So long story short, I've always wanted to be a doctor, but I ended up with almost all C's in every single one of my pre-reqs in college (including senior year in physics) due to bad study habits & not ever correcting them until later. After college, for the past year, I've retaken almost all of my pre-reqs at CCs but I will likely have 2 Cs left in organic chemistry (have had a hard time scheduling these classes with work and other class load). I've also taken A&P series and Genetics and classes in the "other sciences" to show schools I can get As in new classes...
My question are:
- Should I absolutely enroll in the fall in Organic Chemistry and try to update these grades or would it be better to sign up for biochemistry and do well in that?
- Do people apply/get into DO programs with non-retake Cs in pre reqs?
- Should I make a big point of my academic record/improvement in my personal statement or is there a better place on the application to discuss this (interview, secondaries)? I've tried to show my best qualities, but I feel like not mentioning this may make me look like I'm dodging my proficiency in science classes?
With the retakes and additional classes I've taken I will be around a cGPA/sGPA 3.5 by the end of summer so I will for sure meet the requirements for screening purposes. I took the mcat after graduating and scored a horrible 20. Took it again a few months later and got a 26 (PS 10/VR 8/ BS 8). My ECs are what I believe will make the biggest difference (1000 hours EMT/clinical research/other unique jobs). Strong LORs & one from DO and MD. Planning to submit July 1st. CA resident.
Any advice from those who've been in a similar boat or are in it currently I'd love to hear what you have to say. Thank you!
My question are:
- Should I absolutely enroll in the fall in Organic Chemistry and try to update these grades or would it be better to sign up for biochemistry and do well in that?
- Do people apply/get into DO programs with non-retake Cs in pre reqs?
- Should I make a big point of my academic record/improvement in my personal statement or is there a better place on the application to discuss this (interview, secondaries)? I've tried to show my best qualities, but I feel like not mentioning this may make me look like I'm dodging my proficiency in science classes?
With the retakes and additional classes I've taken I will be around a cGPA/sGPA 3.5 by the end of summer so I will for sure meet the requirements for screening purposes. I took the mcat after graduating and scored a horrible 20. Took it again a few months later and got a 26 (PS 10/VR 8/ BS 8). My ECs are what I believe will make the biggest difference (1000 hours EMT/clinical research/other unique jobs). Strong LORs & one from DO and MD. Planning to submit July 1st. CA resident.
Any advice from those who've been in a similar boat or are in it currently I'd love to hear what you have to say. Thank you!
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