Anybody gone thru this situation???

[Food]

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Hey guys! I've been posting a lot on the pre-allo forum about my issue, but I think I can get better answers here...

So basically I've got a good MCAT, not so great GPA. My GPA trend isn't super strong either, although I did finish higher than I started. I was a Chem major so I've taken pretty much all the pre-med reqs and chem courses possible. I'm not doing so hot this cycle (as a re-app) and don't really want to give up on going to a US MD school. I feel like my GPA is the only thing left to address since I've added a ton of volunteering / shadowing already and it isn't doing me much good. The letters are also fine (from the vague information I've been able to coax out of my adviser). So...it looks like a post-bac is the best option to increase the GPA.

What would you guys do in my position, in terms of post-bac programs? I do have state schools where I could probably do a "do-it-yourself" kind of deal, in which case I would probably take some upper level bio/microbio courses like microbio, genetics, anatomy/physio etc. However, if I do an actual program like the Harvard extension, or UC Berkley post-bac, would I be able to take advanced electives instead of the core pre-med reqs? Also, can you take out federal loans if you do a program like the Harvard extension?

Thanks!

 

[caseofthemndays]

You should probably post your stats to get the best/ most tailored advice

 

[Moki]

It is still early, Food. Try to hang in there.

As for your question, I would take a course or two in the Spring at your State School - write the schools and let them know you intend to do so. I don't believe moving from Florida will accomplish anything that you couldn't do there. For what it's worth, I have also taken a number of courses at HES and the upper level ones are hit or miss. While I am eternally grateful to the program, I don't think it would be worth uprooting your life for the upper levels.

Good luck.

 

[Food]

You should probably post your stats to get the best/ most tailored advice

My stats are on my MDapps....

 

[Food]

It is still early, Food. Try to hang in there.

As for your question, I would take a course or two in the Spring at your State School - write the schools and let them know you intend to do so. I don't believe moving from Florida will accomplish anything that you couldn't do there. For what it's worth, I have also taken a number of courses at HES and the upper level ones are hit or miss. While I am eternally grateful to the program, I don't think it would be worth uprooting your life for the upper levels.

Good luck.

thanks! Just wanting to be prepared for any and all outcomes!

 

[caseofthemndays]

I can't open the MDapps site for some reason.

 

[deleted248403]

My stats are on my MDapps....

You are asking for our help, you could at least make it easy for us

 

[dikoerastenie]

I have something similar regarding stats, presenty in smp, not much success so far.
1) It's early, why do you think you'll get rejected everywhere?
2) Why is your list of schools so small? You can find in MSAR a list of med schools that are a bit less competitive than Columbia... You could possibly add schools like RFU even now.
3) I would recommend that you apply to DO schools now as a safety in case you do get rejected. Yes, it will make it harder for you if you want to go on into tough specialties and research, but SMP is also hard. It is also 1 year of lost income. Frankly, I am applying to DO schools now and I dont know if I'll get in. If I do get in I will be a M1 with a military stipend and I'll get me a new car.
4) I may find out if SMP helps in the spring.