I'm 31 and a non-trad; went back to school a few years ago as an online student, originally as a Computer Science major. That quickly changed when I got an F in my first programming class (Java). Switched to a Liberal Arts major to get my bachelors done (graduated May of 2015). Got all A's during this span except for that F in Java. Courses were in psychology, communication, sociology, philosphy, etc. All non-science courses.
My first go around with college (around 12 years ago) was mediocre, especially in science courses. I didn't know what I wanted out of college, blablabla...bottom line is I got a D in Biology 1 and 2 C's in Gen Chem 1 and 2. These science courses were around 12 years ago.
I went back to school this semester at a local community college to get pre-reqs done for PA school. This is the first time I've taken science courses in 12 years, and so far, so good. I'm taking Bio 1 and Gen Chem 1 over, and getting A's in both so far this semester. I'm also studying for the GRE and volunteering at a local hospital once a week.
Here's what I'm working with as of now
GPA from 2003-2006 (60 credit hours) - around 3.0
Science GPA from 2003-2006 (20 credit hours) - 2.25
GPA from 2013-2015 (60 credit hours) -around 3.76
Total Cumulative GPA for all college courses taken: 3.38
Volunteer hours: around 80 so far (Have been volunteering since November 2015)
Although I have those 2 C's and D from 12 years ago, and that F in Java from 2014, I am still going in with the attitude of doing what I need to in order to get all A's for pre-reqs and rocking the GRE's, and doing whatever I can to get into PA school. I've always wanted to work in healthcare, and will do everything I can to get there, despite my not-so-perfect stats from the past. Whatever happens, happens, but I want to go through this process with the right attitude and work ethic, and so far I'm doing well at it. My back up plan is MD/DO school, but I really want to become a PA.
The purpose of this thread is simple.... I want to hear from non-trads who were in similar (or worst) situations than myself, and somehow went against all the odds and became an MD/DO/PA, or any other health care profession. What did you do? How did you overcome the fear and anxiety of poor results/grades from the past being on your transcript/application? How did you accomplish your goal of becoming a doctor, pa, etc? I hope to share my success story one day, but for now, an extra boost in motivation from those who already defeated the odds and accomplished their goals would be of great help for both myself and others who may be in a similar situation.... I look forward to your responses. Thanks in advance!
My first go around with college (around 12 years ago) was mediocre, especially in science courses. I didn't know what I wanted out of college, blablabla...bottom line is I got a D in Biology 1 and 2 C's in Gen Chem 1 and 2. These science courses were around 12 years ago.
I went back to school this semester at a local community college to get pre-reqs done for PA school. This is the first time I've taken science courses in 12 years, and so far, so good. I'm taking Bio 1 and Gen Chem 1 over, and getting A's in both so far this semester. I'm also studying for the GRE and volunteering at a local hospital once a week.
Here's what I'm working with as of now
GPA from 2003-2006 (60 credit hours) - around 3.0
Science GPA from 2003-2006 (20 credit hours) - 2.25
GPA from 2013-2015 (60 credit hours) -around 3.76
Total Cumulative GPA for all college courses taken: 3.38
Volunteer hours: around 80 so far (Have been volunteering since November 2015)
Although I have those 2 C's and D from 12 years ago, and that F in Java from 2014, I am still going in with the attitude of doing what I need to in order to get all A's for pre-reqs and rocking the GRE's, and doing whatever I can to get into PA school. I've always wanted to work in healthcare, and will do everything I can to get there, despite my not-so-perfect stats from the past. Whatever happens, happens, but I want to go through this process with the right attitude and work ethic, and so far I'm doing well at it. My back up plan is MD/DO school, but I really want to become a PA.
The purpose of this thread is simple.... I want to hear from non-trads who were in similar (or worst) situations than myself, and somehow went against all the odds and became an MD/DO/PA, or any other health care profession. What did you do? How did you overcome the fear and anxiety of poor results/grades from the past being on your transcript/application? How did you accomplish your goal of becoming a doctor, pa, etc? I hope to share my success story one day, but for now, an extra boost in motivation from those who already defeated the odds and accomplished their goals would be of great help for both myself and others who may be in a similar situation.... I look forward to your responses. Thanks in advance!
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