3.38 bcpm

[citra]

Okay so I'm graduating in 2 weeks. And I have no plans. I haven't taken MCATs but my ultimate goal is MD.

gpa: 3.38 in a BS Chemistry from a top 40 school
lots of volunteer experience
limited clinical experience
lots of research experience:
2 paper publications, 2 poster publications (1 is from an undergrad conference), 1 undergrad journal article publication

here are some options:
1) do a 1 year masters in chem in a field i don't like (the labs i wanted to work with are full)
2) study for mcats and find a clinical job (but the economy sucks)
3) I don't know??? Join Peace Corps

I am considering international programs for american students (the ones that are affiliated with american schools) but not in the caribbean.

Any advice for what I should do?
Thanks.

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[Catalystik]

You could consider staying in school another year to raise your GPA, while gaining volunteer clinical experience and shadowing (and maybe leadership and teaching). Or consider a job with Americorps, where I understand that clinical jobs are available, though I'm not sure if it's too late to apply now. A traditional masters will have little impact on whether you get into med school, as adcomms generally judge you by undergrad GPA. Also, study for the MCAT aiming for a 34+ to compensate for your GPA at allopathic med schools, or for a 27+ for osteopathic med schools.

 

[citra]

Can I take classes at a local school? I'm from CA but i go to school in NY, and I would prefer to live at home. Would the grades carry the same weight?

 

[Catalystik]

As long as you attend a four-year school, I doubt any eyebrows will be raised. And if finances and scheduling are a major issue, you'd be justified in taking classes at a community college. The important thing is to take upper-level science classes to raise the cGPA and BCMP or SGPA, getting straight As, because even one B grade sets back your GPA repair. If you got below a C+ in any prerequisite, consider retaking it.

 

[citra]

B/c I am a BS in Chem I've taken a large number of science classes. my low grades are in intro neurobiology (C), and I have a B- in quantum chemistry and inorganic chemistry (I was distracted that semester). Other than that my grades are fine.