An "F" and a 39Q.......awkward pairing

[UnafraidRepeat]

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Hey all, I've been a long time reader, but just a short time member (The search function is a god-send).

Either way, I was hoping you all could shed some light on my situation.

Currently I have:

cGPA: 3.44
sGPA: 3.22
MCDAT: 39Q

I like to think that my numbers don't keep me out of the MD running, at least I hope not, however I am a little cautious how some of my specific grades received will play into my evaluation. I'm essentially the typical poor college starter, but strong finisher.

During my first two years at my undergrad, I did awful: complete with 2 D's (one in Ochem, and one in an Intro to Bis) and 5 C's (floating amongst the sciences as well)....and sadly I ended my sophomore year with a big beautiful F in Ochem. (Im on the quarter system).

The reason for my poor performance was due to my assimilation to college. I have no extreme sob story or anything of the like, I just didn't know how to handle myself (i was not off partying every night or anything, I just couldn't grasp how to study and digest the information).

However after that, I took smaller course loads and altered my study habits, and, along with retaking my 2 D's and 1 F, I received a 4.0 for the entirety of my jr. year and a 3.97 for my senior year. I double majored in History and Neurobiology, for some background on the courses I took.

My main question for you all is what should I do for the next application cycle, should I apply as I am, or apply to an SMP or Post-bacc?

Additional Information:
EC's/ distinctions:

Volunteered at Pediatrics Emergency Department- 1 year
Red Cross Volunteer- Created a Shelter- 2 years
Clinical Experience- ~250 hours
Tutor- English - 2 years
Research- Neurobiology- 1.5 years
Research- History based- 2 years
Shadow ER Surgeon- 2 years
Emergency Room Scribe- 2 years
Pre-medical student advisor -2 years
Lab Assistant- Plant Biology- 1.5 years
President of Fraternity- 1 year (held another officer position for 2 years)
Dean’s List: 2 years (all of Junior and Senior Year)


I'm afraid of that letter F, amongst the other beauties I have floating along my transcript from my sophomore and freshman year, and I am curious as to how I should handle my application process from here.. Any advice you guys could give me would be great, thanks for reading!

 

[anbuitachi]

no to top schools. but im sure you'll get some interviews with that 39Q...

 

[TriagePreMed]

Just retake those courses. It sounds like you're overall a good, smart, and capable student. While HMS will probably not take you, some schools will be happy to take the 39Q.

 

[UnafraidRepeat]

Thanks for the input!

Would an SMP, or post-bacc help me in any way?

 

[demh23]

Thanks for the input!

Would an SMP, or post-bacc help me in any way?

If you did well in it, absolutely.

 

[UnafraidRepeat]

thank you for your response!
I guess I was more so afraid that my earlier grades would completely prevent me from going to med school, but in retrospect, I suppose they aren't exactly the kiss of death....more like a massive road block XD

 

[TriagePreMed]

It would probably help, but I'd apply with that 39 before gambling in an SMP.

 

[Whatyousay]

It would probably help, but I'd apply with that 39 before gambling in an SMP.

This. As long as you're not gunning for a top school, that 39 will open doors to a lot of places.

 

[demh23]

But a good gpa in a post-bacc program along with that 39Q and continuing with your solid list of E/C's will unlock a top-20 school for sure

 

[235788]

with a 39Q I'd do the SMP. It would allow you to go to med school a year earlier. It would be better than doing a rebuilding year and then applying.

 

[stefspets]

I don't see how the SMP will get you started a year early over a post-bac/repair year. If you are applying and doing the SMP simultaneously, then how is it really helping your application? You don't have any grades from it yet. If you apply after then it's the same as doing a self-structured post-bac, at least timewise.

Maybe I don't understand SMPs but either way I would say with that GPA/MCAT, don't do one. Apply as is.

 

[ModelOD]

What did you do to study to get a 39?!

 

[UnafraidRepeat]

Thanks for all the advice everyone!
I'm still unsure about my gpa, I'm just afraid that it is too low, even with my MCAT to balance out. Though i don't necessarily wanna go through any extra schooling I could go without haha

and ModelOD: Hours of studying haha, I did the basics, got some nifty tips from these forums too- check em out- and I took a course to help refine the test taking aspect of it! Also, I made sure I could explain each and every concept and sub-subject that was covered on the MCAT- if I was unsure of certain material, I would read articles from my library regarding recent applications of theories covered to gain a better understanding of them outside their scientific definitions. (I think that part really helped my verbal portion too!)

 

[Moebius]

If your MCAT is not about to expire soon, you have to option to take more classes. If you took a good number of science credits your 3rd and 4th years, you shouldn't have that much a problem. Can someone from your 3rd or 4th year professor write a really good LOR? It might help a lot since you have conflicting views.

 

[UnafraidRepeat]

Moebius: yeah, if I were to apply to med school I would have all my LOR's- which I would like to think are pretty solid!- and what not. Everything would be set, I just don't know which path to take, especially since people here have differing views as well!