- Joined
- May 7, 2012
- Messages
- 27
- Reaction score
- 8
Hi Guys,
I was referred by a friend to this forum, and it would be great to get some insight, practical advice, and constructive support from anyone.
I am a postbac currently. I graduated from a top 10 university with a BA in chemistry, minor in Psych, and a horrible overall and science GPA (~2.7). Credit it to depression, lack of drive, or whatever, I'm stuck with it now.
I currently have an internship at an NIH branch centering on drugs. I think it will bear a few letters of recommendation that will be great.
So, I was planning on taking the postbacc to improve my grades and take more biology courses, and then apply for the 2014 cycle. So to ask of you guys:
1) I know I need clinical medicine experience. A couple options I'm thinking about:
a. calling my GP, and asking to shadow/volunteer
b. volunteering for a homeless clinic
c. volunteering in an ER
Are there any more options that are viable and valuable? What are med schools looking for here? Which is more valuable: the place, the experience, or the letter of rec?
2) Do I have any shot in getting in? My MCAT is 33S, and I'm sure when I take it again I will get better. I took it in 2009, so I think I'll wind up having to take it again anyway (is it 4/5 years? I can't remember)
I'm really looking for concrete answers here. A "Yes, go for it, but beware you won't get into 90% of your schools." is better than "Well it depends."
Thanks!
I was referred by a friend to this forum, and it would be great to get some insight, practical advice, and constructive support from anyone.
I am a postbac currently. I graduated from a top 10 university with a BA in chemistry, minor in Psych, and a horrible overall and science GPA (~2.7). Credit it to depression, lack of drive, or whatever, I'm stuck with it now.
I currently have an internship at an NIH branch centering on drugs. I think it will bear a few letters of recommendation that will be great.
So, I was planning on taking the postbacc to improve my grades and take more biology courses, and then apply for the 2014 cycle. So to ask of you guys:
1) I know I need clinical medicine experience. A couple options I'm thinking about:
a. calling my GP, and asking to shadow/volunteer
b. volunteering for a homeless clinic
c. volunteering in an ER
Are there any more options that are viable and valuable? What are med schools looking for here? Which is more valuable: the place, the experience, or the letter of rec?
2) Do I have any shot in getting in? My MCAT is 33S, and I'm sure when I take it again I will get better. I took it in 2009, so I think I'll wind up having to take it again anyway (is it 4/5 years? I can't remember)
I'm really looking for concrete answers here. A "Yes, go for it, but beware you won't get into 90% of your schools." is better than "Well it depends."
Thanks!