3.23 cumulative gpa, 3.0 major gpa. Bio w/Chem minor, MCAT soon

[mgmg]

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Hi

I just graduated with a BS in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. I was under the impression that my gpa was too low for medical school, and for some time was considering forensic laboratory science. I spoke to a friend who is attending WVSOM this fall, and he encouraged me to reconsider medicine. I would like to go into Pathology (perhaps Forensic Pathology, but the entire field is interesting enough), but here are my stats:


All A's and B's except for the following:

General Chemistry I C+
Cell Biology C+
Human Physiology C+
College Physics II C+

Minor in chemistry included Bio-organic chemistry, which I got a B in (also got B's in Orgo and Orgo lab courses)

Any suggestions?

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

3.23 Cgpa.. What was your science gpa? I presume lower then your CGPA. Anyways your gpa is likely going to be something you'll need to overcome to get into medical school. So you'll have 2 routes.

1. For MD programs : Study extremely hard for the mcat and score 30+. Apply for SMP's. Do well in the SMP. Then apply to MD & DO programs after its over.
2. For DO programs only :Retake low grades until your gpa gets up ( if your science gpa is higher then a 3.0 then this point can be ignored but it remember 3.5 Cgpa and 3.3 Sgpa are average for DO). Study hard for the mcat and score a 28+. Apply broadly to DO schools.

Good luck.

 

[mgmg]

My science gpa is about 3.0 (2.99 perhaps), but I do plan to retake Anatomy/Physiology I so that will hopefully bump it up to 3

I have also completed an internship at a plant science lab and worked throughout my 4 years of undergrad. I was also involved in school clubs. Not sure if it helps, but I did complete the honors curriculum of my program as well.

Seeing that I have a one year gap in which I plan to take the MCAT, I am considering taking a few criminal justice courses at the local community college, in addition to medical terminology and anatomy/physiology I this fall for interest purposes as well as helping the gpa. I felt this was a pretty sound plan, but I figured I would throw it out there anyways.

And of course, I plan to shadow some doctors.

Thanks once again

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Good luck I think you just need a little boost on your gpa with a few retakes and then a good mcat. Also major emphasis on clinical volunteering you'll need about 100 hours over the course of a year to have a chance at a medical school. So if you don't have enough of that you should be looking to volunteer at the hospital ASAP.

 

[mgmg]

Should I take the MCAT this year or next cycle?

I'm planning on taking a practice exam by the end of August

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Should I take the MCAT this year or next cycle?

I'm planning on taking a practice exam by the end of August

Take it when you think you're going to be ready. Remember go into the mcat with the mind set that you'll only be taking it once. ( Recommendation to go to the mcat prep section and learn a few methods of studying, recommend the 3 month method btw).

Practice mcats are offered for free online. DO NOT SIGN UP FOR A REAL LIFE MCAT WITH THE INTENTION OF IT BEING A PRACTICE EXAM.

But yes, I would say applying this cycle is out of the question. You need clinical experience and you need to study for the mcat and possibly retake classes. So you need to go find a hospital to volunteer at as well before applying.
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[mgmg]

Recommendation to go to the mcat prep section and learn a few methods of studying, recommend the 3 month method btw

Is there a link? Thanks a lot!!!!

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=31

 

[ManytheMiles]

If you are sure you want to do medical school, an SMP is a good option for overcoming a mediocre GPA. If you do a search on these forums, you will find quite a bit of helpful information.