MD & DO Dealing with depression... Do I still have a chance?

[medskool23]

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Ok guys I have posted on SDN several times about my chances and each time I got great feedback and sometimes I didn't leave much info to give good feedback but I'll try to get it right this time! So here it goes! I've be diagnosed with major depression, dysthymia, and PTSD. I've struggled with this all my life with meds and without. I am now seeing 2 counselors ( one is just clinical) and on meds. But from seeing them this past semester and summer I am starting to think differently and see things a lot clearer now. But that doesn't change the past. I screwed up numerous times and I don't know if I can come back from it. I have several As and Bs but i also have several Fs. A lot of them have been taking over an aced but I have one in organic 1, humans gen.(2), cal 1, immunology,and physiology. It's not that I can't do the work it's just I have it in my head that I'm not good enough or smart enough and it really took a toll on me for a long time because those classes are often said for "smart people". I KNOW I can turn things around. I have been a CNA for 4 years and I recently found a club on campus where we visit countries to help with Healthcare and development projects. I am starting to shadow and do research. I have not taken the MCAT and GPA right now is at 2.4. I work with several nurses and feel like that wouldn't make me happy because of the small amount of science in that field. I don't know what to do now. Could someone help me and only honest answers please. Also I will be able to answer any questions. Thanks in advance.

 

[SpartanWolverine]

What year are you in and have you looked at your GPA with grade replacement for DO? When was the last time you failed a class?

 

[medskool23]

I'm a junior and no I haven't looked at it and a semester ago.

 

[gyngyn]

I'm a junior and no I haven't looked at it and a semester ago.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/please-read-before-posting.901670/
The AMCAS and AACOMAS calculators will give you a clear idea where you stand.
This is the first step in taking stock of the application potential.

 

[SpartanWolverine]

You say you know you can turn things around -- so now you have to think about what will demonstrate that on an application.

1). Strong upward trend and decent cumulative numbers. Have a strong record for the next year or two [including re-takes of any "C-" or below classes] and look into DO grade replacement [use the calculator @gyngyn posted above to see where you currently stand and can be with some retakes]. If you can get your numbers above 3.0 (preferably 3.2+), then start to think about the MCAT and set yourself up to have a...
2). Strong MCAT score on your first try. As something you haven't done yet, it's a potential place to demonstrate having "turned things around".

It's not going to be a quick path, but you could be in medical school just a few years down the road if you really can turn things around. However, it's super important you have all your ducks in a row and have yourself set up to be a capable medical student from the very beginning. That means knowing what your downfalls were/are in undergrad and how you can fix them. If you truly are turning yourself around, it will be apparent in the numbers and on your application down the road. Good luck.