Career Change Guidance - low GPA over 15 years ago

[hr2dr]

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I'm in my late 30's looking to make a switch to medicine. Always had a passion for it, but some earlier circumstances got in the way and prevented me from achieving it.

Questions:

• I know I need a post-bac for sure, or should I also consider completing a full B.S. in Bio? Or just do the post-bac and focus on getting into a pre-med SMP?
• Would the local in-person school or UNE be the better option for post-bacc?
• Also as my undergrad gpa (very low <2.5) was from over 15 years ago, is it possible that the school will pay more attention to my recent post-bacc gpa and grad school gpa or am I being delusional?
• Would I have any chance to get into any MD/DO schools with just post-bac work and no SMP?
• To add, I am well aware that my mcat needs to be absolutely stellar given everything else so once I figure all this out, will really prioritize mcat prep based on which application cycle I'll be considering.

 

[nobadwaves]

I'd recommend posting a detailed post to Goro's reinvention thread. Usually a couple of the more experience members (some who are ADCOMs or faculty) will respond.

• Based on what has been said there, you'll likely need to pull your GPA to a 3.0. Do the math or use a GPA change calculator to figure out whether that is reasonable to do within a 60-credit or less post-bacc. If you cannot do so, complete a shortened post-bacc (maybe DIY), and look for an SMP.
• I'd also look to see if you can opt for retroactive withdrawal - For instance, I have two cases of F's in semesters that I was not even there for. One was at a community college and I had joined the military on 9/11. I have my W's in most courses that fall semester, but there are two courses that I assume the paperwork didn't make it all the way through. The other semester, I was literally in school, at a different school, across the country...Again, I have no clue how that happened - especially considering the VA's GI Bill only pays for one school. Getting retroactive withdrawal will take my 3.13 to > 3.4.
• In terms of what they will pay attention to, I think the largest hurdle is not getting screened out by an algorithm first. If you can get past that, you'll have the opportunity to showcase who you are - which is the true X-factor.
• If you can get the GPA above the popular 3.0 screen out, than if everything else is strong (MCAT, primary, secondaries, etc) applying can't hurt! Even if you get into the last possible school you want, you'll save a year or two of your life and >$60k for SMPs.
• Yeah, every doctor, admission counselor, ADCOM, etc that I've had the opportunity to speak with have highly emphasized the importance of smoking the MCAT as a nontrad.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[hr2dr]

I'd recommend posting a detailed post to Goro's reinvention thread. Usually a couple of the more experience members (some who are ADCOMs or faculty) will respond.

• Based on what has been said there, you'll likely need to pull your GPA to a 3.0. Do the math or use a GPA change calculator to figure out whether that is reasonable to do within a 60-credit or less post-bacc. If you cannot do so, complete a shortened post-bacc (maybe DIY), and look for an SMP.
• I'd also look to see if you can opt for retroactive withdrawal - For instance, I have two cases of F's in semesters that I was not even there for. One was at a community college and I had joined the military on 9/11. I have my W's in most courses that fall semester, but there are two courses that I assume the paperwork didn't make it all the way through. The other semester, I was literally in school, at a different school, across the country...Again, I have no clue how that happened - especially considering the VA's GI Bill only pays for one school. Getting retroactive withdrawal will take my 3.13 to > 3.4.
• In terms of what they will pay attention to, I think the largest hurdle is not getting screened out by an algorithm first. If you can get past that, you'll have the opportunity to showcase who you are - which is the true X-factor.
• If you can get the GPA above the popular 3.0 screen out, than if everything else is strong (MCAT, primary, secondaries, etc) applying can't hurt! Even if you get into the last possible school you want, you'll save a year or two of your life and >$60k for SMPs.
• Yeah, every doctor, admission counselor, ADCOM, etc that I've had the opportunity to speak with have highly emphasized the importance of smoking the MCAT as a nontrad.

GOOD LUCK!

This is very helpful! I've now committed to the in-person post bacc at my undergrad school and will probably be around 60 hours by completion. I'll get my BCPM GPA up to 3.0 or higher for sure but I think my overall undergrad gpa will still be around 2.8ish. But will check in on academic renewal if available for any of my past grades and any replacements I can do. Understand that both MD/DO schools will still average all grades but at least my transcript could show a 3.0 - so that's something

I did reach out to an in-state MD school I'm interested in and gave the full background to understand what my options are or if the gpa is a hard cutoff. But fortunately, they said similarly to focus on doing well on my post-bacc and that even my non-science Master's degree I earned after undergrad will be considered as a 'positive indicator' for academic capability/readiness since I did pretty well in it (~3.4 gpa) along with my leadership experience through my roles within tech. Lastly they highly recommended I pump up my clinical/volunteer hours before I apply along with strong mcat performance. This particular MD program is one that focuses on underserved communities and only accepts in-state applicants. So trying to get on their radar early and follow up regularly. I'll see how I do after the post-bacc and then look at my chances of smp vs. med school cycle based on my mcat score. A very long road ahead 🙂

Will do a more in-depth post in Goro as well once I get some time. Thanks so much!

 

[nobadwaves]

This is very helpful! I've now committed to the in-person post bacc at my undergrad school and will probably be around 60 hours by completion. I'll get my BCPM GPA up to 3.0 or higher for sure but I think my overall undergrad gpa will still be around 2.8ish. But will check in on academic renewal if available for any of my past grades and any replacements I can do. Understand that both MD/DO schools will still average all grades but at least my transcript could show a 3.0 - so that's something

I did reach out to an in-state MD school I'm interested in and gave the full background to understand what my options are or if the gpa is a hard cutoff. But fortunately, they said similarly to focus on doing well on my post-bacc and that even my non-science Master's degree I earned after undergrad will be considered as a 'positive indicator' for academic capability/readiness since I did pretty well in it (~3.4 gpa) along with my leadership experience through my roles within tech. Lastly they highly recommended I pump up my clinical/volunteer hours before I apply along with strong mcat performance. This particular MD program is one that focuses on underserved communities and only accepts in-state applicants. So trying to get on their radar early and follow up regularly. I'll see how I do after the post-bacc and then look at my chances of smp vs. med school cycle based on my mcat score. A very long road ahead 🙂

Will do a more in-depth post in Goro as well once I get some time. Thanks so much!

Sounds like you are on the right path! Good luck!

 

[medschoolmom25]

I think post-bacc is the right choice. You don't need the full degree, I've heard 30-36 credits is enough to prove. I say schedule your classes wisely to ensure all As. Clinical experience is a must, plus it'll give you good stuff to write about in your application. Helps if MCAT is great but not necessary. Because you'll be a non-trad, the story of how you wound up in this place will be the most important part of to your application via your personal statement and experiences. Spend some really good time working on those, I say January of your application cycle.
Take it from me: a 30-something 1st year med student who squeaked by with a 2.98 (after terrible 1st year of undergrad)
Hope this helps!