2nd yr tanked science GPA--postbac or keep going?

[flyingstrawberry]

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Hi everyone,

At the end of my sophomore year of undergrad, I'm in a bit of a crisis:
-C+/D in Ochems, C+ in bio, A-/B+ in gen chems
-cGPA 3.249, science GPA 3.3
-pretty solid ECs
-pursuing BS in neuro + spanish minor (willing to drop if needed)

Currently debating a few options:
1. Take biochem + physics next semester, attempt to patch up science GPA, graduate in ~4yrs, seek admission to med school
2. Take premed classes in undergrad over the course of 5yrs w/ spanish minor, seek admission to med school
3.Drop all pre-med classes, graduate early w/ just BS in neuro at the end of junior year, apply to postbac programs, go from there

Any thoughts/advice would be so greatly appreciated!

 

[Push0ne0fEpi]

I don't have much advice except to self-reflect. Look at the reasons you did poorly in those courses. Study habits? Personal crisis? Advanced material? Until you nailed down the problem and fix it, you're doing a disservice to yourself. Even worse, they may come back to haunt you in medical school if they aren't dealt with.

I wouldn't drop any classes if you are getting federal aid or are planning on applying for federal aid (think medical school). Each undergraduate school has a standard for what is acceptable performance to deserve federal aid. (Just because FAFSA says you qualify for a certain amount doesn't mean that your chosen school will disperse it.) Withdrawing from too many courses could disqualify you and subject you to a lengthy, stressful appeals process each semester.

Postbacc programs are a viable option, but keep in mind that many of these move at a quickened pace with a lot of information being thrown at you. This comes back to my initial statement.

All in all, you are the only one standing in your way. Develop a plan, but focus on accomplishing short term goals with excellence. Any way you look at it, you're a come-back story waiting to happen-- and that makes for a hell of a Personal Statement.

 

[mmmcdowe]

Moving to pre-allo

 

[W19]

I see DO school on the horizon--and it's ok to be DO.