- Joined
- Aug 29, 2016
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I don't want this to be a life story post or a humble brag post. I just want to give some HOPE for all those people who think they can't achieve their dream.
I graduated undergrad with a 2.6. My science GPA was a 2.4. I can't tell you how many times my professors, pre-med advisors, peers, co-workers, and even family told me I'd never become a doctor with that GPA. It was demeaning and awful to hear, but it pushed me to work harder to prove them all wrong. I went through the motions - retaking classes, getting clinical experience. The first time I took my MCAT, I got an 18 (around a 490 on the new scale). The second time, I got a 20. People I spoke to told me I'd never make it and that I should apply for nursing or PA (as if those are any easier...)
I told myself that I really needed to put in my 100% effort and if it didn't work, then I wasn't meant to become a doctor. That's what kept me going - knowing that I had the opportunity to turn my life around and achieve my goal of receiving my white coat - it was all in front of me, but I had to put in the effort. I studied, retook the MCAT (now for a third time) and did well. I put in my all, sent out my applications and told myself it was out of my hands.
From someone with a 2.5 uGPA, I received my first official medical school acceptance last week.
If you really want something, be realistic and work hard. Don't spend time analyzing SDN forums and looking for people with the same stats as you (not everyone is the same!!!). You know what you need. Stop comparing yourself to others; spend that time and energy into doing something that will set you apart from the crowd. But simultaneously, be realistic. Don't keep taking the MCAT if you're getting 490's. Step back and fix the problem and then move forward.
This process takes a long time. Trust it, be patient and keep going.
I graduated undergrad with a 2.6. My science GPA was a 2.4. I can't tell you how many times my professors, pre-med advisors, peers, co-workers, and even family told me I'd never become a doctor with that GPA. It was demeaning and awful to hear, but it pushed me to work harder to prove them all wrong. I went through the motions - retaking classes, getting clinical experience. The first time I took my MCAT, I got an 18 (around a 490 on the new scale). The second time, I got a 20. People I spoke to told me I'd never make it and that I should apply for nursing or PA (as if those are any easier...)
I told myself that I really needed to put in my 100% effort and if it didn't work, then I wasn't meant to become a doctor. That's what kept me going - knowing that I had the opportunity to turn my life around and achieve my goal of receiving my white coat - it was all in front of me, but I had to put in the effort. I studied, retook the MCAT (now for a third time) and did well. I put in my all, sent out my applications and told myself it was out of my hands.
From someone with a 2.5 uGPA, I received my first official medical school acceptance last week.
If you really want something, be realistic and work hard. Don't spend time analyzing SDN forums and looking for people with the same stats as you (not everyone is the same!!!). You know what you need. Stop comparing yourself to others; spend that time and energy into doing something that will set you apart from the crowd. But simultaneously, be realistic. Don't keep taking the MCAT if you're getting 490's. Step back and fix the problem and then move forward.
This process takes a long time. Trust it, be patient and keep going.
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