2 gap-yr gal - should I take biochem?

[m e g a n]

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[efle]

You are a Californian with a 3.4 sGPA and a 508. You should be planning to do a legit post-bacc, not just one class.

 

[hubbsbubbs]

You are a Californian with a 3.4 sGPA and a 508. You should be planning to do a legit post-bacc, not just one class.

I also believe you would benefit from a post-bacc if your goal is MD schools. Those who matriculate with below average metrics typically have compelling stories. I'm not quite sure that coming across as once jaded will work for you.

 

[m e g a n]

You are a Californian with a 3.4 sGPA and a 508. You should be planning to do a legit post-bacc, not just one class.

I also believe you would benefit from a post-bacc if your goal is MD schools. Those who matriculate with below average metrics typically have compelling stories. I'm not quite sure that coming across as once jaded will work for you.

Thanks for the feedback; I will consider taking a post-bacc class. I was wondering if you had answer for my original question- given that a post-bacc isn't an option, would you recommend a biochem class?

 

[Gurkhali]

M e g a n y a a s d o i t.

But seriously, you need to look into post bacc courses. A DIY postbacc might be the best option. It not just 1 class, you need multiple to pull that GPA up posthumously.

Also, you might want to consider DO schools because you would be much more competitive applying there.

 

[dontdoittheyrelying]

Nope. Save your money, give up hope, and quit now.

 

[AnotherLawyer]

Hi thanks for taking time to peek at my thread! Quick stats rundown.

CA resident, public CA undergrad - B.A. Biology (May 2016)
GPA (science/nonscience): 3.4 / 3.59
MCAT: 508 (79th)
CP: 126
CARS: 129
BB: 127
PS: 126

EC
Ortho surgery clinic - full-time work (June 2016-present)
Christian fellowship - was student leader, now staff (August 2012-present)
Sports med internship - football (July 2015-May 2016)
Academic Peer Advising - IB (May 2015-May 2016)
UCSF research - neuroscience (June 2014-August 2015)
Highland Hospital - SDU, ortho (April 2014-September 2015)

My story in 1 sentence: I was jaded ex-premed until I graduated college, during which time my hope to be physician was restored.

Because of this, I didn't take biochemistry in my undergraduate years (not req'd by my major). Now I'm looking at schools, I realize more & more require biochem (most recommend). So, keeping in mind that I work full-time, am pre-writing and working on my med apps:

Should I take post-bacc biochem?
I don't really want to, but to what extent will it hurt my chances of getting into an MD school? Places like NYMC, UCIrvine, and Stony Brook require biochem, all of which are places I thought of applying til I realized they need biochem.

Thanks!

The short answer is no. One class isn't going to matter and it's so late now that you won't have the grade in time to apply early.

I think you should take the advice in this thread to heart even if it isn't worded very kindly. With your stats you're not going to be competitive in CA unless you are a URM. I saw you started a WAMC thread and the advice you got there to add SEVERAL OOS schools is good advice. But I also think you would be wise to think about your reapplication plan in case you don't get in anywhere. If you can spend your gap year getting some A's in science courses, that would be very good for you.

I also think you under-performed on the MCAT given how much better your CARS score is than the other sections. So if at some point a retake becomes necessary you have the potential to improve quite a bit.

 

[ciestar]

As an MS1, I say take it.
It was seriously the hardest class I've taken this year and all I can wonder if previous exposure would have helped me at all.

 

[m e g a n]

The short answer is no. One class isn't going to matter and it's so late now that you won't have the grade in time to apply early.

I think you should take the advice in this thread to heart even if it isn't worded very kindly. With your stats you're not going to be competitive in CA unless you are a URM. I saw you started a WAMC thread and the advice you got there to add SEVERAL OOS schools is good advice. But I also think you would be wise to think about your reapplication plan in case you don't get in anywhere. If you can spend your gap year getting some A's in science courses, that would be very good for you.

I also think you under-performed on the MCAT given how much better your CARS score is than the other sections. So if at some point a retake becomes necessary you have the potential to improve quite a bit.

Hi, thank you so much for your kind response and truthful words. Given your input on post-bacc, at this point in time, I'm going to have to take my best shot with what I have and move forward from there. I really appreciate your advice on a reapplication plan.