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Doctor246853

Doctor246853

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Stuck in cold weather....
  1. Pre-Medical
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OK *sigh* I was on a roll..."was"... I had a horrible semester, all science classes. I don't even want to state my gpa but it was around a 3.3. I have not only lowered my gpa but actually failed some classes, yes SOME not one. I took 18 credit and did well until, once again, family issues came back to haunt me in the middle of the semester. My heart is seriously broken and Im scared to look at my actual gpa. I am thinking of only applying to tcom and hbcu schools due to my urm. What should I do? I feel lost right about now. I know I should make straight A's but my gpa will still be below the 10th percentile for all schools. Any advice helps. My mcat is in the upper 30's tho. Advice for a brotha?🙁
 
Relax and roll up a blunt. But seriously, relax and just do the best you can. Worst comes to worst, you can always do a post-bacc before applying to raise your stats. You'll be fine, keep pushing.
 
Doctor246853 said:
OK *sigh* I was on a roll..."was"... I had a horrible semester, all science classes. I don't even want to state my gpa but it was around a 3.3. I have not only lowered my gpa but actually failed some classes, yes SOME not one. I took 18 credit and did well until, once again, family issues came back to haunt me in the middle of the semester. My heart is seriously broken and Im scared to look at my actual gpa. I am thinking of only applying to tcom and hbcu schools due to my urm. What should I do? I feel lost right about now. I know I should make straight A's but my gpa will still be below the 10th percentile for all schools. Any advice helps. My mcat is in the upper 30's tho. Advice for a brotha?🙁
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Brah you'll be just fine - https://www.aamc.org/download/157594/data/table25-b-mcatgpa-grid-black.pdf

You have a great shot at the Texas MD schools, IMO.
 
It depends on which classes you failed, why you failed them, and what else you have going for you.

Focus first on getting the best grades you can from here on out.

You might also benefit from a gap year or two spent doing research and building up interesting extracurricular activities (eg research during the day, volunteer EMT at night).

It's really hard to say what your options are without knowing more than you should disclose on this forum.

Apply broadly, include a few DO schools, and you should still have a decent shot. Narrative is key here though - you need to be able to excuse the bad term and get schools to look past it.
 
johnnydrama said:
It depends on which classes you failed, why you failed them, and what else you have going for you.

Focus first on getting the best grades you can from here on out.

You might also benefit from a gap year or two spent doing research and building up interesting extracurricular activities (eg research during the day, volunteer EMT at night).

It's really hard to say what your options are without knowing more than you should disclose on this forum.

Apply broadly, include a few DO schools, and you should still have a decent shot. Narrative is key here though - you need to be able to excuse the bad term and get schools to look past it.
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Sorry dude, I assumed you guys would look at my MD app.
I am already doing research. Genetic research since last year and will continue until I apply. I did SURF last summer and again this summmer coming up. No pubs. I work two jobs. OR tech and resident assistant in my dorm. I have worked in healthcare for about 5years now.(CNA,ER tech, OR tech) I have solid shadowing, LORs, volunteering and ec's, plenty.... Everything is solid but my gpa will be pushing 3.0...If that.... The classes failed was a bio class D, biostats F, chem D. I know its bad, I know.
 
Sorry to hear that bro. You seem like a hardworking dude, and your MCAT is great, so I'd say you'd still be fine at Texas MD schools (OOS as well).
 
Stumpyman said:
Sorry to hear that bro. You seem like a hardworking dude, and your MCAT is great, so I'd say you'd still be fine at Texas MD schools (OOS as well).
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Thanks Stumpy, I hope so. I called TCOM today and asked if they do grade replacement. They said no and I feel like thats the only shot I have in texas due to my strong tie with falculty there. I don't even think that will help me now.
 
How far along are you in school? It should be possible to raise your gpa from a 3.0 to a 3.3 at least within 2 years. Just keep chugging and when you retake those classes make sure you hit them outta the ballpark.
 
Doctor246853 said:
Sorry dude, I assumed you guys would look at my MD app.
I am already doing research. Genetic research since last year and will continue until I apply. I did SURF last summer and again this summmer coming up. No pubs. I work two jobs. OR tech and resident assistant in my dorm. I have worked in healthcare for about 5years now.(CNA,ER tech, OR tech) I have solid shadowing, LORs, volunteering and ec's, plenty.... Everything is solid but my gpa will be pushing 3.0...If that.... The classes failed was a bio class D, biostats F, chem D. I know its bad, I know.
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Sorry, using iPhone app. That stuff doesn't show up.
 
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That sucks man.... Everyone has difficulties once in a while. I think that if your application is good otherwise, meaning is not a pattern, you should be able to explain it and better yet, prove your academic ability next semester and the remaining ones until graduate... Work hard and good luck!
 
Doctor246853 said:
Sorry dude, I assumed you guys would look at my MD app.
I am already doing research. Genetic research since last year and will continue until I apply. I did SURF last summer and again this summmer coming up. No pubs. I work two jobs. OR tech and resident assistant in my dorm. I have worked in healthcare for about 5years now.(CNA,ER tech, OR tech) I have solid shadowing, LORs, volunteering and ec's, plenty.... Everything is solid but my gpa will be pushing 3.0...If that.... The classes failed was a bio class D, biostats F, chem D. I know its bad, I know.
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Retake the classes that you got lower than a C in. I think you'll be okay. It looks like you have an amazing application otherwise. Life happens to the best of us. I hope that everything is going well now, though. :/
 
Shalashaska said:
Relax and roll up a blunt. But seriously, relax and just do the best you can. Worst comes to worst, you can always do a post-bacc before applying to raise your stats. You'll be fine, keep pushing.
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great sdn advice 😎
 
I had a 3.03 cum, 2.85 science GPA with a 37 MCAT, and got into my state school. It can still happen!
 
mcrechio said:
Retake the classes that you got lower than a C in. I think you'll be okay. It looks like you have an amazing application otherwise. Life happens to the best of us. I hope that everything is going well now, though. :/
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Will do. I hate how this will push me back in school. I'm getting old...
 
I concur with flatearth (shudder), you have a great shot at Texas schools! Good luck, don't give up.

I am a little incredibly inspired by your MDApps profile.
 
CeeEstee0 said:
I concur with flatearth (shudder), you have a great shot at Texas schools! Good luck, don't give up.

I am a little incredibly inspired by your MDApps profile.
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This made me blush a little😳
I believe my grades may be a little to low for them to even see what I have accomplished. I have thought about dropping my research project and one of my jobs to focus on my grades. The research is INCREDIBLY time consuming. I spend more nights working on primers and preparing for presentations than I do studying for my exams. My PI is very serious but he has so much influence with texas medical schools that I am afraid to lose his lor. I know this is a bad idea to continue with research but I need something to conpensate for my gpa and this is the second best(besides mcat).
 
Doctor246853 said:
Will do. I hate how this will push me back in school. I'm getting old...
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Hey, I understand. Had I been on my game, I could have graduated medical school this year...many that I started college with 8 years ago just did and it has been very bittersweet for me. Makes me feel old too.
 
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If you can afford to apply, go ahead and do it I suppose, though I would go ahead and simultaneously apply to a SMP as a back up. A strong mcat shows you are smart, unfortunately your low gpa is going to worry a lot of programs, regardless of the reasons. If you are not accepted but can get a few solid semesters in before next years interviews ramp you'll be in a much better position.
 
dd128 said:
If you can afford to apply, go ahead and do it I suppose, though I would go ahead and simultaneously apply to a SMP as a back up. A strong mcat shows you are smart, unfortunately your low gpa is going to worry a lot of programs, regardless of the reasons. If you are not accepted but can get a few solid semesters in before next years interviews ramp you'll be in a much better position.
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Do you think I should drop my summer research gig(it's a McNair program) and focus on summer classes?
 
Judas said:
uh this is very offensive. the stereotype that african-americans smoke marijuana more often than their white counterparts is false and extremely racist.
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Funny how your name is Judas. Yeah, I love to stereotype. /sarc
 
dd128 said:
If you can afford to apply, go ahead and do it I suppose, though I would go ahead and simultaneously apply to a SMP as a back up. A strong mcat shows you are smart, unfortunately your low gpa is going to worry a lot of programs, regardless of the reasons. If you are not accepted but can get a few solid semesters in before next years interviews ramp you'll be in a much better position.
Click to expand...

Don't do this. Do not apply until you mean it.

Adcoms will see your prior application and be less likely to consider you. Many schools do not even consider someone who has already applied.
 
Judas said:
uh this is very offensive. the stereotype that african-americans smoke marijuana more often than their white counterparts is false and extremely racist.
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Did you really take it as stereotyping?? Wow. Because it's out of the realm of possibility that he/she could say "Relax and roll up a blunt" to anyone that's not black, right?

The stereotype that people stereotype blacks as smoking marijuana more often than their white counterparts is extremely stupid and racist.


Anyway, OP - if you apply DO there is the grade forgiveness policy. Just a thought.
 
Doctor246853 said:
Thanks Stumpy, I hope so. I called TCOM today and asked if they do grade replacement. They said no and I feel like thats the only shot I have in texas due to my strong tie with falculty there. I don't even think that will help me now.
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TCOM is a state school and they follow TMDSAS rules. It's the only DO school in America that doesn't allow grade replacement etc. Good luck man. You'll get in somewhere.
 
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FSUseminoleEM1 said:
Did you really take it as stereotyping?? Wow. Because it's out of the realm of possibility that he/she could say "Relax and roll up a blunt" to anyone that's not black, right?

The stereotype that people stereotype blacks as smoking marijuana more often than their white counterparts is extremely stupid and racist.


Anyway, OP - if you apply DO there is the grade forgiveness policy. Just a thought.
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Yeah but not TCOM. I would rather stay in Texas, that way I will have my family's help if I ever need it with my child. Out of state, I would know no one🙁. I will still apply to just about every DO in america tho.
 
Doctor246853 said:
Do you think I should drop my summer research gig(it's a McNair program) and focus on summer classes?
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Of course I would say do anything that would promote higher grades. You seriously need to worry about the grades more than anything else. You know yourself best, if you feel like you can get the grades without giving up the program then keep with it.

johnnydrama said:
Adcoms will see your prior application and be less likely to consider you. Many schools do not even consider someone who has already applied.
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I don't advocate applying before you are ready, but this is not true. There may be SOME schools who look less fondly on repeaters, but this is mainly going to be pointed at people who don't improve their application from a previous year. There are not MANY schools who will not reconsider a repeater. Truth of the matter is application seasons vary, though lately they have been on an upward trend, and someone who may not get in one year could slide in the next. Schools realize this, and if you meaningfully attempt to improve upon a second application they'll look at you like everyone else.

If you are genuinely worried about getting in, again only you really know your situation, I would say do the post-bacc and apply the next year...will save you a lot of money if nothing else
 
Judas said:
uh this is very offensive. the stereotype that african-americans smoke marijuana more often than their white counterparts is false and extremely racist.
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i just learned that snoop dogg and dave chappelle are false and extremely racist

OP, this semester is over. Try to forget about it and enjoy your summer, maybe go on vacation or take part in some community building. Start off new year anew and don't let your past dictate your future.
 
kpcrew2oo2 said:
i just learned that snoop dogg and dave chappelle are false and extremely racist

OP, this semester is over. Try to forget about it and enjoy your summer, maybe go on vacation or take part in some community building. Start off new year anew and don't let your past dictate your future.
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👍 great advice thanks
 
Judas said:
uh this is very offensive. the stereotype that african-americans smoke marijuana more often than their white counterparts is false and extremely racist.
Click to expand...
Lighten up dude, it was just a joke. At least, I hope it was...
 
Doctor246853 said:
Do you think I should drop my summer research gig(it's a McNair program) and focus on summer classes?
Click to expand...

Can you manage the program and studying (which classes?) I think one of my McNair summers was a writing/research class and working on my project. It wasn't horrid. Talk to your program director
 
johnnydrama said:
Don't do this. Do not apply until you mean it.

Adcoms will see your prior application and be less likely to consider you. Many schools do not even consider someone who has already applied.
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Wuh?
 
Doc youe achievements are so inspiring. You chose to get out of the bad environments ypu were raised in and pursue your goals. Have you thought about getting a tutor or talking to your Prof during office hours?,
 
09ine said:
Wuh?
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Particularly with top schools, if they've already received an application from you in the past, your second application will go right in the trash.

And if it's clear someone is applying a second time but didn't apply to a specific school the first cycle, that may reflect poorly on them as well.

Basically, you only want to apply once if you can help it.
 
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That sucks, man, but I wouldn't stop from applying in-state heavy with an african-american URM status in Texas.
 
myronnie said:
Doc youe achievements are so inspiring. You chose to get out of the bad environments ypu were raised in and pursue your goals. Have you thought about getting a tutor or talking to your Prof during office hours?,
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Thanks. I don't think I really need a tutor because I get the material. I truly do understand the material, rather well actually..but I keep hitting these "life road blocks" that set me back😡. It's hard to concentrate in your classes when there's so much on your mind. Example: I got pulled over for some old traffic tickets that I couldn't pay due to expensive ***** childcare and spent the night in jail.🙁 Got out an hour before my biostats exam and I was still in my scrubs from work! (Test didn't go so well) Then my son keeps getting bronchitis and I am then forced to stay at home. I swear, a lot of times I feel like that Will Smith movie "Pursuit of happiness"....
 
johnnydrama said:
Particularly with top schools, if they've already received an application from you in the past, your second application will go right in the trash.

And if it's clear someone is applying a second time but didn't apply to a specific school the first cycle, that may reflect poorly on them as well.

Basically, you only want to apply once if you can help it.
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I don't think anyone here disagrees with the sentiment that multiple cycles (like multiple MCAT's) are something to be avoided if possible, but do you have any proof of this?
 
gettheleadout said:
I don't think anyone here disagrees with the sentiment that multiple cycles (like multiple MCAT's) are something to be avoided if possible, but do you have any proof of this?
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Anecdotal stories from people on adcoms.
 
Doctor246853 said:
Thanks. I don't think I really need a tutor because I get the material. I truly do understand the material, rather well actually..but I keep hitting these "life road blocks" that set me back😡. It's hard to concentrate in your classes when there's so much on your mind. Example: I got pulled over for some old traffic tickets that I couldn't pay due to expensive ***** childcare and spent the night in jail.🙁 Got out an hour before my biostats exam and I was still in my scrubs from work! (Test didn't go so well) Then my son keeps getting bronchitis and I am then forced to stay at home. I swear, a lot of times I feel like that Will Smith movie "Pursuit of happiness"....
Click to expand...

🙁
 
Doctor246853 said:
OK *sigh* I was on a roll..."was"... I had a horrible semester, all science classes. I don't even want to state my gpa but it was around a 3.3. I have not only lowered my gpa but actually failed some classes, yes SOME not one. I took 18 credit and did well until, once again, family issues came back to haunt me in the middle of the semester. My heart is seriously broken and Im scared to look at my actual gpa. I am thinking of only applying to tcom and hbcu schools due to my urm. What should I do? I feel lost right about now. I know I should make straight A's but my gpa will still be below the 10th percentile for all schools. Any advice helps. My mcat is in the upper 30's tho. Advice for a brotha?🙁
Click to expand...

I've read your other posts and here's my advice: splash some cold water on your face and get yourself together.

Retake the classes you bombed, do well in them and keep going. Lose the self pity. Things aren't as bad as you think they are.

Regarding staying close to your family: In my opinion you're getting in your own way by ruling out schools out of state. Granted I don't have a child, however I come from a totally unsupportive/messed up background and am doing everything on my own- no safety net whatsoever. You will be fine being in school away from your family. You're probably only nervous about being away from them because this spell you've been in has shaken up your confidence.

You'll be fine and for gods sake realize things are not as bad as you think they are.

🙂
 
Tatiana3325 said:
I've read your other posts and here's my advice: splash some cold water on your face and get yourself together.

Retake the classes you bombed, do well in them and keep going. Lose the self pity. Things aren't as bad as you think they are.

Regarding staying close to your family: In my opinion you're getting in your own way by ruling out schools out of state. Granted I don't have a child, however I come from a totally unsupportive/messed up background and am doing everything on my own- no safety net whatsoever. You will be fine being in school away from your family. You're probably only nervous about being away from them because this spell you've been in has shaken up your confidence.

You'll be fine and for gods sake realize things are not as bad as you think they are.

🙂
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I agree with everything except this part. It may come off as pity but its the truth. SDNers know more about me than my classmates, professors and roomates. I don't do pity. But I hear ya...Thanks
 
Doctor246853 said:
Thanks. I don't think I really need a tutor because I get the material. I truly do understand the material, rather well actually..but I keep hitting these "life road blocks" that set me back😡. It's hard to concentrate in your classes when there's so much on your mind. Example: I got pulled over for some old traffic tickets that I couldn't pay due to expensive ***** childcare and spent the night in jail.🙁 Got out an hour before my biostats exam and I was still in my scrubs from work! (Test didn't go so well) Then my son keeps getting bronchitis and I am then forced to stay at home. I swear, a lot of times I feel like that Will Smith movie "Pursuit of happiness"....
Click to expand...

Damn man..just keep working hard. I know you're going to have a really successful semester :luck:
 
You can do it. I can't put myself in your shoes but I imagine it'd be pretty damn difficult. However, making excuses won't help you do better. To repeat what others have said, an UPPER 30s MCAT + URM + 3.4 or higher GPA will give you a shot at any TX school (including Baylor if you wanna do AMCAS haha). Work hard and pull those grades up, your past semester is over and thinking about it won't salvage your poor performance.

Good luck!
 
I'm sorry about your situation, but if it helps, I don't think your out of the running. Your MCAT scores will keep you from being phased out, and your strong application will speak for itself. A bad semester doesn't ruin your chances, just make sure it doesn't happen again.
 
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