When is an SMP a good idea?

[amapples]

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What GPA would typically be good for those who should consider an SMP?

25-40K is no joke so I would like to plan accordingly.

 

[GrapesofRath]

There a couple factors you gotta consider

1 ) Do you have an upward trend? Do you have a history of at least one year of academic success in undergrad(3.7+ GPA)? Do you have at least some A's in upper level science classes recently? Do you have a strong MCAT score(30+)? IF you don't have these it's very hard to justify any thought process that you will do well enough in an SMP that you need to.
2) Unless we are talking about DO SMPs you shouldn't do an SMP unless you are willing to risk not being a doctor at all over simply going to DO school. The average stats at Georgetown's SMP (3.3/32) are definitely enough to get one into a DO as is.
3) There are people who disagree with this but here is my rough guide

Any GPA above 3.3: Don't do an SMP unless you have a very strong upward trend(think like 3.85 over 3+ semesters) and you've aced a number of difficult classes in undergrad. The only people with GPAs above 3.3 who should do SMPS are those who's GPA is only low due to horrendous performance early on in college and have aced a number of upper level science classes there past few years in college and have maintained a top GPA. A strong year of post-bacc work can move you up into the 3.4+ territory and a 3.4+ with an upward trend and a good MCAT score can be competitive for MDs

3.2-3.3: I would still not recommend doing an SMP in many cases. Do perhaps a bit more post-bac work and raise your GPA to 3.4+ territory or as close as possible. Again the upward trend(which if 3-4+ semesters is significant) combined with a GPA near 3.4 or close to it and a strong MCAT(think at least 32) can make you competitive for MDs

3.1-3.2: This is a bit of a grey zone. You're at the point now where even 2 years of post-bacc work might not be enough and 2 years on top of a year to apply to med schools is a serious time commitment. The best move in this case is to try and take some post-bacc classes and apply DO. But if you are absolutely set on MD and are willing to risk it all for one and don't want to make a 2 year commitment an SMP might be a solid choice. Again, you need evidence for yourself that you really have a shot at doing well in an SMP if admitted(at least one strong year of undergrad work). The safer and probably more realistic route of actually having sucesss of doing 2 years of post-bacc work at a high level(3.75+) can still work but there's no guarantee even if you do it you'll find success at MDs two years later.

Under 3.1: If you are all in on the MD this is the point now where it's hard to get in without doing an SMP. But the most realistic and smart move for most in this situation is to do a year of post-bacc retaking C grades or lower on top of doing well in new upper level classes and applying DO.

 

[Goro]

I recommend a SMP if after trying one app cycle for MD schools with a GPA that is < avg but still above 3.3-3.4, depending upon whether one lives in a "lucky state' like KS, LA or FL, and getting shut out.

OR GPA below 3.1 and trying for either MS or DO.

We expect people to ace a SMP (3.5+) in order to be successful candidates.

 

[amapples]

I recommend a SMP if after trying one app cycle for MD schools with a GPA that is < avg but still above 3.3-3.4, depending upon whether one lives in a "lucky state' like KS, LA or FL, and getting shut out.

OR GPA below 3.1 and trying for either MS or DO.

We expect people to ace a SMP (3.5+) in order to be successful candidates.

Do MCAT scores expire for DO schools? And would you happen to know if 3 years rule for MD schools means 3 years from applying or 3 years from matriculation?

 

[Goro]

Probably. I honestly don't know what my own school's policy is.


EDIT: Here's what AZCOM has to say:

• Only MCAT exam scores earned from tests taken no more than 3 years prior to the matriculation date of the planned enrollment year are acceptable.

Do MCAT scores expire for DO schools? And would you happen to know if 3 years rule for MD schools means 3 years from applying or 3 years from matriculation?

 

[CristiaanC]

If someone has two solid years of 3.5+ GPA in mainly science and psychology courses, is it realistic to apply to med school? I've since returned to the university where I was accepted when I was 18. I stopped attending in 2009, after having bounced up and down for years. I haven't gotten a GPA less than 3.5 since I started last fall and these are mainly upper division biology courses. I took my "science GPA" courses back in 2002 -2004 and did poorly, but that was when I didn't know what I was doing. I will have four solid 3.5-4.0 GPA semesters, but unfortunately, will still graduate with below a 3.0 GPA. I very much want to attend medical school as I am very capable now. I want to be an MD. I've got thousands of hours of healthcare experience, research experience, etc. I am also not allowed to retake the courses I did poorly in at my school. I feel helpless that I basically have no chance despite all the hard work I've put in. Even if I score an above average MCAT, how good could it possibly look? I know I'm interjecting into someone else's thread and I apologize; I just would really like to know if anyone knows of anyone else whose been in this situation. I've done tons of searching for similar situations such as mine and have yet to find one. I'm an intelligent guy, I've been told I'd be a great doctor, I'm wonderful with people and yet my current ability does not show in my GPA because of my foolishness when I was younger. It completely offsets all of the amazing grades I've gotten recently. Plus I'm 32 years old, and we all know how long it takes to become a doctor. I'm just very upset at my situation and need to know if I even stand a chance, or if I'm just wasting my time here. Thanks to everyone who can provide any insight at all.