Critique my plan

[reluctantoptimism]

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I'm scheduled to graduate this year and I need some input:

I'm thinking taking a few classes this Summer (Spanish+Computing Course and Physics 1) and will CLEP the rest of my remaining courses (excluding Physics 2). Next January, I could begin studying for my MCAT exam (plane to take in May) and apply as early as possible next year.

Right now my GPA is about a 3.3 but may go up after this semester (I'm actually doing better than I thought).

Option 1: Self study MCAT physics (Physics 2 won't be completed) , take MCAT this August/September, graduate and apply late to all FL schools

Option 2: Finish Physics and graduate, take MCAT next May and apply early next year to all FL and NY schools

Option 3: Apply to SMP next year and work until it begins (assuming I get in)

Thanks guys!

 

[Toutie]

Which courses will you be CLEPing? Most medical schools do not accept CLEP courses.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

They are non-science, non-prereq courses

Which courses will you be CLEPing? Most medical schools do not accept CLEP courses.

 

[blackroses]

You have been advised over and over and over again that you will need to do an SMP (at an absolute minimum) considering your academic history.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

Even if I can show 3-4 semesters of continued good performance? An SMP seems like a financial burden and I'm by no means well off off financially so that may not be plausible/possible.

You have been advised over and over and over again that you will need to do an SMP (at an absolute minimum) considering your academic history.

 

[blackroses]

Even if I can show 3-4 semesters of continued good performance? An SMP seems like a financial burden and I'm by no means well off off financially so that may not be plausible/possible.

Yes. Just like you have been told repeatedly. It is going to take more than 3-4 semesters to reconcile your academic history.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

Even when the hiccups are due to a documented illness? I don't think doing an SMP makes logical sense given the cost and given that my GPA is going up. SMPs are very expensive and I could just end up wasting my money.

Yes. Just like you have been told repeatedly. It is going to take more than 3-4 semesters to reconcile your academic history.

 

[blackroses]

Even when the hiccups are due to a documented illness? I don't think doing an SMP makes logical sense given the cost and given that my GPA is going up. SMPs are very expensive and I could just end up wasting my money.

Yes.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

Yeah, that makes no sense.

Yes.

 

[Toutie]

They are non-science, non-prereq courses

So now you are going to CLEP a bunch of courses when you already have 35 W's? Do you think that will impress adcoms? You need several semesters of real courses in real college.

 

[blackroses]

Yeah, that makes no sense.

You have an entire college education worth of withdraws. It's going to take a lot more than 3-4 good semesters to make up for that.

Let's approach this from a different perspective than education. Say that someone you know has been loaned money by friends every 6 months for 5 years. For 4 of those years, they didn't pay any of the people who loaned them money back at all. The last year, they paid back the people who loaned them money. In other words, they failed to pay back their friends 8 times but have paid them back 2 times. Are you going to loan them money if they ask you? Probably not.

You're going to need to prove that you can and will stick with school long-term. 3-4 semesters does not prove this.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

You guys are such sadists- no, I'm clepping so I can go ahead and GRADUATE (it's only 4 courses)! It's not like I took a bunch of underwater basket weaving courses, I've taken a good deal of upper level chemistry and biology.

So now you are going to CLEP a bunch of courses when you already have 35 W's? Do you think that will impress adcoms? You need several semesters of real courses in real college.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

I'm not financially well off enough to do an SMP and I think it is a waste of time in my situation.

You have an entire college education worth of withdraws. It's going to take a lot more than 3-4 good semesters to make up for that.

Let's approach this from a different perspective than education. Say that someone you know has been loaned money by friends every 6 months for 5 years. For 4 of those years, they didn't pay any of the people who loaned them money back at all. The last year, they paid back the people who loaned them money. In other words, they failed to pay back their friends 8 times but have paid them back 2 times. Are you going to loan them money if they ask you? Probably not.

You're going to need to prove that you can and will stick with school long-term. 3-4 semesters does not prove this.

 

[Toutie]

You guys are such sadists- no, I'm clepping so I can go ahead and GRADUATE (it's only 4 courses)! It's not like I took a bunch of underwater basket weaving courses, I've taken a good deal of upper level chemistry and biology.

Like I said in your other thread...come back in a couple years and let us know how it worked out for you.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

I'll be fine- no need to condescend to me.

Like I said in your other thread...come back in a couple years and let us know how it worked out for you.

 

[blackroses]

I'm not financially well off enough to do an SMP and I think it is a waste of time in my situation.

Then I don't know what to tell you. You presented that as one of your options. It's the best option by far (in fact, it's really your only option at this point).

 

[reluctantoptimism]

No, I listed two other options.

Then I don't know what to tell you. You presented that as one of your options. It's the best option by far (in fact, it's really your only option at this point).

 

[blackroses]

I'm scheduled to graduate this year and I need some input:

I'm thinking taking a few classes this Summer (Spanish+Computing Course and Physics 1) and will CLEP the rest of my remaining courses (excluding Physics 2). Next January, I could begin studying for my MCAT exam (plane to take in May) and apply as early as possible next year.

Right now my GPA is about a 3.3 but may go up after this semester (I'm actually doing better than I thought).

Option 1: Self study MCAT physics (Physics 2 won't be completed) , take MCAT this August/September, graduate and apply late to all FL schools

Option 2: Finish Physics and graduate, take MCAT next May and apply early next year to all FL and NY schools

Option 3: Apply to SMP next year and work until it begins (assuming I get in)

Thanks guys!

 

[reluctantoptimism]

Why does everyone on this site thinking exactly alike?

I think I'll just quit frequenting this site inasmuch as all I've gotten here is ridicule and people who don't think for themselves.

If you don't fit the "SDN mold" somehow you're just not worth a dime.

I'm sure there are other who have gotten into medical school who were worse off than me.

 

[Turkishking]

I'm scheduled to graduate this year and I need some input:

I'm thinking taking a few classes this Summer (Spanish+Computing Course and Physics 1) and will CLEP the rest of my remaining courses (excluding Physics 2). Next January, I could begin studying for my MCAT exam (plane to take in May) and apply as early as possible next year.

Right now my GPA is about a 3.3 but may go up after this semester (I'm actually doing better than I thought).

Option 1: Self study MCAT physics (Physics 2 won't be completed) , take MCAT this August/September, graduate and apply late to all FL schools

Option 2: Finish Physics and graduate, take MCAT next May and apply early next year to all FL and NY schools

Option 3: Apply to SMP next year and work until it begins (assuming I get in)

Thanks guys!

Whats your state of residence?

 

[reluctantoptimism]

Whats your state of residence?

Florida

 

[Turkishking]

Graduate and do a DIY-Postbacc. prove yourself that the you of now is not that you of before. Then afterwards, take the MCAT, and apply broadly.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

I'm pretty sure you don't get financial aid to go BACK to take undergraduate courses- who in their right mind would do this? I've pretty much taken all the chemistry/ biology I could and this would be a foolish thing to do (no offense). In addition, I truly disliked my undergrad so I wouldn't consider going back there.

Graduate and do a DIY-Postbacc. prove yourself that the you of now is not that you of before. Then afterwards, take the MCAT, and apply broadly.

 

[Turkishking]

I'm pretty sure you don't get financial aid to go BACK to take undergraduate courses- who in their right mind would do this? I've pretty much taken all the chemistry/ biology I could and this would be a foolish thing to do (no offense). In addition, I truly disliked my undergrad so I wouldn't consider going back there.

Go some where else and do it. No medical school will accept a liability unless you want to go to the Caribbean.

Plenty of individuals on SDN did a post-bacc...

 

[reluctantoptimism]

I'm not able to do something I cannot afford- no financial aid=my hands are tied

NOBODY is going to pay for me to take undergrad courses after already graduating. I could POSSIBLY do an SMP if I could get financial aid but this may be pointless if I still cannot get in.

Go some where else and do it. No medical school will accept a liability unless you want to go to the Caribbean.

Plenty of individuals on SDN did a post-bacc...

 

[blackroses]

I'm not able to do something I cannot afford- no financial aid=my hands are tied

NOBODY is going to pay for me to take undergrad courses after already graduating. I could POSSIBLY do an SMP if I could get financial aid but this may be pointless if I still cannot get in.

If you can't get into an SMP, take a few years to work and save up money to go back and do the DIY post-bac.

 

[Meowgical]

I'm worried your personality will keep you out of medical school. I vote a mix of option 2 with some DIY post-bacc work and 1 more year delay. Don't CLEP if you don't have to, and just take an extra semester to graduate. Get all As.

I also worry with your cGPA if you are ready to handle an SMP. What are your last few semester GPAs?

Edit: Someone beat me to it. But yeah.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

How would you know my personality? I CANNOT AFFORD A POST-BACC, how much more clear could I be? I'M NOT PUTTING MY LIFE ON HOLD FOR A CHANCE AT MED SCHOOL!

I'm worried your personality will keep you out of medical school. I vote a mix of option 2 with some DIY post-bacc work and 1 more year delay. Don't CLEP if you don't have to, and just take an extra semester to graduate. Get all As.

I also worry with your cGPA if you are ready to handle an SMP. What are your last few semester GPAs?

Edit: Someone beat me to it. But yeah.

 

[blackroses]

I guess I'm confused what you're looking for. You presented us with 3 options at the beginning, 2 of which involved delaying your application. You now seem to not want to delay your application whatsoever.

It's difficult to advise you without knowing what it is you want. Perhaps you should clarify what you are and are not willing to do at this time.

 

[ndafife]

"Agree with my plan"

FTFY

 

[Toutie]

How would you know my personality? I CANNOT AFFORD A POST-BACC, how much more clear could I be? I'M NOT PUTTING MY LIFE ON HOLD FOR A CHANCE AT MED SCHOOL!

Okay, then do your option 1. You won't have to put your life on hold at all. Go for it with gusto!

Option 1: Self study MCAT physics (Physics 2 won't be completed) , take MCAT this August/September, graduate and apply late to all FL schools

 

[Frogger27]

How would you know my personality? I CANNOT AFFORD A POST-BACC, how much more clear could I be? I'M NOT PUTTING MY LIFE ON HOLD FOR A CHANCE AT MED SCHOOL!

Get used to delayed gratification in this career if you really want to pursue it. I took 2 years post grad to strengthen my app prior to applying and I had a much stronger undergrad history than you (no offense).

You need to do option 2 and take as many classes as you can. 30+ credit hours of 3.8+ in upper level science classes would be a decent way to show you can handle Med school

 

[Frogger27]

Okay, then do your option 1. You won't have to put your life on hold at all. Go for it with gusto!

Option 1: Self study MCAT physics (Physics 2 won't be completed) , take MCAT this August/September, graduate and apply late to all FL schools

Option 1 will be a complete waste of money and time

 

[lexington251]

How would you know my personality? I CANNOT AFFORD A POST-BACC, how much more clear could I be? I'M NOT PUTTING MY LIFE ON HOLD FOR A CHANCE AT MED SCHOOL!

Based off your various posts here and on reddit, it seems like you aren't looking for constructive feedback. It sounds to me like you already have a plan in mind, and are just looking for affirmation. (Pro tip: SDN isn't good for that)

You need to be more thick-skinned and not dismiss comments because they don't align with your own viewpoints. It's a skill that'll be valuable for you throughout your life, but is crucial if you want to become a doctor.

 

[Lawpy]

Critique my plan

Option 1: Self study MCAT physics (Physics 2 won't be completed) , take MCAT this August/September, graduate and apply late to all FL schools

Option 2: Finish Physics and graduate, take MCAT next May and apply early next year to all FL and NY schools

Option 3: Apply to SMP next year and work until it begins (assuming I get in)

How would you know my personality? I CANNOT AFFORD A POST-BACC, how much more clear could I be? I'M NOT PUTTING MY LIFE ON HOLD FOR A CHANCE AT MED SCHOOL!

 

[Toutie]

Option 1 will be a complete waste of money and time

All of his options will be a complete waste of time and money that he doesn't have. This his 3rd thread...all asking the same thing. He has been given a ton of advice on here...and apparently on redit too....and has resisted every piece of advice.

 

[Turkishking]

Based off your various posts here and on reddit, it seems like you aren't looking for constructive feedback. It sounds to me like you already have a plan in mind, and are just looking for affirmation. (Pro tip: SDN isn't good for that)

You need to be more thick-skinned and not dismiss comments because they don't align with your own viewpoints. It's a skill that'll be valuable for you throughout your life, but is crucial if you want to become a doctor.

Can you link me to his reddit posts?

 

[Welshman]

Can you link me to his reddit posts?

I can only imagine the feedback he got on there lol

 

[reluctantoptimism]

You guys seem like really neurotic/unrealistically sadistic people so I'm not coming back.

Thanks a lot!

 

[hubbsbubbs]

The people here are just trying to help you. We all think alike on this matter because it's pretty clear what you need to do. I'm sorry you feel constrained by finances, but post-baccs aren't too bad. I worked while doing my post-bacc and supported myself. 3.2 -> 3.4 in a year.

Do a post-bacc. One year in the grand scheme won't set you back at all.

 

[lexington251]

Can you link me to his reddit posts?

I don't want to start a witchhunt, so I won't link them, but he/she received similar feedback, with similar responses.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

I'm doing an SMP and I WILL GET INTO MEDICAL SCHOOL

Thanks for the ridicule, it's really becoming of such "professionals"

 

[Welshman]

In all seriousness, your previous academic record aside (which is a huge aside btw) option one won't work. Physics 2 usually the harder of the two and the one where a teacher is the most beneficial since it's a lot more conceptual than Newtonian stuff. Take that at school.

your best option I think would be to apply to SMP, which you've listed as an option yourself, while you study for the MCAT over the summer planning to take it in September. That way you can focus on that alone and then classes once school starts.

Also in regard to the above comment about your personality.

Your personality is abundantly clear by how you react to the honest advice of your peers. In the remote chance you get an interview I pray the interviewer who inevitably asks you to explain yourself.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

In all seriousness, your previous academic record aside (which is a huge aside btw) option one won't work. Physics 2 usually the harder of the two and the one where a teacher is the most beneficial since it's a lot more conceptual than Newtonian stuff. Take that at school.

your best option I think would be to apply to SMP, which you've listed as an option yourself, while you study for the MCAT over the summer planning to take it in September. That way you can focus on that alone and then classes once school starts.

Also in regard to the above comment about your personality.

Your personality is abundantly clear by how you react to the honest advice of your peers. In the remote chance you get an interview I pray the interviewer who inevitably asks you to explain yourself.

I have a great life and I don't need validation from people I don't know on the internet. I'll do an SMP and eventually matriculate to medical school despite everyone assuming I'm an imbecile.

 

[Turkishking]

I have a great life and I don't need validation from people I don't know on the internet. I'll do an SMP and eventually matriculate to medical school despite everyone assuming I'm an imbecile.

No one is saying youre an imbecile.

For instant gratification, the route that seems to be most ideal is the Caribbean. But that's risky. Do what ever you think is right, and good luck.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

No one is saying youre an imbecile.

For instant gratification, the route that seems to be most ideal is the Caribbean. But that's risky. Do what ever you think is right, and good luck.

I'd do an SMP if I could sufficient financial aid. I know that the Caribbean is a poor option.

I don't want instant gratification but at the same time, life goes on.

 

[Turkishking]

I'd do an SMP if I could sufficient financial aid. I know that the Caribbean is a poor option.

I don't want instant gratification but at the same time, life goes on.

find a job with your degree for 1-3 years. Save up, go back for a post-bacc. Do amazing in the post-bacc. While working beef up your EC's. Rock the MCAT.

 

[reluctantoptimism]

find a job with your degree for 1-2 years. Save up, go back for a post-bacc. Do amazing in the post-bacc. While working beef up your EC's. Rock the MCAT.

Why wouldn't I just do an SMP? In addition, there are very few science courses left for me to take at the undergrad level so what would I even take?

 

[Turkishking]

Why wouldn't I just do an SMP? In addition, there are very few science courses left for me to take at the undergrad level so what would I even take?

I'm not sure if they would accept you.

For the post-bacc I suggest taking upper-level courses that you haven't taken or any C/D/F grade you have, if you have any.

 

[Welshman]

Why wouldn't I just do an SMP? In addition, there are very few science courses left for me to take at the undergrad level so what would I even take?

post-bacc=SMP