Smp?

[Pirates1992]

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So I have a 3.4 gpa, 3.0 science gpa, but I performed well in all my medical prerequisites (A/A- in both orgos, cell biology, physiology, etc). My science gpa is so low because I was a biomedical engineer and none of these classes, which I took as premed reqs through the engineering school, counted as "BCPM" due to engineering titles. Instead, my sGPA consists of two physics and upper level calc classes which I took freshman/soph year, and that's about it. I think I only have 25-30 total BCPM credits, no joke, and that's not an indication of my true academic ability IMO.

I took the MCAT and scored a 36Q, with 13s in both PS/BS and I figured this would help my cause. I applied to a bunch of schools this round (complete early july) and have only received a single interview -- which turned into a waitlist.

The question I have: is an SMP really for me? I already did well in premed reqs, so retaking them seems like a massive waste of time/money. But clearly the feedback on my application is poor, and I obviously know why. Thoughts?

 

[DrMidlife]

I applied to a bunch of schools this round (complete early july) and have only received a single interview -- which turned into a waitlist. ...But clearly the feedback on my application is poor, and I obviously know why. Thoughts?

What is obvious to you about your app cycle? Are you thinking it's your science GPA? How are you sure about this? What else could it be?

 

[Pirates1992]

Have 2 meaningful research jobs (am currently in a gap year in a lab), publications, posters conferences, all that good stuff. Volunteering, shadowing, etc. The MCAT score is on point, and my ECs seem in line with what's expected of an applicant. Applied really broadly at the suggestion of my mentor but still have been getting rejected.

Slack3r thanks for the post. I grew up in Pa may look at Temple/Drexel I guess

 

[Pirates1992]

Any other opinions?

 

[Isoprop]

There could have been a bad LOR or bad essays. Other parts of your application could be holding you back as well.

That being said, it's probably your GPA.

I would take BCPM classes to raise your GPA. Full time. As many as you can as long as you can ace them. Your science GPA should shoot up since you have so little credits in them. It would also move your overall GPA up too.

Apply to SMPs this Winter/Spring. It might be worthwhile. Since you are waitlisted, Tulane also might be a good fit but out of state for you.

 

[Pirates1992]

There could have been a bad LOR or bad essays. Other parts of your application could be holding you back as well.

That being said, it's probably your GPA.

I would take BCPM classes to raise your GPA. Full time. As many as you can as long as you can ace them. Your science GPA should shoot up since you have so little credits in them. It would also move your overall GPA up too.

Apply to SMPs this Winter/Spring. It might be worthwhile. Since you are waitlisted, Tulane also might be a good fit but out of state for you.

Thanks for the response,

My mentor thought the same thing (re: Bad letter). I only saw letters from two of my four recommenders but yeah definitely a good point.

I'll see how the season plays out and probably apply to a few this winter. Thanks again, everyone

 

[HerbalPlz]

This is probably not the best place to post this...

...but what separates a good/great letter from a bad letter?

 

[DrMidlife]

This is probably not the best place to post this...

...but what separates a good/great letter from a bad letter?

I'll take a shot at this.

Most professors, and hopefully most employers, understand that casting doubt on a candidate in a recommendation letter is the kiss of death.

Most professors, and hopefully most employers, won't cast that doubt without due cause. And they won't do it arbitrarily. They know that it could come back in a lawsuit, or in bad karma. They know there's no such thing as a secret anymore. So unless they're off balance, or have good cause, they won't throw a student under the bus.

Choosing an off-balance professor or employer to write a letter is obviously a mistake. You can't always know when somebody is off balance.

It's a huge mistake to make no impression at all on a professor and then ask for a letter.

If you haven't had a normal conversation with a potential recommender, or otherwise been shown that they're generally a good person, then you shouldn't be asking for their recommendation.

A professor or employer will generally show enthusiasm for writing you a letter in three cases:
1. you made a positive impression, therefore you're easy to recommend
2. you're an awful person, therefore they are glad for the opportunity to prevent you from getting into med school
3. they are completely detached from reality (which is bad, no way to know which way this will go)

Examples of a professor or employer choosing to shoot down a future career:
"Suzy made absolutely no impression on me, positive or negative."
"Billy is an obnoxious brat who should never be allowed near patients."
"I would not recommend Peter for med school."
"I did not meet Julie until the time she asked for this letter."

Examples of choosing *not* to shoot down a future career:
"Suzy was an active participant in class" (when no such thing happened)
"Billy is assertive and proactive" (BS spin)
"I hope that you will consider Peter for med school" (sidestepping)
"Julie was a student in my Gen chem course" (true)

Again, the letter writer has to *choose* to portray you negatively, knowing that doing so could ruin your life.

Personally, one of the things I was looking for, when I asked professors to recommend me, was their opinion on whether I *should* go to med school. I'd made myself known throughout the term, asked questions, stayed after, had discussions, was involved. For me, this is just part of doing good work. If a professor had formed no opinion of me, that would have been a horrible sign, and I wouldn't have pursued their recommendation.

Best of luck to you.

 

[HerbalPlz]

I'll take a shot at this.

Examples of a professor or employer choosing to shoot down a future career:
"Suzy made absolutely no impression on me, positive or negative."
"Billy is an obnoxious brat who should never be allowed near patients."
"I would not recommend Peter for med school."
"I did not meet Julie until the time she asked for this letter."

Examples of choosing *not* to shoot down a future career:
"Suzy was an active participant in class" (when no such thing happened)
"Billy is assertive and proactive" (BS spin)
"I hope that you will consider Peter for med school" (sidestepping)
"Julie was a student in my Gen chem course" (true)

This is exactly the advice I wanted. Thank you very much!

Fortunately for me, I have 4 references and all 4 of them told me to just make a letter draft myself, and they'll look over it/edit slightly, give it back to me again so I can see any changes, and then they'll send it in.

Now I know exactly what to put in my letters! Thanks DrMidLife!

 

[deleted390966]

So I have a 3.4 gpa, 3.0 science gpa

I took the MCAT and scored a 36Q, with 13s in both PS/BS

With your stats, there's a high chance that you will get into DO school. Actually, someone just got in with lower stats than yours (look at DO forum).
I wouldn't waste $$$ on SMP, unless you really want MD.