Below 3.0 gpa Support Group/Thread

[mirror786]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm liking this thread too. You guys are awesome. I eventually got a 500 on my MCAT and my cGPA is a 2.85 and science I think is around 2.5. At this point taking more classes isn't really going to boost my GPA all that much since I have so many credits already. I did apply to some one year master's programs but got rejected from a few so far and waiting on the others. If I can't even get into a post bac or masters program to help get into medical school what other options are available at this point?

 

[SailorHg]

I'm liking this thread too. You guys are awesome. I eventually got a 500 on my MCAT and my cGPA is a 2.85 and science I think is around 2.5. At this point taking more classes isn't really going to boost my GPA all that much since I have so many credits already. I did apply to some one year master's programs but got rejected from a few so far and waiting on the others. If I can't even get into a post bac or masters program to help get into medical school what other options are available at this point?

Sometimes it's not all about boosting your cumulative GPA, but showing a strong upward trend. You could try retaking classes (for DO schools) or doing a year of heavy science courses. It is *possible* to gain acceptance to medical school with a low GPA, but you have to show that your recent performance is much stronger than previous bad grades.

 

[SailorHg]

.

 

[tetley]

I raised by GPA by over 1.0 in my intense SMP and I'm applying this summer

Even if I don't get in, I'm going to know that I did my best and I'll have no regrets

I believe in all of you!

 

[mirror786]

I raised by GPA by over 1.0 in my intense SMP and I'm applying this summer

Even if I don't get in, I'm going to know that I did my best and I'll have no regrets

I believe in all of you!

is the SMP GPA not separate
?

 

[Astharia]

I would be very happy with your stats actually, but kick ass on the MCAT and apply broadly and with your master's GPA and EC hours I can't imagine any DO schools wouldn't want you as a student. 33. Imo is not too old, my goal is to get an acceptance by 30 and age still really wears on me daily, but i have a lot of life ahead of me.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Labrat07]

^^what they said

try to find an in-state SMP that you can really crush. with your experience and age, you should be fine. there is actually an SDN member i go to school with who had a similar situation and was 36 when she applied/got in

I feel SMP should be the last resort. It is do or die method. If you do well, it's great. You're competing against the med school student. Don't underestimate our peers. Think low risk. Do a post bac to show upward trend imo. Not all SMP are equaled either.

 

[Shotapp]

is the SMP GPA not separate
?

You are correct. SMP GPA is usually separate but a few select DO schools might strongly factor the SMP performance than the undergrad GPA.

 

[tetley]

In short, yes it is separate. But the program I did comes 10 years after college and is taught by and using the same material as the medical school courses at the university.

I was able to prove that I wasn't the person I was when I messed up my academic career, and how much I've learned since then!

 

[DJM1104]

You really aren't in as bad of shape as you might think. One advantage of being older and having a low GPA is that it is a lot easier for you to show that the grades you have on your old record are not a reflection of who you are now. How long ago did you finish undergrad? Do you have any recent undergrad work? A class here or there? It will probably be a good idea for you to take some upper division courses and do well, or retake prior bad grades. Look into DO schools, they will replace bad grades with any retakes, while MD schools take an average of everything when calculating GPA. Your grad coursework is nice and will be appreciated, but most schools like to see undergrad work because the courses are more of an apples to apples comparison. You are already above 3.0, which is the low end of the automatic screening that a lot of schools do. With good clinical experience/extracurriculars, a good MCAT score, and some solid recent coursework, you should be fine.

Thank you for the great advice! I finished my undergrad 7 years ago, but have taken two higher level science courses in the last year and I am considering taking biochemistry this coming fall. I have been taking practice MCATs and have been doing well so far. Is it best to take them this coming fall, or wait until Spring 2017 after I have completed biochem? Thank you again for the encouragement!

 

[DJM1104]

I would be very happy with your stats actually, but kick ass on the MCAT and apply broadly and with your master's GPA and EC hours I can't imagine any DO schools wouldn't want you as a student. 33. Imo is not too old, my goal is to get an acceptance by 30 and age still really wears on me daily, but i have a lot of life ahead of me.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Thank you for the words of encouragement! I have been doing well on practice MCATs so far, trying to keep everything as similar to testing conditions as possible. And you are right, there is still a lot of life ahead! I plan on taking some additional high-level science courses to provide some additional space between my younger years and today. Now I have to decide when the best time to take the MCATs is, but this thread has provided me some great advice already!

 

[BlastedHeath]

Thank you for the great advice! I finished my undergrad 7 years ago, but have taken two higher level science courses in the last year and I am considering taking biochemistry this coming fall. I have been taking practice MCATs and have been doing well so far. Is it best to take them this coming fall, or wait until Spring 2017 after I have completed biochem? Thank you again for the encouragement!

I would take it after biochem, there is plenty of biochem on the test and there's no reason to rush and learn that stuff on your own when you will be covering it extensively in class either way.

 

[etp123]

The pre-med neuroticism is hitting me full force this quarter. I got a 88% without the curve on my genetics midterm and a 90% on the final. I'm praying that the curve will put me into the A range (90%+ is an A for this class) but I'm so close to the borderline it's making me extremely nervous. The prof hasn't released what the curve looks like so I don't know if it will pull me up or not. I can barely even focus on studying for the last final I have in about 3 hours lol. I mean, a big part of me is saying I'm probably fine, but until you see that actual letter you can't help but fear for the worst hah...

Edit: oh gosh, look at me, thinking a possible B+ is the worst.......

 

[mavric1298]

Just as a bit of inspiration, I was verified today, and brought my cGPA up .17 and my sGPA up .25 since last cycle (which considering I now have over 200 credits - I cannot believe). Hard work will pay off in the end!

 

[Ryomagoku]

I was retaking Orgo2 at a CC and ended up getting a C because one of my family member got into a car accident on my final exam day and I was late to the exam by an hour and half... I simply did not have time to finish the exam... ugh...

After my MCAT next week, if I finish summer courses (OSU BCH, two science courses) with As, I should be in cGPA 3.01 sGPA 2.981
I believe my ECs are very good and have 5 LORs (3 science, 1 non science, 1 DO) and 1 LOR from my pastor for LUCOM and UIW

Should I apply this cycle, update my application after fall semester ends as my sGPA would be over 3.0, and apply to the schools that have cutoff at 3.0?

Which post bac and SMP programs should I look into?

Do you guys think SGU or U of Queensland-Ochsner is a good alternative? or Podiatry?


Thank you!

 

[doc4kids93]

The pre-med neuroticism is hitting me full force this quarter. I got a 88% without the curve on my genetics midterm and a 90% on the final. I'm praying that the curve will put me into the A range (90%+ is an A for this class) but I'm so close to the borderline it's making me extremely nervous. The prof hasn't released what the curve looks like so I don't know if it will pull me up or not. I can barely even focus on studying for the last final I have in about 3 hours lol. I mean, a big part of me is saying I'm probably fine, but until you see that actual letter you can't help but fear for the worst hah...

Edit: oh gosh, look at me, thinking a possible B+ is the worst.......

Hope you do well! B+ aren't the worst, but they sure feel like it (it looks like a "B" to admissions, even though you're 2-3% away from an A! The worst).


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[doc4kids93]

I raised by GPA by over 1.0 in my intense SMP and I'm applying this summer

Even if I don't get in, I'm going to know that I did my best and I'll have no regrets

I believe in all of you!

Wow! What SMP raised it by 1.0?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[doc4kids93]

To everyone who intends on doing a DIY post bac, how do you get financial aid? I'm graduating in August and then will be retaking courses in the fall.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[doc4kids93]

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

Really! What school looks at the most recent hours?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Shotapp]

I was retaking Orgo2 at a CC and ended up getting a C because one of my family member got into a car accident on my final exam day and I was late to the exam by an hour and half... I simply did not have time to finish the exam... ugh...

After my MCAT next week, if I finish summer courses (OSU BCH, two science courses) with As, I should be in cGPA 3.01 sGPA 2.981
I believe my ECs are very good and have 5 LORs (3 science, 1 non science, 1 DO) and 1 LOR from my pastor for LUCOM and UIW

Should I apply this cycle, update my application after fall semester ends as my sGPA would be over 3.0, and apply to the schools that have cutoff at 3.0?

Which post bac and SMP programs should I look into?

Do you guys think SGU or U of Queensland-Ochsner is a good alternative? or Podiatry?


Thank you!

Unfortunately you are going to have to retake O Chem II again (it is a prerequisite and it looks bad when you have a C in one...) and some additional upper division courses. I wouldn't apply this cycle. You need to build the strongest app possible so that you apply only once (ECs mean nothing without the numbers GPA and MCAT to back it up). Even if you receive a decent MCAT score, your sci gpa is still very low and most DO schools have a gpa cutoff at 3.25...An SMP is an audition of medical school (high risk/high reward and expensive). You recevied a C again in O Chem II? In my opinion I don't think an SMP is the best route in your case simply because you have not demonstrated that you have learned from your past mistakes that got you to this position you are in.

You are selling yourself short if you are looking at Caribbean schools...

 

[Ryomagoku]

Unfortunately you are going to have to retake O Chem II again (it is a prerequisite and it looks bad when you have a C in one...) and some additional upper division courses. I wouldn't apply this cycle. You need to build the strongest app possible so that you apply only once (ECs mean nothing without the numbers GPA and MCAT to back it up). Even if you receive a decent MCAT score, your sci gpa is still very low and most DO schools have a gpa cutoff at 3.25...An SMP is an audition of medical school (high risk/high reward and expensive). You recevied a C again in O Chem II? In my opinion I don't think an SMP is the best route in your case simply because you have not demonstrated that you have learned from your past mistakes that got you to this position you are in.

You are selling yourself short if you are looking at Caribbean schools...

It's a little complicated to explain why I received a C in ochem retake. I did learn from my mistake and was doing well. but there were some problems that I simply couldn't do anything about and affected me a lot.

Do you think post bac or ms programs will be a waste then?

I spent a year trying to repair my gpa and this is where I am at. Besides ochem, there isn't more classes I can retake to increase gpa at a Community college. Thank you

 

[Shotapp]

Hello guys Ive been lurking in this forum for a while and I finally decided to jump in and contribute!

Here are my stats:

Socioeconomic: Black Male 27, single, no kids, spent half of childhood in really rough urban area.

Education: BBA in marketing in 2012 (2.76 GPA). Went back to undergrad for post bac and took about 100+ hours to get a current overall GPA is 3.06 and science GPA of 3.02. Almost all classes were science based.

Job: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant - I work under the supervision of an ophthalmologist by performing visual acuity, assisting in surgery, history taking, tonometry, lensometry, motility, pupil assessment, visual fields, and may perform refraction. (1,000+ hours)

Shadowing: 50+ hours (Pediatric ophthalmologist, glaucoma specialist and retina specialist)

MCAT: Bombed it 3 times...

Extracurricular: Mentorship in Underserved community, leader of many organizations on undergraduate campus etc.


I hope that schools see my upward GPA trend. Ive managed to maintain a 3.8 GPA on my last 108 hours. My first 130 or so were pretty crappy...

Im so glad that this thread exists!!!

Also AA...is there a way you could raise your science gpa to a 3.3? You need to retake some of the science coursework you received C's in to raise your sci gpa faster. Now the MCAT...how bad did you do?

 

[Thordinson]

Even if I don't get in, I'm going to know that I did my best and I'll have no regrets

I believe in all of you!

Exactly how I feel at the moment. I'm looking to apply to DO schools next year. I got my GPA from 0.84 after 2 academic dismissals to 2.51 with repeated courses. If Fall goes as well as I think then I will have over a 3.0, something I would have never dreamed of.

 

[Eccesignum]

It would be pretty tough to raise it to 3.3 because of all the credits I have. I have over 240+ hours completed and it took a while to get it above 3.0. My AMCAS GPA is 3.02/3.06 my AACOM would be around 3.2/3.3. The MCAT was a disaster and I need to get a much stronger score. I hope med schools consider my upward GPA trend...

100+ hours at 3.8 will turn some heads, particularly DO. If you weren't already aware, by the way, DO schools have a policy called grade replacement, where if you go back and retake any old class for equivalent credit, they will only consider the second grade. So if you had an F in something years ago and retook that class and got an A, they would only count the A. If you did a few retakes your GPA would benefit greatly in the eyes of AACOMAS.

But as people mentioned in the thread you posted about this, your MCAT is the much bigger issue here. Even 4.0 GPA means little as long as the MCAT is painting the picture that you haven't actually learned the material. You've got to consider how you've been studying so far, acknowledge that it hasn't worked, and get yourself a new strategy.

 

[Shotapp]

@BLACKTEXASDOC

This fourth attempt on the MCAT has to be a lot better. Invest in a course and a tutor on the side if you have to (you can't think about pinching pennies...) You have to do a lot better this last time...I don't even think investing on an SMP will help you if you can't get a solid score on the MCAT.

 

[BlastedHeath]

Now that I've gotten my MD app together, I feel like I'm not in as bad of shape as I thought. Depending on what my MCAT score is, I'm thinking about not applying to DO schools. I hate the idea of limiting my options, but I'm doing a MD SMP with a pretty good track record, already applying very broadly at MD schools, and I'm struggling to get a DO letter. I already hate this process so much, it's totally getting under my skin.

 

[Froggy25]

I submitted this cycle with the following stats. Wanted to throw this out there, for solidarity!

AMCAS:
uGPA: 2.71 (116 credits, 1999-2003)
Post-Bac: 3.58 (55 credits, 2014-2016)
cGPA: 2.98
sGPA: 3.21

AACOMAS (replaced Physics 1, the only pre-req I took as an undergrad. Also, no math in sGPA):
cGPA: 3.03
sGPA: 3.50

Still awaiting MCAT results (6/18 test) but got a 511 on the AAMC scored FL, and my percent correct on the AAMC sample test put me at ~512-517 from the calculators I could find. Took both within a few weeks of the actual test, so I'm hoping that the correlation is high. Applying as a 35-year-old veteran.

 

[femmegoblue]

Hi guys! I applied this cycle to both AACOMAS and AMCAS.

AACOMAS GPA (no replacements):

cGPA before SMP 3.12
sGPA before SMP 2.72
SMP GPA 3.93 (21 credits, Wayne State)
total cGPA 3.2
total sGPA 3.0
MCAT 502

AMCAS is not verified yet because I wanted to squeeze in my summer class, but everything will be the same.

I have an II at BCOM, really hopeful for this cycle 🙂

 

[Helomedic1171]

Just checking in.

I finished Spring 2016 with a 4.0 again, so after 2 years chasing the elusive GPA beast, I finally broke a 3.0 GPA. I had a month off, then took Biochem I in 4 weeks, got another A. I'm sitting on a 3.06 cGPA, with a 3.74 sGPA according to AACOMAS, and a 2.8 cGPA and 3.34 sGPA in AMCAS (still waiting on verification for both, but that's what my spreadsheet tells me.) I'm taking Medicinal Chemistry and an upper level Bio course now, and then I start Fall semester in mid-August. I just took the MCAT yesterday, and I'm hoping I did ok. I didn't study nearly as much as I needed to, I got busy trying to make money during the month off so I could help keep my family afloat. But, we'll see what happens. In any case, here goes nothing!! crossing fingers and toes and doing a little good luck shuffle.

 

[Shotapp]

I need advice/input

I have registered for fall semester
O CHEM I (I got a B in lec and a C in lab the first go. Should I just audit the course?) The teacher is the best at teaching o chem. She is so good people are willing to pay for a seat in her class.
Genetics (I got a C first go. Retaking it in the fall.)
Biology I (I got a C first go. Retaking it in the fall)

 

[femmegoblue]

I need advice/input

I have registered for fall semester
O CHEM I (I got a B in lec and a C in lab the first go. Should I just audit the course?) The teacher is the best at teaching o chem. She is so good people are will to pay for a seat in her class.
Genetics (I got a C first go. Retaking it in the fall.)
Biology I (I got a C first go. Retaking it in the fall)

Is it just possible to retake o chem lab instead of the whole course?

 

[Shotapp]

No, not at the school, I am currently attending. Should I self-study o-chem I because I need to retake o-chem II (I got a C first go) ?

 

[femmegoblue]

No, not at the school, I am currently attending. Should I self-study o-chem I because I need to retake o-chem II (I got a C first go) ?

Personally, for me, I would feel most comfortable retaking orgo I + lab before retaking orgo II. Not only will it help you to better in orgo II, but you can add another A to your transcript.

 

[Shotapp]

Okay. I was leaning in that direction as well. Thanks. This is going to be my first time in a while taking three science classes at once with a part-time job. How should I approach this coming semester?

 

[Thordinson]

Okay. I was leaning in that direction as well. Thanks. This is going to be my first time in a while taking three science classes at once with a part-time job. How should I approach this coming semester?

I would just make sure that you make time for studying and homework. Those are the most important things. I worked part time this summer overnight while taking 3 summer classes. It can suck but with good time management, you'll be perfectly fine. It's not so bad.

 

[Shotapp]

I would just make sure that you make time for studying and homework. Those are the most important things. I worked part time this summer overnight while taking 3 summer classes. It can suck but with good time management, you'll be perfectly fine. It's not so bad.

Wow. Three summer classes?! Were they all in the sciences?! I retook ecology this summer plus a sociology class. This summer was a lot of work with a part-time job too.

 

[Thordinson]

Wow. Three summer classes?! Were they all in the sciences?! I retook ecology this summer plus a sociology class. This summer was a lot of work with a part-time job too.

2 science classes and a behavioral science class. Anatomy I and II plus Social Psych. It is a lot of work but don't stress too much. Just make sure that in the time you allot yourself to stay on task.

 

[Shotapp]

Okay. I hear ya. What classes are you taking this fall?

 

[Thordinson]

Okay. I hear ya. What classes are you taking this fall?

I'm not taking any science classes this Fall as I'm using it to finish off all my general eds. My major is Philosophy so I'm taking 18 hours of liberal arts courses.

 

[Helomedic1171]

Personally, for me, I would feel most comfortable retaking orgo I + lab before retaking orgo II. Not only will it help you to better in orgo II, but you can add another A to your transcript.

This^^^^^. I can tell you from experience, as can everyone else here (and you have your own experiences to look at), you don't have the luxury of winging it and getting another C. If you're serious, and it sounds like you are, then suck it up and retake O-chem I. sponge all you can, and live and breathe it. it will also pay dividends when you get to Biochem and the MCAT. (plus you'll be much better prepared for O-chemII.) If you go the DO route, your GPA will thank you.

Okay. I was leaning in that direction as well. Thanks. This is going to be my first time in a while taking three science classes at once with a part-time job. How should I approach this coming semester?

I wouldn't recommend it, but then, we've all done it, and you have to do it sometime. I don't know how genetics is at your school, at mine it's extremely easy. Your school may have a much more rigorous class though, so I would say prioritize your time: 1) O-chem. 2) O-chem. 3) O-chem with a side of genetics. 4) Genetics. 5) Biology. Is it imperative that you work? I know for a lot of people it is, so the best I can tell you is work as much as you NEED to, and only that much. don't volunteer for extra shifts, and if you need to save money, eat ramen and walk instead of drive. these are drastic examples since I know nothing about you or your situation, but I'm trying to impart the importance of remembering that your part-time job is a stepping-stone, not the goal. Don't get wrapped up in work stuff or "obligations" to your employer - show up, work hard, leave. nothing more, nothing less either. (you may need them for a reference later.)

I would just make sure that you make time for studying and homework. Those are the most important things. I worked part time this summer overnight while taking 3 summer classes. It can suck but with good time management, you'll be perfectly fine. It's not so bad.

x2. except I disagree on the "not so bad" part, it sucks terribly 😀 . But how bad do you want it, Shotapp? you can do it, it's just a matter of how much are you willing to suffer to get there. work hard. party harder (Later, once you get an acceptance letter.)

I'm not taking any science classes this Fall as I'm using it to finish off all my general eds. My major is Philosophy so I'm taking 18 hours of liberal arts courses.

no thanks. you are a far more patient soul than I. Good luck!!

 

[Helomedic1171]

And since I'm here, I'll just be the 1,135,097,248th person to point out how much I hate waiting for my MCAT scores and app verification. Forking awful. Aug 9th needs to get here.

 

[Shotapp]

@Helomedic1171

Thank you for saying what I needed to hear. I am going to treat fall and spring semester as M0. I am going to crush my retakes so that I can prepare for the MCAT. School and work together feels terrible, but I have to make the necessary sacrifices.

 

[Helomedic1171]

@Helomedic1171

Thank you for saying what I needed to hear. I am going to treat fall and spring semester as M0. I am going to crush my retakes so that I can prepare for the MCAT. School and work together feels terrible, but I have to make the necessary sacrifices.

No problem - we all need it sometimes. Kick butt and chew bubble gum like you're all outta gum. Also - just like everyone and their mother says - one bite at a time (that's how you eat an elephant).

 

[etp123]

That feeling when the remaining classes you need to take all have overlapping times... 🙁

 

[Shotapp]

Hey @etp123,

How's your diy post-bac going and when are you applying to medical schools?

 

[etp123]

@Shotapp

Going very well right now! Most likely I'm going to apply for SMPs next year, but still on the fence on whether or not I wanna try for medical schools the same year or the following, assuming I get into an SMP. Also struggling with a lot of self-doubt regarding whether or not I've done enough to prove I've reinvented, yknow? But maybe that's just my newfound neuroticism speaking lol.

How's it going on your end?

 

[Shotapp]

@etp123
It is going pretty well. I have two more semesters left of retakes (fall/spring). I will study for the Mcat next summer (I'll make sure I kill it the first time) and I will also do a SMP as a warm up for medical school. You're not alone when it comes to doubting yourself if you have done enough to repair your gpa. However, you have to shake your fears and pat it under your feet so you can use it as a stepping stone to take you to a higher place.

 

[Optikala]

Here is a little success story of my acceptance as an applicant with a sub 3.0 GPA. I spent far too much time reading discouraging stories on SDN, so I hope this cheers someone up.

1. Your age and GPA and MCAT if you have it.
Age: 28, not a minority. I was 24 when I decided really go for it.
GPA: My uGPA is 2.95, with a science uGPA of 2.91. I had a strong upward trend but a 1.93 GPA from my freshman year really sunk me. I also have an MSc with a GPA of 3.9.
MCAT: 29 (6PS, 12V, 11BS).

2. Your financial and work situation.
I have been working full time as a research scientist in labs first with a group trying to develop treatments for muscular dystrophy, then with a team developing treatments for polycystic kidney disease.

3. Your family and significant other situation.
In a long term relationship with a very supportive partner. No kids.

4. Your plan or your path to success.
I was interested in medicine as a career since high school, and did some shadowing during undergrad but my low GPA basically ruled it out as an immediate option. I also like science a lot, so what the heck, I decided to go to grad school and pursue a research career.

During grad school I realized that I really wanted to involve myself both with long term contributions to human health (research) and short term care of patients (medicine), so I decided not to continue on to a PhD. At that point I had lots of publications, solid extra-curricular activities (some leadership, varsity sports), and letters of reference, but very little shadowing, or volunteering, and no clinical exposure, so I knew I had a lot of work to do.

I moved back to my home state, and found a job in a clinically-focused research lab run my a physician-researcher. That allowed me to make lots of connections to shadow, get some more publications, and another strong, recent reference letter. After a year I took the MCAT and applied to 8 MD programs (right as I was turning 26). I got one interview, and was waitlisted, but didn't end up getting in. However, I was able to meet with the dean of admissions who gave me great feedback on my app. I was told that my stats were enough to get considered, however I needed to re-write my app to convince the admissions committee that I really wanted to do clinical work (not just research), and I needed recent volunteering experience (I lots of hours, but nothing in the previous 4 years). So I spent a week volunteering at a camp for kids with disabilities, and found a volunteer spot as a patient transporter/scut dog at hospital which gave me 4 hours a week of volunteering, and more clinical exposure.

With my more rounded application (and applying to the same 8 MD programs), I still only got on one waitlist (at my state school), but managed to get an acceptance! I didn't apply to any DO schools because they don't tend to offer the same research opportunities as MD programs at large academic universities, but I was going to apply if I didn't get accepted during my second application cycle.

Things that helped me:
I knew I had great and very personal letters of recommendation all of my 4 letter writers. They were people who worked with me for long periods of time, and said quantitative things about me in relation to other students/researchers they have worked with. I also put in huge amounts of practice for the interview, and it paid off, I was told that I really impressed the panel and that my interviewer advocated very hard for my application when it was being considered. I also had a cohesive (true) story starting in high school about why I decided on medicine as a career.

If I had to do it again, I would have quit my job or dropped to 50% time when studying for the MCAT. Trying to re-learn freshman science courses 7 years after taking them, while working full time was tough.

It really can be done, although it sure takes a lot of time, and makes me wish I hadn't bombed my freshman courses so badly.

 

[Gurame1121]

Hey MajorUnderDog!

Thanks for starting the thread. I don't know if you've been on MDApplicants.com but it is a pretty great resource for seeing who's getting in, where they're getting in, and what their stats were. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the amount of underdogs that seem to be getting in places (assuming their stats aren't fabricated). Even though a lot of us check out SDN pretty regularly, I've been surprised to find that a lot of med students/residents I've met in the past couple years have no clue what SDN even is. That said, there might be a ton of underdog stories out there that we'll never hear about. It's almost like a "if a tree falls in a forest..." kind of thing. Of course, a lot of us need to work on our stats and we can't just expect an admission on a silver platter, but I think there might be more hope than some threads on this site could lead you to believe.

Stay strong!

 

[Kshowe]

Hey guys, I'm a freshman at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in Kinesiology with a biology minor. I graduated high school with a 2.5 GPA. I am also in the Air Force ROTC program and I was just here to ask of some advice on how to start off strong and graduate with a good GPA. I don't want to make the same mistakes I made in high school so any input helps thanks!

P.S. My intent is to go to medical school and become a family or pieds physican