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Hey All,
Lately I've been getting really stressed when thinking about my sciGPA for osteopathic schools. Currently, my cGPA stands at a 3.47; sciGPA is a 3.23. I know the cGPA is about average, but the sciGPA is certainly lower. My fear is that my sciGPA will be a major hindrance when applying, and I really don't want to do a SMP. But, my situation leading to this point certainly was not a typical one. I know I posted a similar thread a couple months ago, but I keep dwelling on my sciGPA.
My academic story begins in high school where while in my senior year I attended the local community college at night, gaining certification as an EMT-Basic (7 credits - 4.0). Also during my senior year, I attended the Howard Hughes Medical Institute - Holiday Lecture on Science. During summers, I worked as a lifeguard, then I went on to become a certified American Red Cross Lifeguarding/CPR/First Aid instructor for three years.
After high school, I attended Virginia Tech. Admittedly, I had difficulties in my first semester, and it was not quite typical of most freshmen. I was in the Corps of Cadets, a 24/7 ROTC program akin to that of West Point. Needless to say, I decided that the program wasn't for me, and I left for the civilian side of campus. The following semester would only make matters worse as the events of April 16th affected me deeply, taking from me a close friend. From that point on, the school never seemed the same, and my grades took a downward trend.
I stayed at Virginia Tech for another year and a half after that dreadful semester, finally leaving with a disconcerting overall GPA of 2.73. The semester I left... my GPA was a 2.09. First semester freshman year I got a C in General Bio and my final semester there I got a C- in Animal Physiology. These two classes really affected my sciGPA. While I could always retake General Bio, retaking Animal Physiology would be difficult as it's a more unique course offering.
Anyway... From there, I continued my EMS education and took other college courses closer to home. I graduated with an A.A.S. degree in EMS and became certified as an EMT-Paramedic. I also obtained many supplementary certifications such as ACLS, PALS, and ITLS. My GPA for the EMS program was a 4.0 with a 3.887 overall.
I have been working at a Level 1 Trauma Center for the past year and a half while finishing my degree in biology at a four year institution (projected finish May 2012). Every class I have felt the need to retake, I have earned an A in at my new school (i.e. cell bio, ecology). When I graduate, I will have around 180 credits from all schools attended. I have had received an A in all of my nonscience classes since leaving VT, and my science classes since leaving would average out to around a 3.6. So, there has been a definite upward trend overall and in science classes.
I plan take the MCAT around January 2013. My volunteer experience consists of running EMS (approx. 4 years), providing summer EMS coverage for the National Park Service, and teaching English to international students for one semester. I know I need to add more non-medical ECs to my application and plan to do so after I graduate. While I could have applied this year, I wanted to take my time to get my application together and to study for the MCAT. My plan is to apply as soon as the gate opens.
Right now, my ideal school would be Nova Southeastern. I have a friend in the PsyD program there, and she loves it. I plan on visiting her in the near future to see the school for myself rather than just researching online. I'm learning about other schools as well such as LECOM-B, VCOM-CC, and several West coast schools.
I appreciate any thoughts and/or guidance anyone has to share. Thank you. I wish you all luck in your pursuits of knowledge toward the betterment of mankind
Lately I've been getting really stressed when thinking about my sciGPA for osteopathic schools. Currently, my cGPA stands at a 3.47; sciGPA is a 3.23. I know the cGPA is about average, but the sciGPA is certainly lower. My fear is that my sciGPA will be a major hindrance when applying, and I really don't want to do a SMP. But, my situation leading to this point certainly was not a typical one. I know I posted a similar thread a couple months ago, but I keep dwelling on my sciGPA.
My academic story begins in high school where while in my senior year I attended the local community college at night, gaining certification as an EMT-Basic (7 credits - 4.0). Also during my senior year, I attended the Howard Hughes Medical Institute - Holiday Lecture on Science. During summers, I worked as a lifeguard, then I went on to become a certified American Red Cross Lifeguarding/CPR/First Aid instructor for three years.
After high school, I attended Virginia Tech. Admittedly, I had difficulties in my first semester, and it was not quite typical of most freshmen. I was in the Corps of Cadets, a 24/7 ROTC program akin to that of West Point. Needless to say, I decided that the program wasn't for me, and I left for the civilian side of campus. The following semester would only make matters worse as the events of April 16th affected me deeply, taking from me a close friend. From that point on, the school never seemed the same, and my grades took a downward trend.
I stayed at Virginia Tech for another year and a half after that dreadful semester, finally leaving with a disconcerting overall GPA of 2.73. The semester I left... my GPA was a 2.09. First semester freshman year I got a C in General Bio and my final semester there I got a C- in Animal Physiology. These two classes really affected my sciGPA. While I could always retake General Bio, retaking Animal Physiology would be difficult as it's a more unique course offering.
Anyway... From there, I continued my EMS education and took other college courses closer to home. I graduated with an A.A.S. degree in EMS and became certified as an EMT-Paramedic. I also obtained many supplementary certifications such as ACLS, PALS, and ITLS. My GPA for the EMS program was a 4.0 with a 3.887 overall.
I have been working at a Level 1 Trauma Center for the past year and a half while finishing my degree in biology at a four year institution (projected finish May 2012). Every class I have felt the need to retake, I have earned an A in at my new school (i.e. cell bio, ecology). When I graduate, I will have around 180 credits from all schools attended. I have had received an A in all of my nonscience classes since leaving VT, and my science classes since leaving would average out to around a 3.6. So, there has been a definite upward trend overall and in science classes.
I plan take the MCAT around January 2013. My volunteer experience consists of running EMS (approx. 4 years), providing summer EMS coverage for the National Park Service, and teaching English to international students for one semester. I know I need to add more non-medical ECs to my application and plan to do so after I graduate. While I could have applied this year, I wanted to take my time to get my application together and to study for the MCAT. My plan is to apply as soon as the gate opens.
Right now, my ideal school would be Nova Southeastern. I have a friend in the PsyD program there, and she loves it. I plan on visiting her in the near future to see the school for myself rather than just researching online. I'm learning about other schools as well such as LECOM-B, VCOM-CC, and several West coast schools.
I appreciate any thoughts and/or guidance anyone has to share. Thank you. I wish you all luck in your pursuits of knowledge toward the betterment of mankind
You should be thrilled about graduation! A giant milestone in your life is almost complete. Don't be worried about the "impending" graduation either. You are graduating with pretty much a 3.5 cGPA! And a not so terrible B+ average 3.3 GPA. Worst comes to worst, there are always Master degree programs, and SMPs. Be happy and people will be drawn to you. Good luck man
