Bad start, trying to recover

[kellos]

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About to begin my fourth year as an undergrad, and here are my BCPM GPAs by year so far:
Freshman: 2.6
Sophomore:2.9
Junior:3.6



Basically, heavily weighted chem and ochem that I got some C's in really messed me up my first two years. Since then I've gotten As in a lot of science classes though, including biochem. My BCPM and non-bcpm cumulative GPA up to now is around 3.25. I'm going to bring it up a lot this year, and hopefully continue my upward trend in bcpm. So just wondering if I've got any shot at MD schools still. Thanks.

 

[Norkick13]

Retake all those courses in which you got C and below. It will boost your gpa!

 

[Catalystik]

With a year of 4.0 GPA, you could get your cGPA to a 3.4. With a particularly strong MCAT score and a steep upward grade trend for 4 semesters, it might be that an MD med school would give you a chance. Two years of 4.0 would get your to a more competitive 3.5. Of course, it's important to get your BCPM GPA up as well.

You can see your chances here with various cGPA and MCAT combinations: https://www.aamc.org/download/157450/data/table24-mcatgpagridall2008-10.pdf.pdf

 

[kellos]

Thanks. So assuming I do well on the MCAT and well my senior year, I've got a decent shot at an MD? Ideally I'd like to apply June 2012, not sure if I could work in another year.

Also, my school doesn't let you retake classes if you got a C or better. Those were my only Cs, at least.

 

[Catalystik]

You can retake elsewhere and submit the transcript to the application service along with that of your primary school. All grades will be considered, regardless of how your uni handles it.

 

[kellos]

Thanks. Would you recommend that, even if I do well this upcoming year and on the MCAT? I ask because it seems like that would force me to push back the application a year. I think in my case I need to apply as early as possible 😛 What sort of MCAT score do you think I'd need?

 

[Catalystik]

For MD med schools, with a cGPA of 3.4, 33-34+ would be a good goal. If you don't get near straight As in the next year or a strong enough MCAT score, then adding a fifth year of college is a good idea. If you understood the Chem and OChem course material well enough to excel on the MCAT (or can learn it on your own), then you don't need to retake.

If your performance is not as optimal as is necessary, keep in mind that DO is still an option.

 

[kellos]

Since I'm really only interested in MD, what would you say would be the best way to tell if I should do a 5th year or not? (Is it also possible to apply for SMP for summer 2012 for fall 2012 admission? -- if i make the decision that late)

 

[Catalystik]

It depends on your ability to turn out As (you've already made a step in the right direction so I'm confident you can do this if you maintain your focus) and how strong your test-taking skills are.

An SMP is another option, but way more expensive. And if you don't do great, it's a complete waste of your money. If you can afford it, it's a reasonable backup plan.

Check out SDN's Postbaccalaureate Programs Forum for SMP application deadlines.

 

[kellos]

It depends on your ability to turn out As (you've already made a step in the right direction so I'm confident you can do this if you maintain your focus) and how strong your test-taking skills are.

An SMP is another option, but way more expensive. And if you don't do great, it's a complete waste of your money. If you can afford it, it's a reasonable backup plan.

Check out SDN's Postbaccalaureate Programs Forum for SMP application deadlines.

Ok, thanks. An SMP is different than opposed to a 5th year or post-bacc?

 

[Catalystik]

Terminology varies, as any classes you take after getting a bachelors degree are strictly speaking "postbaccalaureate," which would include SMPs,formal postbac programs, and informally taking more coursework (but is never used to refer to a traditional graduate degree). But the more common usage I see is to differentiate an SMP because it is a nontraditional masters program which is reported in a different place on the application (like a traditional masters) and has a different effect on your chances. It essentially overrides your undergrad work all together. So when I say 'Postbac," I am not referring to SMPs, though this differentiation is not universal on SDN. We are not all on the same page yet.