Advice needed

[ginga]

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Hello SDN!

I graduated from Tufts two years ago with a 2.9 GPA majored in Bio but I still have not given up my hopes on becoming a doctor. I have taken the MCAT and waiting on my scores, but need advice on the exact route I should take.

Here is my relevant (medical school related) information

currently volunteer with global health NGO
1 year research experience about 3-4 years ago at my university's biotech lab
currently taking two high level biology courses at university (my own little post-bacc program)

my plan is to get into a SMP hopefully this year and also get some research experience. I understand that if I apply as a volunteer, then my chances of being accepted are much higher. However, be the cause anxiety or inexperience with these kinds of matters, I am having some difficulty with the following

1. finding where these opportunities lie
2. how to appropriately contact PIs

any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[Doctor Strange]

Starting with a 2.9 is going to be rough. Right now, MD is pretty much out of the question. Take advantage of DO grade replacement.

 

[kami333]

^ Agreed. Some SMPs require 3.0 or above as well so at the very least I would take postbacc classes and get both sGPA/cGPA above a 3.0

 

[itsmcv2015]

If you can get it up to a 3.0 maybe do an SMP. Good luck man!

 

[Sabio23]

In terms of contacting people, just send a professional email detailing your experience and interest. Including a brief resume is usually helpful as well. Finding out about opportunities is school dependent but there is usually a database on a school's website that lists current openings. Also consider grade replacement and going DO. Best of luck with the SMP!

 

[lobo.solo]

^ Agreed. Some SMPs require 3.0 or above as well so at the very least I would take postbacc classes and get both sGPA/cGPA above a 3.0

Agreed, there has been successful SDNers who were successful with similar stories as yours. Check the pre-osteopathic forum. Grade replacement for DO schools can significantly improve your GPA.

 

[ginga]

Thank you all!

In terms of the post-bacc, I am assuming taking extra courses for credit is what you mean.

Also when contacting the PI, I'm guessing by the "professional email" that refers to a cover letter. If there are any key details that I could place in the letter that would better my chances (other than the basics such as interest and experience), please let me know - I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[ginga]

Also, I have my heart set on M.D. at the moment. With that in mind, is there anything I could do that could have a similar effect as the DO grade replacements?

 

[Doctor Strange]

Also, I have my heart set on M.D. at the moment. With that in mind, is there anything I could do that could have a similar effect as the DO grade replacements?

Unfortunately, no.

 

[touchpause13]

Also, I have my heart set on M.D. at the moment. With that in mind, is there anything I could do that could have a similar effect as the DO grade replacements?

why?

 

[VictorAlpha]

Also, I have my heart set on M.D. at the moment. With that in mind, is there anything I could do that could have a similar effect as the DO grade replacements?

If you are srs about the above. I would think about doing more substantial post-bacc work than an SMP, Like a full (2+yr) thesis-based master's or more. You are going to have to put some serious distance between a "new" you and your UG grades. Also of course keep up with volunteering / clinical work & w/e else you have going. I don't think it is impossible but it is going to require a lot of work. I hope you're down. Good Luck!