Would a SMP be a waste?

[arc5005]

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Hi there,

So I'm currently re-taking courses (at a CC) and I'm highly considering a DO school since the grade replacement would benefit me and since they are more lenient towards accepting CC credits.

Currently, I'm on the path to bring my GPA up to cGPA = 3.45 & sGPA = 3.54, no MCAT yet. I was thinking about finishing my courses (including re-takes) by December 2015, start studying for the MCAT, take a kaplan course sometime between January & April, and then take the MCAT in April 2016. And apply when the cycle begins in 2016.

I really need to get experience. I currently have no shadow, volunteer healthcare experience, or any research, so I feel like I'm really lacking on the extracurriculars. I already have some shadowing opportunities lined up.

Would a SMP be good for me, or would it be unnecessary? If I don't have to spend 20-50,000 more dollars I'd prefer that. I was debating taking the GRE over the summer and applying to some SMP programs that accept the GRE in-lieu of the MCAT for their Masters programs for a Fall 2016 start-date.

 

[IslandStyle808]

Definitely unnecessary in your case. You just need good MCAT score (equivalent to a 27+ in your case) and you should good for the majority of DO schools.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

Hi there,

So I'm currently re-taking courses (at a CC) and I'm highly considering a DO school since the grade replacement would benefit me and since they are more lenient towards accepting CC credits.

Currently, I'm on the path to bring my GPA up to cGPA = 3.45 & sGPA = 3.54, no MCAT yet. I was thinking about finishing my courses (including re-takes) by December 2015, start studying for the MCAT, take a kaplan course sometime between January & April, and then take the MCAT in April 2016. And apply when the cycle begins in 2016.

I really need to get experience. I currently have no shadow, volunteer healthcare experience, or any research, so I feel like I'm really lacking on the extracurriculars. I already have some shadowing opportunities lined up.

Would a SMP be good for me, or would it be unnecessary? If I don't have to spend 20-50,000 more dollars I'd prefer that. I was debating taking the GRE over the summer and applying to some SMP programs that accept the GRE in-lieu of the MCAT for their Masters programs for a Fall 2016 start-date.

Don't do a SMP!

 

[sameharu1991]

I agree with the above posters. SMP is not necessary. However, I do think that for 2016 cycle, you might need to apply with a bit of higher stats. Is there any way you can take maybe couple of more classes to raise that cgpa to over 3.5? I think your sgpa is looking good! And for MCAT, definitely would be helpful if over 27+.

For DO especially, you are going to need some shadowing, and it would also help to get a DO LOR. DO schools also tend to be pretty big on volunteering so find something that you are interested and that you can do even if its a little bit throughout a year.

 

[DetectiveAlonzo]

GPA doesn't mean much with no MCAT and no ECs. Better to just work on those two aspects and strengthen those ASAP.

 

[arc5005]

I agree with the above posters. SMP is not necessary. However, I do think that for 2016 cycle, you might need to apply with a bit of higher stats. Is there any way you can take maybe couple of more classes to raise that cgpa to over 3.5? I think your sgpa is looking good! And for MCAT, definitely would be helpful if over 27+.

For DO especially, you are going to need some shadowing, and it would also help to get a DO LOR. DO schools also tend to be pretty big on volunteering so find something that you are interested and that you can do even if its a little bit throughout a year.

GPA doesn't mean much with no MCAT and no ECs. Better to just work on those two aspects and strengthen those ASAP.

How many hours of shadowing would be recommended before applying?

I currently have other extracurricular activities, such as coaching. I also volunteer for a HIV awareness clinic, but not that often. Unfortunately, I have yet to be able to get into a hospital to do any volunteering or work. I'm trying to apply to volunteer this summer at some hospitals.

 

[sameharu1991]

There isn't a necessary amount of hours you need for shadowing. But if you are going to aim for a DO LOR, probably enough to get one. It would be more helpful to shadow few hours each month over a period of time for the physician to really get to know you though.