Advice needed for future with low GPA issues

[kelminak]

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Hi all,

I'm trying to figure out what route I should take in order to best prepare to apply to DO schools (primarily aiming for PNWU since I am an Idaho resident). I did really poorly for a long time in college and I'm trying to get myself straight to apply to school. Climbing from a rock bottom 1.8, after last semester I'm sitting at a 2.67 as a super-senior. I only have one class left to take and am currently planning on taking the following classes for the Spring semester since I've effectively run out of money/time: OChem 2+Lab since that's mandatory, Developmental Biology as it's the last class required to complete my degree, and the first core Biology class (Bio 191) since I got a C- a long time ago and it wouldn't be difficult to make that an A. Assuming I were to get a 4.0 this semester, I would put myself at a 2.82 cGPA with all of the retakes I've done.

A 2.82 GPA clearly doesn't reach the 3.0 cutoff most schools have, but I am aware that schools will also consider graduate work as well. There is a program at another school nearby for a one-year MPH here that would possibly give me the boost that I need to look competitive from an academic perspective. Would this be a good option? Is there something else I haven't considered? I really would like to not throw in the towel, so all suggestions are appreciated.

I should note that I have already taken the MCAT with a 28 (7/12/9) and by the time I apply I should have ~300 hrs volunteering at a nearby hospital. I haven't shadowed yet, but hopefully as I volunteer a bit more, I'll have some more contacts that I could arrange it more easily.

Thanks in advance for your advice and if you need any further information, don't hesitate to ask!

 

[67552931811]

Hi all,

I'm trying to figure out what route I should take in order to best prepare to apply to DO schools (primarily aiming for PNWU since I am an Idaho resident). I did really poorly for a long time in college and I'm trying to get myself straight to apply to school. Climbing from a rock bottom 1.8, after last semester I'm sitting at a 2.67 as a super-senior. I only have one class left to take and am currently planning on taking the following classes for the Spring semester since I've effectively run out of money/time: OChem 2+Lab since that's mandatory, Developmental Biology as it's the last class required to complete my degree, and the first core Biology class (Bio 191) since I got a C- a long time ago and it wouldn't be difficult to make that an A. Assuming I were to get a 4.0 this semester, I would put myself at a 2.82 cGPA with all of the retakes I've done.

A 2.82 GPA clearly doesn't reach the 3.0 cutoff most schools have, but I am aware that schools will also consider graduate work as well. There is a program at another school nearby for a one-year MPH here that would possibly give me the boost that I need to look competitive from an academic perspective. Would this be a good option? Is there something else I haven't considered? I really would like to not throw in the towel, so all suggestions are appreciated.

I should note that I have already taken the MCAT with a 28 (7/12/9) and by the time I apply I should have ~300 hrs volunteering at a nearby hospital. I haven't shadowed yet, but hopefully as I volunteer a bit more, I'll have some more contacts that I could arrange it more easily.

Thanks in advance for your advice and if you need any further information, don't hesitate to ask!

Hey man,

Sorry to hear about your situation but I think you can definitely overcome this (your overall mcat is competitive). First, why will you be out of time? Secondly, what is your gpa breakdown by year(s)? Also, how many credits were associated with each semester/ year? I can't tell from your post how long your gpa was below 2.0 for.

At any rate, from your post it seems to be that you had a rough year, or two, and then turned things around. If that is indeed the situation then I think replacing one of your bad years would: A- significantly increase your aacomas gpa (as in dramatically); B- repeat of A. I'm not exactly sure what an MPH would do for you, man. Your gpa would still be at a 2.82.

If I were you, I would spend next year increasing my gpa as much as humanly possible. This seems to be a more logical choice than getting an MPH while still having a sub 3.o gpa. However, I'm no adcom. Perhaps @Goro could lay some feline wisdom on ya.

 

[IslandStyle808]

I agree with above. You need to get that GPA has high as you can before applying, bare minimum would be 3.00. However, I would suggest to shoot for at least a 3.25 GPA for both GPAs (this is KCUMBs cut off, plus I think you would be more competitive). Don't just go for the bare minimum, otherwise you will be on the hold list for a lot of schools (it can take anywhere from a month to several months to get off of them).

 

[j4pac]

It's a calculated risk to accrue more debt to retake those classes...but it will be required for you to sniff med school. It may take 1-2 years to retake the classes you need to bump your GPA to the point you will need it to be. If you are dedicated to becoming a physician...then I say go for it.

The truth is that the amount of debt in undergrad is a bit trivial compared to medical school. It would be a worthwhile investment if it means that you are able to become physician. You will likely be able to pay off your debt with a physician's salary, especially if you qualify for 10-year debt forgiveness (if that exists in 15 years).

 

[doapplicant2015]

Do not do the MPH, it will not help your undergrad GPA out.

Retake anything lower than a C (especially any science) course and make A's the rest of the way. Keep in mind your science GPA is calculated separately from your cumulative GPA and both need to be above 3.0 to have a shot. I would focus on retaking all your lowest science courses and work from there. It's definitely doable, and having a decent MCAT under your belt already takes tremendous stress off. You're in great shape to get yourself in a position to apply this upcoming cycle assuming your EC's are in order. If they aren't, I suggest working on those as you go here because you need all the help you can get from this point forward.

Best of luck

 

[Goro]

So with retaking all F/D/C science coursework, your GPA is still < 3.0? If so, the key is, as you surmise, to get that > 3.0.

If needed, work, save some money, and go back to school.
I am not a fan of MPH for either grade repair or proof that you can handle a rigorous curriculum. I suggest going either a post-bac at your local CC for a year that has ~12 credits/semester of courses like Biochem, anatomy, physiology, genetics, etc., or, better yet, a SMP.

This process is a marathon, not a sprint.

Hi all,

I'm trying to figure out what route I should take in order to best prepare to apply to DO schools (primarily aiming for PNWU since I am an Idaho resident). I did really poorly for a long time in college and I'm trying to get myself straight to apply to school. Climbing from a rock bottom 1.8, after last semester I'm sitting at a 2.67 as a super-senior. I only have one class left to take and am currently planning on taking the following classes for the Spring semester since I've effectively run out of money/time: OChem 2+Lab since that's mandatory, Developmental Biology as it's the last class required to complete my degree, and the first core Biology class (Bio 191) since I got a C- a long time ago and it wouldn't be difficult to make that an A. Assuming I were to get a 4.0 this semester, I would put myself at a 2.82 cGPA with all of the retakes I've done.

A 2.82 GPA clearly doesn't reach the 3.0 cutoff most schools have, but I am aware that schools will also consider graduate work as well. There is a program at another school nearby for a one-year MPH here that would possibly give me the boost that I need to look competitive from an academic perspective. Would this be a good option? Is there something else I haven't considered? I really would like to not throw in the towel, so all suggestions are appreciated.

I should note that I have already taken the MCAT with a 28 (7/12/9) and by the time I apply I should have ~300 hrs volunteering at a nearby hospital. I haven't shadowed yet, but hopefully as I volunteer a bit more, I'll have some more contacts that I could arrange it more easily.

Thanks in advance for your advice and if you need any further information, don't hesitate to ask!

 

[kelminak]

I'm aware the MPH isn't calculated in my uGPA. I'll have to work with an advisor because I'm at my school's credit limit and I've stopped receiving financial aid. There is a person on reddit that suggested I apply for a second degree which should make it so I start getting loans again and I should be able to retake more classes (I do have a limit now at my school). I wouldn't even have to finish the degree, but instead would just be utilizing the money so that I could keep retaking courses. I don't want to take time off to work because then I'd have to start paying back loans and I definitely don't want my MCAT to expire. I'd preferably like to apply the cycle after this upcoming one so that if I didn't get in, I could apply the cycle after that as well. Does that sound like a better plan?

 

[kelminak]

I met with my advisor today and we worked out how this'll go down. I'll be graduating this Spring and applying as a second degree-seeking student so that I'm eligible for more loans, then continue to retake courses and improve my GPA to apply that cycle. It looks like I've got a plan! Thanks for all of your help!

 

[67552931811]

I'm aware the MPH isn't calculated in my uGPA. I'll have to work with an advisor because I'm at my school's credit limit and I've stopped receiving financial aid. There is a person on reddit that suggested I apply for a second degree which should make it so I start getting loans again and I should be able to retake more classes (I do have a limit now at my school). I wouldn't even have to finish the degree, but instead would just be utilizing the money so that I could keep retaking courses. I don't want to take time off to work because then I'd have to start paying back loans and I definitely don't want my MCAT to expire. I'd preferably like to apply the cycle after this upcoming one so that if I didn't get in, I could apply the cycle after that as well. Does that sound like a better plan?

If you were asking for specific replies you would probably get more if you utilized the "call" option or if you replied directly to posters. I don't think Goro roams randomly looking for people to respond to (could be wrong, though). Regardless, I think that plan sounds like something I would implement if I were in your shoes. Good luck, man-- knock out your classes this spring and next year so your gpa gets above 3.0 (I'd assume that with replacement a 3.2/3.3 is not out of the question) and I think you will be in a good place.

 

[kelminak]

If you were asking for specific replies you would probably get more if you utilized the "call" option or if you replied directly to posters. I don't think Goro roams randomly looking for people to respond to (could be wrong, though). Regardless, I think that plan sounds like something I would implement if I were in your shoes. Good luck, man-- knock out your classes this spring and next year so your gpa gets above 3.0 (I'd assume that with replacement a 3.2/3.3 is not out of the question) and I think you will be in a good place.

Ah no, I wasn't looking for specific replies. I was just adding those details. Thanks for the well wishes. 🙂