Where do I fit in?

[SourPatches00]

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Strengths
~3.9 GPA
~3.8 BCMP
Top School
Good EC
Good LOR
Good Research
Great medical experience

Weaknesses
Low MCAT (1st attempt 26M, 2nd attempt 29M)
CC Transfer
California Resident

--> I don't think I want to take the MCAT again. I spent a lot of money, resource, and time (1 year) on it and I just don't think I am going anywhere with it. I've done every resource out there to a point where I cant do a problem without knowing the answer beforehand (I have a good memory).

--> I was thinking of doing a SPM since I am a borderline candidate for medical school right now and I need something that will improve my chances without spending more than a year off.

--> I don't care what medical school I get into, just that its in the united states and it's an MD program.

Question
1. I am applying to medical school next year, will a SMP improve my chances for this cycle or only for the following year. (i.e. connections, interviews, etc.)

2. Some schools require a 30 MCAT for a guarantee interview to their SOM. Would I have to take the MCAT again for this? How about if my MCAT is 30 if the best of each section is added up?

 

[toothsome]

Well I'm not an expert but I will try and give you advice from just what I've read on the past year on the forums.

-Are you interested in DO schools? If so, your numbers seem in line as far as DO standards. Maybe something to look into.

-A 29 is not that bad. What is the breakdown?

-What are your goals? I mean you could retake it, get a 35 and get into a top 20 or not take it and settle for a lower MD school. I would apply very broadly. Like 20-30 school both DO and MD around the country. I've read Cali is hard to get in because their as just so many applicants. Apply early

-You have to do better on the MCAT. Doing worse would just be bad, very bad. How confident are you that you can do better?

- Lastly, if you are concerned with money by just re-taking the MCAT an SMP will be around 30k. I would put the money into an MCAT class and retake it.

There is no rush to get into medical school. I would just apply you will get an interview somewhere then it's up to you. Again, Im not an expert just what I've been reading.

 

[ANF1986]

What is the breakdown of both scores? They will count the highest scores in each section. I think an SMP has a much much better chance of hurting you than helping you. You're GPA is awesome, and your MCAT is not terrible either. I think you have an excellent shot at mid to low tiers for next cycle. I'd apply to at least 20-30 schools.

 

[Perrotfish]

Summary: You apply early and broadly and go to medical school. No other work necessary

SMPs are for people with bad grades, and you have fantastic grades. An SMP would waste your time and money, risk your reputation (a bad performance could really offset that 3.9), and of course you would take a spot that someone with a 2.9 could really use. Even for a Cali resident a 3.9, a broad and early application to low and mid tier schools, and a 29 on the MCAT should net you half a dozen interviews and at least one acceptance. Just make sure your primary goes out the first possible day and the secondaries are turned around in less than a week and you shouldn't have any problems.

Assuming you put together a decent application package, of course. Good letters of rec and an essay that a premed advisor has proofread.

If you want something to do with your application year I recommend a 1 year MPH. It won't help a lot with medical school admissions (though it will help a little) but you'll really appreciate having it when residency applications roll around. Also some medical schools show a slight preference for graduates of their MPH programs (Tulane, for example). Travel is also nice. So is money, if you want to work. Just don't waste the year.

So, advice alpha and omega: Chill out and stop reading Medapps and SDN. Your stats might be 'borderline' in the neurotic fantasy land of internet forums, but in the real world your application is just fine.