Hi, before I start getting verbose...I would first like to thank everyone for taking the time to read this and giving me advice on what my chances/options are in getting into medical school. Again, thank you soo much =)

I'll be graduating this semester with a 3.3 in psychology. I was originally a biology major, but unfortunately, I was not mature and dedicated as I am now when I was a freshman. My first two year was not so successful-I was around a 2.7 GPA student. However, after the end of my 2nd year in college, I realized that I really needed to start working hard and focus on my studies. Therefore I worked diligently during my junior and senior year in college and managed to raise my GPA from 2.90 (end of 2nd year) to a 3.24 (however, I am pretty sure after working hard this (last) semester I will be able to raise it to a 3.3 before I graduate). My overall GPA for my junior/senior year is a 3.79. I regret very much for not putting in this effort during my first two years in college. However, as I mentioned before, I am much more serious in my studies now and really and quite literally study all day to get the grades I get now. I want to continue to put in this effort and really dream to attend medical school. Recently, I have decided to apply to columbia and upenn's post bac program and hope to spend around 2 years in the program working hard and trying to gain some clinical experience.

My question is:
1) would I have a chance at getting into medical school if I do well in these programs? -- I have included a "copy" of my transcript" so you guys can better see my grade progression...hopefully this will help you guys get a better idea on whether or not i'll be qualified for medical school.. and if completing a post bac will be helpful or not.

2) Around what GPA will I need in these post bac program to make myself competitive for medical school?

I am planning on doing somekind of clinical volunteer work at a hospital after I graduate while I attend these post bac programs.

3) I have already taken 1 year of bio/chem labs...however, I would like to retake them because I believe they will help me prepare for MCATS.. what are your thoughts on this? Do you think this is practical or a waste of time? I feel as if having a solid foundation would help me build from it and help me in harder science courses.

My parents are being very supportive...and I feel very fortunate for having them by my side... they are willing to support me as long as I don't give up.

4) What i'm most worried about is... I am really really fixed on studying hard in these programs...however I'm afraid my effort wont be reflected in my grades.. and therefore..waste my parent's money. But I really want to try...because going to medical school was my dream. I'm just curious if my plan is feasible... do I have a shot at medical school realistically?

5) What can I do while in this program to make myself more competitive for medical school?

6) When should I start studying for MCAT?



Thank you in advance for all your help and advice in this matter. I really really appreciate it :)

hi - i was originally pre-med in college for the first 1.5 years, decided to switch to business, and worked in finance for a year after college before deciding that i was still interested in medicine...worked full time in clinical research in nyc while taking the rest of my premed requirements at columbia's postbac program...so i was in similar shoes as you were... see answers to your questions below...


1) would I have a chance at getting into medical school if I do well in these programs? -- I have included a "copy" of my transcript" so you guys can better see my grade progression...hopefully this will help you guys get a better idea on whether or not i'll be qualified for medical school.. and if completing a post bac will be helpful or not. --> yes, you would have an excellent chance at getting into medical school if you do well in the program...i had around a 3.7 gpa coming out of the postbac program, and that was while i was working full time and volunteering..so it is totally doable...i think that it's different taking these premed classes out of college because you take less classes each semester (i took around 2 each semester) so you're more focused on each class you're tkaing....and you're surrounded by people who are just as motivated as you are, so it sorta kicks your butt into gear =P

2) Around what GPA will I need in these post bac program to make myself competitive for medical school? --> if you have a high gpa in these programs, it will help to make medical schools see that you are serious about you career path and have dedicated yourself to the pursuit of medicine..having said that, i don't think that there is a 'specific' gpa, but in general, to get into med school, having at least a 3.5 is standard..

I am planning on doing somekind of clinical volunteer work at a hospital after I graduate while I attend these post bac programs.

3) I have already taken 1 year of bio/chem labs...however, I would like to retake them because I believe they will help me prepare for MCATS.. what are your thoughts on this? Do you think this is practical or a waste of time? I feel as if having a solid foundation would help me build from it and help me in harder science courses. --> i personally don't think it's worth your time, especially since you're just graduating from college...i took chem and physics in college, so i did not take them over at columbia...and i did fine on the mcats...but if you feel it would prepare you better overall and you're willing to take the time to take the classes, then by all means, it's a personal decision...

My parents are being very supportive...and I feel very fortunate for having them by my side... they are willing to support me as long as I don't give up.

4) What i'm most worried about is... I am really really fixed on studying hard in these programs...however I'm afraid my effort wont be reflected in my grades.. and therefore..waste my parent's money. But I really want to try...because going to medical school was my dream. I'm just curious if my plan is feasible... do I have a shot at medical school realistically? --> if you put the effort in, it is totally feasible..there are alot of cut throat competitive ppl at columbia, but don't let that deter you...i'm not a superstar and i got through it fine and have currently been accepted to a handful of med schools =)

5) What can I do while in this program to make myself more competitive for medical school? --> definitely do some clinical research and volunteer work...there are tons of postings that are sent out through the program once you are on their listserve, so don't worry about not finding something..but i highly suggest doing clinical reseaerch along with volunteering in an er because it shows you have had patient interaction and gives you alot to talk about during your medical school interviews...

6) When should I start studying for MCAT? --> 3-4 months before you decide to take them...i took a prep class (examkrackers..i highly recommend this company over kaplan) and i thought it was a good way at helping me prepare and sit through full length exams to prepare for the actual mcat...


i hope this helps! feel free to pm me if you have any other questions!