Hi guys, long time reader, first time poster. I apologize for the length of this, but I am a bit lost and thought you guys could help.
I graduated in 2015 with a BS degree in Biology. My overall GPA was a 3.5. My science GPA would be a bit lower (3.3ish). For the past 4 years I have been working at my family’s business full-time, which is not medically related (auto-repair shop). In fact the last medical related experience I had was when I worked as a medical scribe for 6 months during these gap years. I also took my MCAT once in 2016 and bombed it: 486. I also applied to one brand new DO school, at the time, in particular with this score, which I realize was stupid.
This summer, we sold the family business because it was no longer financially sustainable, and I am back to pursuing my dream of becoming a doctor.
While I was in college, I worked at my local Apple Store for 30ish hours to help pay for my education. Additionally, I was a secretary for our Red Cross Organization and other medical society. Finally, I have research experience at Mayo clinic in the summer 2014, along with some shadowing that same summer.
I am studying and planning to take the MCAT either September or in January. I am also Asian if that matters for statistical reasons. But since its been so long since I was in school, and my GPA is very average, would you guys recommend that I apply to a postbac program or one of these Medical Science programs that are designed to enhance your academic record or matriculate you into med school? Will a decent MCAT score (510+) be enough to land me interviews at any DO or MD schools WITHOUT such programs? What about just taking 2 science postbach classes at a CC to have something more recent and improve my GPA a bit. I live in Texas and would ideally like to go to an MD school here. But DO schools here and around the nation are all options Im considering. i apologize for the length and thanks again.
PS: of course I plan to explain my gap years and obligations to my family and financial situation in my medical school applications. I am just curious based on my stats, and length of time since graduation, if postbach/masters is right for me
I graduated in 2015 with a BS degree in Biology. My overall GPA was a 3.5. My science GPA would be a bit lower (3.3ish). For the past 4 years I have been working at my family’s business full-time, which is not medically related (auto-repair shop). In fact the last medical related experience I had was when I worked as a medical scribe for 6 months during these gap years. I also took my MCAT once in 2016 and bombed it: 486. I also applied to one brand new DO school, at the time, in particular with this score, which I realize was stupid.
This summer, we sold the family business because it was no longer financially sustainable, and I am back to pursuing my dream of becoming a doctor.
While I was in college, I worked at my local Apple Store for 30ish hours to help pay for my education. Additionally, I was a secretary for our Red Cross Organization and other medical society. Finally, I have research experience at Mayo clinic in the summer 2014, along with some shadowing that same summer.
I am studying and planning to take the MCAT either September or in January. I am also Asian if that matters for statistical reasons. But since its been so long since I was in school, and my GPA is very average, would you guys recommend that I apply to a postbac program or one of these Medical Science programs that are designed to enhance your academic record or matriculate you into med school? Will a decent MCAT score (510+) be enough to land me interviews at any DO or MD schools WITHOUT such programs? What about just taking 2 science postbach classes at a CC to have something more recent and improve my GPA a bit. I live in Texas and would ideally like to go to an MD school here. But DO schools here and around the nation are all options Im considering. i apologize for the length and thanks again.
PS: of course I plan to explain my gap years and obligations to my family and financial situation in my medical school applications. I am just curious based on my stats, and length of time since graduation, if postbach/masters is right for me
