Should I do SMP?

[PositivityKillsYouEarly]

I have cGPA 3.50 and sGPA 3.41 with new MCAT score of 516. I got into Tufts MBS program but I am still uncertain on whether this would help me. I would like any advise on whether this SMP is worth it for me. I personally want to get into mid-tier school (like George Washington). Is that possible? I didn't submit my application yet, but I'm also considering whether I should still apply.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[cptnjack]

I personally wouldn't do an SMP with stats like that. An SMP is the last option that one should consider due to the cost and risk associated IMO, your mcat is strong, even though your GPA is on the lower end, if you apply broadly, I think you would have success somewhere. SMPs are usually reserved for low GPA candidates or low MCAT candidates or career changers.

 

[Terror Billy]

With that high of an MCAT score I'd implore you to apply to a wide range of MDs. Start with your in-state and then purchase MSAR. Start NOW because the cycle has already started

 

[mydogmolly]

As far as I'm aware, a 3.50/516 wouldn't be a good candidate for SMPs. A 516/3.10 would. Instead of spending 2 years risking bad grades in really tough coursework, you'd probably be better off doing some DIY post-bacc work if you're concerned about your GPA. Depending on how many credits you have already, you could probably reach something like a c3.55/s3.50 with just a few classes through an extension program. That way you'll save thousands of dollars, and you'll still leave yourself some time to beef up your ECs. This cycle is getting pretty late already, so I would wait another year either way. Good luck!

 

[Terror Billy]

As far as I'm aware, a 3.50/516 wouldn't be a good candidate for SMPs. A 516/3.10 would. Instead of spending 2 years risking bad grades in really tough coursework, you'd probably be better off doing some DIY post-bacc work if you're concerned about your GPA. Depending on how many credits you have already, you could probably reach something like a c3.55/s3.50 with just a few classes through an extension program. That way you'll save thousands of dollars, and you'll still leave yourself some time to beef up your ECs. This cycle is getting pretty late already, so I would wait another year either way. Good luck!

Yeah this is actually better advice. If you apply early next cycle on top of the DIY GPA boost I think you'll be golden. Especially beef up the ECs and you should get tons of IIs

 

[PositivityKillsYouEarly]

Thanks everyone for the advice. For the GPA boost, my undergraduate school has a post-bacc program. Should I take that and do a few classes or are there some schools known to be good GPA boosters? For EC, the one I am weakest at is shadowing, which I believe can be done at the place I do my classes at.

 

[PositivityKillsYouEarly]

Also, I found this wonderful list of post-bacc and SMP programs from 2009 by DrMidlife. In the list, there are categories such as SMP, etc. I think I fit into either Category 2 or 3. I did all my prereqs already. Which Category would I be in?

Link: GPA enhancement programs: SMPs, postbacs et al...June 2009 List

quote:
Category 2: Grad work that gets people into med school (33 programs)
- A wee bit o'prestige: your GPA isn't THAT bad and grad work would beef up your app.
- Disaster recovery: your GPA is bad, but one year in an "SMP" could get you in.

Category 3: Retakes and/or additional undergrad in a structured environment (19 programs)
- You finished some of the prereqs already.
- You need to retake the prereqs.
- You want upper div science to beef up your undergrad GPA.

 

[mydogmolly]

Category 3: Retakes and/or additional undergrad in a structured environment (19 programs)

- You want upper div science to beef up your undergrad GPA.

It sounds like this is what you should aim for.

 

[Goro]

I have cGPA 3.50 and sGPA 3.41 with new MCAT score of 516. I got into Tufts MBS program but I am still uncertain on whether this would help me. I would like any advise on whether this SMP is worth it for me. I personally want to get into mid-tier school (like George Washington). Is that possible? I didn't submit my application yet, but I'm also considering whether I should still apply.

Are you trolling? Your stats are fine for many MD schools (including GWU)! Start applying now.

 

[workaholic181]

I have cGPA 3.50 and sGPA 3.41 with new MCAT score of 516. I got into Tufts MBS program but I am still uncertain on whether this would help me. I would like any advise on whether this SMP is worth it for me. I personally want to get into mid-tier school (like George Washington). Is that possible? I didn't submit my application yet, but I'm also considering whether I should still apply.

Yea man SMPs are far too risky for someone in your position. I would apply ASAP and apply DO.

 

[PositivityKillsYouEarly]

Thanks for all the additional input everyone. Believe it or not, SMP was recommended to me by a medic school consulting group (so not trolling at all just ignorant).

 

[SuaveCardigans]

Thanks for all the additional input everyone. Believe it or not, SMP was recommended to me by a medic school consulting group (so not trolling at all just ignorant).

do you mind sharing whom? it can be a notice for other readers that they might not be qualified

 

[PositivityKillsYouEarly]

Sorry I don't want to ruin someone else's business like that because of one mistake they made. It wasn't a big consulting group. Let's just make this a learning experience that consulting groups should not be fully trusted and we should get info from many places before decision.

 

[Icantplayspades]

To piggyback off of OP, I have a 3.3c and 3.1s with a 500 MCAT. Which SMPs would any recommened?