WAMC - 3.4 GPA, 497 Baseline MCAT, Considering SMP Before Applying

[kara3.1415]

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Hello everyone,

I recently graduated (May 2024) and am considering applying to medical school, with the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities as my top choice. However, I’m unsure whether I should apply this cycle or wait a year to strengthen my application.

Stats & Background:
• cGPA: 3.4
I didn’t apply myself as much as I should have in undergraduate and had difficulty applying myself in certain classes. However, I have been working a lot towards developing a growth mindset and new study skills which would serve me well in medical school.
• sGPA: (Unsure, but likely similar to cGPA)
• MCAT: My practice baseline score was 497. This was without studying at all - just trying to get an idea of what I need to work on. I did really well at the CARS section and the critical thinking aspects - just need to work on my content knowledge. I am planning on taking the official test in April.
• State of residence: MN
• Undergraduate institution: Luther College, IA

Extracurriculars:
• Shadowing:
250 hours - psychiatry
250 hours - family med

• Other activities:
Luther College Women’s Swim Team, Bell Choir, Pre-Health Club

Current Dilemma:

Should I apply this cycle to see if I get any interviews, or would that hurt my chances if I need to reapply next year with a stronger application? I’ve heard mixed opinions on applying with a weaker application first.

I am considering enrolling in an SMP at either the University of Minnesota - Duluth or Bethel University (MN) to strengthen my academic record. Would doing an SMP be a good investment, and if so, which program would be a better option?

Any advice on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I need your calculated sGPA and BCPM GPA. which you didn't calculate in the OP.

Are you sure you shadowed for 500 hours?

Read

Supporting Prehealth Athlete Applicants: A Conversation with 2024 Advisor of the Year James Wasco, MD - SDN

The Student Doctor Network provides free tools, resources, and advising services to help students become health professionals.

www.studentdoctor.net

 

[wysdoc]

From what you have shared here, you are not ready to apply this year.
You need community service volunteering somewhere in your own community to have 150 hours or more before you apply.

During those 500 hours of shadowing, did you participate in the clinics at all as a medical assistant, taking vital signs and reason for visit, or helping with paperwork or stocking rooms? Healthcare related activities outside of shadowing would be another thing to build your resume. If you don't do the SMP, the upcoming year will be the best time to add to these parts of your application.

 

[candbgirl]

You really aren’t ready to apply. Your ECs are severely lacking. You have 10 times the number of shadowing you need. Think hard about what you did during all of that shadowing. Did you have any direct face to face interaction with the patients? Not sure how you managed 500 hours of shadowing. You seem to have no nonclinical volunteering. This area is a very important part of your application.
And of course the MCAT. Do you think you are ready?

Try filling out the following grid. It might help you to put your own preparedness in perspective.

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