UC Post Bac vs DO Masters Programs - which one is more worthwhile?

[Blunt Dissection]

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I've been pondering since I began receiving my interview invites on which of these programs would be the most beneficial for my current situation. I've spoken to a few medical student friends and a few of the attendings I work with, and they seem to be very divided. I've compiled a list of pros and cons and what the people I've asked so far have said.

My stats: 3.2cGPA, 3.0sGPA, 25 MCAT on 2 attempts (7ps,10vr,8bs) -> (8ps,8vr,9bs). CA resident. Non-traditional applicant.

UC Post-Bac program - I realize I'm clumping all the progams into this one broad title, but in general the programs seem to be similar across all the schools, at least in the mission.

Pros - MCAT prep, hard sciences, small class sizes (5-20) depending on program, connections to MD programs. I have established connections with UC Davis SOM faculty.
Cons - Requires doing well on MCAT retake to even stand a chance at the UC programs. Variable tuition and cost of living depending on program.

Midwestern, AZ and IL MA in Biomedical Sciences

Pros - Guaranteed interviews to respective DO schools if performing well. Established DO programs.
Cons - Priciest masters program. Class size of ~100+. Chicago is an expensive place to live.

Western U Masters in Medical Sciences

Pros - In California. Good DO program. Fair tuition.
Cons - Program undergoing leadership changes. Interview is not exactly guaranteed. Pomona area is sketch. Class size is ~100

LMU MS in Anatomical/biomedical Sciences

Pros - Cheapest program in both tuition and cost of living. Guaranteed interview to DCOM for good performance. High success rate for admission to DCOM with completion.
Cons - Far from home. DCOM is the newest DO program on the list. Class size is ~100.

I've been told that if I care at all about having a chance at an MD program, the UC post bac would be the best choice. The only MD program I would like to attend would be UC Davis, since that is both my alma mater and where I've been employed for the past 6 years so I know many of the faculty at the SOM. Other than that, having an MD or a DO does not concern me.

 

[ZedsDed]

You are going to have to shoot DO. Even with a killer performance in a graduate program, your uGPA and MCAT score will sink your application at Davis.

• Davis Stats
• Average Undergraduate GPA: 3.71
• Typical MCAT Score: 32

 

[Blunt Dissection]

You are going to have to shoot DO. Even with a killer performance in a graduate program, your uGPA and MCAT score will sink your application at Davis.

• Davis Stats
• Average Undergraduate GPA: 3.71
• Typical MCAT Score: 32

I figured as much, knowing that MD programs are more or less really unforgiving of poor uGPA and multiple MCAT retakes. With that being said, which of the other programs in your opinion would you choose and why?

 

[ZedsDed]

I figured as much, knowing that MD programs are more or less really unforgiving of poor uGPA and multiple MCAT retakes. With that being said, which of the other programs in your opinion would you choose and why?

You can never go wrong with taking medical school classes in a medical school. You need to show your academic prowess. A regular masters program will do little to overshadow your undergrad performance; focus on SMP's if you are going to insist on doing this the hard way. If I were you, I would take advantage of AACOMAS's grade replacement policy. As for the individual programs: Western and UC ring a bell, obviously. This is the hard part; the hours of individual research you are going to have to do to figure out which programs are legitimate, and which are simply putting you in further debt. I suggest you read through DrMidlife's posts.

Cheers