Advice for low Gpa

[fai012510]

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okay so I have a GPA of a 2.63 right now and I'm in my last semester for graduation and if i finish my class with high marks my GPA will be a 2.7. I need advice in what exactly should I do next eventually I would like to go to medical school I have been looking at a postbacc programs, Special Master's programs and certificates but I just can't find anything because of my low GPA and I'm willing to go anywhere right now I'm living in Pennsylvania my parents are in Florida but I really want to become a doctor and I'm willing to do whatever it takes I just don't know exactly what to do. I am asking for help on people who know exactly what I should do to help my GPA boost because obviously I need to enhance my grades to even stand a chance in getting in to med school, also what are some schools that I can apply to with such a low GPA

 

[ZeaL6]

Pretty much you have to do a post bacc to get up to a high enough GPA where something like an SMP would look at you. Either that or you could retake classes and take advantage of grade replacement for the DO route.

 

[mehc012]

Your best bet for DO is to retake the classes you got a C or worse in. You can do this piecemeal anywhere.
You may have to try for a formal postbacc or SMP once you hit that 3.0 mark. Make sure you don't neglect your ECs along the way...it's going to be a long road and you'll need recent stuff. Oh, and don't forget to take psych and sociology for the new MCAT you're stuck with!

 

[mehc012]

So, basically, the solution for 'my grades are low' is 'take more classes and make your grades not be low.'

 

[Mavs88]

okay so I have a GPA of a 2.63 right now and I'm in my last semester for graduation and if i finish my class with high marks my GPA will be a 2.7. I need advice in what exactly should I do next eventually I would like to go to medical school I have been looking at a postbacc programs, Special Master's programs and certificates but I just can't find anything because of my low GPA and I'm willing to go anywhere right now I'm living in Pennsylvania my parents are in Florida but I really want to become a doctor and I'm willing to do whatever it takes I just don't know exactly what to do. I am asking for help on people who know exactly what I should do to help my GPA boost because obviously I need to enhance my grades to even stand a chance in getting in to med school, also what are some schools that I can apply to with such a low GPA

A big part of this that you need to realize is that "Getting to medical school" is not the ultimate goal. If you are making a 2.63 through 4 years of undergrad, a lot needs to change in YOU to be able to not only get into med school, but to actually survive it if you get there.

Your best option is to do a post-bacc. Retake every class that you got a C or less in. Then apply DO, they do GPA grade replacement. With this, you could have a GPA that is much much higher than 2.6.

BUT, before you do that...reflect on what you have been doing wrong for 4 years. What can you do to be a better student? more studying, better studying, etc. You need to start from scratch...this will be a process, not a quick fix!

Good luck.

 

[jfirefox]

Be prepared for a long road ahead. I've got a low GPA>3.0 and I'm still fixing it.

Firstly, you'll need to figure out why you were doing poorly to begin with. It would be pointless to take more classes/do a post bac/smp/whatever if that isn't addressed.

Were there some personal/family issues? Did you just not apply yourself? Time management? Spread yourself thin? Whatever it is it will need to be fixed.

You'll have to really be honest with yourself... Is it realistic for you to get a 4.0 and 30+ MCAT?

I'd think about taking an extra year to graduate. Once you have your bachelor's you will not qualify for financial aid & will have to pay to take post bac undergrad classes.

If you're set on MD, you'll need to raise your GPA, rock the MCAT, and rock an SMP. To get into an SMP I'd say you'll need at least a 2.8, probably a 3.0 cum/sci GPA and at least a 28+ MCAT.

It would be faster to go DO and do grade replacement.

Adcoms might be slightly more lenient if you are URM or SES disadvantaged....

Good luck OP, if you're willing to put the work and time in you'll eventually get it.

 

[knv2u]

okay so I have a GPA of a 2.63 right now and I'm in my last semester for graduation and if i finish my class with high marks my GPA will be a 2.7. I need advice in what exactly should I do next eventually I would like to go to medical school I have been looking at a postbacc programs, Special Master's programs and certificates but I just can't find anything because of my low GPA and I'm willing to go anywhere right now I'm living in Pennsylvania my parents are in Florida but I really want to become a doctor and I'm willing to do whatever it takes I just don't know exactly what to do. I am asking for help on people who know exactly what I should do to help my GPA boost because obviously I need to enhance my grades to even stand a chance in getting in to med school, also what are some schools that I can apply to with such a low GPA

Medical school is possible, but it will be a long arduous road. Post-bacc work will allow you to increase your undergraduate GPA and if you apply to a D.O. school, then grade replacement could allow you to bring up your GPA rapidly. A post bacc may also prepare you for a SMP, which is effectively most of the first year medical school classes. SMPs are useful in showing that you can handle the rigors of medical school, but a mediocre or poor performance will be the kiss of death to your application and it would be "game over" at that point. I don't think you're ready for a SMP and it is too risky. Here is what I would do:

1. Do a post bacc and try to bring your GPA up to at least a 3.0 cumulative and science GPA. The higher you can get the better. If you did particularly poorly in a few classes, retaking those would allow you to replace the old grade with the new one for GPA purposes if you apply to osteopathic (D.O.) schools. Allopathic medical schools (M.D.) will consider both and average them.

2. After retaking the classes that you did super poorly in and boosting your undergraduate GPA, I would then enroll in a SMP.

3. I would then apply predominantly to D.O. schools and maybe a few lower tier medical schools or those that are known for tolerating lower GPAs (Howard, TCMC, etc.) if you have a good SMP performance.

 

[LostinLift]

If you get that GPA to at least a 3.0 and an MCAT of at least 27, you have a very good chance of getting in, especially if you have good LORS, clinical experience, and other ECs.

Source: https://www.aamc.org/download/321514/data/2012factstable25-2.pdf

 

[mehc012]

If you get that GPA to at least a 3.0 and an MCAT of at least 27, you have a very good chance of getting in, especially if you have good LORS, clinical experience, and other ECs.

Source: https://www.aamc.org/download/321514/data/2012factstable25-2.pdf

I think that's slightly misleading given the splitting on that table. But thank you for posting the source as well...OP, make sure you look at the actual breakdowns and remember that a lot of people in that '3.0 27' group are in fact '3.2 29'
For now, just focus on the first baby steps: find somewhere close to you where you can take classes at a time and price you can afford to sustain. Then just start taking them. Retake Cs and below, and try to find new upper levels.

 

[Mad Jack]

Postbac till you're at something a SMP will touch then work your way into a SMP that has a link to a medical school. Also, do what everyone else has said. It's all pretty good advice. You really need to fix -you- more than you need to fix your grades, because B-/C+ level coursework won't cut it in medical school.

 

[fai012510]

Medical school is possible, but it will be a long arduous road. Post-bacc work will allow you to increase your undergraduate GPA and if you apply to a D.O. school, then grade replacement could allow you to bring up your GPA rapidly. A post bacc may also prepare you for a SMP, which is effectively most of the first year medical school classes. SMPs are useful in showing that you can handle the rigors of medical school, but a mediocre or poor performance will be the kiss of death to your application and it would be "game over" at that point. I don't think you're ready for a SMP and it is too risky. Here is what I would do:

1. Do a post bacc and try to bring your GPA up to at least a 3.0 cumulative and science GPA. The higher you can get the better. If you did particularly poorly in a few classes, retaking those would allow you to replace the old grade with the new one for GPA purposes if you apply to osteopathic (D.O.) schools. Allopathic medical schools (M.D.) will consider both and average them.

2. After retaking the classes that you did super poorly in and boosting your undergraduate GPA, I would then enroll in a SMP.

3. I would then apply predominantly to D.O. schools and maybe a few lower tier medical schools or those that are known for tolerating lower GPAs (Howard, TCMC, etc.) if you have a good SMP performance.

I have been looking at post bacc but I can't seem to find one that will accept me with my gpa, any suggestions?

 

[Life Sucks]

I have been looking at post bacc but I can't seem to find one that will accept me with my gpa, any suggestions?

Why don't you stay an extra year. Take some science classes for that gpa, and then do a post-back or programs that allow you to get in with a good MCAT. Your best bet is a D.O school . I would defiantly try to retake a class. That would really help.

 

[Life Sucks]

I have been looking at post bacc but I can't seem to find one that will accept me with my gpa, any suggestions?

Also, have you went online to see average gpa's from some schools. Low tiers might be your best bet when you get it up above three. But realistically, you need to get the MCAT score that would get you in one, and very good EC'S.

 

[kami333]

You don't need to do a formal postbacc program, just register to take classes at your local 4year state university.

I graduated with a sub-3.0 (2.6ish), took a couple years off in a different field, did an informal postbacc (100 credit hours at 3.8) and was accepted last year. It's a long road but doable, just remember that you didn't end up with a sub-3.0 GPA overnight and it's not going to be a quick fix. Figure out why you aren't getting As and don't take anymore classes until you do as anything less than an A isn't going to cut it going forward.

 

[fai012510]

Why don't you stay an extra year. Take some science classes for that gpa, and then do a post-back or programs that allow you to get in with a good MCAT. Your best bet is a D.O school . I would defiantly try to retake a class. That would really help.

The problem is I cant stay another year.This is my 5th year because I had a concussion last year which turned into this big thing with me getting a medical withdrawl but my academic advisor said he wouldnt suggest me stay extra because if I retake the classes It will not replace my grade but become an average. The class I have a D in is neuroscience and biochem.For chem 1 and 2 my grades where A and B recpectivly.The same for organic chem 1 and 2 my grades where A and B. Physic however I have two Cs and both labs are a B. Mirco was a C. Zoology was a C. Bio 1 and 2 was an A and C. I know Cs wont cut it and even Bs which is why I am trying to retake them but I dont necessary want them to average.
Forgot human anatomy B, Human physiology B and Gentics C

 

[fai012510]

You don't need to do a formal postbacc program, just register to take classes at your local 4year state university.

I graduated with a sub-3.0 (2.6ish), took a couple years off in a diffe field, did an informal postbacc (100 credit hours at 3.8) and was accepted last year. It's a long road but doable, just remember that you didn't end up with a sub-3.0 GPA overnight and it's not going to be a quick fix. Figure out why you aren't getting As and don't take anymore classes until you do as anything less than an A isn't going to cut it going forward.

When you say dont take a formal bacc and register at a local 4 year university, how do I apply. for example when i first applyed to college i registered as undergrad, so when i want to do this post bacc how do i go about it? Like do i sign u

 

[kami333]

The problem is I cant stay another year.This is my 5th year because I had a concussion last year which turned into this big thing with me getting a medical withdrawl but my academic advisor said he wouldnt suggest me stay extra because if I retake the classes It will not replace my grade but become an average. The class I have a D in is neuroscience and biochem.For chem 1 and 2 my grades where A and B recpectivly.The same for organic chem 1 and 2 my grades where A and B. Physic however I have two Cs and both labs are a B. Mirco was a C. Zoology was a C. Bio 1 and 2 was an A and C. I know Cs wont cut it and even Bs which is why I am trying to retake them but I dont necessary want them to average.

Doesn't matter how your school calculates your GPA with respect to retakes; AMCAS will count both tries and average them out whereas AACOMAS will only count the last grade (as long as it's within their guidelines of similar content, same or more credit hours, etc).

When you say dont take a formal bacc and register at a local 4 year university, how do I apply. for example when i first applyed to college i registered as undergrad, so when i want to do this post bacc how do i go about it? Like do i sign u

Talk to the admissions office?
I was able to register as a second bachelor's student in about 20min at mine, just had to get my transcripts sent in, pretty much the same procedure as a transfer student.

 

[knv2u]

I have been looking at post bacc but I can't seem to find one that will accept me with my gpa, any suggestions?

First and foremost, you don't have to do a formal post bacc; you can do an informal post bacc in the form of a second bachelor's degree. You could definitely qualify for Stafford Direct loans on the latter, but am unsure how financial aid works with the former. I think an informal post bacc/ second bachelor's degree is in many ways preferable.

It is hard to make a specific recommendation without knowing your specific location. With regards to my friends and research associates, I am familiar with some of my state's school and not those of Pennsylvania and Florida. In terms of the schools that I am familiar with, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia fits the bill. It requires a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, but is no guarantee that you'll get in. I'm sure that your state will have similar schools. Community colleges may be able to help you with introductory courses if you need to retake those. It might be that you need to start there to refresh on the basics and then do a one year second bachelor's degree to take upper level coursework at a four year school.

I wish you luck. Please let us know how things work out for you. I wish you well with your future applications.

 

[baconshrimps]

Okay, truth be told - you have zero options for M.D.
The only way you will ever graduate from a professional degree granting program where you get to become a physician, is if you pursue a D.O., Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

However, that 2.63 is DYSMAL even for D.O. Pursue SCIENCES in a post-bacc program. RETAKE ANY CLASSES YOU EARNED A B- OR LOWER IN. This can either be a formal post-bacc or you can just take courses at a UNIVERSITY. No community college classes for you. Do not take too many at a time, so that you can make sure you earn an A in each one you take. At this point, any A you do not earn is a step away from becoming a physician. Once you have your GPA at a 3.0, you need to start studying for the MCAT so you can apply to SMP programs or a traditional masters program. In my honest opinion, however, doing an SMP is high risk for you - because if you screw it up, your chances of ever convincing a medical school you have what it takes are gone. I would recommend you either do a traditional masters program, which will spread the work out over two years (again, less courseload so you can be certain to get high grades) and also gives you time to pursue alot of EC's to build up your application, or do one of the Masters programs that has linkage into their medical school (Rosalind Franklin, Temple - those are MD schools though, so if you ever have a shot at MD, these are the schools you have a chance at, but only through their Masters programs) Honestly, I think you will have a hard time convincing many SMP's to take you into their program. You will need to get an MCAT score of at least 33.

 

[knv2u]

When you say dont take a formal bacc and register at a local 4 year university, how do I apply. for example when i first applyed to college i registered as undergrad, so when i want to do this post bacc how do i go about it? Like do i sign u

Contact the individual schools of interest and inquire about a second bachelor's degree. Some institutions will treat this as a transfer admissions situation despite the fact that you will already have a bachelor's degree.

 

[knv2u]

Why don't you stay an extra year. Take some science classes for that gpa, and then do a post-back or programs that allow you to get in with a good MCAT. Your best bet is a D.O school . I would defiantly try to retake a class. That would really help.

This is a good point as well. You may be able to delay graduation to give you a chance to do more course work.

 

[knv2u]

The problem is I cant stay another year.This is my 5th year because I had a concussion last year which turned into this big thing with me getting a medical withdrawl but my academic advisor said he wouldnt suggest me stay extra because if I retake the classes It will not replace my grade but become an average. The class I have a D in is neuroscience and biochem.For chem 1 and 2 my grades where A and B recpectivly.The same for organic chem 1 and 2 my grades where A and B. Physic however I have two Cs and both labs are a B. Mirco was a C. Zoology was a C. Bio 1 and 2 was an A and C. I know Cs wont cut it and even Bs which is why I am trying to retake them but I dont necessary want them to average.
Forgot human anatomy B, Human physiology B and Gentics C

I just saw this so you disregard my last post regarding a delayed graduation. I think we need a lot more information to make sure we iron out the wrinkles. What is your non-science GPA (this is not the cumulative GPA)? What is your science GPA? Outside of the courses that you mention, is everything else a solid B or better? If the problem with your application is a C in Microbiology, Zoology, Biology 2, Physics 1, and Physics 2, and Ds in Neuroscience, biochemistry 1, and biochemistry 2, then retake those courses. You can probably get everything except for Neuroscience and biochemistry at a community college.

Now there was one poster who advised against community college. If you are pushing for most allopathic schools, then yes, it may be problematic depending on where you apply. With osteopathic schools and lower ranked allopathic medical schools, I don't think it will be an issue, but certainly contact schools of interest to you. Remember, with osteopathic schools, when you retake a course, the new grade can replace the old grade. This will not be the case with an allopathic/MD program.

Now, in terms of your application, were all of your lower graded courses around the time of your injury? If so, you may be able to get some leeway from medical schools (but not a whole lot). Also, are you an underrepresented minority? If you are, that may also work in your favor. AMCAS releases acceptance statistics by age, race, etc., and includes information about the average GPA and average MCAT score of matriculants to U.S. allopathic medical schools. Make sure that you get as close to the profile of the average accepted candidate for your individual cohort as is possible.

If there is anyway I can be of help, please let me know.

 

[baconshrimps]

I just saw this so you disregard my last post regarding a delayed graduation. I think we need a lot more information to make sure we iron out the wrinkles. What is your non-science GPA (this is not the cumulative GPA)? What is your science GPA? Outside of the courses that you mention, is everything else a solid B or better? If the problem with your application is a C in Microbiology, Zoology, Biology 2, Physics 1, and Physics 2, and Ds in Neuroscience, biochemistry 1, and biochemistry 2, then retake those courses. You can probably get everything except for Neuroscience and biochemistry at a community college.

Now there was one poster who advised against community college. If you are pushing for most allopathic schools, then yes, it may be problematic depending on where you apply. With osteopathic schools and lower ranked allopathic medical schools, I don't think it will be an issue, but certainly contact schools of interest to you. Remember, with osteopathic schools, when you retake a course, the new grade can replace the old grade. This will not be the case with an allopathic/MD program.

Now, in terms of your application, were all of your lower graded courses around the time of your injury? If so, you may be able to get some leeway from medical schools (but not a whole lot). Also, are you an underrepresented minority? If you are, that may also work in your favor. AMCAS releases acceptance statistics by age, race, etc., and includes information about the average GPA and average MCAT score of matriculants to U.S. allopathic medical schools. Make sure that you get as close to the profile of the average accepted candidate for your individual cohort as is possible.

If there is anyway I can be of help, please let me know.

In general, Community College is not advised. If courses were taken at a community college and the student moved to a 4 year university, sometimes that is okay. If it is just a handful of courses (and maybe less so for pre-req courses) medical schools may forgive this. However, given the OP's 2.63 GPA, taking classes at a community college at this point will not benefit their application - it will appear that the applicant is taking an easy road to improving their GPA.

 

[knv2u]

In general, Community College is not advised. If courses were taken at a community college and the student moved to a 4 year university, sometimes that is okay. If it is just a handful of courses (and maybe less so for pre-req courses) medical schools may forgive this. However, given the OP's 2.63 GPA, taking classes at a community college at this point will not benefit their application - it will appear that the applicant is taking an easy road to improving their GPA.

If she were applying to Harvard or even most mid-tier allopathic programs absent some sort of special linkage program, I would agree with you. However, we must also be realistic. The original poster is more than likely going to end up in a D.O. program and to my knowledge, where the credits were earned matter less. The same is also true of lower ranked MD programs.


So while I would agree with you in most cases, I think this is an exception. Hopefully @Goro will chime in. I think he is an adcom at an osteopathic medical school.

Also, to the original poster, I don't want to discourage you. There are people with sub 3.0 acceptances to MD/DO schools occasionally (you might even find some here - search through the old threads), but you will have your back up against the wall and your odds of acceptance are low. Improving your undergraduate GPA and scoring well on the MCAT should be your priorities.

 

[knv2u]

Check out this SDN thread about medical school acceptances with sub 3.0 GPAs:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/school-list-for-someone-with-3-0-gpa.924862/

There are some schools discussed after the first few posts or so.

 

[Goro]

OP, the simplest path is to retake every F/D/C grade science course, and let AACOMAS grade replacement policy do it's work. I take it that the concussion led to the poor grades? If not, you should work on whatever deficits led to your poor performance. Go talk to your school's learning center.


If you're keen only on an MD degree, then you must do a post-bac/SMP. These really are a dime-a-dozen so just look for one until you find one that will accept you and your GPA. Excell there, and ace the MCAT, and then there are MD schools that believe in reinvention.

If she were applying to Harvard or even most mid-tier allopathic programs absent some sort of special linkage program, I would agree with you. However, we must also be realistic. The original poster is more than likely going to end up in a D.O. program and to my knowledge, where the credits were earned matter less. The same is also true of lower ranked MD programs.


So while I would agree with you in most cases, I think this is an exception. Hopefully @Goro will chime in. I think he is an adcom at an osteopathic medical school.

Also, to the original poster, I don't want to discourage you. There are people with sub 3.0 acceptances to MD/DO schools occasionally (you might even find some here - search through the old threads), but you will have your back up against the wall and your odds of acceptance are low. Improving your undergraduate GPA and scoring well on the MCAT should be your priorities.

 

[lobo.solo]

There is one guy here who got into MD with sub 3.0 GPA though he did really well in the MCAT. See Link below https://www.aamc.org/download/321508/data/2013factstable24.pdf

Okay, truth be told - you have zero options for M.D.
The only way you will ever graduate from a professional degree granting program where you get to become a physician, is if you pursue a D.O., Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

OP; I suggest you to fight to stay another year and pull all As. This might get you closer to 3.0. Then get into a post-bac and retake classes where you got C or worse. It might take a solid 2-3 years of GPA repair but you need to get As [only]. Then take the whole summer to study for mcat and do really well. You still have a chance, but you have to work really hard to make. Also, as people have said, with the retakes and GPA improvement you can also apply DO.

 

[LostinLift]

When you say dont take a formal bacc and register at a local 4 year university, how do I apply. for example when i first applyed to college i registered as undergrad, so when i want to do this post bacc how do i go about it? Like do i sign u

Please tell me this was sent from a phone... without auto correct. There are many Universities where you can enroll informally with minimal registration and take whatever courses you are allowed to sign up for. You have to do research on these schools yourself.