Unsure of next step

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I am unsure how I should best optimize my time to improve my application for the 2018-2019 cycle. I have decided somewhat late in the game that I want to go the D.O route over PA like I had been planning for some time.

As of August 2017 I will have my EMT-B certification and my BS in Microbiology, with an cGPA: 3.26 sGPA: 3.25. I have waited to long to apply for a Fall 2017 SMP, but can get into a Spring 2018 program. The way I see it I have two options

A.

• Work as an EMT
• Study MCAT August - December
• Take MCAT in November-January (once I feel ready)
• Take SMP Semester 1 in Spring 2018
• Quit EMT job to focus on SMP
• Submit AACOMAS application in May 2018

B.

• Work as an EMT
• Fall 2017 take ~7credits post-bacc undergraduate credits
• Spring 2018 Study/take MCAT and take ~4 undergraduate credits
• Submit AACOMAS application in May 2018

From playing with a GPA calculator I predict option B would bring me to roughly a cGPA: 3.3/sGPA: 3.35. As for option A, I don't know how much a single semester of a SMP would help my application.

I already have shadowing plans in place regardless of which option I pick, and a volunteering opportunity available as well.

 

[HopefulDoc91]

I am unsure how I should best optimize my time to improve my application for the 2018-2019 cycle. I have decided somewhat late in the game that I want to go the D.O route over PA like I had been planning for some time.

As of August 2017 I will have my EMT-B certification and my BS in Microbiology, with an cGPA: 3.26 sGPA: 3.25. I have waited to long to apply for a Fall 2017 SMP, but can get into a Spring 2018 program. The way I see it I have two options

A.

• Work as an EMT
• Study MCAT August - December
• Take MCAT in November-January (once I feel ready)
• Take SMP Semester 1 in Spring 2018
• Quit EMT job to focus on SMP
• Submit AACOMAS application in May 2018

B.

• Work as an EMT
• Fall 2017 take ~7credits post-bacc undergraduate credits
• Spring 2018 Study/take MCAT and take ~4 undergraduate credits
• Submit AACOMAS application in May 2018

From playing with a GPA calculator I predict option B would bring me to roughly a cGPA: 3.3/sGPA: 3.35. As for option A, I don't know how much a single semester of a SMP would help my application.

I already have shadowing plans in place regardless of which option I pick, and a volunteering opportunity available as well.

I'm not sure how schools would feel about not finishing your SMP...I would call some admissions offices or email and ask. Why not do the whole year SMP and apply the next cycle? That would also give you more time to study for the MCAT.

 

[Doctor or bust]

The MCAT isn't offered in November or December