2.7 GPA 3rd year is it possible?

[Needhelp87]

I have a 2.7GPA (56 credit hours) and its my 3rd year in a CC and haven't taken any of my pre req because i heard its better to take it in a 4 year college which is what I'm planning on doing next semester. I was a big slacker and got nothing but low grades my first 2 years but i always wanted to go into med school. Is it to late or am I fooling myself or is it still possible even if i have to take a extra year to take more classes to raise my GPA? i really don't want to do SMP or pro bacc or apply for Do school but chances are that i would have to, but if possible can i still get into med school without having to do all that.
Truthfully all im looking for is some hope because all i can think about now is to "give up"
nothing in this world that is worth having comes easy...i just wish i realized that sooner
please any help or word of wisdom or experience would be greatly appreciated

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[NewmansOwn]

I have a 2.7GPA (56 credit hours) and its my 3rd year in a CC and haven't taken any of my pre req because i heard its better to take it in a 4 year college which is what I'm planning on doing next semester. I was a big slacker and got nothing but low grades my first 2 years but i always wanted to go into med school. Is it to late or am I fooling myself or is it still possible even if i have to take a extra year to take more classes to raise my GPA? i really don't want to do SMP or pro bacc or apply for Do school but chances are that i would have to, but if possible can i still get into med school without having to do all that.
Truthfully all im looking for is some hope because all i can think about now is to "give up"
nothing in this world that is worth having comes easy...i just wish i realized that sooner
please any help or word of wisdom or experience would be greatly appreciated

Sorry, CC stands for community college, right? If that's the case, my most sincere apologies, but you have no hope of getting into medical school, including DO. Even if your GPA was better, most med schools do not look favorably upon (if they even accept) community college classes.

I'm not sure who told you to take all your pre-reqs in 4th year, but that was a terribly misguided piece of advice. You do know how many classes you have to take, right?

If you really want to go to medical school, you're going to have to transfer to your state school and probably do a full 4-year degree program.

 

[armybound]

it's not too late, but it's going to take longer than the normal 4 years, probably. a 2.7 at a community college looks really bad.. they're probably not challenging classes, and laziness isn't an attribute many admissions committees are looking for.

if you can get a 4.0 for the rest of your college career, get some good medical experience, and explain why your GPA was so poor, you could potentially get yourself into a US MD program after 4 years. but that laziness will have to go away really fast.

 

[paranoid_eyes]

it is too difficult to tell what will happen to you. You will have to spend an extra year in college (i mean a real, university) where you will have to finish the premed requirements in addition to your major. Then take the MCAT and apply. So you are looking at 2 more years of college plus may be a year off to take mcat/apply.

this is only because you have decided to start the prereqs as a THIRD year (most of us start as FIRST YEARS). It takes at least two years to get all the reqs out of the way (most people finish up some in their third year). You also will need to take upper divs for your major (im guessing a humanities?).

anyways, you should still have a shot at MD schools if you can get your gpa to like a 3.6 in the next two years. Otherwise you may have to go the DO route.

 

[Mohammedshsh]

Sorry, CC stands for community college, right? If that's the case, my most sincere apologies, but you have no hope of getting into medical school, including DO. Even if your GPA was better, most med schools do not look favorably upon (if they even accept) community college classes.

I'm not sure who told you to take all your pre-reqs in 4th year, but that was a terribly misguided piece of advice. You do know how many classes you have to take, right?

If you really want to go to medical school, you're going to have to transfer to your state school and probably do a full 4-year degree program.

That's a lie.


Revised answer: If you had a better GPA, then you'd have a chance.

You might want to retake classes.


It's not impossible. I saw someone on MDApplicants, he had a 2.96 GPA, even lower for science. He got accepted.

 

[bcat85]

You would make a good candidate for a post-bac (although I know thats not what you want to hear). Transfer to your state school, take all your pre-req's and rock in your classes.. If your GPA is awesome your last 3 years (or however long it takes you to complete your degree), you may have a shot at an M.D. school. You also have to address this in your P.S. when you fill out your AMCAS. ("I started out confused and without direction, but xyz really changed my focus and made me realize the potential I had")

but the bottom line is: you have to do well in your courses, otherwise you are SOL.

 

[NewmansOwn]

That's a lie.


Revised answer: If you had a better GPA, then you'd have a chance.

You might want to retake classes.


It's not impossible. I saw someone on MDApplicants, he had a 2.96 GPA, even lower for science. He got accepted.

Dude are you kidding me?

You're 16 years old -- are you even allowed to be on the internet without your parents' permission?

I would encourage you to look at med school websites, where it says explicitly that community college classes are "less than ideal," but I'm guessing you're too busy finding a date for the junior prom.

And for the record, watch your mouth -- if you want to disagree, that is absolutely your right. But calling it a lie is just plain inflammatory and disrespectful.

 

[NewmansOwn]

http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/admissions/faq.html#q11

Take a look at #11, FYI.

 

[Law2Doc]

That's a lie.


Revised answer: If you had a better GPA, then you'd have a chance.

You might want to retake classes.


It's not impossible. I saw someone on MDApplicants, he had a 2.96 GPA, even lower for science. He got accepted.

Don't believe the outliers on MDApplicants -- they are likely fakes. That is a site where folks frequently make up profiles that exaggerate.

 

[146233]

That's one school. There are virtually zero absolutes in this process, and to say the OP has "no hope" of getting into medical school, "even DO" is simply erroneous. armybound is absolutely correct when he suggests medical school is attainable with a more non-traditional path (>4 years, etc.). OP, I encourage you to meet with a pre-med advisor and develop a plan from here.

 

[Law2Doc]

it's not too late, but it's going to take longer

Agree with this. But we aren't talking an extra year -- we are likely talking several extra years. And you will have to get "mostly A's" from here on out. And squeeze in some good ECs. It's going to be a long and hard road for you. But no doors are closed if you are willing to put in the time and effort.

 

[NewmansOwn]

That's one school. There are virtually zero absolutes in this process, and to say the OP has "no hope" of getting into medical school, "even DO" is simply erroneous. armybound is absolutely correct when he suggests medical school is attainable with a more non-traditional path (>4 years, etc.). OP, I encourage you to meet with a pre-med advisor and develop a plan from here.

Did you read to the end of my post? Perhaps I shouldn't have said 'no hope' at the beginning like that, but at the end I did say if he wanted to do it, he'd have to transfer and put in his four years. I meant 'no hope' with his current course of action.

 

[coldweatherblue]

You have a 2.7 GPA with 56 credits.. I assume that you need around 120 or so to get your degree so YOU HAVE TIME to raise your GPA. You still have more than half your credits left if I understand correctly.

I have also heard from a adcom member that pre-reqs taken at community colleges are frowned upon. I would transfer to a state-school. Go to a new school with the sole intention of getting a 4.0. Some people can have a great time in College and still have good enough numbers to get in, you may have to face the facts that you are not one of those people and for you it is either 100% study or bye-bye med school.

Find out what the highest possible GPA you can get if the rest of your collegiate career goes well. I would guess maybe like a 3.4 or 3.5?? That is do-able, especially if you do very well in your pre-reqs. What is your science GPA? If you haven't taken ANY pre-reqs you can probably raise it a lot. Then rock the MCAT (33+), have great EC's and LORs and you'll have a shot of getting in.

Of course this is all easier said than done. After slacking off the first two years you'll have to really work hard to get A's in Bio, G-chem, O-chem, and Physics. It is do-able but you gotta expect the amount of work it will take! Good luck.

 

[Law2Doc]

Find out what the highest possible GPA you can get if the rest of your collegiate career goes well.

Disagree. You are going to have to extend your college career pretty significantly regardless so it is irrelevant how high you can get it within a 4 year span. Plan to keep working at a 4 year institution until it is in the right ballpark, even if it takes a couple of extra years (and it likely will).

 

[BoilerWolverine]

Don't believe the outliers on MDApplicants -- they are likely fakes. That is a site where folks frequently make up profiles that exaggerate.

Sorry to disappoint you, but its not a fake... However, after graduating with an engineering degree with that GPA (from a school well known to kick its engineers asses), it has taken me 4 years to get ready and apply. And as you can see from my acceptances, despite 2 MS degrees and a 4.0 postbacc, that GPA continues to haunt me.

It will take a LOT of work and some considerable time, but it is possible. I would suggest transferring to a 4 year university and get a 4.0 for as long as you can stand. Ace the MCAT and do some research and a lot of medical shadowing and volunteering and you MIGHT stand a chance.

I'm really sorry, but this is the harsh reality of things. Trust me, I'm going through it now.

 

[BoilerWolverine]

Dude are you kidding me?

You're 16 years old -- are you even allowed to be on the internet without your parents' permission?

I would encourage you to look at med school websites, where it says explicitly that community college classes are "less than ideal," but I'm guessing you're too busy finding a date for the junior prom.

And for the record, watch your mouth -- if you want to disagree, that is absolutely your right. But calling it a lie is just plain inflammatory and disrespectful.

Can I also say what a complete hypocrite you are? You bash a poster for being disrespectful, while at the same time railing on this him because of what you think his age is? A huh...

 

[NewmansOwn]

Can I also say what a complete hypocrite you are? You bash a poster for being disrespectful, while at the same time railing on this him because of what you think his age is? A huh...

First of all, I am railing on him for his lack of insightful commentary and lack of truths, which may mislead a well-intentioned OP. His age, specifically, has nothing to do with it -- there are plenty of 16 year olds who can contribute something valuable to such discourse.

Second of all, the poster has stated his age as 16 on several occasions, so there's no "thinking" about it.

Thanks for playing.

 

[pakbabydoll]

Sorry, CC stands for community college, right? If that's the case, my most sincere apologies, but you have no hope of getting into medical school, including DO. Even if your GPA was better, most med schools do not look favorably upon (if they even accept) community college classes.

I'm not sure who told you to take all your pre-reqs in 4th year, but that was a terribly misguided piece of advice. You do know how many classes you have to take, right?

If you really want to go to medical school, you're going to have to transfer to your state school and probably do a full 4-year degree program.

I disagree with you. There are numerous medical students on this forum who did their two years at a CC. There are many undergrad students here who go to community colleges,including me! UF, USF, UM, FSU, and MSU-COM have no problems with taking some PRE-REQS at the CC!
They prefer us to take O-chem, physics, and biochemistry at a university but they all said that we can take bio 1&2, chem 1&2, and calculus at a CC.
As long as you have a good GPA at the CC and a good GPA at the university you should be fine. I think only the top 10 schools don't accept any pre-reqs from CC's but I am sure the OP would not apply to the top 10 schools.

To the OP, are you sure you are ready for a university? Not to be disrespectful but if your GPA is 2.7 at the CC you don't want to go to a university unprepared. If you go and then not get good grades that will make the road a lot harder for you.

 

[NewmansOwn]

I disagree with you. There are numerous medical students on this forum who did their two years at a CC. There are many undergrad students here who go to community colleges, me included. UF, USF, UM, FSU, and MSU-COM have no problems with taking some PRE-REQS at the CC!
They prefer us to take O-chem, physics, and biochemistry at a university but they all said that we can take bio 1&2, chem 1&2, and calculus at a CC.
As long as you have a good GPA at the CC and a good GPA at the university you should be fine. I think only the top 10 schools don't accept any pre-reqs from CC's but I am sure the OP would not apply to the top 10 schools.

To the OP, are you sure you are ready for a university? Not to be disrespectful but if your GPA is 2.7 at the CC you don't want to go to a university unprepared. If you go and then not get good grades that will make the road a lot harder for you.

Thanks for the inside scoop -- didn't mean any offense against CCs. Not just top ten schools, though -- I went to undergrad in Virginia and I know UVA and VCU/MCY don't accept CC classes for the direct prereqs. I'm fairly certain Temple and Jefferson don't either, but I'll have to double check. Glad to see some schools do, though, for the OPs sake...

 

[pakbabydoll]

Thanks for the inside scoop -- didn't mean any offense against CCs. Not just top ten schools, though -- I went to undergrad in Virginia and I know UVA and VCU/MCY don't accept CC classes for the direct prereqs. I'm fairly certain Temple and Jefferson don't either, but I'll have to double check. Glad to see some schools do, though, for the OPs sake...

Actually most schools do accept CC pre-reqs. Specially if you go on to a 4 year university and take some upper level science classes to show that you can handle the course load.

 

[Auron]

OP: You have a tough road ahead of you, but if this is what you really want, you'll do it. I believe you can do it. But are you willing to put in those extra semesters and get all A's? A 2.7 is fixable (would be easier if it was atleast 3.0-3.2). Think carefully about your career goals and evaluate all your options at this point. The answer will come to you.



Have any of you taken science electives at a CC? I was planning on taking physics at a CC over summer, but now will likely take it senior year at my uni. I was thinking of taking microbio or something along those lines at a CC, so it'll make my senior schedule lighter. My idea is that microbio is not a pre-req and that med schools wouldn't care that I took it at a CC.

 

[Maxprime]

Possible - long road ahead of you.

To be blunt, if you're pulling a 2.7 at a CC then you need to get things right there first. You need to pull your grades together there and transfer to a 4 year and show you can pull grades there as well.

I pulled a 2.6 in undergrad. Even with a 40 on the MCAT and a 3.9 in my post-bacc, I still spend a decent amount of my interviews convincing someone I have the abilities to succeed in medical school.

With enough effort, it's definitely possible. My suggestion would be to find a school that doesn't accept CC credits so you can start your GPA from scratch. There's nothing worse than diminishing return when you're working your ass off.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Actually most schools do accept CC pre-reqs. Specially if you go on to a 4 year university and take some upper level science classes to show that you can handle the course load.

Ok. I guess I should have been more specific. You are correct -- most schools accept community college credits. However, many seem to RECOMMEND that you take all your classes elsewhere. Thus, my point to the OP is that if his GPA is as low as it is, taking the classes at CC against the recommendation of some schools would be unwise. Considering how compeititive medical school admission is, why would do something that will allow thousands of other pre-meds to potentially stand out in front of you? Please understand -- this is not to say CC students cannot or should not apply to/get into medical school. It's just advice for the OP; to say CC classes are a-ok with most med schools is a bit misleading, in my opinion. Please reference the below links.

http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/admissions/faq.html#q11

http://www.virginia.edu/registrar/records/02-03gradrec//chapter12/chapter12.htm (Last paragraph in 'Requirements for Admission')

 

[toothsome]

I had to go to a CC after high school because my mother would not sign fafsa or co-sign for my loan. I had to withdraw from Virginia Teach and start CC. I'm now graduating this semester with my B.S. However, that is a good excuse to go to CC and laziness is not.

 

[pakbabydoll]

I had to go to a CC because my parents wound not let me move and if I had moved they would not have supported me one bit.. I did not have enough money to move out on my own while going to a university full time and likely working full time. So I decided to go to a CC near my house, also I had half my credits for AA so instead of two years I only have to stay in a CC for one year.

NewmansOwn: op is a special case because his gpa (no offense to OP) is not adequate enough. However if a student graduates with a 3.7 from a CC and keeps it up at a 4 year university that student will be fine. I do agree with you though that if someone had the chance of taking pre-reqs at a university they should because someone with a 3.7 GPA with all pre-reqs taken at a 4 year college would look a lot better.

 

[Aidan]

Sorry, CC stands for community college, right? If that's the case, my most sincere apologies, but you have no hope of getting into medical school, including DO. Even if your GPA was better, most med schools do not look favorably upon (if they even accept) community college classes.

I'm not sure who told you to take all your pre-reqs in 4th year, but that was a terribly misguided piece of advice. You do know how many classes you have to take, right?

If you really want to go to medical school, you're going to have to transfer to your state school and probably do a full 4-year degree program.

Completely false information. Plenty of people have gotten into med school by transferring to a 4 year undergrad degree from 2 year transfer units at a CC.

 

[toothsome]

Exactly, Imagine graduating top 10% of your class in an I.B program in high school with a very nice scholorship (not enough to cover all tuition) and not being able to go to VT. Plus I think Community Classes allowed me to become who I am and I do not regret going at all, infact, I would have it no other way. So, just because you go to CC it doesn't mean you are not as smart as people who spent 100k on an undergrad degree.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Completely false information. Plenty of people have gotten into med school by transferring to a 4 year undergrad degree from 2 year transfer units at a CC.

Please read the whole post -- you'll see that we've fleshed out this argument ad nauseum.

Ironic tagline you've got at the bottom.

 

[atomi]

most med schools do not look favorably upon (if they even accept) community college classes.

Completely false. Stop spreading lies.

 

[atomi]

I went to undergrad in Virginia and I know UVA and VCU/MCY don't accept CC classes for the direct prereqs. I'm fairly certain Temple and Jefferson don't either, but I'll have to double check. Glad to see some schools do, though, for the OPs sake...

Again. Completely false. I've talked with both schools. As long as you don't use the CC classes to get out of taking them at a 4 year, they won't be held against you.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Completely false. Stop spreading lies.

I'll let that aggressive sneer slide.

I'm not sure why no one is reading the whole thread before deigning to post, but allow me to re-post the following links.

http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/admissions/faq.html#q11

http://www.virginia.edu/registrar/re.../chapter12.htm (Last paragraph in 'Requirements for Admission')

As you will see, both medical schools listed above prefer that you do not take medical prereqs at community colleges. They are not alone; it is a trend. I am sorry if this disappoints you, but we are here to inform, not to judge.

If you'd like to apologize, you may PM me.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Again. Completely false. I've talked with both schools. As long as you don't use the CC classes to get out of taking them at a 4 year, they won't be held against you.

*Sigh*

First of all, what does that mean? 'Get out of taking them at a 4 year?' Do you mean you have no other choice than to take them at a community college? And why is that not specified on the website then?

Second of all, since this thread is a service to the OP and not to you, it should be remembered that the OP has the option of transferring to a 4 year institution. As such, (s)he would not be wise to take the prereqs at a community college -- with medical school admissions as competitive as they are, the OP ought to do everything in his/her power to stand out as a strong applicant.

 

[Auron]

*Sigh*

First of all, what does that mean? 'Get out of taking them at a 4 year?' Do you mean you have no other choice than to take them at a community college? And why is that not specified on the website then?

Second of all, since this thread is a service to the OP and not to you, it should be remembered that the OP has the option of transferring to a 4 year institution. As such, (s)he would not be wise to take the prereqs at a community college -- with medical school admissions as competitive as they are, the OP ought to do everything in his/her power to stand out as a strong applicant.

I have found many schools that are ok with it. You only cited schools in Virginia and are using those schools as end all examples. I'd recommend people here contact the specific schools they plan on applying too. Their are many people here with mutiple acceptances this cycle who too pre-reqs at a CC - one person reported that it was no brought up at all during interviews or otherwise. No one seemed to care. Again, its really important to do well.

Take UIC college of medicine:

Q: Can I fulfill the pre-requisite courses at a community or junior college?
A: Yes, pre-requisite coursework may be fulfilled at a two year institution, which includes a community or junior college.

My 2 cents: If you can take the pre-reqs at your university - DO IT. IF for some reason you can't (financial etc) then its ok to take them at a CC. Just make sure to ace them. Then take upper level sciences at a a university to show you can handle the coursework which will remove any doubt the adcom might have regarding your academic rigor.

I'll be taking 2 science electives at a CC this summer (not pre-reqs) so it'll make my senior year a lot easier. So I save a ton of money, raise my gpa quite a bit, AND my last year of college a lot more bearable.

 

[NewmansOwn]

I have found many schools that are ok with it. You only cited schools in Virginia and are using those schools as end all examples. I'd recommend people here contact the specific schools they plan on applying too. Their are many people here with mutiple acceptances this cycle who too pre-reqs at a CC - one person reported that it was no brought up at all during interviews or otherwise. No one seemed to care. Again, its really important to do well.

Take UIC college of medicine:

Q: Can I fulfill the pre-requisite courses at a community or junior college?
A: Yes, pre-requisite coursework may be fulfilled at a two year institution, which includes a community or junior college.

My 2 cents: If you can take the pre-reqs at your university - DO IT. IF for some reason you can't (financial etc) then its ok to take them at a CC. Just make sure to ace them. Then take upper level sciences at a a university to show you can handle the coursework which will remove any doubt the adcom might have regarding your academic rigor.

I'll be taking 2 science electives at a CC this summer (not pre-reqs) so it'll make my senior year a lot easier. So I save a ton of money, raise my gpa quite a bit, AND my last year of college a lot more bearable.

I agree with your recommendation to call each individual school to ascertain their specific policy; unforunately, I do not have time to put up dozens of links, but the information is out there -- my only point was to stress caution.

But the end of your post makes me curious: If your goal is to make your senior year "easier" and raise your GPA, aren't you, in fact, casting doubt on the academic rigor you spoke of just previous? I thought your point, originally, was that if you can take the classes at a 4-year, then you absolutely should, lest someone question your work ethic...

 

[Auron]

-

 

[Mohammedshsh]

edit: nvm, someone already replied for me

 

[notdeadyet]

First of all, what does that mean? 'Get out of taking them at a 4 year?' Do you mean you have no other choice than to take them at a community college? And why is that not specified on the website then?

What the poster meant is that med schools look down on prereqs done at community colleges while the student is a full-tme student at a four year university. This gives the appearance that the student is avoiding taking it at their four year university in the hopes of an easier time at a community college.

The reason folks are jumping on your comment "most med schools do not look favorably upon (if they even accept) community college classes" is that it is just plain wrong. It is a misconception spread by premeds who do not know what they are talking about.

Many of us have investigated this pretty thoroughly. I know I did. I applied to 36 school and not one had a problem with my community college coursework taken prior to transfering to a four year university. Some of these were top schools.

As for your comment that most med schools explicitly state that "community college classes are 'less than ideal,'" that is undoubtedly true. In fact, unless you go to Harvard, whatever four year school you're doing your prereqs are is "less than ideal". You want to get your prereqs done at the best college you can. But very few folks get 'em done at Harvard. Most of us are less than idea. Such is life.

Lastly, your comment that top ten schools don't take them is incorrect as well. I came from the community colleges and interviewed at UCSF.

Your backpedalling from earlier comments is appreciated, but folks will continue to jump on your earlier posts because it spreads paranoid SDN myth that gets very old to read sometimes.

Unless you've been through an application cycle and had schools either accept your community college prereqs (I had five acceptances, so it didn't hurt me) or been through an application cycle and had schools tell you they won't accept them, you are not speaking from experience.

 

[NewmansOwn]

What the poster meant is that med schools look down on prereqs done at community colleges while the student is a full-tme student at a four year university. This gives the appearance that the student is avoiding taking it at their four year university in the hopes of an easier time at a community college.

The reason folks are jumping on your comment "most med schools do not look favorably upon (if they even accept) community college classes" is that it is just plain wrong. It is a misconception spread by premeds who do not know what they are talking about.

Many of us have investigated this pretty thoroughly. I know I did. I applied to 36 school and not one had a problem with my community college coursework taken prior to transfering to a four year university. Some of these were top schools.

As for your comment that most med schools explicitly state that "community college classes are 'less than ideal,'" that is undoubtedly true. In fact, unless you go to Harvard, whatever four year school you're doing your prereqs are is "less than ideal". You want to get your prereqs done at the best college you can. But very few folks get 'em done at Harvard. Most of us are less than idea. Such is life.

Lastly, your comment that top ten schools don't take them is incorrect as well. I came from the community colleges and interviewed at UCSF.

Your backpedalling from earlier comments is appreciated, but folks will continue to jump on your earlier posts because it spreads paranoid SDN myth that gets very old to read sometimes.

Unless you've been through an application cycle and had schools either accept your community college prereqs (I had five acceptances, so it didn't hurt me) or been through an application cycle and had schools tell you they won't accept them, you are not speaking from experience.

I didn't say anything about the top ten schools -- that was pakbabydoll.

With all due respect to you as a moderator, it's downright pedantic to say anything besides Harvard is "less than ideal." In fact, Harvard is the subject of a great deal of skepticism recently, thanks to their well-documented grade inflation and large number of classes taught by graduate assistants (rather than professors). There is a very big difference between, say, Carnegie Mellon and a community college; the difference between Carnegie Mellon and Harvard is minimal.

Finally, your kind words (thinly veiling passive-aggressive sentiment) are appreciated, but I am not backpedaling -- I stand behind everything I said. Because of understandable sensitivity, I felt the need to clarify my absence of condescension for community colleges and their students. Please keep in mind that I was the first to respond with advise to the OP, before the details were cleared up. If you read the OPs original post, you will notice that (s)he said NOTHING about transferring to a 4 year institution. Thus, the implication was such that the OP would complete his/her education and premedical coursework IN ITS ENTIRETY at this community college. You all have adhered to me a belief that transferring to a 4 year institution after community college is inadequate, something I never espoused and an action to which the OP never alluded. I understand that there is a "pack mentality" on SDN and that there is a certain psychological catharsis to attacking an unpopular opinion -- for this reason, I am not particularly bothered by your haste to judge me. But I hope you will read carefully the OP's post, because you will then see that my response is not out-of-line; yours is simply not topical.

Also, congratulations on your interview at UCSF.

 

[notdeadyet]

With all due respect to you as a moderator, it's downright pedantic to say anything besides Harvard is "less than ideal."

You're missing my point. Sorry if it wasn't clear. If you say something is less than ideal, then almost EVERYTHING is less than ideal. It's just a matter of degree. I wouldn't sweat something on my application being "less than ideal", because just about everything will be. A 42 MCAT is less than ideal. So is a 3.9. The point is to do your best and know that there will be folks with better apps than you and folks with worse. Obsessing about the ideal is a silly game. I have no love affair with Harvard, just tossing out a name.

If you read the OPs original post, you will notice that (s)he said NOTHING about transferring to a 4 year institution. Thus, the implication was such that the OP would complete his/her education and premedical coursework IN ITS ENTIRETY at this community college.
.... You all have adhered to me a belief that transferring to a 4 year institution after community college is inadequate, something I never espoused and an action to which the OP never alluded.

You may be confused about what a community college is. A community college confers an Associates degree (a two year degree) for those interested, but for the most part, students just pass through on their way to a four year degree. A community college does not confer a Bachelor's degree. You can't "complete" your education at a community college and head to medical school; you must transfer to a four year.

Does that clear things up?

I understand that there is a "pack mentality" on SDN and that there is a certain psychological catharsis to attacking an unpopular opinion -- for this reason, I am not particularly bothered by your haste to judge me.

Apologies if you feel victimized. Sometimes when you feel that the pack is out to get you, it's because you're being unfairly picked on. Other times, it's just because you're wrong.

Anyway, I'm not judging anyone, nor do I think most people on this thread are. We're just trying to clear up any misconceptions about the "problem" that attendance at a community college creates. I don't know anyone who went the community college route that had any reprecussions for it when applying to medical school. So when premeds dream these problems up, those of us who have walked the walk try to set the record straight.

Best of luck to all in the admissoins process. It feel awfully painful at the time, but it'll be over before you know it...

 

[NewmansOwn]

You're missing my point. Sorry if it wasn't clear. If you say something is less than ideal, then almost EVERYTHING is less than ideal. It's just a matter of degree. I wouldn't sweat something on my application being "less than ideal", because just about everything will be. A 42 MCAT is less than ideal. So is a 3.9. The point is to do your best and know that there will be folks with better apps than you and folks with worse. Obsessing about the ideal is a silly game. I have no love affair with Harvard, just tossing out a name.

You may be confused about what a community college is. A community college confers an Associates degree (a two year degree) for those interested, but for the most part, students just pass through on their way to a four year degree. A community college does not confer a Bachelor's degree. You can't "complete" your education at a community college and head to medical school; you must transfer to a four year.

Does that clear things up?

Apologies if you feel victimized. Sometimes when you feel that the pack is out to get you, it's because you're being unfairly picked on. Other times, it's just because you're wrong.

Anyway, I'm not judging anyone, nor do I think most people on this thread are. We're just trying to clear up any misconceptions about the "problem" that attendance at a community college creates. I don't know anyone who went the community college route that had any reprecussions for it when applying to medical school. So when premeds dream these problems up, those of us who have walked the walk try to set the record straight.

Best of luck to all in the admissoins process. It feel awfully painful at the time, but it'll be over before you know it...

*GASP*

Phew, that was close.

I almost drowned in a sea of sanctimonious, condescending BS.

But seriously -- riddle me this, quizmaster: If the bolded portion of your diatribe is true, then why is the OP in his 3rd year at community college?

 

[BoilerWolverine]

(In response to NewmansOwn's use of big words to sound cool)


Gregory: I must say, I don't believe I belong here with these rogues. I transferred from Yardale where I had a 4.0 grade point average.
Cartman: You're a ****ing ******, dude.

Just what I hear in my head

 

[OMGPharmD]

*GASP*

Phew, that was close.

I almost drowned in a sea of sanctimonious, condescending BS.

But seriously -- riddle me this, quizmaster: If the bolded portion of your diatribe is true, then why is the OP in his 3rd year at community college?

Most of students who want to transfer to 4-year-university usually dont pursue an Associates Degree ( at least i and many of my friends didnt ). People goes to CC to take some GE and lower-division science classes for cheaper cost and many other reasons.
It does not matter how long the OP stays at a community college. He can even do 4th or 5th year there as long as his credit hours is more than 60 and less than 90** ( last time i checked with a UCI rep). Once he gets into a 4-year-institution thats when the number of years starts to count against him ( usually the university only allows transfer-students to complete their bachelor in 2 or 3 years).

 

[xrevision]

I think the OP has an equivalent of 84 quarter hours.

Its possible to get into med school, but applying as a traditional student is a long shot.

 

[taponthecloud]

Why do you want to go to med school? It doesn't seem like your heart is really in it. It's impossible to survive medical school and beyond as a slacker (your own admission). It's not good for you and it's not good for people you will be treating. I'm surprised that many people here are not more forthright with their advice. You need to seriously explore other career paths. You have a much better chance of becoming successful if you open your mind up to other options/passions.

 

[Instatewaiter]

I have a 2.7GPA (56 credit hours) and its my 3rd year in a CC and haven't taken any of my pre req because i heard its better to take it in a 4 year college which is what I'm planning on doing next semester. I was a big slacker and got nothing but low grades my first 2 years but i always wanted to go into med school. Is it to late or am I fooling

Many (most?) 4 year universities will not allow you to transfer more than 60 credits (half of a degree) toward your bachelors. That means that you will have to spend 2 years at a 4 year institution. Spread your pre-recs over that time. I would recommend bio and chem 1st year and O chem and physics 2nd.

With your current GPA, if you actually buckle down and attain a 4.0 you can raise the GPA to around a 3.35. That is not exactly great but will open many doors.

My advice to you, as someone who came out of college with an abysmal GPA, is do well now. The more credits you rack up the harder it is to improve your GPA. Getting decent grades this semester will go a long way.

Sorry, CC stands for community college, right? If that's the case, my most sincere apologies, but you have no hope of getting into medical school, including DO.

Beginning at a community college is not really frowned upon especially if you do well at the 4 year and the MCAT. Beginning at a 4 year college and taking O-chem at a community college to make your life easier often is.

I know for a fact that MCV/VCU doesnt like CC pre-recs.

Exactly, not being able to go to VT. Plus I think Community Classes allowed me to become who I am and I do not regret going at all, infact, I would have it no other way. So, just because you go to CC it doesn't mean you are not as smart as people who spent 100k on an undergrad degree.

Wait, I thought Virginia tech was a community college. It's not? (kidding)

 

[notdeadyet]

I almost drowned in a sea of sanctimonious, condescending BS.

Sorry, your opinions make a lot mores sense now that I understand that you don't know what a community college is. Yet you're putting forth strong opinions of how they're viewed by adcoms at medical schools when you haven't even applied. That's advice so far removed from personal experience that I'm hoping folks will take it for what it's worth.

But seriously -- riddle me this, quizmaster: If the bolded portion of your diatribe is true, then why is the OP in his 3rd year at community college?

It takes some folks more than two years for the same reasons it takes some folks more than four years to do a B.A. at a four year school. Working full-time and taking classes part-time, lots of failed classes that need repeating, etc.

Out of curiousity (and no need to reply if you're feeling snarky, I'm just honestly curious), what did you think a community college was? I'm wondering if other folks out there don't know what it is as well...

 

[notdeadyet]

With your current GPA, if you actually buckle down and attain a 4.0 you can raise the GPA to around a 3.35. That is not exactly great but will open many doors.

My advice to you, as someone who came out of college with an abysmal GPA, is do well now. The more credits you rack up the harder it is to improve your GPA. Getting decent grades this semester will go a long way.

Instatewaiter has some good advice here. ^^^

One thing to keep in mind is this: many students have gotten off to pretty rocky starts in college and still made it all the way to medical school. All the students that I know that have done this have two things in common: aptitude and lots and lots of hard work.

The 4.0 Instatewaiter is talking about will be hard to come by. Schedule wisely and budget your time accordingly. You are much better off taking fewer units, doing well and taking an extra year before you can apply. Rushing things kills more applications than anything else, imho.

Best of luck with things. Folks have dug themselves out of deeper holes that you're in. But it takes lots of work.

 

[45408]

Agree with this. But we aren't talking an extra year -- we are likely talking several extra years. And you will have to get "mostly A's" from here on out. And squeeze in some good ECs. It's going to be a long and hard road for you. But no doors are closed if you are willing to put in the time and effort.

Agreed. So, the short answer is, "Right now, no, it's not possible." Can things be changed? Yes. It's going to take a while though.

 

[Springhill Mike]

That's a lie.


Revised answer: If you had a better GPA, then you'd have a chance.

You might want to retake classes.


It's not impossible. I saw someone on MDApplicants, he had a 2.96 GPA, even lower for science. He got accepted.

Dude are you stupid? he went to a community college and got under a 3.0 thats pathetic cc's are like high school over again. You may have a chance, but like was posted eaelier you better get 4.0 at the 4 year college every semester.

 

[Mohammedshsh]

Dude are you stupid? he went to a community college and got under a 3.0 thats pathetic cc's are like high school over again. You may have a chance, but like was posted eaelier you better get 4.0 at the 4 year college every semester.

Lol thanks for repeating what I just said you ******* *****....