Advice on the next step?!

[ucsbfuturemd]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

uGPA: 2.8
Biopsychology major
Have taken intro chem, bio, physics, ochem, calculus
Haven't taken the MCAT or GRE
Worked ~30 hours a week during undergrad to put myself through school, hundreds of volunteer hours in hospitals and nonprofits, handful of internships, been working as a medical assistant and medical scribe since May 2015.

Plans to pursue DO school but I seriously need to boost my GPA. Accepted to CSU east bay and Northeastern University to do my post bacc. Also considering Harvard Extension because if I move to Boston think HES would be a better option than Northeastern. (I've always wanted to move to Boston so relocating is not a problem)

My question is...is a post bacc right for me? What are some alternatives that you would suggest? Just want to make sure if I'm spending all this money that I'm making the best decision.

 

[GreenDuck12]

In order to pursue osteopathic schools you need to:
1. Raise your cGPA and sGPA
2. Volunteer
3. Earn a competitive score on the MCAT

1. Raising your GPA is going to require you to take the required classes and do very well in them. However, this alone will not raise your GPA above the 3.1/3.2 threshold that you need. To do that, you need to retake all F/D/C-/C coursework from undergrad and replace those grades with higher ones. For that, you need to have access to a university where you can do that.

You can do a post bac at any university/community college. The "where" really doesn't matter as ultimately your grades will out weight any reputation that institution may have (unless you are targeting a top 10 school). HES is a popular option in massachusetts but don't expect much in the way of support or earning an easy A/B. Best advice is to pick a school where you can complete the classes while working/volunteering without breaking the bank AND earn good grades.

2. You must continue to volunteer and shadow while taking classes. Osteopathic schools will require a letter from an osteopathic physician so make sure you shadow osteopathic physicians.

3. Even if you get your GPA up to a 3.2, it will still be on the low end of what osteopathic schools accept. You MUST earn a competitive score on the MCAT.