<p>I have a question about post-baccalaureate premedical programs. A friend graduated from Syracuse in biology/pre-med last May but has not been offered admittance to a medical school (MD) or osteopath school (DO). He got a couple of interviews but no offers. Now he is looking for other options while he is working in a lab at the U of Rochester Medical Center.</p>
<p>He got a 26 on the MCATS. Bio=10, verbal=9, physical sciences = 7.
He had a 3.3 undergrad gpa but he had a 3.5 in his last 3 years after he switched from English to bio. Lots of research experience. Took all the right courses but took the easier physics sequence. Did fine in all sciences (B and A grades). Took biochem.</p>
<p>He remains committed to a medical career, preferably MD family med. Caucasian male very committed to helping underpriviledged. He has no other drawbacks that I can see. He has a broad education and interests/talent in music</p>
<p>What are his options? Would you recommend a post-bacc that offers a masters degree? Are there any programs that would be a good fit for him? Which are the best programs for strengthening credentials?</p>
<p>I am by no means an expert but here are some suggestions...</p>
<p>The post-bach pre-med programs are typically for people who have a bachelor's but haven't satisfied the pre-med requirements...so this wouldn't be right for him.</p>
<p>Some people have success by returning for a Master's degree with a heavy reseach focus. It's even better if he can get a publication out of it. Since his BS is in Biology he'll have to go on to graduate school anyway. Also, high grades in a graduate program will help offset the undergrad GPA and show admissions committees that he is a more focused student.</p>
<p>His MCAT score isn't very competitive. He should definitely think about retaking it if he thinks he could improve his score with additional study. Some people have good improvement in test scores after taking one of the MCAT prep courses. (Kaplan, Princeton Review, etc) I haven't taken one so I can't really comment on them personally, though. The easier physics sequence wouldn't affect his MCAT score. The MCAT tests only basic physics knowledge.</p>
<p>He should also apply to off-shore schools. Some have excellent credentials and high USMLE pass rates (even higher than some US schools) despite the stigma attached to them.</p>
<p>Also, he could talk to his interviewers and ask what, if anything, they would suggest to improve his application. For example, in my husband's case it turned out that although his MCAT was high (36), he was published, had a decent grad GPA, had worked in the ER for several years and had managed a homeless shelter....one of his recommedation letters was less than perfect. So, he got interviews everywhere he applied but ultimately wasn't accepted due to this recommendation letter. The point is, he never would have known this had he not contacted the schools and inquired about his application. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>