Bad Semester, Depressed About Grades

[buttahz]

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I'm a junior. So I just calculated that even if I get a 4.0 this semester, I can't raise my GPA to where it was before my Disastrous Semester of 2012, where I got a string of B+s and Bs... (I know, first world problems.)

I'm taking a gap year, so I have senior year to count into my grades before I apply. No, I don't want to do a master's.

This is starting to psych me out and really be discouraging. Anyone have any advice so I don't freak out?

 

[Ismet]

A little more info? What is your GPA (sGPA and cGPA) right now? And how many BCPM classes do you still have to take?

 

[buttahz]

My GPA prior Fall 2012 was a 3.66. Right now it is a 3.60. I'm taking a 14 credit semester, and I purposefully chose easy classes because I don't think I can handle anything more right now, and if I ace all those classes I'll be up to a 3.64. My BCPM GPA is slightly lower... probably a 3.55. I'm a junior and by the end of this year I'll be done with graduation requirements, so I suppose I can take as many biology electives as I want.

BTW... like your avatar.

 

[Josh7]

My GPA prior Fall 2012 was a 3.66. Right now it is a 3.60. I'm taking a 14 credit semester, and I purposefully chose easy classes because I don't think I can handle anything more right now, and if I ace all those classes I'll be up to a 3.64. My BCPM GPA is slightly lower... probably a 3.55. I'm a junior and by the end of this year I'll be done with graduation requirements, so I suppose I can take as many biology electives as I want.

BTW... like your avatar.

A 3.64 is nothing to get depressed over! Focus on making sure you get the A's necessary and then continue your ECs. This definitely isn't a killer to your app. Make sure to do well on the MCAT and you'll be just fine.

 

[Ismet]

My GPA prior Fall 2012 was a 3.66. Right now it is a 3.60. I'm taking a 14 credit semester, and I purposefully chose easy classes because I don't think I can handle anything more right now, and if I ace all those classes I'll be up to a 3.64. My BCPM GPA is slightly lower... probably a 3.55. I'm a junior and by the end of this year I'll be done with graduation requirements, so I suppose I can take as many biology electives as I want.

You're pretty much around the average GPA for MD acceptance. You still have over a year to bring it up some more and take the MCAT, and if you have your ECs and LORs in order and apply broadly you should be okay. Look into getting an MSAR, which will tell you the GPA and MCAT ranges for each school, so you can see where you might be competitive. Maybe also try to assess what went wrong last semester and get some support or help?

BTW... like your avatar.

Thankies 😀

 

[MedPR]

A 3.64 is nothing to get depressed over! Focus on making sure you get the A's necessary and then continue your ECs. This definitely isn't a killer to your app. Make sure to do well on the MCAT and you'll be just fine.

👍

 

[SilverCat]

You should do well if you wait a year to apply. I was in an identical situation at the end of junior year- 3.60 GPA, 3.53 sGPA. Senior year, I pulled a 3.9 first semester GPA, and 4.0 second semester GPA, with cumulative of 3.73 by the end of senior year. I've done fairly well in terms of interviews this cycle.

Of course, MCAT will factor majorly into this, as well as ECs.

 

[neuro nephrons]

My GPA prior Fall 2012 was a 3.66. Right now it is a 3.60. I'm taking a 14 credit semester, and I purposefully chose easy classes because I don't think I can handle anything more right now, and if I ace all those classes I'll be up to a 3.64. My BCPM GPA is slightly lower... probably a 3.55. I'm a junior and by the end of this year I'll be done with graduation requirements, so I suppose I can take as many biology electives as I want.

BTW... like your avatar.

😛

 

[Eon]

My GPA prior Fall 2012 was a 3.66. Right now it is a 3.60. I'm taking a 14 credit semester, and I purposefully chose easy classes because I don't think I can handle anything more right now, and if I ace all those classes I'll be up to a 3.64. My BCPM GPA is slightly lower... probably a 3.55. I'm a junior and by the end of this year I'll be done with graduation requirements, so I suppose I can take as many biology electives as I want.

BTW... like your avatar.

Suggestion: Try adding another easy class, getting it to 17 credits or so with easy classes will boost your GPA faster.

 

[MedPR]

Suggestion: Try adding another easy class, getting it to 17 credits or so with easy classes will boost your GPA faster.

Easy classes often involve lots of busy work, which takes away time from harder classes. Don't do it.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[Eon]

Easy classes often involve lots of busy work, which takes away time from harder classes. Don't do it.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

But, he's also got senior year to boost up the GPA. I assume he's finished all his pre-reqs and he's almost done getting his degree and finishing up his major. If that's the case, then he should be ok with trying to get as high of a GPA as possible.

 

[MedPR]

But, he's also got senior year to boost up the GPA. I assume he's finished all his pre-reqs and he's almost done getting his degree and finishing up his major. If that's the case, then he should be ok with trying to get as high of a GPA as possible.

My upper level bio courses were more work than every prereq except orgo.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[coyotelime]

3.64/30, 2 acceptances here (MD). (did have a strong trend though)

Relax, work hard, do well. Good luck!

 

[buttahz]

Haha ok, ok I hear myself and I know my grades aren't bad, but it's just the fact that I made a dip in the GPA so late as a junior.

So I want to hear more about whether or not I should take another easy class that Eon brought up. An easy science class? An easy non-science class? I'm trying to weigh my options here... on one hand it could raise my GPA to where it was pre-Fall 2012, on the other hand I might not be able to make a 4.0 if I take a busywork class. I'm also occupied with volunteering and a student leadership job. I'm agreeing more with MedPR.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

A 3.64 is nothing to get depressed over! Focus on making sure you get the A's necessary and then continue your ECs. This definitely isn't a killer to your app. Make sure to do well on the MCAT and you'll be just fine.

This is what I'm thinking OP. Don't let SDN mess with your head.🙂

 

[Eon]

My upper level bio courses were more work than every prereq except orgo.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

Well, OP didn't give us any information as to whether or not he has/hasn't taken any of the upper level courses.

 

[buttahz]

I've taken two upper level bio courses (genetics and cell molec. bio). Neither of them were as difficult as orgo, but then again I didn't think orgo was difficult anyway. I'm taking a third upper level bio class (virology).

 

[pre med 2014]

I hate these threads. 50% of the matriculated have a lower GPA than you

 

[Eon]

I've taken two upper level bio courses (genetics and cell molec. bio). Neither of them were as difficult as orgo, but then again I didn't think orgo was difficult anyway. I'm taking a third upper level bio class (virology).

To MedPR, read the above. I don't see what the problem is now with a 17 credit workload.