Is It too late?

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lotusblade

lotusblade

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I stumbled across this site a few days ago and have been browsing the forums, namely the "What are my chances?" and the first thing that I've noticed was that all the other prospective med students are leaps and bounds better than me in terms of GPA and EC. I think the only thing I can probably put down for EC would be working at a vet hospital, which seems like a stretch. I just wanted to know if it's too late pursue this career.

I graduated in 2008 from UTSA with a degree in Anthropology with an emphasis on biology. I started off as a bio major but in the end, I decided to pursuing Anthropology. Through out a good portion of my college career I was lazy, unmotivated and under the impression that as long as I had a degree I'd be fine. Only during my last few years of College did I really mature and realize how much of an idiot I was. By the time I realized, my grades were slipping away, my gpa had plummeted to an abysmal 1.85 cumulative. I did my best to salvage what I could but by the time I graduated I had only been able to raise it to a 2.27. I decided I wanted to take a shot at grad school and get a masters in Anthropology so I took a few more courses after I graduated and did well on those, and was able to slightly raise my gpa to a 2.38. But after talking to one of my professors regarding the application process, she told me why I wanted to be an anthropologist and I couldn't answer her. So after a year of thinking of what I wanted to do with my life, I had decided to follow my fathers footsteps and be a doctor. As an anthropology major I didn't take any courses in organic chemistry or physics, which I know I'm going to need to know for the MCATs. I plan on going back to school and retaking Bio (C) and Chem (D) which I did poorly in. I also plan on taking physics and organic chem, and possibly all the other biology courses I made a C or below in. I know that it's not going to be easy, but I know that this time around I'll buckle down and try my hardest.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Oh, I also recently bought the Kaplan MCAT Premier book to get familiar with the test. Also my father is telling me to go about this the way he did. He went out of the country to Colombia and studied there for several years and ended up transferring to the University of Florida and finished up his med school there. Will I be able to do the same?
 
lotusblade said:
I stumbled across this site a few days ago and have been browsing the forums, namely the "What are my chances?" and the first thing that I've noticed was that all the other prospective med students are leaps and bounds better than me in terms of GPA and EC. I think the only thing I can probably put down for EC would be working at a vet hospital, which seems like a stretch. I just wanted to know if it's too late pursue this career.

I graduated in 2008 from UTSA with a degree in Anthropology with an emphasis on biology. I started off as a bio major but in the end, I decided to pursuing Anthropology. Through out a good portion of my college career I was lazy, unmotivated and under the impression that as long as I had a degree I'd be fine. Only during my last few years of College did I really mature and realize how much of an idiot I was. By the time I realized, my grades were slipping away, my gpa had plummeted to an abysmal 1.85 cumulative. I did my best to salvage what I could but by the time I graduated I had only been able to raise it to a 2.27. I decided I wanted to take a shot at grad school and get a masters in Anthropology so I took a few more courses after I graduated and did well on those, and was able to slightly raise my gpa to a 2.38. But after talking to one of my professors regarding the application process, she told me why I wanted to be an anthropologist and I couldn't answer her. So after a year of thinking of what I wanted to do with my life, I had decided to follow my fathers footsteps and be a doctor. As an anthropology major I didn't take any courses in organic chemistry or physics, which I know I'm going to need to know for the MCATs. I plan on going back to school and retaking Bio (C) and Chem (D) which I did poorly in. I also plan on taking physics and organic chem, and possibly all the other biology courses I made a C or below in. I know that it's not going to be easy, but I know that this time around I'll buckle down and try my hardest.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Oh, I also recently bought the Kaplan MCAT Premier book to get familiar with the test. Also my father is telling me to go about this the way he did. He went out of the country to Colombia and studied there for several years and ended up transferring to the University of Florida and finished up his med school there. Will I be able to do the same?
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retake any bad grades and get the GPA up to at least 3.5 (not including the lower retaken grades) then apply DO so that the old grades don't appear on your application. My guess is you're out of luck as far as MD goes since all grades count regardless of if the class is repeated, so the GPA is probably beyond saving...
 
lotusblade said:
Also my father is telling me to go about this the way he did. He went out of the country to Colombia and studied there for several years and ended up transferring to the University of Florida and finished up his med school there. Will I be able to do the same?
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I think your father may have participated in the Fifth Pathway Program, which I believe has been discontinued.

You would still have the option of completing your entire medical education at an international institution and then trying to match for a residency spot at a US program (which has less than a 50% success rate). It would be better to try to redeem your GPA through the grade forgiveness program of DO schools and get an acceptance at a US osteopathic med school, where you'd have a ~97% chance of matching into a US residency program.
 
Catalystik said:
I think your father may have participated in the Fifth Pathway Program, which I believe has been discontinued.

You would still have the option of completing your entire medical education at an international institution and then trying to match for a residency spot at a US program (which has less than a 50% success rate). It would be better to try to redeem your GPA through the grade forgiveness program of DO schools and get an acceptance at a US osteopathic med school, where you'd have a ~97% chance of matching into a US residency program.
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If I were to apply and get accepted into a DO school, would I be able to transfer into a MD school if I ace my first 2 years?
 
Hi guys, It's been a long time since I posted here and I would like to think I made some improvements, I'm hoping you guys can give me any more pointers to try to get into Med School, MD or DO.

As posted earlier, my GPA when I graduated was 2.27. After retaking some courses and completing my pre-requisites my GPA is a 2.88. I still have 4 courses I'm taking at the moment so my GPA can still go higher, albeit not that much. My science GPA is approximately a 3.6. I am planning on taking the MCAT later this year, and I'm leaving myself some time to retake it if my score isn't what I want it to be at. I have also started shadowing a primary care doctor and I have over 20 hours shadowing him. I also joined the Pre Medical Society at my school as well as the Fencing Club at my school.

Additionally I'm a Texas Resident and my ethnicity is half Chinese and half Colombian. I am also fluent in Spanish. I was wondering how I stand right now and what else I can do to become a stronger candidate.

Sorry for the long post and thank you in advance
 
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volunteer, working a job, clinical experience other then shadowing and some darn good letters.
 
lotusblade said:
If I were to apply and get accepted into a DO school, would I be able to transfer into a MD school if I ace my first 2 years?
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Oh, well, good job. I doubt you're getting an MD from the US (just because they won't overwrite your old grades), but a DO nets you essentially the same outcome. Your 2.XX cGPA is still too low, retake the necessary courses to get that to over a 3.3. Clinical work, research and volunteering are a must for DO applicants. Also read up on the osteopathic philosophy. You may not believe in it, but it's your shot at physician-ship.
 
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lotusblade said:
Hi guys, It's been a long time since I posted here and I would like to think I made some improvements, I'm hoping you guys can give me any more pointers to try to get into Med School, MD or DO.

As posted earlier, my GPA when I graduated was 2.27. After retaking some courses and completing my pre-requisites my GPA is a 2.88. I still have 4 courses I'm taking at the moment so my GPA can still go higher, albeit not that much. My science GPA is approximately a 3.6. I am planning on taking the MCAT later this year, and I'm leaving myself some time to retake it if my score isn't what I want it to be at. I have also started shadowing a primary care doctor and I have over 20 hours shadowing him. I also joined the Pre Medical Society at my school as well as the Fencing Club at my school.

Additionally I'm a Texas Resident and my ethnicity is half Chinese and half Colombian. I am also fluent in Spanish. I was wondering how I stand right now and what else I can do to become a stronger candidate.

Sorry for the long post and thank you in advance
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A job or volunteer experience that requires interaction with sick people would be essential. Some nonmedical community service also makes your application stronger.

Your sGPA is looking good. How many more retakes would it take to get your cGPA > 3.0? There are DO med schools that would consider you with less, but you'd need a particularly strong MCAT score to balance it. What has your GPA been for all your postbac classes?

If working, what is your job?
 
museic said:
volunteer, working a job, clinical experience other then shadowing and some darn good letters.
Click to expand...

What would be some good alternatives to shadowing?
Should I focus on volunteering at hospitals or should I focus on more community oriented volunteering?


HotandCold said:
Oh, well, good job. I doubt you're getting an MD from the US (just because they won't overwrite your old grades), but a DO nets you essentially the same outcome. Your 2.XX cGPA is still too low, retake the necessary courses to get that to over a 3.3. Clinical work, research and volunteering are a must for DO applicants. Also read up on the osteopathic philosophy. You may not believe in it, but it's your shot at physician-ship.
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Apparently my school only allows 5 retakes and I have used those all up bringing up D's to A's. I need to talk to them again regarding this but this is what I was told last time.

I've considered DO schools and I do agree with their philosophy. As long as I can get a good education to help people, I don't think it matters if I go to a DO or MD school.

Catalystik said:
A job or volunteer experience that requires interaction with sick people would be essential. Some nonmedical community service also makes your application stronger.

Your sGPA is looking good. How many more retakes would it take to get your cGPA > 3.0? There are DO med schools that would consider you with less, but you'd need a particularly strong MCAT score to balance it. What has your GPA been for all your postbac classes?

If working, what is your job?
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I did the math and my GPA post bac is approximately 3.5-3.6. After this semester I should be around a 2.9 cGPA and 3.6-3.7 sGPA. As I stated earlier, my university only allows a certain amount of retakes and I already used them to replace D's. I would think another semester or two I would be able to bring up my cGPA to above a 3.0, but it may just be around a 3.0.

I'm not working, I wanted to focus just on school with no distractions because I didn't want to screw up my second chance at this.

Additionally, I was wondering what my chances are to get into a medical school in Texas as a TX resident and who identifies as Hispanic and bilingual?
 
lotusblade said:
I did the math and my GPA post bac is approximately 3.5-3.6. After this semester I should be around a 2.9 cGPA and 3.6-3.7 sGPA.

1) As I stated earlier, my university only allows a certain amount of retakes and I already used them to replace D's. I would think another semester or two I would be able to bring up my cGPA to above a 3.0, but it may just be around a 3.0.

2) Additionally, I was wondering what my chances are to get into a medical school in Texas as a TX resident and who identifies as Hispanic and bilingual?
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1) You could consider more retakes elsewhere. The application service in Texas will include all grades earned regardless of your current school's policy, and will recalculate your application GPA accordingly.

2) TMDSAS (including its DO school) does not have a grade forgiveness policy, so a retake is included just as if it were a new class, along with the original grade. You can see from this Texas acceptance vs applicant data what your chances might be with your current cGPA: http://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/Final%20Statistics%20Report-EY10%20-%20Medical.pdf You can improve these low odds by completing the TCOM SMP-like Program if you qualified for entry: If you were to do extraordinarily well (GPA 3.7+) and have a decent MCAT, an MD acceptance could happen. Why not do some research into this option? Here is a link: http://www.hsc.unt.edu/Education/gsbs/medicalsciences.cfm
 
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Hi guys, I'd like to revive this thread and get some more input from the new people who are chancing us hopeful med students. As an update, I have taken the summer to study for my MCAT coming up in a few days. I have been averaging 25's on my practice test with 27 being my highest score. Reading the other posts, it looks like people who are doing better than me are having low chances at MD schools, so my chances are lower. I was wondering how my chances would be to get into a DO school?
 
I finally got my results back and got a 27L. Hopefully I can get a comprehensive answer on my chances into medical school.
 
lotusblade said:
I finally got my results back and got a 27L. Hopefully I can get a comprehensive answer on my chances into medical school.
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That's great that you scored at the top of your practice range. And it's above the matriculant average (of 26.51) for those matriculating into AACOMAS DO schools.

What is your current TMDSAS cGPA and sGPA and what would they be for AACOMAS? How much more coursework do you have planned before you apply?

How are your ECs coming?
 
I believe my TMDSAS cGPA is 2.9 while my sGPA is 3.51. I am unsure on what my AACOMAS GPA would be, but I would assume it would be similar since the classes I retook were already replaced.

I have finished the coursework needed for med school, but I still have the option to take courses like Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and the corresponding labs.

My EC's could be better, I have about 50 hours shadowing various physicians, Family Practice, Oncologist and an ER physician. I have another 10 hours mentoring and tutoring at risk middle school students. I am currently looking for a job in the mean time while I wait for admissions to start. I would also like to start volunteering at a hospital as soon as I find employment and know what kind of schedule I would have.
 
lotusblade said:
I believe my TMDSAS cGPA is 2.9 while my sGPA is 3.51. I am unsure on what my AACOMAS GPA would be, but I would assume it would be similar since the classes I retook were already replaced.

I have finished the coursework needed for med school, but I still have the option to take courses like Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and the corresponding labs.

My EC's could be better, I have about 50 hours shadowing various physicians, Family Practice, Oncologist and an ER physician. I have another 10 hours mentoring and tutoring at risk middle school students. I am currently looking for a job in the mean time while I wait for admissions to start. I would also like to start volunteering at a hospital as soon as I find employment and know what kind of schedule I would have.
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Your shadowing sounds fine, but if you've never interacted with sick people, you definitely need to start that. Did you never help answer phones at your dad's office, or bring patients back to the rooms? If so, that could count. And so can shadowing a family member, for that matter.

Many schools really like to see nonmedical community service, too, so I'm glad you've got that started.

TMDSAS doesn't allow for grade replacement. Is it your undergrad that replaces the grades? How does that show up on the official transcript? Keep in mind that sGPA for AACOMAS does not include math.

Have you checked Texas MD school websites to see which have a minimum cutoff off for GPAs?

There are AACOMAS DO schools that consider applications with GPAs below 3.0. A look at the CIB will help you figure out which ones they are: http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Documents/2013cib/2013CIB_whole_web.pdf

Considering your strong upward grade trend, good sGPA, and decent MCAT score, with supportive LORs and appropriate ECs, I think you'll have a good shot at some AACOMAS schools. Moreso, if you can get your cGPA over 3.0 with grade replacement.

Did you ever look into the North Texas/TCOM affiliated GPA boosting program to see what their GPA minimum might be?
 
Sadly my father had already retired by the time I wanted to pursue this career, and none of my family members are in the health profession field.

Yes, my University has a grade replacement program. I had replaced several D's with A's. On my official transcript, my D's have been omitted. Would you recommend that I go back and take those other courses, microbio, anatomy, etc. in an attempt to further boost my GPA?

The only thing from TCOM that I have looked at was that link you had posted (http://www.hsc.unt.edu/Education/gsbs/medicalsciences.cfm). I'm not sure if that's the same thing. If it is, it states that I must have a 3.0 or above in the last 60 hours of coursework.

Also, should I forgo applying to MD programs and just focus on DO programs? I was considering applying to all the Texas schools since there's a comprehensive application for most of the Medical schools.
 
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lotusblade said:
1) Would you recommend that I go back and take those other courses, microbio, anatomy, etc. in an attempt to further boost my GPA?

2) should I forgo applying to MD programs and just focus on DO programs?
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1) What grades did you get the first time?

2) That's what I'd recommend as the most time and cash efficient route to getting into med school.
 
I have not taken them. I took very few science classes in my undergrad, The ones that I did take were replaced when I retook them in my post bac. Most of my post bac consisted of me taking the courses required for med school. I stopped at bio chem, organic 2 and physics 2. Taking Microbio and anatomy would be for the grades.

I was considering applying to most of the med programs in Texas through TMDSAS and then focus on the DO programs out of state.
 
If you do eventually find your way into medical school, I think you need to write a blog or something similar about your journey. You've already come a very long way and I think your story could be an inspiration to others who are (real) underdog applicants.
 
So I did some quick calculations regarding my GPA and I had forgotten that I had taken several bio courses in my undergrad, and these courses aren't offered any more. I have calculated only Biology, chemistry, math and physics and my GPA has been lowered significantly. My sGPA is now 2.99 without retakes. With retakes it's a 3.24. I am unsure what what I can omit or what I needed to add for GPA calculations so it may vary. Any answers on how to properly calculate my TMDSAS and AACOMAS cGPA and sGPA would be greatly appreciated.
 
Summary of all three sGPA formulas: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=10425450&highlight=formula#post10425450
TMDSAS GPA and sGPA: http://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/frwqAskedQ/03-AppProcessing.html

For AACOMAS, it is not required that retakes be done at the same school (referring to those classes no longer taught). The course title need not be identical, so long as the course contents are similar per the two catalogs. But the course credits if you retake must be the same or greater for the grade replacement to qualify for AACOMAS.

Is there an advisor at your current school whom you can meet with?
 
After going over those links Cata, I believe my TMDSAS/BCPM GPA is a 3.02 and my AACOMAS would be a 3.41. Assuming I did the calculations correctly and I didn't add/omit any relevant coursework. I went to speak with my advisor today and they didn't really help me calculate my GPA. They just answered my questions regarding my old coursework. They also said I was a decent candidate for DO schools, as you have suggested Cata.
 
What are your current thoughts about the BioMedical masters program in Fort Worth? Do you have the 3.0 for the last 60 hours that they require? If so, are you inclined to put the 12+ months of effort into high achievement in the program that could give you a much better shot at MD? Did you get any feedback on this option from the advisor? Would you have your family's support?
 
I would prefer to get into an MD/DO program asap. My GPA for the last 60 hours is a 3.48. The feed back that my advisor gave me was to just apply next year.
 
Hey guys, back for more advice. I've been volunteering at my local library, an at-risk middle school, the university hospital, and the Food Bank. I am also shadowing various physicians. I'm registered for the Spring for Microbiology, Human Anatomy, and Advanced Physiology, I wanted to take Medical Anthropology and the Microbiology lab but my advisors recommended against it. They said I shouldn't bother with the lab and to take a public health course in stead of the medical anthropology course. On top of that, I applied to volunteer as a Lab Tech with the Chemistry department. This volunteer opportunity may lead into a paying position if I show dedication and perform my duties well. The health professions office again recommended against taking this volunteer position because it was a "waste of time". They said I should look for a job else where, but didn't offer to help me find said place. I have been very active in looking for opportunities in my city but these are the best I can do. I wanted to get your opinion on this since this forum has been exponentially more helpful than my Health Profession Office.
 
I definitely would take the public health course. The information you learn will be very useful. Nice progress BTW! 👍
 
Nice work to date. Probably not what you want and I don't know the particulars, but aren't you only a couple years away from Fresh Start eligibility if your GPA doesnt get where it needs to? A SMP/post bac with a FreshStart might really turn how you look on paper around.
 
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Dires said:
I definitely would take the public health course. The information you learn will be very useful. Nice progress BTW! 👍
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Thanks for the input and encouraging words!

random2708 said:
Nice work to date. Probably not what you want and I don't know the particulars, but aren't you only a couple years away from Fresh Start eligibility if your GPA doesnt get where it needs to? A SMP/post bac with a FreshStart might really turn how you look on paper around.
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Thank you for your feedback. My only concern with the Fresh Start is that I would have to repeat these last few years, which would mean the last few years would have been a waste of time and money, would it not? I would strongly consider an SMP/post bac program if I don't get accepted after applying 2 or 3 times.
 
Fresh start only removes grades from 10 years or longer. The current ones up to the most recent grades will remain as will the bachelor's.
 
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phant0m0o0o said:
Fresh start only removes grades from 10 years or longer. The current ones up to a year ago will remain as will the bachelor's.
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I'll need to ask my Health Professions Office if I qualify or if it's in my favor to do this. Looking at your MDApps gives me hope. Thanks phant0m for the information and support. 😀
 
I have some other questions. Where can I find some information on what schools to apply to. I'm applying to all the Texas schools through TMDSAS and LECOM. But other than those, I don't know where else to apply. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Is it worth applying to AACOMAS this late in the year?
 
coolingglasses said:
What are your numbers as of today? It's late, but if they stand out you could squeeze out some IIs.
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My AACOMAS sGPA would be a 3.41 while my cGPA is a 2.9 and my MCAT was a 27. I have about 80 hours shadowing and 80 hours volunteering.
 
Hey guys, I was just accepted to LMU-DCOM, and I wanted to thank everyone in this thread who helped me out through this journey!

To anyone reading who is applying, please don't lose hope!
 
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Your journey is inspiring, congrats!
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Thank you! I'm glad that I was able to motivate individuals that were in a similar situation. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to PM me.
 
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