What are my chances for an SMP?

[question326854]

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I'm currently applying to several SMPs with a GRE score but I think it's too low to apply! I have a 3.2cGPA 2.8sGPA from a top 10 school and a 155V (67th percentile) 160Q (78th percentile) 5W (93rd percentile) on the GRE. Is it worth applying to programs with this or do you think I should retake the GRE? I also don't want to delay my app too much at this point because of my low GPA.

The list of programs I'm considering: Tufts MBS, BU MAMS, Georgetown SMP, Case Western MS, and Georgetown CAM

MAMS specifically says GRE scores should be above 70th percentile, so there's that :/

Any help is appreciated!

 

[DrMidlife]

You're not ready for an SMP. Your low GPA IS THE REASON why you need more bake time. SMPs are not erasers, and you're exactly the kind of SMP student who ends up needing multiple app years and ends up in a DO school anyway. A lot of SMPs take no responsibility for whether you ever get into med school or not.

You're ready for an SMP when you're ready for med school. Do an SMP if you run out of options for MD only after you have:
1. A multiple year full time mostly science med-school-worthy undergrad performance
2. One and only one MCAT score that is high enough to prove your assertion that you are med-school-worthy
3. A full complement of activities including significant clinical exposure
4. Strong letters of recommendation from science faculty who know you well

In other words, you need a compelling med school app, with the sole exception of a low cuGPA, where you've redeemed that low cuGPA, before an SMP is worth the time and money.

The masters programs at DO schools are your option if you are in a hurry. Which is a dumb thing to be, really.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Goro]

I agree with my learned colleague to some extent.

At the academic level, the < 3.0 sGPA is what stands out. if you've had a rising GPA in your final UG years, this may be less of an issue. You can either take some post-bac coursework to get that sGPA > 3.0 which means, acing everything), or the faster path to being a doctor can be by retaking all F/D/C science coursework and applying to DO schools.

A decent number of SMPs have a 3.0 cutoff (mine doesn't).

You're not ready for an SMP. Your low GPA IS THE REASON why you need more bake time. SMPs are not erasers, and you're exactly the kind of SMP student who ends up needing multiple app years and ends up in a DO school anyway. A lot of SMPs take no responsibility for whether you ever get into med school or not.

You're ready for an SMP when you're ready for med school. Do an SMP if you run out of options for MD only after you have:
1. A multiple year full time mostly science med-school-worthy undergrad performance
2. One and only one MCAT score that is high enough to prove your assertion that you are med-school-worthy
3. A full complement of activities including significant clinical exposure
4. Strong letters of recommendation from science faculty who know you well

In other words, you need a compelling med school app, with the sole exception of a low cuGPA, where you've redeemed that low cuGPA, before an SMP is worth the time and money.

The masters programs at DO schools are your option if you are in a hurry. Which is a dumb thing to be, really.

Best of luck to you.