SMP vs. self post-bacc for applying year

[SrootsWwings]

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Hi SDN!

I have looked through all the older threads on this topic that I can find, but haven't found anything near my GPA/MCAT combo. I appreciate any advice/experience-sharing!

I am applying this June and am working on my plans for the application year.

Currently:

I am taking a full load (four classes + 2 labs) of BCPM classes at my state school this semester + research, regular shadowing, working as a mental health tech for a state psych unit, and volunteering at an ED and at a free clinic (+ a couple of extracurriculars).

Stats:

sGPA (75 hours, including this semester's classes as A's that I am working towards): 3.15
ao GPA: 3.42
cGPA: 3.30
MCAT: 35R (Sept. 2012)

My senior year ('08-'09) fall semester, I got an F in a humanities class and a D+ in a math class (won't go into reasons/excuses, it is what it is and I'm moving forward with it), but followed the spring with A/A-'s; otherwise, my grades hovered around the same place during matriculation. My post-bacc work = 18 hours + future coursework (all BCPM).

Question:

Given this data, I am unsure whether I would strengthen myself more by taking another year's worth of classes at my state school, continuing with research and activities, etc... or enrolling in an SMP (I would apply to GTown, Tufts, Columbia, MC, and look into others). Linkage is not at the top of my list for an SMP; demonstrating ability to perform under a rigorous curriculum to a variety of schools is.

If the difference is negligible, I would obviously prefer the former option, which would save me several loaves of bread. If, however, there is any significant benefit the SMP would bestow to my candidacy over the self-post-bacc, I am financially prepared to take the hit. A major factor I remain confused over is how my performance plays into adcomms' decisions, given that my application will be in while I am doing either of these.

Again, I appreciate your advice, and I hope your January is proceeding well!

 

[Planes2Doc]

Everything except for the GPA looks absolutely fantastic. The ECs also look quite good for a non-trad. With this GPA, you would definitely get into a DO school without any problems. If you retook the F and D+, those would automatically be replaced by the most recent grade in AACOMAS. You can also try to swing toward the service-oriented schools like Tulane and Loyola, and really try to push the volunteering you did. It's generally more than a lot of non-traditional people tend to do anyhow. I've heard of people with lower stats getting into Loyola for example.

If you decide to do an SMP, you better be completely confident that you will rock it. If you were to perform poorly, it's pretty much medical school suicide. That's the one risk that people take.