- Joined
- Sep 8, 2015
- Messages
- 254
- Reaction score
- 379
In addition to everything else you have planned? It won't hurt, but it may not help much either.Additionally, I’m considering an MPH- would this be helpful?
In addition to everything else you have planned? It won't hurt, but it may not help much either.Additionally, I’m considering an MPH- would this be helpful?
Additionally, I’m considering an MPH- would this be helpful?
No, it won’t. Just focus on acing your post bac and your MCAT retake.
Also, take this with a grain of salt, my personal opinion is if you’re working or doing anything that will stop you from giving your courses your undivided attention I think you should decrease your units by at least one class. Your postbac gpa needs to be sky high so I personally wouldn’t take many risks. (I’m definitely not saying to take 1 course each term).
So, if I did an MPH( no postbacc) and retook the MCAT(high score), this wouldn’t help? I only ask because I am interested in epidemiology and this route would be more challenging and more streamlined.
So, if I did an MPH( no postbacc) and retook the MCAT(high score), this wouldn’t help? I only ask because I am interested in epidemiology and this route would be more challenging and more streamlined.
NOOOOO.
A higher MCAT will help regardless, yes, but YOU need to boost your undergrad gpa and grad classes will not help. Look, you agonized over your next steps and you finally solidified a good plan. There’s no need to go back to square one with all the possible roads to take.
I’m going to be blunt, in regard to your goal of matriculating to Med school, it doesn’t matter that you’re interested in epidemiology right now! Your gpa suggests that you don’t need “more challenging” right now! More streamlined in the sense that it’s more structured than a DIY post bac, but it isn’t streamlined for your goal of being a physician.
Do the postbac! Take only the number of units that you can realistically handle (read: ACE) each term. Use a GPA calculator to determine exactly how many As you need to increase to 3.?? sGPA, bang those courses out and focus on your MCAT retake. That’s it. It’s that simple.
I know the plan is better than some of my other ideas but if I do a DIY post-bacc I can only do like a year of coursework. So I should do a year of coursework and then apply to an SMP?
Who says you can only do a year of course work? Again, bust out a gpa calculator and see how many As you need to get to achieve your goal GPA. What if you only need a year of coursework? If you feel you can only do a year because you're running out of options for classes then I still circle back around to the GPA calculator to see where that would put your sGPA. Maybe that boost will be enough with a higher MCAT. We won't know until you what???? bust out the gpa calculator.
I honestly don't see why a person would need a post bac AND an SMP unless they need to finish pre reqs before the SMP or bombed their post bac. Also, I know the idea of an SMP is thrown around a lot here, but I'm nervous for you when it comes to that because of your gpa. If you can't hack it at an SMP then your chances of matriculating go to like zero.
I’m 26 and I still live at home. Nobody is helping me financially so I can only devote a year to JUST going to class, volunteering and retaking the MCAT(i.e. my money is very finite). Assuming I did really well for a year, I’d be sitting at a 3.4c and 3.2s- If I did well on the MCAT, would I have a chance? The SMP seemed like a good idea because it’d strengthen my application and allow me to move.
I know it SEEMS like I’m a mediocre student but my undergrad GPA is in no way indicative of my ability.
Raising your gpa and MCAT can ONLY help your chances.
I believe in you. You got this.
I know I can do it but I just don’t know if a year is enough. I’m not trying to be negative but I have to plan realistically. I know I could do a second bachelors (I’d get financial aid and also be improving my grades, etc.). On the other hand, if I raised my GPA a little and hit at least 513 on the MCAT, my LizzyM would hit 65-would this give me a fighting chance? If I did a second bachelors and got the same score, my LizzyM would be 67.
I know I can do it but I just don’t know if a year is enough. I’m not trying to be negative but I have to plan realistically. I know I could do a second bachelors (I’d get financial aid and also be improving my grades, etc.). On the other hand, if I raised my GPA a little and hit at least 513 on the MCAT, my LizzyM would hit 65-would this give me a fighting chance? If I did a second bachelors and got the same score, my LizzyM would be 67.
Hi, long time looker on this thread. I was just wondering if anyone received an interview or acceptance with a cgpa of 3.2, sgpa and under here. I'm right now at a 3.1 cgpa, 3.0 sgpa and 517 mcat so i'm just looking for some hope
QTNA.That MCAT is going to save your ass. So long as you are pretty decent/strong everywhere else in your app, I'd say go ahead and apply this coming cycle. You can't do anything else at this point and a post-bacc would definitely not be worth it.
Sidenote: Yall still playing with Azolesoul?
That MCAT is going to save your ass. So long as you are pretty decent/strong everywhere else in your app, I'd say go ahead and apply this coming cycle. You can't do anything else at this point and a post-bacc would definitely not be worth it.
Sidenote: Yall still playing with Azolesoul?
Has anyone attended Second Look yet for your schools? How was your experience? Do you think you got a good feel for how your classmates will be?
That MCAT is going to save your ass. So long as you are pretty decent/strong everywhere else in your app, I'd say go ahead and apply this coming cycle. You can't do anything else at this point and a post-bacc would definitely not be worth it.
Sidenote: Yall still playing with Azolesoul?
Because a 517 in the MCAT is probably harder to do than a post bacc. Just a thought. You should also know that people here are not rooting against you because there's no reason for them to. We only wish you the best, sincerely.If my cgpa and sgpa are about the same as this, why do I need to do so much post-bacc work as opposed to just retaking the MCAT? I'm happy to know that during this season of transition and uncertainty that my upsets were so funny to everyone.
Thanks a lot guys
Because a 517 in the MCAT is probably harder to do than a post bacc. Just a thought. You should also know that people here are not rooting against you because there's no reason for them to. We only wish you the best, sincerely.
Sent from my SM-G950U using SDN mobile
Lol @azolesoul. Is that really what you got from what I said? Well, if so, I'm sorry for not being clear enough. If you can break the 517-520, go for it. That would be great, and it would be a huge improvement in your app.Oh, so I'm not able to get a high score. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
If my cgpa and sgpa are about the same as this, why do I need to do so much post-bacc work as opposed to just retaking the MCAT? I'm happy to know that during this season of transition and uncertainty that my upsets were so funny to everyone. I came here looking for help but I see this was stupid of me. How is everyone playing with me?
Thanks a lot guys, it's always nice to be the butt of everyone's joke.
Sign out.
I'd rather not. I'd like to know what teejay meant about everyone "playing with me". This is the only place where I can get advice about this path and it seems like even this isn't true anymore.
I'd rather not. I'd like to know what teejay meant about everyone "playing with me". This is the only place where I can get advice about this path and it seems like even this isn't true anymore.
Hi, long time looker on this thread. I was just wondering if anyone received an interview or acceptance with a cgpa of 3.2, sgpaand under here. I'm right now at a 3.1 cgpa, 3.0 sgpa and 517 mcat so i'm just looking for some hope
You pretty much can't accidentally get a 517. It's easier to explain a low GPA versus a low mcat and/or multiple low mcats...
More direct response. You don't want advice. Why is that I'm logging back in months later and you're still asking the same questions, getting the same responses, and refusing the same advice. Throw the whole account away, you're too much. Lowkey, I should be dragging everybody else on this thread for continuing to respond lmao
Matter of fact, you should just go ahead and apply this cycle. It might be worth your while.
I'd rather not. I'd like to know what teejay meant about everyone "playing with me". This is the only place where I can get advice about this path and it seems like even this isn't true anymore.
You pretty much can't accidentally get a 517. You're deficient in both areas. It's easier to explain an isolated low GPA versus a low mcat and/or multiple low mcats...
More direct response. You don't want advice. Why is that I'm logging back in months later and you're still asking the same questions, getting the same responses, and refusing the same advice. Throw the whole account away, you're too much. Lowkey, I should be dragging everybody else on this thread for continuing to respond lmao
Matter of fact, you should just go ahead and apply this cycle. It might be worth your while.
Really funny man! I do need advice but all the advice I get requires me to spend money I DONT HAVE to take more undergrad courses for a chance to maybe get into medical school. Why is it that someone else with similar stats is told there fine but I suggest retaking the MCAT only and I get dragged? Yes, I want to go to medical school but I wasn't born with money and I still have no money so the idea of an expensive post-bacc is IMPOSSIBLE, point blank.
It's nice to see how funny my very real struggle is to everyone here. What kind of jerk takes pleasure in someone else's suffering? It's nice to know that you can be really smart and still be a garbage person.
Has anyone attended Second Look yet for your schools? How was your experience? Do you think you got a good feel for how your classmates will be?
Really funny man! I do need advice but all the advice I get requires me to spend money I DONT HAVE to take more undergrad courses for a chance to maybe get into medical school. Why is it that someone else with similar stats is told there fine but I suggest retaking the MCAT only and I get dragged? Yes, I want to go to medical school but I wasn't born with money and I still have no money so the idea of an expensive post-bacc is IMPOSSIBLE, point blank.
It's nice to see how funny my very real struggle is to everyone here. What kind of jerk takes pleasure in someone else's suffering? It's nice to know that you can be really smart and still be a garbage person.
I feel you! Have you already somewhat identified people or you're basically starting your hunt for roommates during Second Look?Mine is on Thursday and I am so excited. I am going in hoping to friend roommates lol.
I feel you! Have you already somewhat identified people or you're basically starting your hunt for roommates during Second Look?
Really funny man! I do need advice but all the advice I get requires me to spend money I DONT HAVE to take more undergrad courses for a chance to maybe get into medical school. Why is it that someone else with similar stats is told there fine but I suggest retaking the MCAT only and I get dragged? Yes, I want to go to medical school but I wasn't born with money and I still have no money so the idea of an expensive post-bacc is IMPOSSIBLE, point blank.
It's nice to see how funny my very real struggle is to everyone here. What kind of jerk takes pleasure in someone else's suffering? It's nice to know that you can be really smart and still be a garbage person.
SRY @teeayejay one more one more
@azolesoul I sent you a PM like months ago telling you that I didn't think it'd be all that useful to do a postbac. Retaking undergrad courses is helpful if you graduated years and years ago and your transcript doesn't seem relevant. If you just graduated, all the ad com is going to see is that you took biology and chemistry twice in 5 years and they'll just average the scores together. I've always been in the camp that you needed to find a way to take 3-6 months out of your life to study for the MCAT and only study for the MCAT. Like I'm talking studying is your full time job for a concentrated 3-6 months. Then I can begin to imagine a future where you would actually score above the 90th percentile.
I've said it before and I'll say it one more time. (But fr fr this is the last time so I really hope you read this, internalize it, and go reflect)
As an underrepresented minority in medicine, med schools really want you in their classes. There is a finite number of underrepresented minorities that apply and an even smaller number that are actually qualified to go to med school. There are 3 categories in your app (gpa/mcat, ECs, personal statement/letters of rec) and if you are deficient in 1 you have to make up for it with the other areas. @PrayForMe0533 has a ridiculously high MCAT. This is going to stop med schools from throwing their app into the trash due to GPA cutoffs (actually some med schools will still throw it into the trash because they have overall GPA cut offs of 3.2) The MCAT is the foot in the door to get them looked at as a human being but they better have some solid ECs and a compelling personal statement/paragraph somewhere explaining why their GPA is so low when they clearly understand the principles of basic sciences and can apply them to a rigorous exam.
Bottom line, no one on the ad com is going to think they can't pass exams and STEP 1/don't have a good foundation in the sciences because a 517 is really ****ing hard to do. In fact its so high and so different from their gpa that it makes me think they went to a school that did grade deflation or they were an engineering major or something like that. (congrats and kudos to you @PrayForMe0533 btw)
@azolesoul you scored a 500. That means you are in the 50th percentile. So when I look at your ~3.1gpa and 500 mcat I think you have deficiencies somewhere. Were your score breakdowns 125 across the board or did you get like a 120 in bio and a 127 in psych/soc etc. If you got below 125 in any of the 4 categories that makes things even worse. When screeners look at your app, even if you have the most compelling story in the world (and being born without money is not it, I promise you. There are a lot of people out here that don't have money) you don't have anything to warrant them bringing you in for an interview over another person. That is why you didn't get any interview invites this cycle.
Here is my advice again: if you don't want to do the postbac don't do it. If you don't want to do the SMP don't do it. There are people all over this site, all over this thread that have said they got interviews and accepted with GPAs similar to yours. BUT you better hunker down and get an mcat study schedule that is at least 3 months long and realistically more like 6 months long. You better work your ass off at a job or 2 jobs or whatever it takes to save up 3-6 months of rent/utilities/food so you can study for the mcat 6-8 hours every day. because I promise you if you retake that mcat and you score a 503 or some **** like that you're going to be in the same position. Or really a worse position because you'll be a reapplicant with two low MCAT attempts.
TLDR: targeted 3-6 months of MCAT prep. Score above a 510. When you apply again in June of 2019 (don't you dare apply this cycle) add at lease 5 DO schools to the pile. If you can't get to 510 and/or don't want to wait or consider DO schools...... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ i don't think you'll have a viable application.
literally there is nothing else I or anyone on this thread can say.
now back to regularly scheduled programming. I'm still waiting on Post-I decisions and it's killing me! I want to know at least 1 week before traffic day so I can think about my options. come on adcommmmmmm
I think he still has a good chance at some DO (especially the new DOs) programs with his current stats and that also depends on his ECs and whether or not he can obtain a DO letter. If he can raise his MCAT to a 505, I think he has a great chance with almost all DO schools. This cycle, I got accepted to two DO programs with my 500 MCAT (after 5 attempts) but my GPAs where 3.7+ each. IMO, before anyone consider going to any Caribbean school, they should consider the DO route first.He should honestly probably be looking at Carrib schools (not trying to be funny or demeaning)
He should honestly probably be looking at Carrib schools (not trying to be funny or demeaning)
I am 100 percent certain that if you're determined enough, you will succeed. People didn't think I would make it even in a DO program either after taking the MCAT so many times, but I proved them wrong. Though, I don't think anyone here is looking down at you or don't believe you are capable of making it in medical school. They've actually given you many great advices and never gave up on you even when you kept asking the same questions sometimes. Some (like @Nathan17182) even answered you everytime you come back here for advice. If that's not proof that they believe in you, I don't know what is. And yes, you really need to get off SDN and focus on yourself like everyone has been saying. Stay determined and focused on your goals, I have faith in you, and I believe with hard work, you'll make it eventually. Don't give up my friend, and no matter what anyone tells you, in the end it will be your choices and the decisions you make that will determine your future.I'm not going to say it explicitly but you know where you can go and know what you can do. I'm looking into SMPS and afterwards, I'll retake the MCAT. I don't need any of you STUCK UP people looking down your noses at me. I'll be successful, even if none of you believe I will. I'm done with this bs site and you bs people.
Bye!
I think he still has a good chance at some DO (especially the new DOs) programs with his current stats and that also depends on his ECs and whether or not he can obtain a DO letter. If he can raise his MCAT to a 505, I think he has a great chance with almost all DO schools. This cycle, I got accepted to two DO programs with my 500 MCAT (after 5 attempts) but my GPAs where 3.7+ each. IMO, before anyone consider going to any Caribbean school, they should consider the DO route first.
PS. English is my second language (from Haiti) and I've been living in the US for 7 years during which I obtained 2 bachelor degrees (bio and chem). That being said, the Verbal/CARS section has always kicked my a$$, and this is why I ended up taking the MCAT so many times. Well, in the end it worked out for the best. On accepted student day, one of the professors at the DO program I'm going to attend came directly to me just to say Hi and to mention how he remembers reviewing my application and thinking to himself "this guys has no quit in him". That really made me happy I never gave up or went to Caribbean for that matter.
Sent from my SM-G950U using SDN mobile
Retaking undergrad courses is helpful if you graduated years and years ago and your transcript doesn't seem relevant. If you just graduated, all the ad com is going to see is that you took biology and chemistry twice in 5 years and they'll just average the scores together. I've always been in the camp that you needed to find a way to take 3-6 months out of your life to study for the MCAT and only study for the MCAT. Like I'm talking studying is your full time job for a concentrated 3-6 months. Then I can begin to imagine a future where you would actually score above the 90th percentile.
you scored a 500. That means you are in the 50th percentile. So when I look at your ~3.1gpa and 500 mcat I think you have deficiencies somewhere. Were your score breakdowns 125 across the board or did you get like a 120 in bio and a 127 in psych/soc etc. If you got below 125 in any of the 4 categories that makes things even worse. When screeners look at your app, even if you have the most compelling story in the world (and being born without money is not it, I promise you. There are a lot of people out here that don't have money) you don't have anything to warrant them bringing you in for an interview over another person. That is why you didn't get any interview invites this cycle.
because I promise you if you retake that mcat and you score a 503 or some **** like that you're going to be in the same position. Or really a worse position because you'll be a reapplicant with two low MCAT attempts.
TLDR: targeted 3-6 months of MCAT prep. Score above a 510. When you apply again in June of 2019 (don't you dare apply this cycle) add at lease 5 DO schools to the pile. If you can't get to 510 and/or don't want to wait or consider DO schools...... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ i don't think you'll have a viable application.
literally there is nothing else I or anyone on this thread can say
Above a 510 does not mean he doesn't have to apply to DO. I am a URM that applied with a 3.1c/3.24s and 511. I only got 1 interview/waitlist from a MD school and that is with a 3.85 GPA of my last 100 credits (mostly upper division science).I just want to point out a few things. Mostly for those that haven’t applied and may read this.
- Generally, post bacs are not designed for students simply retake science courses. A retake is actually not recommended unless your prereqs are hella old or you earned a C- (D?) or lower. Most post bacs are for individuals that have never taken certain prereqs and for those that need to take additional science classes for the first time to boost their gpa.
- Medical schools average ALL of your grades, period. (Well, unless you qualify for grade replacement at the DO institutions that still offer it).
- A 503 WILL NOT PUT HIM IN THE SAME POSITION. With the same gpa it will actually put him 19% above the national average acceptance rate.
500 and 3.0 put his chances 2% below the National average acceptance rate. A 500 and a 3.3 put his chances 16% above that average. A 500 MCAT points to pretty freaking high acceptance rates for African Americans if everything else is on par. I’m far from an expert, but I think his gpa likely held him back the most as a 500 MCAT has been sufficient for so many URMs.
With that said, competition is steep and seems to only increase each year so a 500 MCAT should not be the goal. I agree with everyone that he should retake the exam AND improve his gpa.
- To pretend that anything less than a 510 will result in an application that isn’t viable is far from the truth and straight rubbish. Where did you even get that? If he does manage to get that score DO can be taken off the table completely.
I know the majority of us aren’t experts here, but dang y’all, we have try harder sometimes to disseminate information that’s backed up by some evidence.
Above a 510 does not mean he doesn't have to apply to DO. I am a URM that applied with a 3.1c/3.24s and 511. I only got 1 interview/waitlist from a MD school and that is with a 3.85 GPA of my last 100 credits (mostly upper division science).
Above a 510 does not mean he doesn't have to apply to DO. I am a URM that applied with a 3.1c/3.24s and 511. I only got 1 interview/waitlist from a MD school and that is with a 3.85 GPA of my last 100 credits (mostly upper division science).
Hey, so you mentioned you got off of the waitlists eventually, was it for all 3 schools? did you send updates? was this for this cycle or previous, and if previous, was it after traffic day? I ask because I want to hold on to hope for my 2 waitlistsI'll raise you this. I was a 3.1c with 502 MCAT retake. Did a post-bac and applied with a 3.65 before even finishing my post-bac. I got 4 MD interviews (1 outright acceptance, 3 waitlists then acceptances); The rest of my app held it's own but I wasn't an amazing applicant.
Of course it wouldn't hurt but he likely doesn't need to apply DO at all if he scores above a 510. But then again, I also don't know the rest of his app sooo.....
@OchemOficionado come through with these numbers thooooo *hand raise emoji*
Hey, so you mentioned you got off of the waitlists eventually, was it for all 3 schools? did you send updates? was this for this cycle or previous, and if previous, was it after traffic day? I ask because I want to hold on to hope for my 2 waitlists