Common GPA trend?

[DiverDoc]

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Alright, Im a sophmore. Freakin out a little bit because Im taking the MCAT next april and I realize that my grades now are crucial. I have taken O chem I and Physics I and current undergrad GPA is 3.4. ( I got serious after first year, as many others have) I know a 3.4 is ok for DO with a good MCAT. But what i am freakin out about is when Im a junior and senior taking upper division stuff like biochem and genetics, virology ect.... While B's in those courses are very respectable my GPA will drop when it cant afford to. Am I going through one of the worst parts of being a Pre - Med? Does it get better, I hope me not getting to a great start will make me have no choice but to get A's here on out. Science GPA is 3.35 approx. Am I freakin for nothing? OR does it actually get worse with 300 400 level classes.

 

[BradenDO]

Alright, Im a sophmore. Freakin out a little bit because Im taking the MCAT next april and I realize that my grades now are crucial. I have taken O chem I and Physics I and current undergrad GPA is 3.4. ( I got serious after first year, as many others have) I know a 3.4 is ok for DO with a good MCAT. But what i am freakin out about is when Im a junior and senior taking upper division stuff like biochem and genetics, virology ect.... While B's in those courses are very respectable my GPA will drop when it cant afford to. Am I going through one of the worst parts of being a Pre - Med? Does it get better, I hope me not getting to a great start will make me have no choice but to get A's here on out. Science GPA is 3.35 approx. Am I freakin for nothing? OR does it actually get worse with 300 400 level classes.

I think when you get into the upper division courses, it actually gets easier. I've gotten more A's in upper than lower--mostly because you have a foundation of knowledge and knowing the basics really help you. Of course, Biochem is tough from what I've heard (I'm taking it next semester), but genetics and virology are really interesting.

Anyways, stick it out and see how you do...you'll never know if you don't give yourself a chance. Good luck!

 

[alkapalka]

I would have to say biochem is really the biggest pain the butt, unless you are taking it and only it and can devote all your time--in my experience. I don't necessarily agree that upper level classes are easier, but more interesting? Yes. You finally see why learning all those systems in Bio I is beneficial and how everything really ties together. Especially now, I'm taking Neuroscience, Microbiology, and Comparative Anantomy and I have to say, I feel like I finally understand things for what they are, not just as a potential test question. It's a great feeling! It's hard, but you will like what you learn.

 

[JasonUD]

I had more difficulties with my upper level courses than the lower...Premed is HARD, INTIMIDATING, and GRUESOM...that's why is weans out those who think they want to be doctors from those who do!

DO schools tend to look past the numbers (or so I believe) so as long as your gpa doesn't fall too far below 3.3 and you do alright on your MCAT your chances aren't over...make sure you have good extracurricular that you enjoy (not that you think the schools will enjoy) and form good relationships with your profs and ask them for letters of rec. early so they have plenty of time (I had profs that took months to write my letters)!

Stick with it, it may be ridiculously hard now and there are many, many, many easier ways out, but do it and in 10 years you'll be so happy you did! 😀

 

[Boxer1]

Alright, Im a sophmore. Freakin out a little bit because Im taking the MCAT next april and I realize that my grades now are crucial. I have taken O chem I and Physics I and current undergrad GPA is 3.4. ( I got serious after first year, as many others have) I know a 3.4 is ok for DO with a good MCAT. But what i am freakin out about is when Im a junior and senior taking upper division stuff like biochem and genetics, virology ect.... While B's in those courses are very respectable my GPA will drop when it cant afford to. Am I going through one of the worst parts of being a Pre - Med? Does it get better, I hope me not getting to a great start will make me have no choice but to get A's here on out. Science GPA is 3.35 approx. Am I freakin for nothing? OR does it actually get worse with 300 400 level classes.

If you intend to begin medical school the fall after your senior year of college, then you can apply as early as the summer between your junior and senior year. At the time you apply, you submit your transcript, and the med schools use those grades to determine whether or not to interview you. This can be an advantage for people in your situation, or it can be a dissadvantage for those who were counting on their senior grades to bring up their GPA.

So, if there are courses that you are concerned about getting low grades in and they can be delayed until your senior year, then med schools won't see those grades until you have already been accepted Then you simply send them your transcript after graduation to show that you have completed your bachelors degree. At that time, it won't matter as much, as they have already offered you a spot and you have accepted it.