The other two classmates from VCU CERT were Asian males from California and one of them was me. None of us had an ace up our sleeves nor a wild card. We just had everything else in the application (good MCAT, medical experience, community service, lors, etc). Furthermore, earning the GPA we achieved in the program isn't a cakewalk (not being arrogant). Essentially, we did well in the program to substitute for our poor undergraduate performance and made sure we have a well-rounded and complete application.
The **NEW & IMPROVED** official low gpa thread...
- Thread starter junebuguf
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I just graduated from UC davis.
Cgpa 2.8 Sci gpa 2.6 (Due to sickness, immaturity, and lack of focus and with way too many units)
mcat = 34
Please give me some solid advice and point me in the right direction... so I can work my butt off and rise above these low stats. I'm looking to apply to DO schools.
Thanks in advance -- I really appreciate your help -- I've been going crazy for a while trying to figure out what's the best way to approach this.
Cgpa 2.8 Sci gpa 2.6 (Due to sickness, immaturity, and lack of focus and with way too many units)
mcat = 34
Please give me some solid advice and point me in the right direction... so I can work my butt off and rise above these low stats. I'm looking to apply to DO schools.
Thanks in advance -- I really appreciate your help -- I've been going crazy for a while trying to figure out what's the best way to approach this.
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I suggest trying to get into whatever postbac/SMP-like-thing they have at Western or at Touro-CA. That would be fastest.
I also suggest getting out of California. Too much competition.
In your shoes I'd be VERY worried about how to handle the rigors of med school. I wouldn't be in a big hurry to *start* med school until I have firmer ground underneath me. I'd try to take a bunch more hard science classes and prove to *myself* that I can handle a heavy load and get A's. I'd be thinking 2nd bachelors, and if I can pull a 3.7+, then I'd be looking at med school.
Best of luck to you.
This thread is amazing. The people providing everyone with such valuable information are amazing. I have recently graduated and could definitely use some advice with what the next step should be in my life.
My Stats:
Attended Community College (California) (3 Years):
Obtained an AS in General Science (3.1 GPA)
Involved in the American Medical Student Association
Tutored/Graded for Ochem I/II
Transferred to UC Berkeley (2 Years)
BS in Molecular Environmental Biology (2.9 GPA)
Biology Scholars Program
Volunteered at a research museum on campus
Using the AMCAS GPA Calculator:
cGPA: 3.06
BCPM: 2.92
I am torn right now as to what to do. I have read about the SMP's, Postbacc's, etc. I was thinking about a postbacc program at UC Davis (I am a male Mexican-American, first person in my family to attend college). I was wondering if it would make more sense for me to attend an SMP and rock and roll, or enroll in a postbacc and raise my GPA's?
I know this process should not be rushed, but I am going a little stir crazy right now. I am currently taking some courses at a local cc just to keep my up to date with some stuff. My current plan is to enroll in a postbacc and work my ass off as well as attempting to volunteer/intern as various places over the next year. I think raising my uGPA is the best first step I could make. To be honest, I have always been interested in getting into an MS program in Zoology/Evolution. I think the year of postbacc will help me sift through everything. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks to everyone who posts on here!
My Stats:
Attended Community College (California) (3 Years):
Obtained an AS in General Science (3.1 GPA)
Involved in the American Medical Student Association
Tutored/Graded for Ochem I/II
Transferred to UC Berkeley (2 Years)
BS in Molecular Environmental Biology (2.9 GPA)
Biology Scholars Program
Volunteered at a research museum on campus
Using the AMCAS GPA Calculator:
cGPA: 3.06
BCPM: 2.92
I am torn right now as to what to do. I have read about the SMP's, Postbacc's, etc. I was thinking about a postbacc program at UC Davis (I am a male Mexican-American, first person in my family to attend college). I was wondering if it would make more sense for me to attend an SMP and rock and roll, or enroll in a postbacc and raise my GPA's?
I know this process should not be rushed, but I am going a little stir crazy right now. I am currently taking some courses at a local cc just to keep my up to date with some stuff. My current plan is to enroll in a postbacc and work my ass off as well as attempting to volunteer/intern as various places over the next year. I think raising my uGPA is the best first step I could make. To be honest, I have always been interested in getting into an MS program in Zoology/Evolution. I think the year of postbacc will help me sift through everything. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks to everyone who posts on here!
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UC postbac, all the way. You may not get into Davis - apply to all the UCs.
U of California Davis - Postbaccalaureate Program (Consortium) Sacramento, CA
U of California Irvine - Postbaccalaureate Program (Consortium) Irvine, CA
U of California Los Angeles (Drew) - Postbaccalaureate Program (Consortium) Los Angeles, CA
U of California Los Angeles (Geffen) - Reapplication Program (Consortium) Los Angeles, CA
U of California Riverside - Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program (Consortium) Riverside, CA
U of California San Diego - Postbaccalaureate Program (Consortium) San Diego, CA
U of California San Francisco - Post Baccalaureate Program (Consortium) San Francisco, CA
Also apply to all the URM postbacs in the country: some states are not cutting education (and all) funding as California is. Some of these links may be out of date - do some google if so.
Chicago area med schools - Post Baccalaureate Program Chicago, IL
Creighton - Premedical Post-Bac Program Omaha, NE
Drexel DPMS - Drexel Pathway to Medical School (DPMS) Philadelphia, PA
Georgetown GEMS - Georgetown Experimental Medical Studies (GEMS) Program Washington, DC
Hampton - Medical Science Program Hampton, VA
Indiana - Master of Science in Medical Science Program Indianapolis, IN
Ohio State U - MEDPATH - Postbaccalaureate Program Columbus, OH
Oklahoma State U (OSUCOM) - Bridge Program Tulsa, OK
Southern Illinois U - Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program Carbondale, IL
U of Connecticut - Minority Post-Baccalaureate Program B Farmington, CT
Wake Forest - Post Baccalaureate Premedical Program Winston-Salem, NC
Work *really* hard on your apps to these programs. MAKE SURE to get your essay reviewed by somebody you're at least a little bit afraid of - don't let your friends tell you it's fine. You should be able to get into an "URM postbac" - your demographic is what they were designed for.
Yes, you may need to move away from home to proceed. This is scary, but if you have to move, then do it. Get a cheap computer for your mom and teach her how to use Skype.
Don't be afraid to take it slow - extra years may be good for you. You're the first in your family to go this direction: there's no reason to pace yourself against kids who have dads/moms/uncles/aunts/grands who are doctors. Think long term. Think about what will set *YOU* up to succeed, and don't compare yourself to the majority. Work hard for small successes, use each one to raise your confidence. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. When you're surrounded by high-achieving multi-generation-physician kids, work to convince yourself that you belong. Because you do.
Read this: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hmn/W07/feature1.cfm. Email this guy and ask him to put you in touch with a mentor closer to home. Betcha he will.
Best of luck to you.
Hello all,
I am thrilled to have just become a part of this community, after being an observer for a year or so. I have recently made the decision to pursue a career in medicine and am investigating post-bacc programs. I will post my stats below.
Undergrad:
USC - 3.03 GPA / BA in Psychology
Pasadena City College - random coursework - 3.692
Graduate:
Pepperdine - 4.00 GPA / MA in Clinical Psychology (IN PROGRESS)
Relevant work:
6 months of volunteering at a hospital a year or so ago
1 year working with children with autism
1 year as a marriage and family therapy trainee
8-12 months of research experience in psychology/trauma
My undergraduate GPA is not representative of my true potential. I do have some valid "reasons" for my under-performance that were mostly personal. However, all that aside, I want to do things right and do the best I possibly can now that I have chosen this path. I am looking into post-bacc programs and have discovered two possibilities that are local: USC and Scripps.
I am slightly concerned/discouraged about the overall GPA of the entering cohorts.
Does anyone have any advice/input in regards to this--and perhaps some recommended programs other than the two mentioned? (Southern Cal preferred)
I am thrilled to have just become a part of this community, after being an observer for a year or so. I have recently made the decision to pursue a career in medicine and am investigating post-bacc programs. I will post my stats below.
Undergrad:
USC - 3.03 GPA / BA in Psychology
Pasadena City College - random coursework - 3.692
Graduate:
Pepperdine - 4.00 GPA / MA in Clinical Psychology (IN PROGRESS)
Relevant work:
6 months of volunteering at a hospital a year or so ago
1 year working with children with autism
1 year as a marriage and family therapy trainee
8-12 months of research experience in psychology/trauma
My undergraduate GPA is not representative of my true potential. I do have some valid "reasons" for my under-performance that were mostly personal. However, all that aside, I want to do things right and do the best I possibly can now that I have chosen this path. I am looking into post-bacc programs and have discovered two possibilities that are local: USC and Scripps.
I am slightly concerned/discouraged about the overall GPA of the entering cohorts.
Does anyone have any advice/input in regards to this--and perhaps some recommended programs other than the two mentioned? (Southern Cal preferred)
Hi everyone,
I posted my situation on the What are my chances thread and I just found out my GPA fell slightly lower than what I wrote there. I hope this is an okay place to post this (if not, please feel free to move it mods)
I have a cumulative GPA of 3.37 and a BCPM of 3.23. I am currently a senior at UC Irvine. I have also taken the MCAT twice and received a 19 P on my last attempt (3 Verbal, 7 Physical, 9 Biological). I am not a URM and English is not my second language (I honestly have no way to explain my attrocious verbal score). I am going to try to pull of as hard of study regimine as possible to compensate for my poor MCAT. However, I still don't know if that will be enough to make me a reasonable candidate for next year's cycle ( I applied this year-big mistake).
I ideally don't want to have more than one year's gap between undergrad and medical school. I want to have some way of improving my GPA...I don't think I can make substantial improvements just by taking more Undergrad Science Classes, it will take more effort in my opinion. When you complete a program such as a post-bac, SMP, or MPH/MS, do medical schools view your program GPA distinctly from the undergraduate GPA and view it as an additional aspect ? Or do they combine it all up?
Also, just to clarify there are SMP and SMP linkage programs that are essentially the same classes that Medical Students take in their first year? These are distinct from post-bac programs that just help people raise there GPA in that they help schools determine if one is able to handle Medical School level curriculum? Am I correct in this interpretation?
It would be a dream for me to go to UCI School of Medicine as its so close to home...but I would be happy at any medical school (DO or MD) within the states at this stage.
I just don't think there is anyway for me to substantially raise my GPA to greater than a 3.5 (even that would be a stretch).
I would love to stay in California, preferably even the Orange County area as I live here but would be open to exploring going out of state if there is a program that matches my needs. BTW, is the MSAR a good resource for these programs?
I am also entertaining the idea of Ross, and SGU, but I don't think I have a chance with my stats at those schools either.
Sorry about the multitude of questions...I am just really anxious and I don't want to be late in thinking/applying about these things.
Thanks in advance!
I posted my situation on the What are my chances thread and I just found out my GPA fell slightly lower than what I wrote there. I hope this is an okay place to post this (if not, please feel free to move it mods)
I have a cumulative GPA of 3.37 and a BCPM of 3.23. I am currently a senior at UC Irvine. I have also taken the MCAT twice and received a 19 P on my last attempt (3 Verbal, 7 Physical, 9 Biological). I am not a URM and English is not my second language (I honestly have no way to explain my attrocious verbal score). I am going to try to pull of as hard of study regimine as possible to compensate for my poor MCAT. However, I still don't know if that will be enough to make me a reasonable candidate for next year's cycle ( I applied this year-big mistake).
I ideally don't want to have more than one year's gap between undergrad and medical school. I want to have some way of improving my GPA...I don't think I can make substantial improvements just by taking more Undergrad Science Classes, it will take more effort in my opinion. When you complete a program such as a post-bac, SMP, or MPH/MS, do medical schools view your program GPA distinctly from the undergraduate GPA and view it as an additional aspect ? Or do they combine it all up?
Also, just to clarify there are SMP and SMP linkage programs that are essentially the same classes that Medical Students take in their first year? These are distinct from post-bac programs that just help people raise there GPA in that they help schools determine if one is able to handle Medical School level curriculum? Am I correct in this interpretation?
It would be a dream for me to go to UCI School of Medicine as its so close to home...but I would be happy at any medical school (DO or MD) within the states at this stage.
I just don't think there is anyway for me to substantially raise my GPA to greater than a 3.5 (even that would be a stretch).
I would love to stay in California, preferably even the Orange County area as I live here but would be open to exploring going out of state if there is a program that matches my needs. BTW, is the MSAR a good resource for these programs?
I am also entertaining the idea of Ross, and SGU, but I don't think I have a chance with my stats at those schools either.
Sorry about the multitude of questions...I am just really anxious and I don't want to be late in thinking/applying about these things.
Thanks in advance!
Yo
>< Yeah applying this cycle with a 19 MCAT score is really not being realistic but you already know that. Did you have a lower MCAT score the first time and did you have the same trouble in verbal? Honestly, there is no GPA that can "make up" for your MCAT score. If you had a slightly lower than competitive MCAT for the certain medical school that you were aiming for, then yes, your GPA and other parts of your application (if they are strengths) can "balance" things out possibly in an Adcoms mind but not your current score.
It's really not your GPA, it's your MCAT. 3.2-3.3 is not competitive for DO and really not competitive for MD but it's managable for osteopathic schools if you have an upward trend and have other compelling factors in your application. You're looking at needing at least a 6-8 point increase in your MCAT for osteopathic schools. Your current 19 is going to get you pre-screened out of most schools.
You are technically correct for most SMPs (the strict definition that is). The post-bac programs that aid in raising UG GPA are usually defined as AE programs (academic enhancing) and add more upper division science coursework to your transcript in hopes of steadily increasing your sGPA.
Not to dash your hopes, but I would discard the notion of attending any UC medical school with your current stats. Remember to apply early and broadly and be realistic with your situation.
Yup, it's not very realistic.
No there really isn't any SMPs in Southern California outside of Western-COMP's M.S. program. Unless you make one of their 7-9 linkage seats, I'd probably look elsewhere. I'd look at Midlife's list of SMPs and see which ones appeal most to you and do your own research. Once you've finalized a small (3-5) list of possible scenarios, you can ask for input on this board from previous students who had attended.
If you can raise your verbal score up two points you can give Ross MERP a shot. But I really dislike the Caribbean for a plethora of reasons, many of which are practical. Focus on your MCAT.
At the end of the day, you should really (sorry I know I'm beating a dead horse) focus on what the immediate problem is instead of trying to find what you think are "solutions" that bypass the huge glaring deficiency. Take a Kaplan or TPR course and talk with the instructor about your problem and try to improve it.
Good luck
D
deleted354689
I can relate to so many of your guys, your experiences, data, and aspirations.
Here is my story:
Started off at The University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Transfered to George Washington University (GWU) with a 3.6 (UDC Cumulative).
By the time I was done with GWU, I was locked with a 2.7
According to AMCAS, my undergraduate cumulative gpa is 3.1 and BCPM gpa is 2.87. Yea I got loads of Cs on my GWU transcript.
😱😱I have taken the MCAT twice: 15L (5,5,5) & 17M (5,5, Bio came up to 7)😱😱
I know...I know low scores but hey! am working on increasing these stats
So what did I do? I applied to SIU MEDPREP (class matriculating 2011). I got an interview & by the grace of God I ace this interview
, I WILL up my GPA and MCAT scores🙂!!!
I am encouraged more, and even more determined to attain my goal now than I was before. After reading the numerous posts here, wow! I see no reason why I should stop now!🙄
Any words of advice, encouragement, interview hint etc would be most appreciated! 👍
I love SDN!!😍
Here is my story:
Started off at The University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Transfered to George Washington University (GWU) with a 3.6 (UDC Cumulative).
By the time I was done with GWU, I was locked with a 2.7
According to AMCAS, my undergraduate cumulative gpa is 3.1 and BCPM gpa is 2.87. Yea I got loads of Cs on my GWU transcript.
😱😱I have taken the MCAT twice: 15L (5,5,5) & 17M (5,5, Bio came up to 7)😱😱
I know...I know low scores but hey! am working on increasing these stats
So what did I do? I applied to SIU MEDPREP (class matriculating 2011). I got an interview & by the grace of God I ace this interview
, I WILL up my GPA and MCAT scores🙂!!!I am encouraged more, and even more determined to attain my goal now than I was before. After reading the numerous posts here, wow! I see no reason why I should stop now!🙄
Any words of advice, encouragement, interview hint etc would be most appreciated! 👍
I love SDN!!😍
D
deleted354689
I did not have a good study schedule. I was taking >19 credits and majority were upper level bio courses (with lab sessions). I was more concerned about my gpa than I was about scoring high in the MCAT. Also, I wasn't ready but the family pressurized me into taking the exam [the first time]. As for the 2nd time, I took a kaplan course but for one reason or the other, I wasn't keeping up with the class and before I knew it, I stopped attending the class in general. That sucks!
I must say that after receiving those scores, I started having major doubts as to whether med skl was really for me or not. But after ~1 year of working, I gave up on "giving up." Those MCAT scores cannot hold me back/ Not anymore. I am pushing till I get into a medical school😎.
D
deleted354689
Thanks a lot gujudoc! [[Currently looking thru amazon for the books recommended]]
I also believe SIU MEDPREP would be very helpful. That was why I applied. They help students increase both their GPAs and MCAT scores. I believe the first year involves a major focus in honing test takings skills and understanding the materials, while the second year focuses on taking classes with 1st yr med. students [[for enhancing the sGPA]].
I will keep studying anyway ie whether I get into MEDPREP or not. I need to nail this MCAT the very next time I sit for it.
I also believe SIU MEDPREP would be very helpful. That was why I applied. They help students increase both their GPAs and MCAT scores. I believe the first year involves a major focus in honing test takings skills and understanding the materials, while the second year focuses on taking classes with 1st yr med. students [[for enhancing the sGPA]].
I will keep studying anyway ie whether I get into MEDPREP or not. I need to nail this MCAT the very next time I sit for it.
Here is the situation
I am in one of the top Canadian schools doing undergrad in Human Bio
GPA ~ 2.98 (will try to pull up a bit while still in school for another year)
MCAT - not taken yet, but already took prep course.
With MCAT ~30 is it realistic for me to get into US post bac programs such as Georgetown SMP or EVMS
Do they treat Canadians as out of state or International?
I am in one of the top Canadian schools doing undergrad in Human Bio
GPA ~ 2.98 (will try to pull up a bit while still in school for another year)
MCAT - not taken yet, but already took prep course.
With MCAT ~30 is it realistic for me to get into US post bac programs such as Georgetown SMP or EVMS
Do they treat Canadians as out of state or International?
D
deleted248403
Is Canada...
a) a U.S. state b) a separate country c) a protectorate (aka P.R.)?
Of course you will be treated as International - why would you be anything else?
And a 2.98 cGPA at a foreign institution won't get you into very many SMPs, certainly not a top one.
Also, med schools require you to have completed your pre-reqs at an accredited institution. Not sure your Carib undergrad is accredited.
a) a U.S. state b) a separate country c) a protectorate (aka P.R.)?
Of course you will be treated as International - why would you be anything else?
And a 2.98 cGPA at a foreign institution won't get you into very many SMPs, certainly not a top one.
Also, med schools require you to have completed your pre-reqs at an accredited institution. Not sure your Carib undergrad is accredited.
Of course you will be treated as International - why would you be anything else?
"As far as I know most of the Medical School in US treat Canadian applicants as out of state, that's why I thought it might be the same way for SMP"
Also, med schools require you to have completed your pre-reqs at an accredited institution. Not sure your Carib undergrad is accredited.
"I did complete my pre-reqs in Canada and I don't have any other degree from Carib (not even sure if that part of the msg was refered to me)"
Thanks for replay
"As far as I know most of the Medical School in US treat Canadian applicants as out of state, that's why I thought it might be the same way for SMP"
Also, med schools require you to have completed your pre-reqs at an accredited institution. Not sure your Carib undergrad is accredited.
"I did complete my pre-reqs in Canada and I don't have any other degree from Carib (not even sure if that part of the msg was refered to me)"
Thanks for replay
D
deleted248403
Nope - most US med schools treat you as an international student... cos you are... Some med schools are friendlier to Canadians than others
Yes it was intended for you - noone else references a Carib undergrad in the last 10 pages of this thread as far as I am aware. Make sure you are including this GPA in the GPA figures you post. American schools consider all grades in a GPA
D
deleted248403
I meant Canadian instead of Carib, my bad
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I was just curious how you document your volunteering and shadowing, for application time? Do they just take your word for it that you did what you say, or what, haha. I ask because the only documentation I have for shadowing these doctors is my own little dissertations that I wrote about each day. For volunteering, the hospital clocks you in. Thanks guys!
P.S. I am a low-GPAer -- not on the wrong forum -- and do have questions about that too, but that's for later... 👍
P.S. I am a low-GPAer -- not on the wrong forum -- and do have questions about that too, but that's for later... 👍
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Sometimes the app includes contact info for the activity. AMCAS wants you to put the name of your supervisor, which in my case (with some 25 year old activities) was rather taxing.
Sometimes you get asked about the activity during an interview. What did you do, what did you learn, etc.
I've never heard of somebody being asked to prove their ECs.
hi. i posted this in another thread yesterday but have since realized that this thread is probably the more appropriate place to post. apologies.
i'm a non-traditional applicant that has been considering applying to medical school. i've been browsing different threads on this forum and have come to the conclusion that i pretty much don't have any chance of getting into an MD program without doing an SMP/ post-bac first. i would like some advice/ input on whether an SMP or a post-bac would be more beneficial for me.
here are my stats:
undergrad
-top 20 school
-sGPA: 2.98 cGPA: 3.32 (steep positive slope)
-lots of EC (4 years of research, internships every summer, 4 years of volunteer)
graduate school (MPH)
-top 5 school
-3.94 GPA
-1460 GRE score
-lots of EC (fieldwork abroad, volunteer, master's thesis)
HAVE YET TO TAKE THE MCAT. i'm registered to take it in march 2011.
i performed very poorly during my first two years in undergrad- pretty much straight Cs in all my lower-division science classes. i managed to pull my grades up during my last two years and received mostly As and Bs in my upper-division science classes. from my understanding, a post-bac focuses more on core, lower-division science classes and an SMP focuses more on upper-division science classes. since i performed poorly in my lower-division science classes, would it be more appropriate for me to do a post-bac?
also, what are the chances of even getting into an SMP with my low GPA and lack of an MCAT score?
thanks!
i'm a non-traditional applicant that has been considering applying to medical school. i've been browsing different threads on this forum and have come to the conclusion that i pretty much don't have any chance of getting into an MD program without doing an SMP/ post-bac first. i would like some advice/ input on whether an SMP or a post-bac would be more beneficial for me.
here are my stats:
undergrad
-top 20 school
-sGPA: 2.98 cGPA: 3.32 (steep positive slope)
-lots of EC (4 years of research, internships every summer, 4 years of volunteer)
graduate school (MPH)
-top 5 school
-3.94 GPA
-1460 GRE score
-lots of EC (fieldwork abroad, volunteer, master's thesis)
HAVE YET TO TAKE THE MCAT. i'm registered to take it in march 2011.
i performed very poorly during my first two years in undergrad- pretty much straight Cs in all my lower-division science classes. i managed to pull my grades up during my last two years and received mostly As and Bs in my upper-division science classes. from my understanding, a post-bac focuses more on core, lower-division science classes and an SMP focuses more on upper-division science classes. since i performed poorly in my lower-division science classes, would it be more appropriate for me to do a post-bac?
also, what are the chances of even getting into an SMP with my low GPA and lack of an MCAT score?
thanks!
can you comment on UPenn's specialized studies program? i've talked to several people and most people seem to say it's pretty much the same as an SMP with the benefits of a big 'name'. from my understanding, they also take GRE scores. would it be more difficult to get in as compared to georgetown?
D
deleted248403
UPenn SSP is pretty easy to get into esp if you have > 3.0 cGPA but guju is right about the things she said.
Come to the UPenn thread and do some reading, and then feel free to ask any Qs you might have
Come to the UPenn thread and do some reading, and then feel free to ask any Qs you might have
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What's your motivation for doing the masters in engineering? It won't help you get into med school - grad GPA doesn't get averaged with undergrad, and it's not weighted as heavily as undergrad. If you're doing this masters because you love the subject, there's no harm in it, but I don't get why you'd go that way if you're trying for med school.
Each med school decides for itself on MCAT score expiration, but it's generally 3 years. I definitely approve of the plan to study really well and get the test done right the first time.
Best of luck to you.
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Hi everyone. This is my first post on this forum. I love the supportive and friendly community that you seem to have. I'm not sure what counts as "low GPA", but I define it as "people who are worried about getting in due to their GPA", and if that's true, this includes me.
Third year life sciences major.
from a Canadian university.
GPA: 3.62
Science GPA: 3.58
MCAT: terrified, haven't written it yet.
I was wondering if you guys could give me advice on SMPs and post-bacc programs that I can do after I've graduated. Does anyone know anything about the Harvard Health Careers program? Does anyone know of which SMPs/post-baccs have linkages that would help out with admissions to a particular school?
Thanks for any help and advice. I'm keeping my ambition to go to medical school secret from all of my friends and family, and have been for years (because they'd judge me so harshly if I fail) and its nice to talk openly about it, even behind a screename.
Cheers! 🙂
Third year life sciences major.
from a Canadian university.
GPA: 3.62
Science GPA: 3.58
MCAT: terrified, haven't written it yet.
I was wondering if you guys could give me advice on SMPs and post-bacc programs that I can do after I've graduated. Does anyone know anything about the Harvard Health Careers program? Does anyone know of which SMPs/post-baccs have linkages that would help out with admissions to a particular school?
Thanks for any help and advice. I'm keeping my ambition to go to medical school secret from all of my friends and family, and have been for years (because they'd judge me so harshly if I fail) and its nice to talk openly about it, even behind a screename.
Cheers! 🙂
D
deleted248403
I wouldn't bother apply to medical school till after you've done an SMP - you won't get in. Like at all.
You need to the SMP first because your cGPA is low, your sGPA is uber low, and as Midlife says - noone is going to care about your engineering masters. All it does is show you arent taking science coursework and the stuff you did take, you did poorly in.
SMP first, then apply
D
deleted248403
1) there is a whole multipage havard threads here - so yes, i assume someone there knows something about the program
2) Without knowing which particular school you are interested in, we cannot say which post-bacs link to it or which SMPs have guaranteed seat status. So, which school are you interested?
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Your GPAs are too high to be worrying about. Max out the rest of your app and apply already.
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Thanks to gujuDoc, DrMidlife, and robflanker for your advice!
I don't have an MCAT score yet. I was going to wait until postbacc (because some postbacc programs don't admit you if you've previously written the MCAT...weird) to write it, but your comments have made me think otherwise. I've been studying though, so maybe I'll just go for it and see how it goes.
A few questions though, since you all really seem to know your stuff, and I know merely the Canadian admissions system...
(1) Do admissions committees care how many times you write the MCAT, or if your first score was bad? Should I write one now, or wait?
(2) In your opinion, do you think I am better off taking more "advanced" coursework, and possibly obtaining lower grades but showing that I can do more rigorous work, or should I just go for GPA-boost bird courses?
(3) Does anyone know of a good resource to look up SMPs? I've googled it up and come up with only a few interesting pages. As much as I hope to get in on the first try, I don't see it happening, so I'd like to have my SMP apps in also.
Any advice appreciated!
I don't have an MCAT score yet. I was going to wait until postbacc (because some postbacc programs don't admit you if you've previously written the MCAT...weird) to write it, but your comments have made me think otherwise. I've been studying though, so maybe I'll just go for it and see how it goes.
A few questions though, since you all really seem to know your stuff, and I know merely the Canadian admissions system...
(1) Do admissions committees care how many times you write the MCAT, or if your first score was bad? Should I write one now, or wait?
(2) In your opinion, do you think I am better off taking more "advanced" coursework, and possibly obtaining lower grades but showing that I can do more rigorous work, or should I just go for GPA-boost bird courses?
(3) Does anyone know of a good resource to look up SMPs? I've googled it up and come up with only a few interesting pages. As much as I hope to get in on the first try, I don't see it happening, so I'd like to have my SMP apps in also.
Any advice appreciated!
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Settle down. Stop thinking about SMPs. Your GPA is too high for an SMP. An SMP will do nothing for you. The only reason to do an SMP is that you have a low GPA - as in, below 3.3. You are annoying the actual low GPA students in this forum by talking about yourself as a low GPA SMP candidate. Knock it off.
Have you completed the prereqs already?
- if you're done with the prereqs, stop thinking about postbacs. You don't need a postbac, you need to do MCAT prep.
- if you're partially done with the prereqs, stop talking about the MCAT. You're not ready to take it yet, because you're not done with the prereqs.
- if you've done none of the prereqs, then start looking at the competitive postbacs like Bryn Mawr and Goucher, which include MCAT prep. Do you know why you can start looking at the competitive postbacs? Let's review: you have a competitive GPA.
Formal structured postbacs like Bryn Mawr/Goucher want you to have not taken the MCAT because formal postbacs are for people who haven't taken the prereqs yet. The Harvard program that offers sponsorship is for people who haven't taken the prereqs yet.
Yes, it's a mistake to take the MCAT until you've rigorously prepared. Initial low scores will be automatically included on the AMCAS report and will do nothing positive for you.
What in the world, other than classic premed neurosis, is making you think you aren't a competitive med school applicant? Never been in a hospital? Never met a doctor? Recently released from prison?
Sheesh.
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Sorry to anyone I've annoyed.
My GPA is considered low for Canadian schools in my province (we need around a 3.9 to be competitive), so I thought it best to post here, because my GPA is low by those standards and therefore I was looking for all of the remedial, application-building programs I could get. My graduate school counsellor told me I should consider being a high school biology teacher because I didn't have the grades for medicine.
Thanks to everyone - particularly DrMidlife - for your advice. Maybe it's just time for the MCAT death-trudge, and not time to panic. If we work hard enough, for long enough, we can get in.
Best of luck, and thanks for the inspiration! Your tenacity and success stories gave me hope about what is possible.
I'll stop posting here now though. I didn't mean to offend or irritate anyone. Goodluck!
My GPA is considered low for Canadian schools in my province (we need around a 3.9 to be competitive), so I thought it best to post here, because my GPA is low by those standards and therefore I was looking for all of the remedial, application-building programs I could get. My graduate school counsellor told me I should consider being a high school biology teacher because I didn't have the grades for medicine.
Thanks to everyone - particularly DrMidlife - for your advice. Maybe it's just time for the MCAT death-trudge, and not time to panic. If we work hard enough, for long enough, we can get in.
Best of luck, and thanks for the inspiration! Your tenacity and success stories gave me hope about what is possible.
I'll stop posting here now though. I didn't mean to offend or irritate anyone. Goodluck!
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Holy crap. U of Toronto wants a minimum 3.6 out of 4.0 GPA. (http://www.md.utoronto.ca/admissions/information/requirements/Undergraduate_Applicants.htm).
US average is 3.6 for those who get accepted.
But only a 27 minimum MCAT? That just says y'all got some mighty grade inflation up there.
If you get an above average MCAT (32+ for the US) your numbers will look great here.
US average is 3.6 for those who get accepted.
But only a 27 minimum MCAT? That just says y'all got some mighty grade inflation up there.
If you get an above average MCAT (32+ for the US) your numbers will look great here.
D
deleted248403
Skip the masters in engineering and get a job that will help your med school app
Hi..I really need some advice on what to do.
I have an undergrad degree in (Anatomy and cell bio), so i've completed all the pre-reqs , but the scores were not high. I have a 2.44 cGPA and probably a 2.60 sGPA.
well it seems like i either have the option of doing a post-bacc in pre-med, URMs, or SMP. However all of which..the cut offs seem to be >2.44, or am I just not looking hard enough..?
HELP!
I have an undergrad degree in (Anatomy and cell bio), so i've completed all the pre-reqs , but the scores were not high. I have a 2.44 cGPA and probably a 2.60 sGPA.
well it seems like i either have the option of doing a post-bacc in pre-med, URMs, or SMP. However all of which..the cut offs seem to be >2.44, or am I just not looking hard enough..?
HELP!
D
deleted248403
A 2.6 sGPA in anatomy and cell bio - are you sure medical school is right for you? Thats what medical school is but then like 100 times harder. You got poor grades in what will be way easier classes then med school.
I would really have a long hard look if this is the right direction for you
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I haven't been in this forum in a while but figured I'd return to give some pieces of advise as well as follow up on my own story. If you search in here somewhere, I had almost this same post last year.
Graduated from a UC
sGPA 2.76
cGPA 2.77
DO schools were a little higher due to math being excluded and a retake
sGPA 2.80
cGPA 2.77
MCAT: 33
What I did: I went back and retook a few classes that I did poorly in. I also found work in the medical field. I worked 2 jobs (both part time) until I found a full time job. Now I am working 36hrs/wk full time at one hospital and 20hrs/wk at the other. I took 1 class per quarter at UC extension and got a 4.0. I also got a new LOR from each of my clinical jobs from my direct supervisor.
I applied again this year to MD and DO, knowing MD was a longshot but feeling confident as a re-applicant (2 interviews last year) about DO schools.
Stats when I applied: 2.97sGPA and 2.82cGPA for DO schools. 2.80 even for both sGPA and cGPA. Later in the cycle I updated schools with my summer grades. 3.01sGPA/2.87cGPA and 2.83sGPA/2.82cGPA.
As of right now I have received 6 interview invites to DO schools. I have 1 acceptance, 1 waitlist and one pending. I withdrew from 3 schools after my acceptance.
Honestly, I'm not going to blow smoke up anyone's ass and say its easy to do. Upon matriculation I'm going to have over 5,000 hours of clinical work over two years. I will have re-taken a total of 4 courses over a year and I have what I believe are strong LORs. I'm just here to say it is in fact possible (with or without an SMP) to gain acceptances despite prior poor academic performance.
What I would advise to anyone is get involved in relevant work or community service. Retake coursework or enroll in an SMP (especially if your MCAT is strong like the poster here). Also, make sure your application is presented in a way that includes all of your activities that make you well rounded. Don't leave out those IM/Club sports, don't leave out the fact that you have played an instrument in concert for 10 years, whatever. These things show that you are well rounded. Show improvement, show that you have the desire and the ambition, show that you are multi-faceted and work hard.
It's even possible to remain nearby or return if you are in California. I'm accepted to AZCOM and will likely be guaranteed 3rd year rotations in Los Angeles. My pending decision is to Western.
Work hard. It may take time, but you will get there if you are determined.
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Okay guys, I'm finally going to tell my story. Maybe someone will care? Who knows.
3 years ago
GPA: 2.84
BCPM: 2.68
Gotten D's & F's some in upper-division biology classes. I had already quit school and was working dead-end jobs. I decided that I needed to go back to school and get my **** together.
The last 3 years, my GPA has been 3.99. Now my GPAs are:
MD GPA: 3.37
MD BCPM: 3.23
DO GPA: 3.43
DO BCPM: 3.30
Crunching the numbers, every 4 semester credit hour class raises my GPA 0.009
Took the MCAT - 37.
Now, I'm volunteering 10 hours per week, teaching, and am looking to get a full-time research job + shadowing. Probably going to apply to Toledo's SMP next April.
I'm nervous.
Holy crap, they're letting me into med school.
D
deleted248403
Congrats Isoprop - lots of hardwork over many years.
Where did you get in?
This should be an example to others.
Where did you get in?
This should be an example to others.
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LECOM. They never bothered to ask about my GPA or the string of C's, D's, or F's on my transcript. Yet, I somehow tricked them into thinking that I'm not a complete total idiot.
I think it's because I wore a yellow tie. Everyone digs my yellow tie.
I think it's because I wore a yellow tie. Everyone digs my yellow tie.
i just graduated in june. albeit a bio major, a lot of my science grades were terrible whereas all my other grades were A's and B's. And most of my transcript is comprised of science classes, which brought down my GPA significantly to a 2.7
what would be a better option? to enter a post bacc program where i would re-do all of those classes, or to apply to a local CC and take advanced Bio courses? i understand the latter option can seem a bit ambitious considering it appears i don't understand the basic material, but i do! hah i was just extremely lazy... but that's neither nor there..
what do you guys think
what would be a better option? to enter a post bacc program where i would re-do all of those classes, or to apply to a local CC and take advanced Bio courses? i understand the latter option can seem a bit ambitious considering it appears i don't understand the basic material, but i do! hah i was just extremely lazy... but that's neither nor there..
what do you guys think
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LECOM. They never bothered to ask about my GPA or the string of C's, D's, or F's on my transcript. Yet, I somehow tricked them into thinking that I'm not a complete total idiot.
I think it's because I wore a yellow tie. Everyone digs my yellow tie.
👍
D
deleted248403
Do you think a career in medicine is really for you then? If you cant do science classes, but seem to do elsewhere. I would think thats a sign...
CC is a poor option. Its not really advanced science, and its a pretty poor standard compared to a good 4-year. So whilst you'll be taking biochem (maybe), its not going to be looked at the same way as a 4-yr.
I think you should re-do the classes you did poorly in, esp the pre-reqs. Then look at an SMP.
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I graduated in august with a 2.52 with a BS in bio. I am currently taking a physics 2 class since i got a D+ in it up at UF. I was hoping to get into a smp at barry university but i got denied.
Im going to try to dispute it but I need to think about what Im going to do if I dont get in.(most likely)
So next semester Im think about taking microbio and genetics over. And over the summer I was thinking of taking 1-2 more classes as well. Then I am hoping that I get accepted somewhere with my GPA.
I didnt realize I was this deep in the hole.
Im going to try to dispute it but I need to think about what Im going to do if I dont get in.(most likely)
So next semester Im think about taking microbio and genetics over. And over the summer I was thinking of taking 1-2 more classes as well. Then I am hoping that I get accepted somewhere with my GPA.
I didnt realize I was this deep in the hole.
D
deleted248403
Yes you are invisiblegator. Look at Isoprop's story - and look at how long it took, and he started off at a higher GPA than you.
a 2.52 is a very deep hole
Why would you dispute your rejection? Most SMPs have a cutoff of 3.0 or close to it - you are loooooooooooooong way from that. Its like arguing that you should have gotten into Havard for Ugrad with a 2.6 GPA
a 2.52 is a very deep hole
Why would you dispute your rejection? Most SMPs have a cutoff of 3.0 or close to it - you are loooooooooooooong way from that. Its like arguing that you should have gotten into Havard for Ugrad with a 2.6 GPA
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I got an 18 on my DAT. That was actually my gpa at UF. I had gotten my AA from MDC and graduated there with a 3.7
Hello all, I will get right to it.
I posted awhile back to see of should I pursue MD/Phd with such a low gpa but since then I have learned how extremely hard those few spots are and how I can pursue research post-residency--fellowship---etc.
Since then, I have come across an excel spreadsheet that I really wish I had back in school. Either way, I plugged the numbers in and its devastatingly lower than I had estimated or stated before on this website.
The cold hard numbers are cumulative gpa of 2.94 with 172.5 hours taken and a BCPM of 2.58 with 102.5 BCPM hours taken. This really is depressing me as to the sleuth of Biology classes I took at undergraduate---87.5 to be exact...and 20 or more post-bacc and yet I manage to get B, C, and two D's. No F's, but tooooooooo many C's.
So I know this is what I want--as a career---and DO may be my best option---though I would like to apply to the two state MD schools in my hometown...I am very perplexed as what to do that could best benefit me
I have been reflecting and I have been honest that my study habits and time management skills have largely played a role in my mis-management of my own education.
I also do not believe I have to have a passion for science, but I MUST learn to understand it; my passion is to help people.
With that said, I was wondering which of these scenarios may be BEST for me
1.) Straight DO----re-take ALL pre-reqs...lower division and upper division and re-take MCAT--it has expired--apply STRAIGHT DO....
2.) Re-take ALL BCPM classes with C or below, pre-reqs, and ALL BCPM classes that university offer---take 189/196 hours more of undergraduate to raise my 2.58 BCPM---to 3.5 and cum 2.94---to 3.5? Apply broadly to MD/DO schools
3.) Re-take basic bio courses and pre-reqs, MCAT, and 30 hrs or so upper division, do SMP, apply DO...few low-tier MD?
4.) Pick another career <-----not what I will do, not until I try again, but I am sure someone will mention this...and they have a right to as I have a right to DO otherwise!
5.) A scenario that I have not mentioned---any advice
I really would appreciate any and all advice as that 2.58 BCPM is bringing me to tears over here...but its a HOLE that I dug for myself...I really would just like to start a concrete plan so the "third" time I apply, I would actually have something to bring to the table.
Thank you all in advance
I posted awhile back to see of should I pursue MD/Phd with such a low gpa but since then I have learned how extremely hard those few spots are and how I can pursue research post-residency--fellowship---etc.
Since then, I have come across an excel spreadsheet that I really wish I had back in school. Either way, I plugged the numbers in and its devastatingly lower than I had estimated or stated before on this website.
The cold hard numbers are cumulative gpa of 2.94 with 172.5 hours taken and a BCPM of 2.58 with 102.5 BCPM hours taken. This really is depressing me as to the sleuth of Biology classes I took at undergraduate---87.5 to be exact...and 20 or more post-bacc and yet I manage to get B, C, and two D's. No F's, but tooooooooo many C's.
So I know this is what I want--as a career---and DO may be my best option---though I would like to apply to the two state MD schools in my hometown...I am very perplexed as what to do that could best benefit me
I have been reflecting and I have been honest that my study habits and time management skills have largely played a role in my mis-management of my own education.
I also do not believe I have to have a passion for science, but I MUST learn to understand it; my passion is to help people.
With that said, I was wondering which of these scenarios may be BEST for me
1.) Straight DO----re-take ALL pre-reqs...lower division and upper division and re-take MCAT--it has expired--apply STRAIGHT DO....
2.) Re-take ALL BCPM classes with C or below, pre-reqs, and ALL BCPM classes that university offer---take 189/196 hours more of undergraduate to raise my 2.58 BCPM---to 3.5 and cum 2.94---to 3.5? Apply broadly to MD/DO schools
3.) Re-take basic bio courses and pre-reqs, MCAT, and 30 hrs or so upper division, do SMP, apply DO...few low-tier MD?
4.) Pick another career <-----not what I will do, not until I try again, but I am sure someone will mention this...and they have a right to as I have a right to DO otherwise!
5.) A scenario that I have not mentioned---any advice
I really would appreciate any and all advice as that 2.58 BCPM is bringing me to tears over here...but its a HOLE that I dug for myself...I really would just like to start a concrete plan so the "third" time I apply, I would actually have something to bring to the table.
Thank you all in advance
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EWO,
I'll give you my take for whatever it is worth. I actually think what I am about to say is NOT discouraging as it may seem.
You say you don't have a passion for the sciences. It takes courage and vision to be so honest and clear about that. You're not just saying what "sounds right." Sometimes you can't force yourself to like something you don't. You shouldn't even have to since in this world we have other options. A tiger belongs on land, a monkey belongs on the trees, and a dolphin belongs in the ocean. All three are content with what they have. A tiger does not need to go on the trees for he is content with what serves him best. Pardon me for the ridiculous analogy. As an example, you could become a school teacher and mould young students to be all that they can be (this is how I view my own past teachers). Think of what you naturally really really enjoy doing. Answer yourself with concrete answers. Don't make Michael Jordan's mistake. He had a great talent...for basketball...not baseball. Yet in 1994 he tried to play baseball out of reverence to his late father IIRC. Didn't work out. Look on this as a good thing, you are not forced to do something you don't enjoy. I find that somewhat liberating. Someone comes up to me and brags about their major is better than mine (let's say they are math major)...I dimiss them because I only care about what interests me! I hate math!
If you still want to pursue medicine, I suggest DO. Normally I hate to eliminate options, I believe in pursuing long shot dreams. But in this case, it isn't that you are not capable, it is just too too much work that seems impractical IMO. For DO, just take 60 credits of sciences. If you want, re-take some of the classes you failed since DO will completely replace prior grades. This way, your GPA will be above the 3.0 cut off. Your science will increase substantially too (especially with some complete replacements). Your science is surprisingly a lot easier to raise than the cGPA. If you take 60 credits (assuming no repeats), your sGPA should be above a 3.0. With repeats it should be higher. However, I say wait a bit before getting back in the ring. Anytime you ask yourself questions, give concrete answers. Do not just answer something that comes from the heart or sounds good. Whe you answer yourself give specific answers that have some track record. Ask yourself what you did wrong and why you can believe yourself not to repeat that mistake. Most importantly, ask yourself, is that what you really want to do? Nevermind what others say or what sounds right or whatever - do you WANT it? If not, there are other options too.
In summary, take 60 credits of science, work your butt off for the MCAT, and then apply. If I were in your shoes, I'd take my chances, risk a rejection, and skip out on the SMP. There's no guarantee to short cuts but if they work...man are they sweet. Good luck!
I'll give you my take for whatever it is worth. I actually think what I am about to say is NOT discouraging as it may seem.
You say you don't have a passion for the sciences. It takes courage and vision to be so honest and clear about that. You're not just saying what "sounds right." Sometimes you can't force yourself to like something you don't. You shouldn't even have to since in this world we have other options. A tiger belongs on land, a monkey belongs on the trees, and a dolphin belongs in the ocean. All three are content with what they have. A tiger does not need to go on the trees for he is content with what serves him best. Pardon me for the ridiculous analogy. As an example, you could become a school teacher and mould young students to be all that they can be (this is how I view my own past teachers). Think of what you naturally really really enjoy doing. Answer yourself with concrete answers. Don't make Michael Jordan's mistake. He had a great talent...for basketball...not baseball. Yet in 1994 he tried to play baseball out of reverence to his late father IIRC. Didn't work out. Look on this as a good thing, you are not forced to do something you don't enjoy. I find that somewhat liberating. Someone comes up to me and brags about their major is better than mine (let's say they are math major)...I dimiss them because I only care about what interests me! I hate math!
If you still want to pursue medicine, I suggest DO. Normally I hate to eliminate options, I believe in pursuing long shot dreams. But in this case, it isn't that you are not capable, it is just too too much work that seems impractical IMO. For DO, just take 60 credits of sciences. If you want, re-take some of the classes you failed since DO will completely replace prior grades. This way, your GPA will be above the 3.0 cut off. Your science will increase substantially too (especially with some complete replacements). Your science is surprisingly a lot easier to raise than the cGPA. If you take 60 credits (assuming no repeats), your sGPA should be above a 3.0. With repeats it should be higher. However, I say wait a bit before getting back in the ring. Anytime you ask yourself questions, give concrete answers. Do not just answer something that comes from the heart or sounds good. Whe you answer yourself give specific answers that have some track record. Ask yourself what you did wrong and why you can believe yourself not to repeat that mistake. Most importantly, ask yourself, is that what you really want to do? Nevermind what others say or what sounds right or whatever - do you WANT it? If not, there are other options too.
In summary, take 60 credits of science, work your butt off for the MCAT, and then apply. If I were in your shoes, I'd take my chances, risk a rejection, and skip out on the SMP. There's no guarantee to short cuts but if they work...man are they sweet. Good luck!
Hey common man, thanks for the prompt reply and no you didn't come off as discouraging at all....rather quite encouraging and I thank you for that! I used an online calculator and you are right, it will take much too much time to get the magic 3.5/3.6....so the best for me is to do the 60hrs of ugrad w/re-takes...I calculated that at 4.0/60hrs my cumulative will rise to a 3.2 and science to 3.1. these are bare minimums even for D.O. med---I think there averages are starting to be around 3.4+ so I plan to rock the MCAT, yes, I will shoot for the stars 36-39 because even if I miss and land among the moon---30-34, it still will be very far from my previous score! Additionally, since the gpa is the bare cutoff, I will apply for SMP. All this is costly I know, but I dug myself here so just have to fix it. This will also give me time to continue EC's, shadowing, part-time working and building my application and contacts/networks. Even with that said, I know I'd be severely limited at med schools...and specifically MD so I do not plan on applying to many...maybe 5-10, not sure, and rest will be D.O.
It is quite ironic commonman how you pretty much gave me the same advice as the UCF adcom that I emailed! He advised that it would take no less than 2-3yrs; a B.S. w/60hrs followed by a SMP! Great minds think alike! I like your sound advice and thank you once again! Much appreciated!
It is quite ironic commonman how you pretty much gave me the same advice as the UCF adcom that I emailed! He advised that it would take no less than 2-3yrs; a B.S. w/60hrs followed by a SMP! Great minds think alike! I like your sound advice and thank you once again! Much appreciated!