Chances of getting into a career changer program next year?

[niabrams]

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**not a repost!**

I recently graduated from Washington University in St. Louis's Master of Finance program (with a 3.61), but have realized (quite late) that my interests lie in pursuing a medical degree. However, I have several hurdles in my way: (1) Low undergrad GPA (sci: 3.14, overall:3.29) and (2) Not having taken all the required courses. Furthermore, I have had some, but not much, volunteering, and no shadowing - which I hope to remedy soon.

I would very much like to get into a career changer post-bacc, but I am unsure of what my chances are and how I can increase my odds. I'd really appreciate any advice.

Firstly, here are my undergrad science grades (all taken as a freshman, 18/19yo): Gen Chem I: B; Gen Chem II: B-; Chem Lab I: B+; Chem Lab II: B; Biology I: C+; Physics I: A; Physics II: A-; Calculus II: B+; Calculus III: B-; Mind-Brain-Behavior (Neuroscience): B+

Here are my standardized testing scores: SAT: 2310 (770 all); ACT: 32; GRE: 1430 (660 Verbal, 770 Quant)

I volunteered, in the summer between freshman & sophomore years, in a clinic for children and some adults with mental illnesses (UC Davis MIND Institute). I had some contact with research, but did not get my name on anything. This fall, I plan to start volunteering at an Emergency Department and hopefully at a free counseling clinic.

Is there any hope of me making it into a decent career changer post-bacc program if I apply this fall/winter/spring? Is there anything I can do to make myself more competitive?

 

[Soco9087]

I came here to give you my two cents but I don't if I will be much help. I also decided to change over to medicine after finishing my masters in finance, but I didn't take any pre-med classes. You're just a year of organic chem, half a year of bio and the MCAT away from applying. Though your undergrad GPA is sub-par. I've been told the masters doesn't hurt or help you. The best thing you can do right now is get those volunteer hours on the way and see if you can get any research position. I don't know much about the new GRE scoring, but you score seems pretty solid and will help.

I think you're kind of in limbo too much science classes for some programs. Not great, but not bad grades other than the c+. If you can ace the rest of the courses and electives and raise that GPA, obliterated the MCAT and get some great volunteer and shadowing experience you just might have a chance to apply.

Some of the post bacc programs won't even look at you since you have already taken most of the classes. Some might even make you retake them all over again. You should try and find a program that fits you and ask specific programs about that program.

 

[niabrams]

I came here to give you my two cents but I don't if I will be much help. I also decided to change over to medicine after finishing my masters in finance, but I didn't take any pre-med classes. You're just a year of organic chem, half a year of bio and the MCAT away from applying. Though your undergrad GPA is sub-par. I've been told the masters doesn't hurt or help you. The best thing you can do right now is get those volunteer hours on the way and see if you can get any research position. I don't know much about the new GRE scoring, but you score seems pretty solid and will help.

I think you're kind of in limbo too much science classes for some programs. Not great, but not bad grades other than the c+. If you can ace the rest of the courses and electives and raise that GPA, obliterated the MCAT and get some great volunteer and shadowing experience you just might have a chance to apply.

Some of the post bacc programs won't even look at you since you have already taken most of the classes. Some might even make you retake them all over again. You should try and find a program that fits you and ask specific programs about that program.

I'm worried that by the time I apply, my classes will be >5-7 years old, in which case I won't be able to be considered for admission. Furthermore, who knows if I'll remember the material well enough for the MCAT? I really am in limbo...

 

[Soco9087]

The best thing you can do right now is what you're doing volunteer, shadowing and research. It varies by school but your classes will "expire" at 5-10 years. Unfortunately for you most application cycles are closed so times ticking away if you didn't want to retake classes. If you're really dedicated, you can start applying to some formal programs when applications open this fall and see what they have to say, or simply call them first. Raising that 3.12 GPA is going to take some time, it just might be best to start retaking everything? I wasn't in your shoes so I can't really give you the best advice.

 

[betterlate]

Most of the top-tier career-changer postbaccs (Goucher, Bryn Mawr, etc) won't consider your application because you've taken too many of the courses already. They don't allow for retakes, regardless of how old your coursework is. I'm afraid I don't know the policy at any other career changer programs.

I completely agree with the advice to gain as much volunteer and shadowing experience as possible. This fulfills two important functions: one, it strengthens your postbacc (and, later, med school) applications and, two, it will give you some practical exposure to the field of medicine. That exposure will help you figure out whether or not this really is something you want to do.

Don't commit your time and money until you are absolutely certain this is the field for you.

re: postbacc, I hadn't taken any prereqs before applying, so I'm afraid I can't give you any advice about raising your GPA. You may want to look into what, exactly, would be involved and how many classes you'll need to take/retake. If it is only a few, then you might want to look into a DIY postbacc situation. That'd likely save you some $$ and possibly some time.

Good luck!

Good luck!

 

[niabrams]

Think I have a shot in the upcoming fall/winter application cycle? I am looking at places like Mills, Tufts, and UPenn which allow people in my situation (some reqs, not all) to take classes.

 

[deleted248403]

Think I have a shot in the upcoming fall/winter application cycle? I am looking at places like Mills, Tufts, and UPenn which allow people in my situation (some reqs, not all) to take classes.

You'll get into Penn with those grades.

I would also look at HES which will allow you a bit of mix-matching too

 

[niabrams]

What about someplace like Mills or Tufts? Also, I was under the impression that HES does evening classes only.

Also...what are my chances of getting into med school, if I do well in the program and do well on the MCAT? I'm all for putting everything into it, but if my chances are still slim even with solid performance, I'm not sure if it is the smartest move.

 

[drizzt3117]

mills/tufts are more interested in non-science majors.