Am I still in the run? (Urm)

[FutureDrHester]

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Im a bit weary of my path. So I have about a 2.7 science gpa right now. Good thing is that I have a upward trend so far. I got a F in microbiology at community college, retook gen chem I 3 times (D,D,B). B in gen chem II. Moving forward I started 4yr University last semester; Got a B in Orgo lec and A- in the lab. This semester its confirmed ill be getting: B+ in Orgo II lec , A in Lab
B+ in Bio
A- in Physics I
C- in Calculus!!
So I have like 9 more science classes to take in 5 semesters (counting summer 1 & 2) which I will graduate spring 2019.

1.do I have a good upward trend?

2. Do I still have a chance to get into medical directly after graduation if I keep an upward trend or will I need ro take a gap year.

P.S. I am an african american male; I plan on volunteering at action aids center this winter break and throughout the next year (weekends only of course); plus I done about 100 hours volunteering at my nearby ED; I am up for leadership position in my pre med committee my senior year; I plan on shadowing & reasearch next summer'18. Are these solid EC's? From May to the end of August 2018 I plan on studying for the MCAT and get a solid score (lets say around 510-515)

Will I be competitive for MD or even DO?
ALL INPUT IS APPRECIATED

 

[JMilo]

Im a bit weary of my path. So I have about a 2.7 science gpa right now. Good thing is that I have a upward trend so far. I got a F in microbiology at community college, retook gen chem I 3 times (D,D,B). B in gen chem II. Moving forward I started 4yr University last semester; Got a B in Orgo lec and A- in the lab. This semester its confirmed ill be getting: B+ in Orgo II lec , A in Lab
B+ in Bio
A- in Physics I
C- in Calculus!!
So I have like 9 more science classes to take in 5 semesters (counting summer 1 & 2) which I will graduate spring 2019.

1.do I have a good upward trend?

2. Do I still have a chance to get into medical directly after graduation if I keep an upward trend or will I need ro take a gap year.

P.S. I am an african american male; I plan on volunteering at action aids center this winter break and throughout the next year (weekends only of course); plus I done about 100 hours volunteering at my nearby ED; I am up for leadership position in my pre med committee my senior year; I plan on shadowing & reasearch next summer'18. Are these solid EC's? From May to the end of August 2018 I plan on studying for the MCAT and get a solid score (lets say around 510-515)

Will I be competitive for MD or even DO?
ALL INPUT IS APPRECIATED

You are going to need to perform much better in your classes. You need to prove that you can handle medical school...failing several classes, and earning subpar marks on repeated classes show that you are not currently able to handle undergrad, much less medical school.

Your URM status can only help so much. I think you need to reevaluate where you are, and if you truly think that you can succeed in medical school, lock yourself in the library and ace the rest of your classes. It's easy to speculate getting all A's in the rest of your classes and a 515 on your MCAT, but it is meaningless unless you have the motivation to do it...which you have shown no evidence of so far to be frank.

 

[FutureDrHester]

You are going to need to perform much better in your classes. You need to prove that you can handle medical school...failing several classes, and earning subpar marks on repeated classes show that you are not currently able to handle undergrad, much less medical school.

Your URM status can only help so much. I think you need to reevaluate where you are, and if you truly think that you can succeed in medical school, lock yourself in the library and ace the rest of your classes. It's easy to speculate getting all A's in the rest of your classes and a 515 on your MCAT, but it is meaningless unless you have the motivation to do it...which you have shown no evidence of so far to be frank.

I'm definitely addressing what's holding me back academically which is working full time. I believe I can prove to the medical admission that I am able to withstand the rigors of medical school. I know I have a steep uphill climb. Do I have to get straight As ONLY (no Bs) from here on out?

 

[tryptamine]

Do I have to get straight As ONLY (no Bs) from here on out?

This is exactly the mindset you should have from here on. I started with a sub-3.0 sGPA, as well, and the "No Bs allowed" mantra has been really effective so far.

 

[FutureDrHester]

This is exactly the mindset you should have from here on. I started with a sub-3.0 sGPA, as well, and the "No Bs allowed" mantra has been really effective so far.

So you are currently successful in your upward trend? That is great to hear I know I can adopt the mantra and crush these next few semesters.👍

 

[DokterMom]

From what you've written, it looks like you had a lot of trouble initially, but are doing well now.

That's good and will help -- But do you have a good explanation for why you did so poorly initially? Were you immature? Unfocused? Under-prepared academically for college-level work?

I'd want to see consistently strong grades for at least two years to make me feel comfortable you were ready for medical school

 

[JMilo]

I'd want to see consistently strong grades for at least two years to make me feel comfortable you were ready for medical school

And a killer MCAT

 

[Goro]

Im a bit weary of my path. So I have about a 2.7 science gpa right now. Good thing is that I have a upward trend so far. I got a F in microbiology at community college, retook gen chem I 3 times (D,D,B). B in gen chem II. Moving forward I started 4yr University last semester; Got a B in Orgo lec and A- in the lab. This semester its confirmed ill be getting: B+ in Orgo II lec , A in Lab
B+ in Bio
A- in Physics I
C- in Calculus!!
So I have like 9 more science classes to take in 5 semesters (counting summer 1 & 2) which I will graduate spring 2019.

1.do I have a good upward trend?

2. Do I still have a chance to get into medical directly after graduation if I keep an upward trend or will I need ro take a gap year.

P.S. I am an african american male; I plan on volunteering at action aids center this winter break and throughout the next year (weekends only of course); plus I done about 100 hours volunteering at my nearby ED; I am up for leadership position in my pre med committee my senior year; I plan on shadowing & reasearch next summer'18. Are these solid EC's? From May to the end of August 2018 I plan on studying for the MCAT and get a solid score (lets say around 510-515)

Will I be competitive for MD or even DO?
ALL INPUT IS APPRECIATED

More As' needed, fewer Bs, no Cs.

No med school is doing you any favors if you can't handle the curriculum.

 

[FutureDrHester]

From what you've written, it looks like you had a lot of trouble initially, but are doing well now.

That's good and will help -- But do you have a good explanation for why you did so poorly initially? Were you immature? Unfocused? Under-prepared academically for college-level work?

I'd want to see consistently strong grades for at least two years to make me feel comfortable you were ready for medical school

Definitely immature and unfocused as well as under-prepared; I took Microbiology right out the gate without taking any lower bio course. You said two years, so its now fall 2017; I have expected graduation spring 2019, is that enough time to show upward trend (More As less Bs no Cs)? Also how bad is a C- in Calculus? should I retake?

 

[tryptamine]

So you are currently successful in your upward trend? That is great to hear I know I can adopt the mantra and crush these next few semesters.👍

Yep! I tested the waters taking one class at a time with physiology and genetics (summer course, double speed), logging an A+ in each. Taking immunology, hematology, micro and infectious disease now, and on track to do similarly. Coming back from a similar story-- my undergrad was a mess of poor performance on account of lack of focus, taking classes out of order, etc. Once you get a few successes under your belt, the idea of keeping the streak going provides solid motivation.

 

[radiculating spines]

Yep! I tested the waters taking one class at a time with physiology and genetics (summer course, double speed), logging an A+ in each. Taking immunology, hematology, micro and infectious disease now, and on track to do similarly. Coming back from a similar story-- my undergrad was a mess of poor performance on account of lack of focus, taking classes out of order, etc. Once you get a few successes under your belt, the idea of keeping the streak going provides solid motivation.

That's a great story, congrats on your progress so far. But even more importantly--Martin the Warrior, bro, your references are out of control.

 

[tryptamine]

That's a great story, congrats on your progress so far. But even more importantly--Martin the Warrior, bro, your references are out of control.

Haha-- thanks! Great to see some love for Redwall out and alive in the world.

 

[zhong361]

Not to worry if you are still interested and have determination you can succeed.

 

[BombsAway]

Haha-- thanks! Great to see some love for Redwall out and alive in the world.

I thought I was the only one!

 

[VillageSweetie]

Focus and do as well as you possibly can in all current and future course work. A positive upward trend is a plus. And some schools will look heavily at the last 90 credits an applicant took.

Don't doubt yourself. I did this a lot and it held me back from pursuing medicine sooner (I'm a non-trad, career changer, and an URM). You can do it!

Do your best on the MCAT. My MCAT score is not stellar, but it is above a 500. I have received a lot of IIs, but I also have great LORs and a strong PS and strong ECs (most in underserved, underrepresented, rural areas/populations). Good luck!