@mmdpcsuf
@bluebayou is wrong about the post-bacc. There are two types of formal post baccs–one for career changers (which is what he’s talking about); the other is a GPA enhancing post bacc (which is what you’re talking about).
A SMP is one specific sub-type of a GPA enhancing post-bacc.
There are upsides and downsides to both grad level GPA post baccs and SMPs
GPA enhancing graduate post baccs–
—Grad level coursework is NOT included in GPA calculation for allopathic med school admissions, though grad level courses ARE included who computing GPAs/SGPAs for osteopathic med schools.
Although grad GPAs are not officially included in GPA calculations at allopathic programs, they are not ignored either. An excellent GPA in graduate biological sciences program will be noted positively and may help enhance a student’s admission profile. OTOH, a grad GPA less than 3.75 will hurt a med school application. (Adcomms are wary of grad GPAs because they are notoriously inflated.)
—A formal grade enhancing post bacc will have counselors who can put your achievement in context for med school adcomms in your LORs. This is usually very helpful, especially if the program has a strong reputations with adcomms. At the best post bacc programs, counselors are familiar with the admission policies at med school who are most open to reinventors. There are a small number of med school that only consider an applicant’s last 30-45-60 hours of credit when computing GPA or sGPA. (e.g. Wayne State) The counselors will know how to best present a student from their program in a LOR to the adcomms at these schools.
SMP (Special Master’s Program) is a specific subset of GPA enhancing post baccs. A SMP attempts to mirror the academic difficulty of the first year of medical school by offering coursework equivalent to med school to SMP students. At the best SMPs, students will usually take some or all of their classes side-by-side with actual med students. Some SMPs guarantee admission interviews at the associated medical school to the top achievers in the SMP class.
Applying to a SMP is similar to applying to med school. You’ll need a MCAT score, a GPA/sGPA >3.2, typical pre-med ECs, LORs from science & non-science professors, etc.
The downside of SMPs are huge. Programs are expensive (typically in the > $40K/year range). Also unless a student finishes in the top 25% of the class and/or with a GPA >3.75 all hopes of med school admission are gone.
All SMPs are High Risk–High Reward.
Financial Aid
Once you finish undergrad and earn a bachelor's degree, your family's financial info is no longer relevant for FAFSA. Only your income since you will be considered an independent student. The ONLY FA you will be eligible for is unsubsidized federal student loans and these are ONLY available if you are enrolled full time in degree granting program.
You have two choices--
1) Since formal grade enhancing post baccs and SMPs typically are offered as graduate degree programs, you will be eligible for federal unsubsidized student loans up to $20, 500/year. However, most formal post-bacc cost substantially more than that. You will need to find an additional source of funding either through co-signed private loans or by work and saving up $$ to pay for the program.
Remember there are no guarantees you'll get a med school acceptance even if you do well at a post bacc. You could end up with substantial debt and no med school degree to help repay it.
2) Your second choice is to take upper level and grad level bio coursework piecemeal on a pay-as-you-go until you have 30-45 credits of UL science with a. GPA>3.75.
Looking at your very lowGPA/sGPA, you will need to raise your sGPA considerably even to be eligible for a formal bacc. Most require a minimum sGPA> 3.2, though some will accept students with a sGPA>3.0
I would suggest that you take enough upper level science coursework, paying out of pocket for upper level and grad bio coursework and going part-time/working full or near full time, until you can get your sGPA >3.2, then apply for a SMP.
Take your coursework as non-degree seeking student at the closest 4 year university.
This route is slow and tedious, but it will limit your debt and is likely your best chance for a med school acceptance (DO or MD). Getting into med school is not a race; it’s test of endurance and perseverance. Med school will still be there and be an option for you 3-4-5, even 10 years from now.
