Be stubborn about your goals but flexible with your methods WAMC

[Wannabedrr]

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Hey guys, someone important in my life told me once to "be stubborn about your goals but flexible with your methods". I've continued to abide by that saying my whole life, and it's what's gotten me to change my ways. My several years of college I was lost in my ways, didn't have a goal and didn't have motivation. After I was involved in a vehicle accident, I'm thankful I was given a second chance. So now here I am pursuing a medical degree.

However, I can't change the past and I fear it will haunt me my whole life. But like the saying above, I will continue to do whatever it takes.

I've calculated all the courses I took in previous years and turns out I have a 2.5cGPA using the AMCAS GPA calculator. I will be transferring to a university this coming fall to finish my bachelors degree and take all the pre-requisites I need. I currently have 143 semester hours and a running overall GPA of 2.51.

If anyone is familiar with the excel sheet you'd probably figure out thats a ton of classes, a lot of the classes I took was because I didn't know what I wanted to do before, I switched majors so many times which is why I have so many semester hours for an incoming junior.

What are my chances?
How could I increase my chances?
Is medicine out of the question?
Please be brutally honest with me, I'd rather know the truth, I don't care how long the path takes, I know what I want. What are your recommendations.

 

[GypsyHummus]

If this were me, Id have a sit down with myself and ask if it is actually worth the time and effort to pursue the MD/DO path. How many years out of school are you? Maybe my time would be better spent working in other sections of healthcare full time. There are plenty of other routes to help people in the medical field like nursing to NP to CRNA. Frequently, we see people who have come back from terrible GPAs and made it into a DO school, but you dont hear too much about the people who ended up failing and just taking on a whole lot of opportunity cost time.

And that is just addressing the GPA. You gotta think about the MCAT too.

Just an FYI, doctors are not the end all be all authority, especially in a hospital system. They are subject to the same red tape an regulations as others, and more and more midlevels are clawing their way to autonomy. You're livelihood will most likely be determined by the bottom line. Private Practice has more leeway, and if you are a world renown surgeon people will pay whatever amount of money to see you, but most docs will be hospital employee's and their lives dictated by the whims of bean counters in accounting. People have an unrealistic expectations of what being a physician actually is. They think people will fawn over their medical expertise and they will do life saving interventions. Did people ever shadow the doctor when they were doing paperwork and dictation till 8 at night? Granted, some specialties of medicine have a better work life balance than others, but I know many docs who stay at the office till 8 finishing up paperwork.

Also, 200K turns into 130K after taxes.

If I were in your shoes, I would look into formal post bacc programs designed for people with low GPAs. Another option would be to do a do it yourself post bacc taking upper level science classes getting a 3.7+ for two years. Then take the MCAT.

Goro has an re-invention thread that would be a good idea to take a look at.

I also recommend Podiatry school if you cant make the cut to MD/DO. Harsh truth, your GPA stinks and there are plenty of other people who have done so much better than you in undergrad, why would they waste time on you? Pod school is more or less the same as medical school, but you choose your specilty right away. Some low tier Podiatry schools have accepted people with your scores before, and an MCAT above 490 should be ok (though since your GPA is low, you will want to score 500+).

 

[Wannabedrr]

Thanks for being honest with me, it means a lot. I am currently a sophomore entering my junior year this fall when I transfer. I still have all of the pre-requisites to finish as well as a degree to obtain, I'm thinking medical lab sciences.

 

[GypsyHummus]

how are you a sophomore with 143 hours?

 

[Goro]

Hey guys, someone important in my life told me once to "be stubborn about your goals but flexible with your methods". I've continued to abide by that saying my whole life, and it's what's gotten me to change my ways. My several years of college I was lost in my ways, didn't have a goal and didn't have motivation. After I was involved in a vehicle accident, I'm thankful I was given a second chance. So now here I am pursuing a medical degree.

However, I can't change the past and I fear it will haunt me my whole life. But like the saying above, I will continue to do whatever it takes.

I've calculated all the courses I took in previous years and turns out I have a 2.5cGPA using the AMCAS GPA calculator. I will be transferring to a university this coming fall to finish my bachelors degree and take all the pre-requisites I need. I currently have 143 semester hours and a running overall GPA of 2.51.

If anyone is familiar with the excel sheet you'd probably figure out thats a ton of classes, a lot of the classes I took was because I didn't know what I wanted to do before, I switched majors so many times which is why I have so many semester hours for an incoming junior.

What are my chances?
How could I increase my chances?
Is medicine out of the question?
Please be brutally honest with me, I'd rather know the truth, I don't care how long the path takes, I know what I want. What are your recommendations.

Read this:
Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

 

[sunshinefl]

Hey guys, someone important in my life told me once to "be stubborn about your goals but flexible with your methods". I've continued to abide by that saying my whole life, and it's what's gotten me to change my ways. My several years of college I was lost in my ways, didn't have a goal and didn't have motivation. After I was involved in a vehicle accident, I'm thankful I was given a second chance. So now here I am pursuing a medical degree.

However, I can't change the past and I fear it will haunt me my whole life. But like the saying above, I will continue to do whatever it takes.

I've calculated all the courses I took in previous years and turns out I have a 2.5cGPA using the AMCAS GPA calculator. I will be transferring to a university this coming fall to finish my bachelors degree and take all the pre-requisites I need. I currently have 143 semester hours and a running overall GPA of 2.51.

If anyone is familiar with the excel sheet you'd probably figure out thats a ton of classes, a lot of the classes I took was because I didn't know what I wanted to do before, I switched majors so many times which is why I have so many semester hours for an incoming junior.

What are my chances?
How could I increase my chances?
Is medicine out of the question?
Please be brutally honest with me, I'd rather know the truth, I don't care how long the path takes, I know what I want. What are your recommendations.

how are you a sophomore with 143 hours?

I graduated undergrad with a single major bachelor degree and 224 credit hours. Combination of a nursing degree associate, transfer AA associate degree, followed by medical school prerequisites, university requirements, college requirements, major requirements, and other extra elective interests in a broad education.

 

[Wannabedrr]

how are you a sophomore with 143 hours?

Like i've said inittialy, i didn't know what I wanted to do so all of those credits were a mix of all of the "majors" i thought I wanted to pursue. On top of that I supported myself financially and had to withdraw from a lot of classes since money was tight at the time.

Read this:
Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

I want to thank you for showing me this.

 

[de Ribas]

Like i've said inittialy, i didn't know what I wanted to do so all of those credits were a mix of all of the "majors" i thought I wanted to pursue.

So, why medicine after all?

 

[Wannabedrr]

Read this:
Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

So, why medicine after all?

I grew up in an asian family who played sports their entire life. Although I knew deep down that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field my family just simply wouldnt allow it. My family can be harsh most of the time, they believed in the philosophy that putting somebody down will motivate that person to prove them wrong thus doing better. They forced me to pursue engineering, which is not what I wanted but there I was pursuing a degree I had no interest in. To add to that, they believed that I should dedicate more time to sports so I can potentially become a pro athlete and make money doing it.

What did I do? I moved out, worked minimum wage for several years so I can support myself while also trying to take a few classes here and there. It was tough, a lot of stress came down to financial reasons in order to make enough money to pay for rent and bills. I finally met a girl who is wonderful in every way and supported me since. We moved out to a different state so I can be away from family and not have to deal with the negativity. Since I have control of my life now, I can finally make decisions of my own. I wish I could start over but regrets won't change anything. All I can do now is move forward and make the best of it.

Damn, I went on a rant there. Anyways, to answer your question, I want to pursue medicine because it's what I've always wanted deep down. Just never had the chance to do it willingly.

 

[GypsyHummus]

OP, have you considered/shadowed other healthcare professions? There are lots of pathways out there to help people. Some even give you surgical and prescribing privlages.

DDS is most likely out of the picture unless you do a post bacc affiliated with a dental school. Even then, dental school is harder to get into than most DO schools, so that might not be an avenue worth exploring.

DPM (Podiatry) is the closest you are gonna get to MD/DO, 3 schools offer a DO education minus OMT, literally. I’m not kidding either. It’s 4 years of medical school then a 3 year Pod Med and Surg residency.

OD (Optometry) might be a bit of a stretch with your GPA, but there are some OD schools that do grade replacement, so you can retake classes and get a higher grade

Pharmacy offers a low six figure income with only 4 years of school. The work is monotonous and there is a saturation problem right now, but you can get in with your GPA taking prerecs and getting As or Bs. Some schools also offer grade replacement.

Nursing offers a vast amount of ways to practice.

Physical therapy is most likely out of the picture because they require a ridiculously high GPA.

PA requires high GPA too.

Not too familiar with speech path or occupational therapy.

 

[WhereMyLiberalsAt]

OP, I honestly believe you still have a shot at medical school. The question you need to answer is... What are you willing to sacrifice for it? Because the price will be steep! I’m going to assume two things, 1) you are willing to pay the price for your past follies, and 2) you are a grown ass man and you’ve done your due diligence in affirming your drive for medicine through shadowing and career exploration.

You want to know how to increase your chances? Here is a short list....

• Reduce your financial obligations... You and your lady need to live cheap so you can focus and producing a “wow” worthy app. That’s right your ass is going to be rocking that iPhone 4S in 2018. Because you’re slamming down an extra 5 volunteer hours compaired to your peers. Dump your car payment, your CC debt, and anything that pushes you into working for materialistic garbage over your app.
• Make sure you’re in a friendly state! Am I suggesting you move to a different state if you find yourself in an unfriendly one? You bet your ass! There are some state MD schools that look at X amount of past hours, there are also some state MD schools that except ONLY instate residents and their minimum GPA is insanely low (this stuff isn’t a guarantee but it increases the odds of app exposure).
• With the previous points in mind.... Move to a friendly state, obtain a entry-level clinical job, accrue clinical exposure and save money to position yourself for success. You can obtain residency to this friendly state and make relationships with local providers....

I’m stressing the start of this process for a reason... You HAVE to be flawless from this point forward. Your early 20’s pissed away all your late 20’s second chances. So you have to execute the next 4 years with zero hiccups (you’ll have to do an extra 2 years of heavy upper level classes for sure along with your remaining 2 years). I believe your immediate trial will be delaying of gratification.... You’re going to be pouring your soul into redeeming yourself, so make sure you set yourself up for success!

 

[Wannabedrr]

OP, I honestly believe you still have a shot at medical school. The question you need to answer is... What are you willing to sacrifice for it? Because the price will be steep! I’m going to assume two things, 1) you are willing to pay the price for your past follies, and 2) you are a grown ass man and you’ve done your due diligence in affirming your drive for medicine through shadowing and career exploration.

You want to know how to increase your chances? Here is a short list....

• Reduce your financial obligations... You and your lady need to live cheap so you can focus and producing a “wow” worthy app. That’s right your ass is going to be rocking that iPhone 4S in 2018. Because you’re slamming down an extra 5 volunteer hours compaired to your peers. Dump your car payment, your CC debt, and anything that pushes you into working for materialistic garbage over your app.
• Make sure you’re in a friendly state! Am I suggesting you move to a different state if you find yourself in an unfriendly one? You bet your ass! There are some state MD schools that look at X amount of past hours, there are also some state MD schools that except ONLY instate residents and their minimum GPA is insanely low (this stuff isn’t a guarantee but it increases the odds of app exposure).
• With the previous points in mind.... Move to a friendly state, obtain a entry-level clinical job, accrue clinical exposure and save money to position yourself for success. You can obtain residency to this friendly state and make relationships with local providers....

I’m stressing the start of this process for a reason... You HAVE to be flawless from this point forward. Your early 20’s pissed away all your late 20’s second chances. So you have to execute the next 4 years with zero hiccups (you’ll have to do an extra 2 years of heavy upper level classes for sure along with your remaining 2 years). I believe your immediate trial will be delaying of gratification.... You’re going to be pouring your soul into redeeming yourself, so make sure you set yourself up for success!

I'm not sure if I'm allowed or should disclose information but I do live in a state that favors residents! on top of that, it's a state that is economically under developed therefore less distractions such as bars, or clubs, anything distraction for any reason. I'm ready to tackle the road ahead of me head on.

I may have to do more research but as far as I know, MD/DO schools don't replace repeated classese anymore. Even if that were the case, that would mean going back to my previous state of residence and retaking those classes there.

would retaking failed courses from previous colleges help? lets say I did poorly on a world history class and retake it here, would that make a difference? not really sure what the rule is, maybe you know a source I could read from and learn more about.

thank you for your response, it means a lot

 

[WhereMyLiberalsAt]

I'm not sure if I'm allowed or should disclose information but I do live in a state that favors residents! on top of that, it's a state that is economically under developed therefore less distractions such as bars, or clubs, anything distraction for any reason. I'm ready to tackle the road ahead of me head on.

I may have to do more research but as far as I know, MD/DO schools don't replace repeated classese anymore. Even if that were the case, that would mean going back to my previous state of residence and retaking those classes there.

would retaking failed courses from previous colleges help? lets say I did poorly on a world history class and retake it here, would that make a difference? not really sure what the rule is, maybe you know a source I could read from and learn more about.

thank you for your response, it means a lot

Yep, sadly grade replacement is a thing of the past. IMO do NOT retake any classes that don’t pertain to the prerequisites (so I wouldn’t retake a history class unless it was required for your BS). I believe it takes a sort of discipline to acknowledge and move on from past shortcomings, so retakes of general education credits display a lack of acceptance of ones failure (this is purely a opinion of a premed). From here on out all of your grades will be totaled for BOTH MD/DO... However, you did mention something about engineering? So maybe you took a lot of math credits? Those math credits are NOT included in sGPA for DO schools... So look into that and see if that helps you or hurts you when it comes to that application process. Your primary source of info should be AAMC/AACOMAS > School websites (please pick up the phone and talk to a human if they don’t have the info you need.... you’ll thank me later) > SDN > people on SDN that tell you to go DPM or RN > People that tell you to check out the Caribbean.....

 

[I'mJustCurious]

I'm a firm believer of reinvention. As long as you're willing to put the time and effort into improving yourself then the world is yours. With that being said, improve your GPA by getting mostly, if not all, A's for the remaining semesters. Then KILL the MCAT and do well in an SMP program. Live frugal and discipline yourself to be persistent.

 

[Wannabedrr]

Hey guys so I filled out the excel sheet for calculating AACOMAS GPA and wanted to know if it's okay to post it here so someone could tell me if I still have hope of going to med school. The excel sheet includes all the courses for the major I'm pursuing and IF done well with straight A's should give me a 3.12 cGPA with a 3.7sGPA

if it's not allowed please let me know and I will delete it

EDIT: nvm I can't post links so i removed it

 

[Magus5454]

Rock the MCAT and come back and ask us when you do. 🙂

 

[FriedLemon]

OP, I honestly believe you still have a shot at medical school. The question you need to answer is... What are you willing to sacrifice for it? Because the price will be steep! I’m going to assume two things, 1) you are willing to pay the price for your past follies, and 2) you are a grown ass man and you’ve done your due diligence in affirming your drive for medicine through shadowing and career exploration.

You want to know how to increase your chances? Here is a short list....

• Reduce your financial obligations... You and your lady need to live cheap so you can focus and producing a “wow” worthy app. That’s right your ass is going to be rocking that iPhone 4S in 2018. Because you’re slamming down an extra 5 volunteer hours compaired to your peers. Dump your car payment, your CC debt, and anything that pushes you into working for materialistic garbage over your app.
• Make sure you’re in a friendly state! Am I suggesting you move to a different state if you find yourself in an unfriendly one? You bet your ass! There are some state MD schools that look at X amount of past hours, there are also some state MD schools that except ONLY instate residents and their minimum GPA is insanely low (this stuff isn’t a guarantee but it increases the odds of app exposure).
• With the previous points in mind.... Move to a friendly state, obtain a entry-level clinical job, accrue clinical exposure and save money to position yourself for success. You can obtain residency to this friendly state and make relationships with local providers....

I’m stressing the start of this process for a reason... You HAVE to be flawless from this point forward. Your early 20’s pissed away all your late 20’s second chances. So you have to execute the next 4 years with zero hiccups (you’ll have to do an extra 2 years of heavy upper level classes for sure along with your remaining 2 years). I believe your immediate trial will be delaying of gratification.... You’re going to be pouring your soul into redeeming yourself, so make sure you set yourself up for success!

How do you “dump” CC debt and a car payment? Lol...

 

[FriedLemon]

The same way I did... This isn’t brain surgery, it’s personal finance.

You didn’t explain at all in your post how you did it.

 

[FriedLemon]

Ya it’s “personal” finance.... This isn’t the Dave Ramsey show! If OP finds my advice useful he can go through the correct channels and find advice/counseling how to free himself from debt and live frugally...That personal advice should probably be saught else where.

No answer to a question on SDN is answered in explicit detail.... So why would you hold my answer/post to a different standard?!

Okay. Long story short: there’s no way to DUMP your debt. You either pay it off, file for bankruptcy, or face legal consequences from your creditors. By the way, many questions are answered in detail. You’re not just “not answering in detail,” you’re avoiding an answer at all, even a vague one. I don’t know why you’re keeping yours a secret; probably because there’s no way to just “dump” your debt without screwing up your credit record for many, many years to come. The only way to get past it is hard work and paying it off.

 

[FriedLemon]

Holy S%@& you’re dense... Just look up synonyms for ‘“dump” (“get rid of” is one). So yes, I paid off my debt... So a detailed account: I saved money, sold my car.... Then.... I paid off my debt. Did my first post hint towards anything other than “hard work”?

Nice, insulting me now? You literally could’ve said “PAY OFF YOUR DEBTS.” Dump can imply LOTS OF things. I’m sorry, maybe that’s why I get close to 100% on CARS questions all the time.

 

[FriedLemon]

Dump can mean to put something down in a careless way, the actual site where waste is put, to throw something in the garbage, to end a romantic relationship with someone, copying stored data to another location, to defecate... Applying some of those definitions to your original post, it can imply a lot of different meanings.

 

[WhereMyLiberalsAt]

Dump can mean to put something down in a careless way, the actual site where waste is put, to throw something in the garbage, to end a romantic relationship with someone, copying stored data to another location, to defecate... Applying some of those definitions to your original post, it can imply a lot of different meanings.

I’m sorry, you’re right. What I meant to say was “he needs to defecate his debt”... or did I mean “to copy his stored data debt to another location”. Words are confusing AF!

 

[propositionjoee]

Ok so let me give you my .02. I was in your position, possibly worse a few years back. You may wanna sticky this on your bathroom mirror for the next few years .

I’ll start off by saying that it takes a very particular kind of personality to be successful in this unholy route you wish to embark on. Think of someone who just cannot accept themselves for nothing but the best...sort of megalomania like lol. I say this because a lot of people dug up in the trenches try but end up giving up or “settling” at certain points in the process.

I graduated UG 2.3 GPA, science GPA was less. I treated UG sort of like a vacation and despite the predictable results, I still wanted to pursue medicine. Had that “self reflection” that everyone suggested and determined that my inability to succeed was entirely self-inflicted and very correctable. I am also very very stubborn when it comes to my personal goals and I just didn’t view UG as a real attempt at medical school. I think for those in my/OP’s situation, it is important to convince yourself that you wanna pursue medicine without using the word passion. This is because any amount of passion that you have for medicine, will not make up for demonstrating the ability to succeed. People may disagree with my view but the degree of hurdles that I had to overcome necessitated that I was ultimately doing this for myself. You guys behind the keyboard most likely have no idea what it feels like to have that 2.3 GPA. I don’t mean it in a selfish manner, simply you mustn’t rely on anything but YOUR own discipline and determination or else old habits resurface and you will fail.

Decided that I needed an SMP to get in because no matter how great the upward trend was, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to get past filters. I needed linkage and people to know me IN HOUSE.

In order to get into SMPs I needed to fix my GPA and get my prereqs in order. 3 consecutive semesters of 18 credits, all science, at 3.7 did the trick. I took time and looked up all the SMPs with linkage and decided ultimately to narrow it down to DO schools (smaller institutions, more forgiving of non-trads and MCAT requirements SIGNIFICANTLY less). Do your own research if you get this far, info and program specifics are often fluid.

Next step was the MCAT. I will never say that you shouldn’t score as high as you possibly can, but a secret regarding DO schools is not only that they have significantly lower scores than MD programs (obviously) but lower averages than you or SDN might think. My program had a guaranteed IV at a 500 threshold but again fluid and do your own research regarding any program specifics. I scored decently above 500 but significantly less then the 512+ that people on similarly situated WAMC threads recommended.

Next step, do well. Don’t flirt with minimums. Give them no excuse to turn away from your hard work. MCAT and UG courses can be retaken, but SMP grades are final. If you make it this far...your chances of success are VERY good.

Kiss ass. There is an art to this. Finding the balance is key. It must be done because your GPA needs a face behind it. Proceed with caution because overdoing it can definitely backfire.

Lastly, if you can do the above without deviating/burning out then you should be rewarded with an acceptance in a minimum of 3 or so years from now. It sucks majorly, and believe me the process has pretty much made me forget that I will ultimately be handling patients in a servant role to society. However, I am sort of a megalomaniac and I would definitely be that guy who constantly makes “almost became a doctor” references lmao.

I forgot to mention that my ECs were average. I was usually present at most premed/volunteering/group meetings and held a part time health care related job when doing post bacc after UG. Nothing over and beyond and no leadership roles.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Butters Stotch]

Firstly I have to applaud you for not only overcoming the adversity but showing grit and determination; also what smp did you enroll in if you don't mind me asking?

Ok so let me give you my .02. I was in your position, possibly worse a few years back. You may wanna sticky this on your bathroom mirror for the next few years .

I’ll start off by saying that it takes a very particular kind of personality to be successful in this unholy route you wish to embark on. Think of someone who just cannot accept themselves for nothing but the best...sort of megalomania like lol. I say this because a lot of people dug up in the trenches try but end up giving up or “settling” at certain points in the process.

I graduated UG 2.3 GPA, science GPA was less. I treated UG sort of like a vacation and despite the predictable results, I still wanted to pursue medicine. Had that “self reflection” that everyone suggested and determined that my inability to succeed was entirely self-inflicted and very correctable. I am also very very stubborn when it comes to my personal goals and I just didn’t view UG as a real attempt at medical school. I think for those in my/OP’s situation, it is important to convince yourself that you wanna pursue medicine without using the word passion. This is because any amount of passion that you have for medicine, will not make up for demonstrating the ability to succeed. People may disagree with my view but the degree of hurdles that I had to overcome necessitated that I was ultimately doing this for myself. You guys behind the keyboard most likely have no idea what it feels like to have that 2.3 GPA. I don’t mean it in a selfish manner, simply you mustn’t rely on anything but YOUR own discipline and determination or else old habits resurface and you will fail.

Decided that I needed an SMP to get in because no matter how great the upward trend was, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to get past filters. I needed linkage and people to know me IN HOUSE.

In order to get into SMPs I needed to fix my GPA and get my prereqs in order. 3 consecutive semesters of 18 credits, all science, at 3.7 did the trick. I took time and looked up all the SMPs with linkage and decided ultimately to narrow it down to DO schools (smaller institutions, more forgiving of non-trads and MCAT requirements SIGNIFICANTLY less). Do your own research if you get this far, info and program specifics are often fluid.

Next step was the MCAT. I will never say that you shouldn’t score as high as you possibly can, but a secret regarding DO schools is not only that they have significantly lower scores than MD programs (obviously) but lower averages than you or SDN might think. My program had a guaranteed IV at a 500 threshold but again fluid and do your own research regarding any program specifics. I scored decently above 500 but significantly less then the 512+ that people on similarly situated WAMC threads recommended.

Next step, do well. Don’t flirt with minimums. Give them no excuse to turn away from your hard work. MCAT and UG courses can be retaken, but SMP grades are final. If you make it this far...your chances of success are VERY good.

Kiss ass. There is an art to this. Finding the balance is key. It must be done because your GPA needs a face behind it. Proceed with caution because overdoing it can definitely backfire.

Lastly, if you can do the above without deviating/burning out then you should be rewarded with an acceptance in a minimum of 3 or so years from now. It sucks majorly, and believe me the process has pretty much made me forget that I will ultimately be handling patients in a servant role to society. However, I am sort of a megalomaniac and I would definitely be that guy who constantly makes “almost became a doctor” references lmao.

I forgot to mention that my ECs were average. I was usually present at most premed/volunteering/group meetings and held a part time health care related job when doing post bacc after UG. Nothing over and beyond and no leadership roles.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[premedbrah]

Ok so let me give you my .02. I was in your position, possibly worse a few years back. You may wanna sticky this on your bathroom mirror for the next few years .

I’ll start off by saying that it takes a very particular kind of personality to be successful in this unholy route you wish to embark on. Think of someone who just cannot accept themselves for nothing but the best...sort of megalomania like lol. I say this because a lot of people dug up in the trenches try but end up giving up or “settling” at certain points in the process.

I graduated UG 2.3 GPA, science GPA was less. I treated UG sort of like a vacation and despite the predictable results, I still wanted to pursue medicine. Had that “self reflection” that everyone suggested and determined that my inability to succeed was entirely self-inflicted and very correctable. I am also very very stubborn when it comes to my personal goals and I just didn’t view UG as a real attempt at medical school. I think for those in my/OP’s situation, it is important to convince yourself that you wanna pursue medicine without using the word passion. This is because any amount of passion that you have for medicine, will not make up for demonstrating the ability to succeed. People may disagree with my view but the degree of hurdles that I had to overcome necessitated that I was ultimately doing this for myself. You guys behind the keyboard most likely have no idea what it feels like to have that 2.3 GPA. I don’t mean it in a selfish manner, simply you mustn’t rely on anything but YOUR own discipline and determination or else old habits resurface and you will fail.

Decided that I needed an SMP to get in because no matter how great the upward trend was, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to get past filters. I needed linkage and people to know me IN HOUSE.

In order to get into SMPs I needed to fix my GPA and get my prereqs in order. 3 consecutive semesters of 18 credits, all science, at 3.7 did the trick. I took time and looked up all the SMPs with linkage and decided ultimately to narrow it down to DO schools (smaller institutions, more forgiving of non-trads and MCAT requirements SIGNIFICANTLY less). Do your own research if you get this far, info and program specifics are often fluid.

Next step was the MCAT. I will never say that you shouldn’t score as high as you possibly can, but a secret regarding DO schools is not only that they have significantly lower scores than MD programs (obviously) but lower averages than you or SDN might think. My program had a guaranteed IV at a 500 threshold but again fluid and do your own research regarding any program specifics. I scored decently above 500 but significantly less then the 512+ that people on similarly situated WAMC threads recommended.

Next step, do well. Don’t flirt with minimums. Give them no excuse to turn away from your hard work. MCAT and UG courses can be retaken, but SMP grades are final. If you make it this far...your chances of success are VERY good.

Kiss ass. There is an art to this. Finding the balance is key. It must be done because your GPA needs a face behind it. Proceed with caution because overdoing it can definitely backfire.

Lastly, if you can do the above without deviating/burning out then you should be rewarded with an acceptance in a minimum of 3 or so years from now. It sucks majorly, and believe me the process has pretty much made me forget that I will ultimately be handling patients in a servant role to society. However, I am sort of a megalomaniac and I would definitely be that guy who constantly makes “almost became a doctor” references lmao.

I forgot to mention that my ECs were average. I was usually present at most premed/volunteering/group meetings and held a part time health care related job when doing post bacc after UG. Nothing over and beyond and no leadership roles.


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bro thats alpha af good job!