Can't get an answer from my advisor...so I turn to the SDN

[Orgo2Go]

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I need some straight advice from everyone because I can't seem to get a real answer from my advisor.

I just received my semester grades. I had a C in Orgo, and a B's in my other science classes. Currently my GPA is 2.75 w/ a BCPM GPA of 2.7. Three of the C's I got in the BCPM GPA were in Calc Based Physics, Genetics, and Calculus. I feel like I can retake the Genetics for an A. I have 4 more semesters before I supposed to graduate. By the way, part of the low overall GPA is due to my freshman year, possibly the worse year of my life (transferred to a different school that after that first year).

What I need to know is if it is too late to recover. Do I need to forget getting a MD? I'm still open to going the DO route. Or do I need to start looking at getting my masters and apply to med school after that? Can a good MCAT make up for all this?

I hope this was not too confusing. Thanks for any help in advance.

 

[fullefect1]

Sure you still have a shot... but you are going to have to bang out like a 4.0 for the next semesters and do well on the MCAT.

Was it required that you take calculus? My major only requires algebra so I took it the easy way. I wouldn't take the classes over unless you don't get in. If that happens I would retake some of the classes.

 

[tank you]

since u still have 4 semesters left, just take lots of bio classes, especially upper-div difficult ones, and that should increase both ur overall and bpcm gpa. as long as u get ur gpa above 3.0, then an exceptional mcat score can make up for it, assuming u have good ec, lor, all that stuff.

 

[KiKat37]

IMO, a great MCAT can make up for a low GPA. And, you still have four years to improve your GPA! Plus, you can always to a post-bac to bring up your grades, or even a master's program if needed. With all these options, you should be able to come up with a decent GPA... Aim for AT LEAST 3.0 though. And, yes, you can always go the DO way. Anyway. The point is: don't give up on a MD yet. Stop freaking out and worry about re-taking orgo (gotta get at least a B in the pre-reqs) and possibly genetics. Good luck!

 

[tinkerbelle]

It's never too late to turn things around. But you do have a lot of work ahead of you. Getting C's isn't the end of the world. People differ in their opinions of retaking classes. I say retake 'em and get A's so it's average out to a B.

A good MCAT always helps (above 30). But you seriously need to bring your gpa up to at least a 3.0. Above a 3.3 would be even better.

Definitely think about DO and Carribean schools. You'll have a better chance of getting in.

Doing a post-bac or getting a Masters always helps. I'd reccommend it depending on how low your gpa is after senior year. But honestly, if you improve (i.e. get straight A's for the next two years) medical schools will look favorably on that.

Good luck

 

[BGGA]

Hi Orgo,

That fact that you still have four semesters to pull in your GPA is a big plus. Retake that course that you got C's in and make certain that you get A's. Take extra upper division science classes and do well in them. However, try to determine what is was about your lower division science classes that caused you to get C's, and change what you need to change. If when you graduate you are still not satisified with you GPA you can always do a postbac. A strong performance on your MCAT will certainly help your case. Even with a strong academic turn around starting next semester, admissions committees will still be looking for a solid indicator that you can handle the med school course load and often that is what the MCAT does for people. Best of luck in you next two years of college and don't let anyone discourage you so early in your journey 🙂

 

[sfbear]

Do whatever you can to boost your GPA - even if it means taking easier classes. A 3.0 is an automatic cut-off at many schools, so if you don't get over that, it won't matter what types of classes you've taken. You definitely have plenty of time to turn things around, and with an upward trend you can argue that you had a lot to learn about how to handle things, needed to mature a bit, etc, etc. If you can, try to do the activities that show you know what you're getting into (such as shadowing). and study like mad for the MCAT! good luck - you can certainly make it if you want it badly enough.

 

[RaistlinMajere]

And it's not what you want to hear, but you have time after you graduate as well. You could do a post-bacc or a master's program. And if you take the MCAT seriously and do well, it could go a long way to helping your cause.

You will only fail to become a doctor, if you give up.

 

[fakin' the funk]

I need some straight advice from everyone because I can't seem to get a real answer from my advisor.

not the actual question, just that this person's advisor can't help.

seems to remind me of my own experience with my advisor, who never gave a flying crap about me or my kinda weird premed situation. if i could get the guy fired, i would. he would answer page-long emails about residency, where to apply, anything, with like two words. he was annoyed whenever i spoke with him. this guy has maybe 50 premeds per class. gimme a break!

 

[Orgo2Go]

Sure you still have a shot... but you are going to have to bang out like a 4.0 for the next semesters and do well on the MCAT.

Was it required that you take calculus? My major only requires algebra so I took it the easy way. I wouldn't take the classes over unless you don't get in. If that happens I would retake some of the classes.

Calculus was a pre-req to graduate from the first university I attended, that is why I had to take it. The calc based physics was a class this current advisor rooked me into taking when I first transferred to my current school.

Would it look bad if I retook the physics I made a C in over again? But this time taking the algebra based verses the calc based?

 

[freaker]

Retake classes. DO schools will drop the Cs from consideration if you retake them and score better. Allo schools just average it all together. DOs take your best overall effort.

 

[swifteagle43]

2 Rules of Succes
1. Make others believe you can do it.
2. Make yourself believe you can do it