3.2 GPA in computer science, fool's errand?

[xposter7]

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I'm assuming these posts are pretty common and annoying, but I'll be damned if I don't try, so here goes.

• 3.2 in Computer Science from a Top 5 public university (if that makes any difference)

• Only taken one science class (physics) so want to do a post-bacc in a couple years

• Only taken 90 graded credits in college, so GPA potentially has room to rise with a post-bacc

I want to work in software for a couple years, then do a post bacc / work in a clinical setting for experience, then go to med school. Do I have any shot at getting into a decent MD program (say ranked 50-75, I know nothing about rankings, this is just around where US NEWS' rankings end), assuming I absolutely destroy the MCAT, or is this still a fool's errand?

I like computer science enough to work in it for a couple years and save up money, but I don't love it. I always kind of regretting not doing pre-med my junior/senior years of college. Then last year I was diagnosed with a chronic stomach condition (which is doing much better now), and it absolutely sucked at times, and I want to be a GI Doc because I've been there, I want to help people, I love science, and I believe I'm intelligent enough.

 

[italiancowgirl]

Is it possible yes certainly. I am going to be honest not because I mean to be rude but because I think the perspective can help you. You sound naive about medicine so before you go down the rabbit hole of making a life plan, why don't you spend time exploring medicine. The reality is there are many roads in medicine (PA, NP, MD, DO and more), and even more ways to help people. To be a good physician you have to prove not just intelligence, but leadership, compassion, perspective and understanding of others, and a perseverance to keep working through when times are tough (plus more things I haven't thought of). There are MANY ways to prove this through life experiences of all sorts, but more importantly you need to know WHY are you doing it. Specifically. Because your statement of helping people (which is exactly where I started) is not enough. Spend time shadowing different medical professionals and volunteering on the side of working if you think you want this path. First answer the why, then the how will become more clear (or you can ask better how questions). This is actually the exact way I started (as a patient and driven to help others to navigate the complexity of a diagnosis of their own). Degree type doesn't really matter (but your GPA does and mcat definitely does). I hope that helps (sorry if I am speaking kind of messy today I am studying for finals). GL

 

[Bru]

Doable. I had a similar situation as yours. I ended up with a higher science GPA and low-average cGPA after a bunch of post-bacc credits (all the pre-reqs).

I'd recommend starting your clinic experiences now (volunteer) just to get a better idea of the field (as mentioned above). This way when you take the leap in a couple years into post-bacc you have a good amount of hours and hopefully you will have figured out more about the field. You might think about taking one class in the coming year or two before you go full-bore. I think I took stats to get my feet wet as I have been out of school for some time.

 

[xposter7]

Is it possible yes certainly. I am going to be honest not because I mean to be rude but because I think the perspective can help you. You sound naive about medicine so before you go down the rabbit hole of making a life plan, why don't you spend time exploring medicine. The reality is there are many roads in medicine (PA, NP, MD, DO and more), and even more ways to help people. To be a good physician you have to prove not just intelligence, but leadership, compassion, perspective and understanding of others, and a perseverance to keep working through when times are tough (plus more things I haven't thought of). There are MANY ways to prove this through life experiences of all sorts, but more importantly you need to know WHY are you doing it. Specifically. Because your statement of helping people (which is exactly where I started) is not enough. Spend time shadowing different medical professionals and volunteering on the side of working if you think you want this path. First answer the why, then the how will become more clear (or you can ask better how questions). This is actually the exact way I started (as a patient and driven to help others to navigate the complexity of a diagnosis of their own). Degree type doesn't really matter (but your GPA does and mcat definitely does). I hope that helps (sorry if I am speaking kind of messy today I am studying for finals). GL

Nothing rude about that, honesty is always appreciated. Thank you for the advice, I will look more into such things.

 

[italiancowgirl]

Nothing rude about that, honesty is always appreciated. Thank you for the advice, I will look more into such things.

You know I try to be respectful but there always seems to be someone in these forums who disagrees with my tone. Lol thanks for being so open to the advice you asked for (I know that sounds like a given right?!)

 

[YellowfinGuy10]

Good luck! My general mindset is "I have no idea what I'm doing"