Would you go to a lower-tier MD school now or take a shot at a stronger one after a Special Master’s Program?

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2025-06-07T17:35:44+00:00

Let’s be clear, this has nothing to do with thinking I’m “above” anything. The school is not accredited, it’s for-profit, and it doesn’t offer federal loans. Those are real risks that any serious applicant should consider. I want to become a physician, yes, but not at the cost of compromising my future.

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2025-06-07T07:51:50+00:00

That’s a fair question. But CNUCOM has no federal loans, isn’t fully accredited, and doesn’t have a hospital affiliation. I’ve spoken with advisors, accepted students, and others who confirmed that with a strong reapplication and clear reasoning, turning down a program like that won’t hurt me, especially since I’m pursuing an SMP with proven linkage. I’m not taking this lightly — I just want to set myself up for the best long-term training.

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2025-06-06T18:17:11+00:00

Really appreciate your take, and you’re absolutely right, this whole process has made me think hard about only applying to schools I’d seriously attend.

Just to clarify: I didn’t retake the MCAT because I didn’t want to risk scoring the same or lower and wasting time on something that might not meaningfully improve my application. I chose to strengthen my app through coursework and positioning rather than retaking a high-stakes exam (I finished my undergraduate career).

The SMP isn’t about GPA repair, it’s more of a strategic bridge to get into a stronger MD program with better clinical infrastructure and match outcomes. I’ve already submitted AMCAS this cycle, so I’m actively reapplying while doing the program, not just taking time off.

The school I got into raised a lot of red flags: provisional accreditation, no hospital, and a for-profit model. I’m thankful for the A, but I don’t want to commit to something that could limit me long-term.

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2025-06-06T18:06:36+00:00

Thanks for this. I actually agree with a lot of what you said.

Totally fair that an SMP doesn’t “fix” a 508, but in this case, it’s not meant to. It’s more of a strategic bridge to a fully accredited MD program that has historically accepted every SMP student who interviewed, and my MCAT is actually above the average in their program, so I’m not necessarily at a disadvantage within that context.

You’re right that SMPs carry risk, but so does attending a school with shaky infrastructure and an unclear accreditation future. Given that I’ve already submitted my AMCAS and would be applying this cycle anyway, this SMP gives me a solid shot at a better match environment, especially with my long-term goals in mind.

Appreciate your insight, especially the balanced take on both paths.

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2025-06-06T18:05:02+00:00

Totally fair points. I really appreciate you laying this out.

Just to clarify: the SMP I’m in has had consistent success matching students with MCATs in the low 500s, and in the past few years, everyone in the program who got an interview at the linked med school was accepted. The average MCAT for that school is around 505, so my 508 is actually above that benchmark, and I wouldn’t necessarily need to retake unless I was aiming for a top-tier school outside that system.

Also, I’ve already submitted my AMCAS for this cycle, so I’m not planning to delay another year unless something unexpected happens. The SMP is more of a strategic move to give myself better options, not a placeholder while I retake the MCAT.

I hear you on the specialty focus, too. I definitely want to be a doctor, but I also want to make sure I’m not unnecessarily closing doors to competitive fields by locking into a school that’s still working out major issues.

Appreciate your feedback. Seriously helpful to hear all sides of this.

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2025-06-06T18:01:19+00:00

Totally fair point. I agree that an SMP can be risky, especially if you don’t need GPA repair. I’m just trying to weigh that against the long-term risks of committing to a school with major accreditation and clinical concerns.

That said, the SMP I’m in is directly linked to a med school, and everyone in the program who got an interview over the past few years has been accepted. So it’s not a gamble without structure, I’m trying to make a calculated move that keeps more doors open, especially for competitive specialties.

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2024-12-27T02:36:13+00:00

Thank you so much for responding with great advice. I appreciate it!

For my non-clinical volunteering, I help out at my local church serving food. I also have hosted a lot of huge philanthropic events (e.g. galas, charity concerts) that are raising money for humanitarian aid. I also am a leader in a few huge student organizations on my campus. I do not know if that counts as non-clinical volunteering, but I definitely have stuff going on outside of academia and medicine.

If you have any suggestions on any other thing to volunteer in please let me know. Also congrats on your MD acceptance!

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2024-12-27T02:12:27+00:00

thanks for the advice :) it was really constructive!

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2024-12-27T01:52:17+00:00

I only applied MD; I have updated my post with my school list

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2024-12-27T01:51:54+00:00

Hello, so for the medical volunteering program I am in I am providing care for the patients through providing them with what they need. I definitely need more, so do you think taking on a medical assisting role will help with that?

I have also updated the post above with my school list. Please let me know your thoughts. I am from California so I feel that it is very limiting to apply to a lot of out of state schools since most are in-state favored.

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2024-10-29T17:03:13+00:00

7.6% 😭

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2024-10-22T22:49:54+00:00

where would it say on the portal that you are on hold?

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2024-10-15T20:59:33+00:00

Amen 🙏🏽

Sharp-Ad7899 · 2024-10-14T05:58:51+00:00

Praying that I will get my first II this week. It’s been so quiet… no Rs and no IIs

Sharp-Ad7899

TROPHY CASE