research on the side. I will take 2 online UC Berkley extension courses in January to begin boosting my gpa. However, Im undecided about if I should apply for an SMP starting this summer. I know that it is very high risk because if I don't do extremely well it will be a huge red flag for med schools. I am very confident I can excel in a post-bacc program but I realistically can't raise my GPA more than 0.1 with a year of post bacc courses (according to my calculations maybe I'm wrong.) Is the SMP worth it?

Structured post-bacs are for career switchers.

What were your year by year GPAs? Rising GPA trends are always a good thing.

You'll be fine for DO schools as is. No need for SMP.

What was your school list? A strategic list can help one in your situation, especially with good ECs.

Also, how many hours:
shadowing?
Clinical exposure?
Nonclinical volunteering?

What was the nature of your clinical research?

 

[Blueprint Med School]

Your GPA seems high for an SMP. A post bac might help (that's what I did) but my GPA was also lower than yours. I'd look at other deficits on your app before considering either as they're both pretty significant financial/time investments.

Kevin W, MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors