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Hello all! I used to be active on this forum back when I was (much) younger and actively pursuing medical school. Some years and life changes later, I'm a science/health reporter but have firmly decided to resume my medical school pursuit. I'm going to use bullet points to make my whole narrative a bit easier to digest, and hopefully, you lovely folks can give me some pointers on what I need to do next.
- undergrad from Ivy League school, graduated in 2014 as premed with a cGPA of 3.5 but science GPA of 3.2
- completed a science-related master's from a reputable UK school in 2016 (program was taught and research-based, but I didn't publish any papers, my PI did submit an abstract to a conference)
- scribed for about two years in various out-patient departments where I realized my love for science journalism
- applied to and completed a master's in journalism with a 3.7 GPA
- worked at a top middle-market newspaper for nearly two years reporting on science/health, got burnout (thanks pandemic), and left to freelance
- freelancing now for the last few months, but it's slow going, have applied for science journalism fellowships/other jobs
- studying for the MCAT now (got 496 on my first practice exam *cue sad Pikachu face*), MCAT scheduled for April
One of my main concerns is my undergraduate GPA. Considering the 3.7+ stat many schools advertise about their incoming classes, I'm concerned whether I should consider a post-bacc or similar program. A problem with these programs, though, is I don't qualify --- I have a solid pre-med background plus my science-related master's (I also don't want to do a third master's just for the sake of boosting my GPA). I think I have a unique experience that could make me stand out from other applicants, but I realize I need to nail down that MCAT if I want any chance of shining.
If anyone could offer some sage advice, I would greatly appreciate it!
- undergrad from Ivy League school, graduated in 2014 as premed with a cGPA of 3.5 but science GPA of 3.2
- completed a science-related master's from a reputable UK school in 2016 (program was taught and research-based, but I didn't publish any papers, my PI did submit an abstract to a conference)
- scribed for about two years in various out-patient departments where I realized my love for science journalism
- applied to and completed a master's in journalism with a 3.7 GPA
- worked at a top middle-market newspaper for nearly two years reporting on science/health, got burnout (thanks pandemic), and left to freelance
- freelancing now for the last few months, but it's slow going, have applied for science journalism fellowships/other jobs
- studying for the MCAT now (got 496 on my first practice exam *cue sad Pikachu face*), MCAT scheduled for April
One of my main concerns is my undergraduate GPA. Considering the 3.7+ stat many schools advertise about their incoming classes, I'm concerned whether I should consider a post-bacc or similar program. A problem with these programs, though, is I don't qualify --- I have a solid pre-med background plus my science-related master's (I also don't want to do a third master's just for the sake of boosting my GPA). I think I have a unique experience that could make me stand out from other applicants, but I realize I need to nail down that MCAT if I want any chance of shining.
If anyone could offer some sage advice, I would greatly appreciate it!