Considering a Post-Bacc and would like some advice

[J82698]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I just graduated with my B.S. in Chemistry from University of Oregon with a cGPA of 3.24 and a sGPA of 3.15 (assuming grade replacement). I'm interested in the DO route since I have zero chance at MD.

I'm considering doing a year long post-bacc to try and boost my cGPA up to around a 3.40 and my sGPA up to a 3.30. I have all my pre-reqs done and would like to take a couple more retakes to facilitate this process (B- in Bio I and a couple C's in science courses) as well as establish an upward trend.

Should I just stick to the U of O for one more year and finish this up, or should I move to a different school to do this? I've heard limited, but mixed things about U of O's post-bacc program, and I would like more opinions if possible. I was considering Portland State's program given my parents live in the area, but I already have an apartment and am already established in Eugene.

Additionally, I'm registered for the Nov 7th MCAT and am wondering about the feasibility of taking courses while preparing for the MCAT. I'm starting right now on the preparations, but there will be at least a month where I'm taking classes in the meantime.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Gordon Gekko]

Don't waste $ on retaking a B-. Instead of retaking Bio I, crush the MCAT. Only retake C/D/F's. You can do community college for retakes to save $. Since you graduated already, I guess it's too late to extend your stay and add on a minor in Bio. Read up on Goro's posts in the pre-DO forum. I am retaking 300-level courses at another school that classifies them as 200-level classes. They are the same or more credits than the original class and the course descriptions are the same, so AACOMAS says it is OK, if that helps your situation. I am taking 3 courses and shadowing docs while studying for the October MCAT. We'll see how it goes. I will be late in applying this cycle, so you have plenty of time to improve for next cycle. Sprinkle in some good EC's and get good LORs. Good luck.

 

[ymmit]

Just my 2 cents, but you could still have a chance at MD if you rocked a formal SMP. Also, lots of people successfully study for the MCAT while working full time (or more than full time), you just need to find the time and put it in.

 

[deleted248403]

You can do community college for retakes to save $.

Don't do retakes at a lower level of education.

And community college is almost never the answer to getting into med school. The only role I see it playing is that you have been out of school for years and had a crappy GPA when you were there, and need to ease back into studying before going to a 4-year.