Below 3.0 gpa Support Group/Thread

[ex.phys2010]

Past is the past. Gotta move on from it and keep rolling ahead.

Are you wanting DO or MD or does it not matter. I honestly feel, for cost and ease, that doing your own post-bacc with re-takes for DO is the most efficient way to go.

To be honest, I haven't considered what title I'd like. Right now I'm focused on getting my grades to where they need to be. I don't want to let my pride get in the way and be dead set on the MD if that hurts my chance of being a Physician. Thanks for the advice on taking the self post bacc. Any advice on the changing work settings?

Thanks

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[Crow T. Robot]

Hi all,

I need some words of advice from you go-getters out here on this forum. So, my situation is just as similar to most of you all here maybe worse.

Electrical Engineer, about 7 yrs. out of undergrad and working full time. Married with two kids and early to mid-30s (so time isn’t exactly on my side)

Undergrad GPA (both B and Cs and some A- ) – 2.78

Took all my physics and maths courses due to electrical engineering degree requirements, but that was over 10 yrs ago. Don’t know if those classes will still count as meeting all the pre-reqs.

Planning on attending a local school to retake all the pre-reqs and try to boost GPA. Now living in a different state so cant go back to undergrad college to re-take those classes to get a better grade.

I need advice on how to approach and tackle this task, what suggestion do you all recommend?

It doesn't matter if you aren't at the same location, just make sure you retake the same classes (as stated by MajorUnderDog). I retook all my classes at a different place. And you *have* to retake them all as if you never took them in the first place- the schools need to see that you can still hack the science.

 

[Major]

To be honest, I haven't considered what title I'd like. Right now I'm focused on getting my grades to where they need to be. I don't want to let my pride get in the way and be dead set on the MD if that hurts my chance of being a Physician. Thanks for the advice on taking the self post bacc. Any advice on the changing work settings?

Thanks

That is a tough one. I assume you would make more money by moving to admin?

If med school is your main goal then you need a job that won't over-burden you from focusing on studying and getting those As. That is ultimately the most important thing right now. Moving out of the clinical part isn't such a big deal especially if you keep up the volunteering and ECs. A job to support you and your family while knocking out those As is more critical than getting one just for clinical exposure when there are plenty of other ways to do that.


And let's not forget about the Mcat!

 

[Crow T. Robot]

If there's something I've learned from all of you guys in this forum, is to try my hardest, give nothing but my best, keep on pushing and apply as broadly as possible. I'm not as hard set as some people are about the "M.D" after my name, as I am about my desire to help patients to be more connected and proactive about their health, and assist them in such way so that they know they're not doing it alone. The osteopathic approach is actually more than appealing to me, and I will fight like hell to get in, but should the odds not end in my favor, I'll still shoot PA or PT, and be the best I can be...at the end, the biggest reward is to find fulfillment and purpose, and to do something you can be proud of.

Honestly, the osteopathic schools paid attention to who I was WAY more than the MD schools. They took into account the sacrifices I made to get to where I am and they valued that. The MD schools just compared my stats to all the 22 yo applicants. Needless to say, I'll be going to an osteopathic school in the fall.

 

[Futuredoctorhopeful1986]

Hey everyone! I haven't read all the posts here, but I certainly will. However, let me give you a little hope: I am a 39yo single mom who barely graduated UG with a sGPA of 2.2 and cGPA of 2.7 more than 15 years ago. My first MCAT was 25. Yeesh! I took 10 years off, started a family, and established a solid career in clinical research (which definitely helped with the application, let me tell you) because I figured I was washed up in terms of becoming a doctor. I started the journey of repairing my GPA about six years ago- I took more than 100 credits in a self-post bacc, earning a 3.97 sGPA while working FT in research, volunteering, and being a mom. I also retook the MCAT and scored a jaw-dropping... 28. 7/13/8. Bleh!! I figured my chances were slim (since I now had only a 3.0 cGPA) so I entered a SMP this past year. I earned a 3.5 GPA, applied to seven schools, received five interviews (at MD and DO schools), and just got my first acceptance recently.

If this is all you can imagine doing, never, EVER give up. I applied three times before I got that elusive acceptance. I gave everything I had into this journey- my time, money, career, and possibly my sanity, but it PAID OFF. I'll be starting med school at 40, after getting a 2.7 in undergrad.

Oh and with the DO grade replacement, my 3.0 cGPA shot up to 3.4. Definitely apply DO before foreign.

Where did you receive your acceptance? MD/DO ?

 

[Crow T. Robot]

Where did you receive your acceptance? MD/DO ?

DO. I always managed to get interviews or waitlists at MD, but no acceptance.

 

[Admen]

It doesn't matter if you aren't at the same location, just make sure you retake the same classes (as stated by MajorUnderDog). I retook all my classes at a different place. And you *have* to retake them all as if you never took them in the first place- the schools need to see that you can still hack the science.

Thanks for the advice, I actually think re-taking the classes will benefit me preparing for the MCAT. I enrolled in Kaplan 2 yrs ago and was struggling due to fact that I had forgotten most of the material. Do I need to officially enroll as a post bacc student (getting accepted into a prominent post bacc school is kind of tough due to gpa requirements) or just take the classes as non-degree seeking major in any school and does the choice of school really matter. Was thinking of a local state university.

 

[ex.phys2010]

Thanks for the advice, I actually think re-taking the classes will benefit me preparing for the MCAT. I enrolled in Kaplan 2 yrs ago and was struggling due to fact that I had forgotten most of the material. Do I need to officially enroll as a post bacc student (getting accepted into a prominent post bacc school is kind of tough due to gpa requirements) or just take the classes as non-degree seeking major in any school and does the choice of school really matter. Was thinking of a local state university.

My GPA was pretty low (2.5) and I was told to pursue courses as a non-degree student at a local university. As I understand you can take courses at a comm. college or a 4 year program, both will be accepted as long as they meet the same credit hours. Apparently schools like seeing courses from a 4 year a little more. Hope that helps

 

[mavric1298]

Congrats! Success stories are always great to hear, with dedication and lots of hard work, there are plenty of us non-trads out there succeeding! Where are you headed?

 

[Major]

Good Luck to everyone on finals!


Study Hard!

 

[Citarre]

I'm a long time lurker, although I do communicate often through PMs and have tried my best to do what I can to give back to the SDN community. But after coming across this thread, I want to make a public post here to provide some encouragement. I know that feeling of hopelessness when doing that GPA repair, so maybe my story will help you see that there a light at the end of the tunnel:

I graduated from undergrad with a 2.1 sGPA and 2.4 cGPA from my state school. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life when I went to college, randomly picked a science major since I liked sciences in high school, and just went with it despite getting bad grades. I was never much of a good student, and it wasn't until it was too late that I realized I wanted to pursue medical school. After graduating, I took a couple of years off to work, do research, and explore other career options since I knew GPA repair was going to be rough with 100+ credits under my belt and no school was going to take me with my crappy GPA.

But after a couple years of doing that soul-searching, I really felt like being a physician was my true calling. So after researching on SDN, I sucked it up and went back to school to do an informal post-bacc back at my state school. I re-did all my prerequisites while also taking some other supplemental classes to make myself a full time student. For 3 years, I pulled straight A's, held a part-time job, and was heavily involved with school extracurriculars as well. I wanted to prove that I had the ability to balance school and classes. I ended up taking like an extra 90+ credits to fix my GPA.

By this time, I had accumulated so many credits and my GPA was so diluted that I just decided to apply, although my numbers still weren't impressive. I think my final AMCAS GPAs were 2.9 sGPA and 3.0 cGPA. And when MCAT time came around, I ended up getting a 28T. I was hoping to have scored higher, but I'd never been a great test taker. I invested a lot of time into preparing my personal statement and the rest of my application, in hopes to make up for these deficiencies. I wasn't feeling very hopeful, and was already planning to reapply + add DO schools to my list next cycle.

I applied to 13 MD schools, ended up receiving interviews from 3, and was accepted by my state school.

No, I'm not a URM. No, I'm not disadvantaged in any way. Was I lucky? Perhaps. But since I did hear back from a couple of schools, it gave me faith that the whole application process isn't just a numbers game.

So my advice to the brave souls going through the whole GPA repair thing:

1. Don't let your overall numbers make you feel discouraged. As long as you've tried your best and you've invested enough time in making up for your past, that's all that really matters. Whether or not adcoms want to acknowledge that is up to them.

2. Make sure you invest enough time in preparing the written parts of your application (e.g. personal statement, AMCAS excerpts). Really take time in reflecting on your activities, what you've learned, and showing them why you're worthy for a spot in the incoming class, despite your initial mess up. There's a lot of good advice scattered throughout SDN regarding how to do this.

3. Your state school is probably going to be the most forgiving. You shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket, but realistically, your chances will probably be best there (unless you're a Cali resident) ... so it doesn't hurt to gear your application towards them. I did that, and just ended up applying to other schools that had similar missions + were looking for similar characteristics.

 

[bball4]

I'm a long time lurker, although I do communicate often through PMs and have tried my best to do what I can to give back to the SDN community. But after coming across this thread, I want to make a public post here to provide some encouragement. I know that feeling of hopelessness when doing that GPA repair, so maybe my story will help you see that there a light at the end of the tunnel:

I graduated from undergrad with a 2.1 sGPA and 2.4 cGPA from my state school. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life when I went to college, randomly picked a science major since I liked sciences in high school, and just went with it despite getting bad grades. I was never much of a good student, and it wasn't until it was too late that I realized I wanted to pursue medical school. After graduating, I took a couple of years off to work, do research, and explore other career options since I knew GPA repair was going to be rough with 100+ credits under my belt and no school was going to take me with my crappy GPA.

But after a couple years of doing that soul-searching, I really felt like being a physician was my true calling. So after researching on SDN, I sucked it up and went back to school to do an informal post-bacc back at my state school. I re-did all my prerequisites while also taking some other supplemental classes to make myself a full time student. For 3 years, I pulled straight A's, held a part-time job, and was heavily involved with school extracurriculars as well. I wanted to prove that I had the ability to balance school and classes. I ended up taking like an extra 90+ credits to fix my GPA.

By this time, I had accumulated so many credits and my GPA was so diluted that I just decided to apply, although my numbers still weren't impressive. I think my final AMCAS GPAs were 2.9 sGPA and 3.0 cGPA. And when MCAT time came around, I ended up getting a 28T. I was hoping to have scored higher, but I'd never been a great test taker. I invested a lot of time into preparing my personal statement and the rest of my application, in hopes to make up for these deficiencies. I wasn't feeling very hopeful, and was already planning to reapply + add DO schools to my list next cycle.

I applied to 13 MD schools, ended up receiving interviews from 3, and was accepted by my state school.

No, I'm not a URM. No, I'm not disadvantaged in any way. Was I lucky? Perhaps. But since I did hear back from a couple of schools, it gave me faith that the whole application process isn't just a numbers game.

So my advice to the brave souls going through the whole GPA repair thing:

1. Don't let your overall numbers make you feel discouraged. As long as you've tried your best and you've invested enough time in making up for your past, that's all that really matters. Whether or not adcoms want to acknowledge that is up to them.

2. Make sure you invest enough time in preparing the written parts of your application (e.g. personal statement, AMCAS excerpts). Really take time in reflecting on your activities, what you've learned, and showing them why you're worthy for a spot in the incoming class, despite your initial mess up. There's a lot of good advice scattered throughout SDN regarding how to do this.

3. Your state school is probably going to be the most forgiving. You shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket, but realistically, your chances will probably be best there (unless you're a Cali resident) ... so it doesn't hurt to gear your application towards them. I did that, and just ended up applying to other schools that had similar missions + were looking for similar characteristics.

Wow! Amazing underdog success story. How did you go about addressing your past in the personal statement? Or did you strictly focus on your most recent successes?

 

[Citarre]

Wow! Amazing underdog success story. How did you go about addressing your past in the personal statement? Or did you strictly focus on your most recent successes?

Yeah, good question. When I was writing my personal statement, I had numerous internal debates about whether or not I should even bring up my bad grades, especially after reading all the mixed advice from people here. Plus, my state school does blind interviews where interviewers don't see your transcripts and all they get are your essays. So writing about it seemed counterproductive there as well.

But in the end, I realized that if you're someone like me who had a longer history of low grades, then it's best that you address it in your personal statement. If you don't explain anything, that leaves the adcoms wondering about what the heck happened when they look at your transcript. And that's not good either, since you won't be there to be able to defend yourself, so you better provide them with an explanation in your personal statement.

With that being said, like many others have suggested, don't dwell on the explanation; just give enough so that adcoms can get some sense of what happened. I only spent 2 sentences discussing the actual reason for my failure. I kept it neutral and straightforward, and that's all they really need. I believe what is more important for evaluating an applicant is what comes after your explanation: I spent the next paragraph or two conveying that a) despite getting crappy grades, I still really enjoyed the sciences and had the passion/motivation to become a physician (adcoms are going to be wondering why you still want to be a doctor if you couldn't even do well in your prereqs), and b) what I changed to make myself a better student (adcoms want to make sure that you can make it through medical school, especially given your academic history).

Hope that helps!

 

[mgrantcolburn]

Hard Facts:
Age: 27 (not URM)
cGPA: 2.39 (when retakes are substituted and remedial math is removed this changes to a 3.17)
sGPA: 3.92 (AP1/2, MBIO, Cell Bio, General Stats)
MCAT: N/A
HC Exp: ~1000 hours between training and working in the Endocrinology office.
Previous careers include construction foreman/laborer, bartender, personal trainer, etc.

I got my BA in English, with minors in Sexuality and Gender Studies and Technical Communication in 2010. I finished my undergrad with a cGPA of 2.39 and a major GPA of 2.89 (cherry-picked). I took and failed Cell Bio and General Chem during freshman year, and never took another science or math course beyond "math/science for liberal arts majors." I still have several "W" grades, was placed on academic probation twice, and dismissed for poor academic performance once. But, I finished my degree.

Fast forward to December 2012 - I had spent two and a half years working construction and tending various bars and I decided it was time for a change.

Previous to, and while earning my undergrad, I had worked as a medical assistant (Endocrinology) and personal trainer. I decided to try for PA via a community college Surgical Technology program. January 2013 I re-enrolled at my alma mater, retook (and earned 4.0 marks) in several courses I previously failed. Fall 2013 I began taking science and math pre-reqs. I earned a 4.0 in Cell Biology and General Statistics. Winter 2014 I transferred to a CC and pulled a 4.0 in MBIO and a 3.6 in AP1. Currently, I am pulling a 98% in AP2 and will finish that class with a 4.0. My cumulative GPA has risen nearly to a 3.2 in just over a calendar year. My science GPA is a 3.92, but that lacks physics, GEN/ORG/BIO chem, calculus, and MCAT.

Using Khan Academy, I've had quite a bit of success preparing for physics, the chems, and my math is improving.

Now my confidence is up in terms of my academic performance, and I am sure that I can be successful in a DO/MD program. Without hyperbole, making myself into a physician has consumed my being. I understand that I am not competitive for MD programs, but what about DO? I am shadowing every specialist, surgeon, ER/IM/FM doc I can convince - DO or MD, but I have that horrible undergraduate GPA to deal with.

From the numbers listed above, as well as the upward trend, what can I do to improve my application and achieve entrance into a DO medical school?

Is it beneficial for me to train as a Surg. Tech for 12 mos, gain OR experience, and finish my pre-med part time? That leaves me a 31-32 year old applying to medical school, and I would prefer to find a quicker way in the door.

Furthermore, do I even have a shot given my age and poor undergraduate performance?

 

[DreamingDoc]

Thanks for posting this! I've been lurking on this thread for a while now, debating about whether I should join. I am kind of an underdog too (sGPA 2.6), but compared to many of the others I see posting on here I really don't have a good reason for it! I just didn't know what I wanted to do as an undergrad, and my grades reflect that. So as I'm trying to figure out how to write my PS, all I could really think about was how to address my past grades without making it sound as though I'm just giving excuses. Your suggestion is a huge help.

I had the same problem when writing my PS. I absolutely could not ignore my undergrad grades because they were a huge red flag. I started off my PS with a general sentence regarding them, and briefly touched on the subject. I posted my PS in my blog if you would like an example: http://www.aspiringminoritydoctor.com/2014/03/my-personal-statement-for-medical-school.html

 

[BoiledBagels]

Hey everyone,

I'm sure this has been mentioned so often, but I cannot reiterate how much I appreciate you creating this forum, MajorUnderDog. Also, I wanted to thank all of you guys out there who are so encouraging and understanding. It's intimidating (and demoralizing) to read most of the other threads out there. But first I want to ask a question that has been bothering me for a long while. If I have a sGPA that is below 3.0, and the school specifically states that their minimum sGPA is a 3.0, should I even consider applying? This is in regards to MD schools.

Just a little bit about me: I graduated from college last year, and I have a 3.4 cGPA and probably have around a 2.7-2.8 sGPA. Unfortunately, I did not do so hot freshman year (a couple of C-'s in my pre-requisites). I retook one of the pre-reqs at a school closer to home and did well, but am not sure if that will necessarily help me that much. Sophomore year I had an upward trend & Orgo went amazingly well until Junior year when that dang Physics class gave me another 2 C+'s. But along came my senior year, and I was awarded the Dean's list for both semesters and TA'd for an upperlevel biology course. I have one publication under my belt and will be attending a medical meeting at the end of this month that published my abstract. Currently, I am writing a manuscript as first author and will be submitting to a journal very soon and have been doing clinical research for the past year. As you can see, I focused more on research and gaining experience than going back to school to improve my sGPA. I am not a good test taker, so even with a prep course, I kept scoring in the mid 20's for my MCAT. I felt okay about the MCAT I took recently and am hoping and praying that I got in the upper 20's.

I understand that MD schools are more intense in their screening process, but I am wondering if the minimum is really that strict, and if I should just go ahead and apply since I will have had a total of 2 years off by time I matriculate and have heavy clinical experience? I will definitely be applying to DO schools and state schools (both of which, I am truly thankful for), but I am not going to give up so easily on going to an allopathic school if given the chance!

 

[Major]

Hey everyone,

I'm sure this has been mentioned so often, but I cannot reiterate how much I appreciate you creating this forum, MajorUnderDog. Also, I wanted to thank all of you guys out there who are so encouraging and understanding. It's intimidating (and demoralizing) to read most of the other threads out there. But first I want to ask a question that has been bothering me for a long while. If I have a sGPA that is below 3.0, and the school specifically states that their minimum sGPA is a 3.0, should I even consider applying? This is in regards to MD schools.

Just a little bit about me: I graduated from college last year, and I have a 3.4 cGPA and probably have around a 2.7-2.8 sGPA. Unfortunately, I did not do so hot freshman year (a couple of C-'s in my pre-requisites). I retook one of the pre-reqs at a school closer to home and did well, but am not sure if that will necessarily help me that much. Sophomore year I had an upward trend & Orgo went amazingly well until Junior year when that dang Physics class gave me another 2 C+'s. But along came my senior year, and I was awarded the Dean's list for both semesters and TA'd for an upperlevel biology course. I have one publication under my belt and will be attending a medical meeting at the end of this month that published my abstract. Currently, I am writing a manuscript as first author and will be submitting to a journal very soon and have been doing clinical research for the past year. As you can see, I focused more on research and gaining experience than going back to school to improve my sGPA. I am not a good test taker, so even with a prep course, I kept scoring in the mid 20's for my MCAT. I felt okay about the MCAT I took recently and am hoping and praying that I got in the upper 20's.

I understand that MD schools are more intense in their screening process, but I am wondering if the minimum is really that strict, and if I should just go ahead and apply since I will have had a total of 2 years off by time I matriculate and have heavy clinical experience? I will definitely be applying to DO schools and state schools (both of which, I am truly thankful for), but I am not going to give up so easily on going to an allopathic school if given the chance!

Unfortunately most MD schools are hard-lined about the 3.0 minimum. It usually infers auto screened rejection, in that your application won't even make it past the 1st filter.

Other option is to call the admissions depts. and find out exactly

 

[Stephanopolous]

I got an A in anatomy/physiology II and hopefully a B in organic chem II
Now it's onto completing my applications!!! MCAT prep starts 6/2

 

[Fedaykin]

Finished undergraduate with a 2.59 cGPA, as per AMCAS.

Got an MS with a 3.65. Currently working on a PhD in infectious disease research with a 3.58. Med school comes next, debating whether a post-doc will happen in the interim.

 

[Major]

Hard Facts:
Age: 27 (not URM)
cGPA: 2.39 (when retakes are substituted and remedial math is removed this changes to a 3.17)
sGPA: 3.92 (AP1/2, MBIO, Cell Bio, General Stats)
MCAT: N/A
HC Exp: ~1000 hours between training and working in the Endocrinology office.
Previous careers include construction foreman/laborer, bartender, personal trainer, etc.

I got my BA in English, with minors in Sexuality and Gender Studies and Technical Communication in 2010. I finished my undergrad with a cGPA of 2.39 and a major GPA of 2.89 (cherry-picked). I took and failed Cell Bio and General Chem during freshman year, and never took another science or math course beyond "math/science for liberal arts majors." I still have several "W" grades, was placed on academic probation twice, and dismissed for poor academic performance once. But, I finished my degree.

Fast forward to December 2012 - I had spent two and a half years working construction and tending various bars and I decided it was time for a change.

Previous to, and while earning my undergrad, I had worked as a medical assistant (Endocrinology) and personal trainer. I decided to try for PA via a community college Surgical Technology program. January 2013 I re-enrolled at my alma mater, retook (and earned 4.0 marks) in several courses I previously failed. Fall 2013 I began taking science and math pre-reqs. I earned a 4.0 in Cell Biology and General Statistics. Winter 2014 I transferred to a CC and pulled a 4.0 in MBIO and a 3.6 in AP1. Currently, I am pulling a 98% in AP2 and will finish that class with a 4.0. My cumulative GPA has risen nearly to a 3.2 in just over a calendar year. My science GPA is a 3.92, but that lacks physics, GEN/ORG/BIO chem, calculus, and MCAT.

Using Khan Academy, I've had quite a bit of success preparing for physics, the chems, and my math is improving.

Now my confidence is up in terms of my academic performance, and I am sure that I can be successful in a DO/MD program. Without hyperbole, making myself into a physician has consumed my being. I understand that I am not competitive for MD programs, but what about DO? I am shadowing every specialist, surgeon, ER/IM/FM doc I can convince - DO or MD, but I have that horrible undergraduate GPA to deal with.

From the numbers listed above, as well as the upward trend, what can I do to improve my application and achieve entrance into a DO medical school?

Is it beneficial for me to train as a Surg. Tech for 12 mos, gain OR experience, and finish my pre-med part time? That leaves me a 31-32 year old applying to medical school, and I would prefer to find a quicker way in the door.

Furthermore, do I even have a shot given my age and poor undergraduate performance?

The surg tech seems cool but too much time that could be used for re-takes and mcat prep. You gotta get your Phys/ Gen Chem./Orgo/ and Bio done. That is about 30 credits of science coursework there. And the mcat studying is something that needs about 3 months time to study just about everyday for...

 

[BlastedHeath]

Just got my grades for spring semester and 14 units of 4.0 raised my cumulative GPA from 2.65 to 2.76. Slow going but every little bit helps. Hope everyone else had a semester with positive movement as well.

 

[BoiledBagels]

Thanks for letting me know, MajorUnderDog. I will do some contacting and a lot more research on MD schools and try out my luck!

 

[K015h1k]

i'm a sub 3.0 non-traditional student as well. check out my most recent thread please. i need some help: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/new-leaf-but-now-what.1071779/

 

[K015h1k]

I'm def. focused on DO schools and the AACOMAS grade replacement policy

However, after research on SDN and calling admission offices of several MD schools, there are a couple of MD schools that will just look at your most recent 32-60 credit hours for your gpa...

So it's a long shot but still something I might consider when the right time comes

There are medical schools that just look at your most recent 32-60 credit hours for your gpa? Please share!!!

 

[Major]

Yes please do! I just finished finals and the mcat today, so I'm starting to fill out my apps. Any school that only wants to look at my last 60 or so credit hours is definitely one that I'd want to send an app to.

Several schools will list for example, "only most recent 120" credit hours used", or something like that.

LSU-New Orleans is one. Tulane (extremely competitive) stated they look at mcat most of all and love applicants that turned have things around.

You have to look at the individual school's admission policies. And then call them up

 

[luaylu]

good god i love this thread.

graduated from a great school with a horrible GPA: 2.56
had issues, failed classes throughout my undergrad career. placed on academic probation twice.
lots of science classes are included in that GPA, which sucks.
i haven't calculated my sGPA, because i'm terrified to.

on tuesday, i take my last two finals of my DIY 2 year post-bac, and will probably end up with a ~3.8
projected MCAT is going to be between 30-35 (thinking about a retake tho)

edit, addition: i spoke to my med school advisor at my post bac school during my first semester, and he basically was like, you've taken so many classes before, and done so poorly, that any classes you take here are just going to be a "drop in the bucket." he then kept suggesting carribean med school (not an option, fiance is a lawyer, we need to be in the US). then he was like, if you get a 37+ on the MCAT we can talk, but that's nearly impossible. he was a total jerk. i ended up crying in a bathroom after that meeting, wondering what the hell i was doing.

applying to podiatry school and DO school this summer, w00t. kinda want to send the med school advisor a chastising letter if i'm accepted (but that's prob not a good idea...)

this sounds neurotic, but even though now i'm basically a straight A student, i still feel like i can't escape my atrocious undergrad career. entering my old grades into AACOMAS made my heart race, i'm in genuine disbelief a history as unequivocally bad as mine could be turned around. but this is an awesome thread. please keep posting everyone!

 

[Major]

good god i love this thread.

graduated from a great school with a horrible GPA: 2.56
had issues, failed classes throughout my undergrad career. placed on academic probation twice.
lots of science classes are included in that GPA, which sucks.
i haven't calculated my sGPA, because i'm terrified to.

on tuesday, i take my last two finals of my DIY 2 year post-bac, and will probably end up with a ~3.8
projected MCAT is going to be between 30-35 (thinking about a retake tho)

edit, addition: i spoke to my med school advisor at my post bac school during my first semester, and he basically was like, you've taken so many classes before, and done so poorly, that any classes you take here are just going to be a "drop in the bucket." he then kept suggesting carribean med school (not an option, fiance is a lawyer, we need to be in the US). then he was like, if you get a 37+ on the MCAT we can talk, but that's nearly impossible. he was a total jerk. i ended up crying in a bathroom after that meeting, wondering what the hell i was doing.

applying to podiatry school and DO school this summer, w00t. kinda want to send the med school advisor a chastising letter if i'm accepted (but that's prob not a good idea...)

this sounds neurotic, but even though now i'm basically a straight A student, i still feel like i can't escape my atrocious undergrad career. entering my old grades into AACOMAS made my heart race, i'm in genuine disbelief a history as unequivocally bad as mine could be turned around. but this is an awesome thread. please keep posting everyone!

Isn't it awesome seeing the difference in gpa in going from a F to an A?! And isn't even more awesome to know that those F's only reflect the past and Not the person you are right now??

 

[Major]

For me today I got some Awesome news! I received a letter from one of my previous schools that a grade change was approved from a WF to a W! Getting that W approved, removed the last science class with a F grade. My cumulative and science gpa just jumped up a ton because of that! It has def. given me a fresh burst of energy!

So now its just retaking all the C classes this summer, fall, and spring. Next summer here comes applications!

 

[Stephanopolous]

I GOT AN A IN ORGANIC CHEM II!!!!!!!

 

[Citarre]

i spoke to my med school advisor at my post bac school during my first semester, and he basically was like, you've taken so many classes before, and done so poorly, that any classes you take here are just going to be a "drop in the bucket." he then kept suggesting carribean med school (not an option, fiance is a lawyer, we need to be in the US). then he was like, if you get a 37+ on the MCAT we can talk, but that's nearly impossible. he was a total jerk. i ended up crying in a bathroom after that meeting, wondering what the hell i was doing.

I had a pre-med advisor that basically told me the same thing at the beginning of my journey. Was told to not even bother applying with my grades and that re-doing all my classes would be a waste of time. But 2 years later, you should be proud of what you've achieved since it's not everyone that has that drive and commitment to turn everything around, especially after being told something like that. That sort of negativity from faculty, classmates, forum posters, or whatever is going to hurt and that's normal; it's perfectly fine to cry (I did my fair share of that some nights), but after you get it all of your system ... hold your head up high, carry on, and continue kicking ass as planned

this sounds neurotic, but even though now i'm basically a straight A student, i still feel like i can't escape my atrocious undergrad career. entering my old grades into AACOMAS made my heart race, i'm in genuine disbelief a history as unequivocally bad as mine could be turned around.

You aren't being neurotic at all. I had those exact same feelings, and for me, it wasn't until I got my acceptance letter that I really felt like I was forgiven and truly redeemed myself. It's unfortunate to feel like you've worked so hard, only to be judged by mistakes you made in the past when you might not have been set on what you wanted to do with your life yet. I'm sure all of us here can relate. There's no easy way to deal with this one, but just keep reminding yourself about how far you've come and that it's all going to be worth it if when you get to where you want to be!

 

[Stephanopolous]

Does the GPA change at all once you submit? When I used last years application just to see what my GPA was at that time it was higher than it is now, despite the fact that I added two A's.

Feeling a little discouraged because now I'm sitting at 2.92sci/3.01

 

[Major]

Does the GPA change at all once you submit? When I used last years application just to see what my GPA was at that time it was higher than it is now, despite the fact that I added two A's.

Feeling a little discouraged because now I'm sitting at 2.92sci/3.01

It should be higher

Use the app "Four Point"


It easily lets you calculate your GPA and select courses for you sgpa

This should match up with the application

 

[luaylu]

I had a pre-med advisor that basically told me the same thing at the beginning of my journey. Was told to not even bother applying with my grades and that re-doing all my classes would be a waste of time. But 2 years later, you should be proud of what you've achieved since it's not everyone that has that drive and commitment to turn everything around, especially after being told something like that. That sort of negativity from faculty, classmates, forum posters, or whatever is going to hurt and that's normal; it's perfectly fine to cry (I did my fair share of that some nights), but after you get it all of your system ... hold your head up high, carry on, and continue kicking ass as planned



You aren't being neurotic at all. I had those exact same feelings, and for me, it wasn't until I got my acceptance letter that I really felt like I was forgiven and truly redeemed myself. It's unfortunate to feel like you've worked so hard, only to be judged by mistakes you made in the past when you might not have been set on what you wanted to do with your life yet. I'm sure all of us here can relate. There's no easy way to deal with this one, but just keep reminding yourself about how far you've come and that it's all going to be worth it if when you get to where you want to be!

u da best, thank you. it's incredibly nice to know someone else felt the same way.

i don't totally understand all the vitriol directed at underdog stories, and it sucks. people can be really, really mean. both in person, and on sdn anonymously. whatever, as you said, once i'm accepted this will all be truly behind me. and til then, i'll try to have thicker skin.

 

[Stephanopolous]

It should be higher

Use the app "Four Point"


It easily lets you calculate your GPA and select courses for you sgpa

This should match up with the application

Awesome thank you! Does the app work for grade replacing?

 

[Major]

Awesome thank you! Does the app work for grade replacing?

Yes that is why I love the app so much. So easy to organize all your classes. So what you'll do after entering all your classes, is then select the clas you have retaken. The original grade you select on "count towrards gpa" - NO

I made an example an took a screen shot

So the newest grade you select "YES" on counting towards gpa. So the original grade won't be used to calculate your gpa. The newest one will. And the app is so much easier to use then spread sheets and other calculation websites. You can save everything right on the app and keep track of your progress

 

[Labrat07]

A in orgo II
As in physic II and lab

Register for MCAT october 21st.

Let's do it, comrades!!! Work hard and earn it.

 

[chocposit]

I am in love with this thread. And I am in love with all of you. Keep on pushing hard. Nothing comes easy but with hard work and CONFIDENCE AND LOVE FOR OURSELVES, our dreams will certainly come true. Rock on, you all are brave, amazing, and inspiring people! So thank you!

 

[Stephanopolous]

Thanks Major!!!! That was nice of you to include the screen shot. I downloaded the app.

 

[Fedaykin]

Tulane (extremely competitive) stated they look at mcat most of all and love applicants that turned have things around.

I'm at Tulane now for my PhD. I hear this a lot from current students.

 

[kraskadva]

Hey all, I got my semester grades back and I'm really excited so I thought I'd share...

I started with a 2.73 cGPA and 2.89 sGPA from my undergrad almost a decade ago and two years of hard work and straight A's later I have finally managed to bring it above 3
I've now got a 3.12 cGPA and 3.44 sGPA now (+ some stellar LORs from post-bacc profs), just took my MCAT (feel pretty good about it) and will submit AMCAS in a month once I get my scores back. The emotional rollercoaster ride isn't over yet, but I'm sitting at a high point right now and it feels pretty good.
So it can be done, you just have to keep pushing through. to everyone doing the same.

 

[Major]

Hey all, I got my semester grades back and I'm really excited so I thought I'd share...

I started with a 2.73 cGPA and 2.89 sGPA from my undergrad almost a decade ago and two years of hard work and straight A's later I have finally managed to bring it above 3
I've now got a 3.12 cGPA and 3.44 sGPA now (+ some stellar LORs from post-bacc profs), just took my MCAT (feel pretty good about it) and will submit AMCAS in a month once I get my scores back. The emotional rollercoaster ride isn't over yet, but I'm sitting at a high point right now and it feels pretty good.
So it can be done, you just have to keep pushing through. to everyone doing the same.

So awesome to hear!

Congratulations and keep us updated in your application/interviews etc

 

[kraskadva]

So awesome to hear!

Congratulations and keep us updated in your application/interviews etc

Thanks! Will do.

 

[TheUnderdogSupreme]

Been in a funk for the past week. This should be a moment of minor happiness because, although the grades are not yet posted, I scored no lower than a 98 on my tests in calc1 (my only class this past semester - work full time) and am slowly beginning to undue my past academic mistakes (still much damage to overcome). However, I was talking to an acquaintance who will be starting medical school this coming fall at a top allopathic med school, and they said something that kind of shook me (not sure why). They know vaguely of my situation and we were discussing options. During the conversation they pointed me to an opinion article in the NY Times about not pursuing your passion but instead doing whatever work you can, even if you hate what you do (electrician or sales coordinator, for example, when you do not want to do either). The argument is that you are providing a service that the community/family/self needs and therefore are a benefit to society while making an honest wage. They were saying that I (I am almost 30) have to know when to cut my losses (they referenced the age of 27 during the conversation) and to know when it is simply not reasonable (for one reason or another) to pursue a passion or a dream. Since this conversation I can't help but keep thinking that I am foolishly in pursuit of something (perhaps selfishly) when in reality I should be at a job, earning a wage, producing offspring, and saving to send the offspring to college (what a life!). Although I become nauseous at the thought of this, I realize this is what everyone else is doing (and has been doing - perhaps even my parents). Why do I feel as if I am, or should be, any different? It has gotten to the point (only after days of this conversation) that I cannot think of medicine without being absolutely deflated and focusing my thoughts elsewhere. Perhaps this is because there is some truth to what this person was saying - and it is time to end this pursuit. Maybe if a life in medicine had been my calling, I would have at least done well enough in school to be able to do so, or perhaps I wouldn't have waited until I am almost 30 to turn my life around. Has anyone else experienced this?

Anyhow - depressed rant over.

 

[kraskadva]

Been in a funk for the past week. This should be a moment of minor happiness because, although the grades are not yet posted, I scored no lower than a 98 on my tests in calc1 (my only class this past semester - work full time) and am slowly beginning to undue my past academic mistakes (still much damage to overcome). However, I was talking to an acquaintance who will be starting medical school this coming fall at a top allopathic med school, and they said something that kind of shook me (not sure why). They know vaguely of my situation and we were discussing options. During the conversation they pointed me to an opinion article in the NY Times about not pursuing your passion but instead doing whatever work you can, even if you hate what you do (electrician or sales coordinator, for example, when you do not want to do either). The argument is that you are providing a service that the community/family/self needs and therefore are a benefit to society while making an honest wage. They were saying that I (I am almost 30) have to know when to cut my losses (they referenced the age of 27 during the conversation) and to know when it is simply not reasonable (for one reason or another) to pursue a passion or a dream. Since this conversation I can't help but keep thinking that I am foolishly in pursuit of something (perhaps selfishly) when in reality I should be at a job, earning a wage, producing offspring, and saving to send the offspring to college (what a life!). Although I become nauseous at the thought of this, I realize this is what everyone else is doing (and has been doing - perhaps even my parents). Why do I feel as if I am, or should be, any different? It has gotten to the point (only after days of this conversation) that I cannot think of medicine without being absolutely deflated and focusing my thoughts elsewhere. Perhaps this is because there is some truth to what this person was saying - and it is time to end this pursuit. Maybe if a life in medicine had been my calling, I would have at least done well enough in school to be able to do so, or perhaps I wouldn't have waited until I am almost 30 to turn my life around. Has anyone else experienced this?

Anyhow - depressed rant over.

It sounds like your acquaintance is a very young, self-important twit. I had one of the pre-med kids at school say something along these lines to me (in front of a visiting med school adcom, no less). My response was that I would not trade my experiences along the way for anything, that I was so inexperienced and naive when I was her age that I had no business picking a lifelong career at that point and that I was always amazed at the ones who do find their passion so early and manage to keep it throughout their lives/careers rather than being unhappy 20 years later. She shut up after that (and didn't get into med school last cycle).
As to this NYT article, it sounds like a load of crap. I will agree with a certain amount of 'suck it up and just do it', especially as regards jumping through hoops along the way and being a real adult with a real life that occasionally sucks, but to say that you should do something that makes you miserable for the rest of your life for the sake of social order is total crap. While you should be realistic in your assessment of whether you can do something or not, if you have talents that can serve another purpose, would benefit society as well or better, and would make you happy, why on earth would you choose misery.
Time to grab your bootstraps and climb out of that funk. You're on the way up (congrats on that calc grade) so keep going.

 

[68PGunner]

Been in a funk for the past week. This should be a moment of minor happiness because, although the grades are not yet posted, I scored no lower than a 98 on my tests in calc1 (my only class this past semester - work full time) and am slowly beginning to undue my past academic mistakes (still much damage to overcome). However, I was talking to an acquaintance who will be starting medical school this coming fall at a top allopathic med school, and they said something that kind of shook me (not sure why). They know vaguely of my situation and we were discussing options. During the conversation they pointed me to an opinion article in the NY Times about not pursuing your passion but instead doing whatever work you can, even if you hate what you do (electrician or sales coordinator, for example, when you do not want to do either). The argument is that you are providing a service that the community/family/self needs and therefore are a benefit to society while making an honest wage. They were saying that I (I am almost 30) have to know when to cut my losses (they referenced the age of 27 during the conversation) and to know when it is simply not reasonable (for one reason or another) to pursue a passion or a dream. Since this conversation I can't help but keep thinking that I am foolishly in pursuit of something (perhaps selfishly) when in reality I should be at a job, earning a wage, producing offspring, and saving to send the offspring to college (what a life!). Although I become nauseous at the thought of this, I realize this is what everyone else is doing (and has been doing - perhaps even my parents). Why do I feel as if I am, or should be, any different? It has gotten to the point (only after days of this conversation) that I cannot think of medicine without being absolutely deflated and focusing my thoughts elsewhere. Perhaps this is because there is some truth to what this person was saying - and it is time to end this pursuit. Maybe if a life in medicine had been my calling, I would have at least done well enough in school to be able to do so, or perhaps I wouldn't have waited until I am almost 30 to turn my life around. Has anyone else experienced this?

Anyhow - depressed rant over.

I see the merits of that NY Time article. Regardless, you aren't def at the point where it's time to cut your losses. However, you need to ram up your schedule and get to medical school ASAP. Every year that's delayed is a potential loss of at least 200k of annual income.

If you are in your late thirties, it might be crazy. However, there's still plenty of time left for you to make medicine a career if you are in your late twenties. You are def not a young buck anymore though. Time is going against you at this stage.

 

[TheUnderdogSupreme]

It sounds like your acquaintance is a very young, self-important twit. I had one of the pre-med kids at school say something along these lines to me (in front of a visiting med school adcom, no less). My response was that I would not trade my experiences along the way for anything, that I was so inexperienced and naive when I was her age that I had no business picking a lifelong career at that point and that I was always amazed at the ones who do find their passion so early and manage to keep it throughout their lives/careers rather than being unhappy 20 years later. She shut up after that (and didn't get into med school last cycle).
As to this NYT article, it sounds like a load of crap. I will agree with a certain amount of 'suck it up and just do it', especially as regards jumping through hoops along the way and being a real adult with a real life that occasionally sucks, but to say that you should do something that makes you miserable for the rest of your life for the sake of social order is total crap. While you should be realistic in your assessment of whether you can do something or not, if you have talents that can serve another purpose, would benefit society as well or better, and would make you happy, why on earth would you choose misery.
Time to grab your bootstraps and climb out of that funk. You're on the way up (congrats on that calc grade) so keep going.

I see the merits of that NY Time article. Regardless, you aren't def at the point where it's time to cut your losses. However, you need to ram up your schedule and get to medical school ASAP. Every year that's delayed is a potential loss of at least 200k of annual income.

If you are in your late thirties, it might be crazy. However, there's still plenty of time left for you to make medicine a career if you are in your late twenties. You are def not a young buck anymore though. Time is going against you at this stage.

Thanks to you both for the replies. I consider the person that said this to be a nice person, and although I wasn't shocked that they would say something like that, and don't think that I would normally allow something someone else says impact me in such a way, it got through to me for whatever reason. I have sort of needed to hear what others thought. Thanks again.

 

[Major]

Been in a funk for the past week. This should be a moment of minor happiness because, although the grades are not yet posted, I scored no lower than a 98 on my tests in calc1 (my only class this past semester - work full time) and am slowly beginning to undue my past academic mistakes (still much damage to overcome). However, I was talking to an acquaintance who will be starting medical school this coming fall at a top allopathic med school, and they said something that kind of shook me (not sure why). They know vaguely of my situation and we were discussing options. During the conversation they pointed me to an opinion article in the NY Times about not pursuing your passion but instead doing whatever work you can, even if you hate what you do (electrician or sales coordinator, for example, when you do not want to do either). The argument is that you are providing a service that the community/family/self needs and therefore are a benefit to society while making an honest wage. They were saying that I (I am almost 30) have to know when to cut my losses (they referenced the age of 27 during the conversation) and to know when it is simply not reasonable (for one reason or another) to pursue a passion or a dream. Since this conversation I can't help but keep thinking that I am foolishly in pursuit of something (perhaps selfishly) when in reality I should be at a job, earning a wage, producing offspring, and saving to send the offspring to college (what a life!). Although I become nauseous at the thought of this, I realize this is what everyone else is doing (and has been doing - perhaps even my parents). Why do I feel as if I am, or should be, any different? It has gotten to the point (only after days of this conversation) that I cannot think of medicine without being absolutely deflated and focusing my thoughts elsewhere. Perhaps this is because there is some truth to what this person was saying - and it is time to end this pursuit. Maybe if a life in medicine had been my calling, I would have at least done well enough in school to be able to do so, or perhaps I wouldn't have waited until I am almost 30 to turn my life around. Has anyone else experienced this?

Anyhow - depressed rant over.

Haters gonna hate!

Seriously though, if you weren't turning things around and still getting horrible grades, then maybe it would time to consider another field. As long as you're doing what You wanna do then keep going.

My own father completely thought I was nuts to keep going for med school. But now I am getting the grades to back up the talk, he is supportive. People always have opinions and judgements. You have to focus on yourself, a Your goals, and your studies. Don't waste mental energy on things that could be used towards studying.

This isn't an easy road, but that is the point....

 

[SpaceLeftBlank]

A lot of people are missing some of the finer points of that NYT article. It's not so much that you're always a sucker for pursuing a career that you're passionate about, it's more that that isn't quite the panacea it's been cracked up to be. The point seems to be that finding the career and developing a passion for it tends to work more often that chasing a passion and trying to make a career out of it. If that makes sense.

One thing the author doesn't realize is that if you're pursing a professional career and have no passion for the profession, it's a recipe for misery. In a decade as a lawyer, I've seen that movie many times.

 

[Labrat07]

IMO, the point of pursuing medicine at later stage of life is passion and dream. Don't let anyone deter you from that. What's the point of living if you just want to make everyone else happy? Do what make you happy. Ask youself: Are you happy doing this?? Don't worry about the future/past. Work hard and earn it. Everybody's different. Don't listen to anyone telling you what'd make you happy/common sense. There's no " common sense'. We only have one life. Follow your own journey.

 

[Mars41]

Talk about non-traditional... Sorry for the length of the post but this is my story. Hopefully I can inspire some, be inspired, and get some great advice along the way.

I graduated from college with a degree in liberal arts. My undergraduate career was somewhat of a disaster. I was always a bright student but I was known around campus for putting in very little effort. I never bought a single textbook during my college career. I would make A's on exams and decide not to turn in assignments if I thought it was "busy work". This usually resulted in B's and C's. I would make an A in a 4000 level law course and a D in intro to music. I have 5 D's during my undergraduate studies and they were all in 1000 level courses. It was completely dependent on my level of interest in the subject.

My first semester I took 18 credits with 5 B's and one C. And then the medical issues began... I felt a little off. Nothing major, just a little off. I was always tired, lethargic. I missed days and my grades took a huge hit. I got a 2.0 GPA the following two semesters and had to withdraw my third semester after getting Bell's palsy. I left school that semester and was given a 0 GPA.

I took a while off of school. I was sick every couple of months but never diagnosed with anything. Random things. would always come up. Swollen lymph nodes etc. I knew I had to get back in school though. I just kind of coasted through and got a 2.9. I returned back to my home university focused on finishing but with no real goals in mind just taking my b's and c's for a 2.8. My cumulative GPA was separate from the other school and I graduated with a 2.4 overall GPA with the 0 GPA calculated.

I attempted to join the Coast Guard and was selected as the only candidate from my state to be chosen to go to MEPS that month. I was looking forward to serving my country but was shut down 5 minutes before swearing in for high frequency hearing loss in my left ear... Another random medical issue.

I started working for a dredging company and got THE CALL after a physical for work. My lab results came back and my #'s were off. My hemoglobin was a 6. I was sent for test after test. A colonoscopy revealed an 8 cm mass. I was told that I had cancer and my time was limited.

Later testing showed the mass but 0 cancer. I had become somewhat of a medical mystery. An amazing team of doctors zeroed in on the problem and I recently had surgery. I am back to 100% and feel better than I have in years.

I knew something was off with me but never knew how bad off I really was. I now have a completely new outlook on life. I want to make the best of everything. I feel like I wasted my undergraduate years. I was an intelligent kid and I blew it. It haunts me but I can't focus on what I did in the past.

I have been given a new lease on life. So here I am, 25 years old with a 2.4 GPA and I am going back to school to become a doctor. I know I can do the work and I have the energy and focus now. I will be going back to take my prerequisites for medical school within the next few months. I will do decent on my MCAT. I know I am going to have a hard time explaining my prior GPA. I realize I may not be able to go to school in the states and I will have to do things the nontraditional way. I will not let this deter me from becoming a doctor though. I want to help people and dive head first into the medical world. Any advice on possible roads to getting into medical school or stories from other non traditional students would be greatly appreciated.