when do you apply to SMP programs, GPA wise?

[luke587]

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Realistically, I'll have around a 3.5ish cGPA and 3.6sGPA when I apply to medical school. I haven't taken the MCAT yet, but the other day I was talking to my advisor and she told me about SMP programs. They seem like a pretty good back up option. What do you guys think is a GPA cut off for who should do these types of programs? I'm thinking if I don't get in these seem like a good option because taking another year of UG courses really won't do much for me GPA wise. Anyone have any info on these? Thanks!!

 

[235788]

GPA average at my home institution is 3.41 for the SMP program.

 

[luke587]

I'm not asking so much about the average to get in, but what say someone like myself is in that grey region where there GPA isn't horrible but its not really awesome either. Would an SMP be a good thing to do? Obviously, the MCAT will make a huge difference but I'm just trying to plan ahead

 

[235788]

I'm not asking so much about the average to get in, but what say someone like myself is in that grey region where there GPA isn't horrible but its not really awesome either. Would an SMP be a good thing to do? Obviously, the MCAT will make a huge difference but I'm just trying to plan ahead

Well maybe you should wait for your mcat.


People have done SMP's with better and worst GPA's than you.

You can't judge an applicant solely on his GPA -- But your GPA is on the LOWER side.

 

[drizzt3117]

I don't think a SMP is a good option for the OP. I would personally reserve SMPs for applicants who wouldn't be competitive w/o them. Check out the postbac forum for more info.

 

[luke587]

Thanks for the responses. I know my GPA is on the lower side, but I have really good EC's and I'm hoping I can score 30+ on my MCAT. I'm doing two classes and have been studying, its not till April but I know I need to nail it. Anyways I'll check out post-bacc forums. Thanks

 

[Ironmandoc]

If you can get over a 30, apply early and broadly, you should be able to get in to DO definitely and MD probably

 

[Dr Dazzle]

What if your gpa is 3.5 cum and 3.4 sci? Secondly, wouldn't the gpa be higher for DO schools anyways cause repeat classes replace gpa and for some applicants math classes don't bring the bcpm down?

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

I'd say if your GPA is below 3.5 then do an SMP. Otherwise your GPA should be competitive enough that it won't alone won't block you from schools as long as your other areas are up to par. And if your other areas aren't up to par, then it's still cheaper and faster to retake the MCAT or get clinical/volunteer/research experience than it is to shell out for an SMP.

 

[charju]

I got in with both a cGPA and sGPA below 3.5.. (3.49 and 3.47 with 34)
my friend also got in with a gpa of 3.4x and 34...
my other friend got in with a gpa of 3.5x and a 33...


If you have anything under 3.4 I think you are in a dangerous spot, then perhaps doing well in SMP would give you a competitive edge. But even if you have anything below 3.6, and you manage to do above avg on the MCAT. You are just fine. Spending 2 months to improve your mcat vs paying 1 year and attending SMP. your call =)

 

[drizzt3117]

I'd say if your GPA is below 3.5 then do an SMP. Otherwise your GPA should be competitive enough that it won't alone won't block you from schools as long as your other areas are up to par. And if your other areas aren't up to par, then it's still cheaper and faster to retake the MCAT or get clinical/volunteer/research experience than it is to shell out for an SMP.

My cutoff would be more like < 3.2

 

[qwerty2012]

I'd say if your GPA is below 3.5 then do an SMP. Otherwise your GPA should be competitive enough that it won't alone won't block you from schools as long as your other areas are up to par. And if your other areas aren't up to par, then it's still cheaper and faster to retake the MCAT or get clinical/volunteer/research experience than it is to shell out for an SMP.

Definitely this. SMP are for lost souls who need redemption. You ain't one of us, your gpa combined with a well balanced mcat and ec's will get you into a lot of schools.

 

[235788]

Definitely this. SMP are for lost souls who need redemption. You ain't one of us, your gpa combined with a well balanced mcat and ec's will get you into a lot of schools.

lol what smp do you go to?

 

[qwerty2012]

lol what smp do you go to?

not going to say specifically where, I am paranoid that my posts will bite me back once I start dropping names.

I went to one that is less recognized and prestigious. It is a state institution. It got the job done nonetheless.

 

[drizzt3117]

Read this thread for more info on SMPs.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=346106&page=27