can post-bacc program make up for even the worst grades?

[medanthgirl]

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Hello there,

Was wondering if anyone is considering a post-bacc program, then med school, that has any Ds or Fs on their transcript.

It has always been my dream to go to med school, but I think my undergraduate record has put that in jeopardy. My undergrad GPA was a 3.1, but I recieved 3 Ds in calculus, physics, and analytical chem and an F in another calculus class. I was a double major in anthropology and chemistry, and my upper level chemistry courses were As, Bs, and Cs. (UNC does not erase, replace, or average the bad grades if you retake them, does AAMCS do something different?).

Physics and calculus just killed me, but I am retaking them now, doing well, and hoping to apply to a post-bacc program either in Chicago or Philly. I know that going to a post-bacc program may be realistic, but in looking at Drexel's med school website, they don't take anyone that's ever had less that a C on their transcript, that's what their linkage webstie on the SOM webpage says anyway.

I guess my question is if I could ever get into med school, even with a post-bacc program, because of those really rough grades. Drexel's website in particlular seems to have conflicting information - or maybe that means they would never take me into their post-bacc program in the first place. Just wondering if anyone is in a similar situation or knows and advice on this topic. If there's a possibility to get in, I definately want to pursue it, but if there's no realistic chance, that's something I'd rather face now than later.

 

[stinkycheese]

Your overall ugrad is a 3.1? That seems wholly unbelievable with the grades you described, but... <shrug> Anyway, if you went to a post-bac and aced it, you woud be fine for med school. Better would be to do a masters' program. Your ugrad GPA will get you past the filters, now just show them that you're not an idiot.

What's your BCPM? That's more important...

 

[medanthgirl]

I was a double major, 5 years in undergrad, and graduated with 222 hours, when you only needed 160 to graduate, had all A's in anth. Also got a master's in international studies at U Washington, but more anth and public health classes, no hard science, got a 3.8. My undergrad science/BCPM was more like a 2.6/2.7.

I had been getting excited about retaking classes, taking the MCAT, and going to a post-bacc program and then hopefully med school, but when I saw Drexel's SOM webpage's stipulation about nothing less than a C, I thought oh crap, am I kidding myself...I thought the Drexel post-bacc to med school might have been a good transition, but according to that stipulation their med school wouldn't even look at me!

Especially since I tried to retake the F calculus class and got a D on the second chance, not a good thing to have. That battle will be replayed next Spring. 🙁

Thanks for your reply...much appreciated!

 

[Trismegistus4]

I believe you're misinterpreting Drexel's website. It looks to me like they won't take anyone who's had less than a C through their Early Assurance program or through their linkage programs. I would bet that that requirement on linkage students applies to post-bacc coursework only, too. You could always call them and find out.

 

[vschow]

Hello there,

Was wondering if anyone is considering a post-bacc program, then med school, that has any Ds or Fs on their transcript.

It has always been my dream to go to med school, but I think my undergraduate record has put that in jeopardy. My undergrad GPA was a 3.1, but I recieved 3 Ds in calculus, physics, and analytical chem and an F in another calculus class. I was a double major in anthropology and chemistry, and my upper level chemistry courses were As, Bs, and Cs. (UNC does not erase, replace, or average the bad grades if you retake them, does AAMCS do something different?).

Physics and calculus just killed me, but I am retaking them now, doing well, and hoping to apply to a post-bacc program either in Chicago or Philly. I know that going to a post-bacc program may be realistic, but in looking at Drexel's med school website, they don't take anyone that's ever had less that a C on their transcript, that's what their linkage webstie on the SOM webpage says anyway.

I guess my question is if I could ever get into med school, even with a post-bacc program, because of those really rough grades. Drexel's website in particlular seems to have conflicting information - or maybe that means they would never take me into their post-bacc program in the first place. Just wondering if anyone is in a similar situation or knows and advice on this topic. If there's a possibility to get in, I definately want to pursue it, but if there's no realistic chance, that's something I'd rather face now than later.

Medanthgirl,

To reassure you, I know of a resident who had less than a 1.0 in their initial undergrad work and is obviously doing okay. He obviously didn't graduate, but he eventually went back to school and did much better. This person is definitely an inspiration to me and I try to keep my head up and hope for the best. Good luck!



Vicky

 

[medanthgirl]

Wow - In looking at it again, I think you're right! It's just hard to tell, because some of their post-bacc programs (through Penn, etc) are considered a type of linkage program. Thanks though - that and a lot of the postings on this site make me feel better! 🙂

 

[medtechv79]

Maybe u should call the admissions ppl at the prospective post bacc prgms? They could probably clear up what u read on the website. I wouldn't worry....at most u might just have to retake physics and calc b4 doing a post bacc? Its a longer road but in the end I'm sure it'll be worth it! =)

 

[medanthgirl]

Good idea! Yes, I'm definately willing to do all that...it's just nice to see all the people on this website coming from really different backgrounds all working so hard for the same dream, def. an inspiration!! 🙂

 

[ucrsandstorm]

I think a 3.1 with all those other C,D,F is pretty impressive but I'm not on the admissions committee. I would probably retake the C,D,F and I think you'll be fine. Everyone makes mistakes, its just how you handle them.

 

[Singing Devil]

Good idea! Yes, I'm definately willing to do all that...it's just nice to see all the people on this website coming from really different backgrounds all working so hard for the same dream, def. an inspiration!! 🙂

check out the low gpa thread for more inspiration (and add yourself to it). You can even read my story. I'm applying now, but I expect to get in.

I had 3 Ds and 6 Fs undergrad, almost all science, by the way. (one course I took 3 times:F, F, D-).

 

[dankev]

I had 1 D and 1 F, along with a handfull of Cs, and I got in. My gpa was higher than yours though. I did a year and a half of post-bac (hadn't taken any pre-reqs during undergrad), and got good grades that probably helped my cause.

Honestly, your grades are pretty bad, especially your bcpm. Do you have an upward trend? Have you thought about why you haven't gotten the grades you want?

You are certainly not out for the count, but you have an uphill battle ahead of you. PM me and I'd be happy to go into more detail with you. Good luck!

 

[robo77]

I sort of have a similar situation. I had a really really bad first year in college in 1995 and that resulted in the overall poor GPA. I did go back to school and retook 85 credits with a GPA of 3.85. So now I have a 2.8 GPA from 1995-1999 and a 3.85 from 2001-2004, what do you guys think, do i have a shot or shouled I do something else, take more classes, post bacc, masters????

 

[ussdfiant]

My undergrad transcript (graduated in 1994) was littered with Fs and Ds, some in the pre-reqs!

 

[medanthgirl]

Wow - so what was your secret?? How difficult was that to address in a med school interview, I've heard they really grill you on bad grades, esp. if they appear in more than one semester (which is my case).

I've learned a lot since then, I pulled off a heavy loads in grad school while working with a 3.8, and would like to do a post-bacc program to prove to myself and the schools that I can do it...and I don't really have a good reason why I did poorly...taking to many classes at once, too many clubs, etc...it's something I should have cleared up more quickly, but it didn't quite happen until later!!