DIY Post bac, now what?

[cmt2013]

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Hi all,

I graduated with a very low sGPA and cGPA recently and am now enrolled in another 4 year institution. I am open to going to DO school so I am doing some retakes and taking bio 1, chem 1, and physics 1 this semester. I've been so focused on gaining acceptance to do this DIY postbac that I haven't thought about what I need to be doing once I am actually IN it. I know that I must get As from here on out, and so far, so good, I am spending all my time making sure I am doing the readings and actually comprehending the material.

However, when it comes to other things, I feel totally clueless! How can I better improve myself as a student? Like:

Am I supposed to just drop in on office hours just to introduce myself to my professors, even if I don't have questions? When should I start trying to obtain letters of recommendation when my GPA is so low that I'd be a little ashamed to show any professors my transcript? Is it too soon to be stressing/preparing for the MCAT? Someone advised me to take it before they change it in 2015 but I will literally just be finishing up my prereqs summer of 2014 so I'm not sure how that will work!

*deep breath* Any advice for me would be really appreciated!

 

[Goro]

It can't hurt. You're going to need LORs from these people, so you might as well get to know some. If any are doing research, and you're interested in it at all, ask them about it.


Am I supposed to just drop in on office hours just to introduce myself to my professors, even if I don't have questions?

Wait a least a year. Don't be ashamed of your past! The you of now is not the you of then.


When should I start trying to obtain letters of recommendation when my GPA is so low that I'd be a little ashamed to show any professors my transcript?


Yes...get your coursework under your belt. Check the MCAT forum for advice. Do NOT take the MCAT untill you're absolutely ready.


Is it too soon to be stressing/preparing for the MCAT?

You're also going to have to get the needed ECs in. So, start thinking about shadowing and doing patient contact volunteer work. You have to do that at the same time as your coursework, to show us you can walk and chew gum at the same time.

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

Don't worry, you are already on the right track. The most important thing is to keep doing what you are doing, working hard to learn all the material and do whatever is necessary to get an A in every class. Keep studying until you know everything in the class.

At this point there isn't much else you need to worry about. Forget about the MCAT until 3-4 months before you are planning to take the test. For now you can best prepare for the MCAT by learning everything in the prereq classes you're taking. Try and store information in long-term memory instead of just cramming before the test and dumping everything out of your mind after.

You will want your professors to know you. Don't be one of those anonymous students sitting in the back of the lecture hall who comes to class, takes notes and leaves. If the professor asks questions during lecture, do your best to answer them. Go to office hours or stay for a few minutes after lecture to ask questions related to the course material. When you go to office hours, don't just ask for a repeat of the lecture. Ask questions that will expand on the knowledge you've already gained from class. That will show that you are not just trying to get good grades, but you are also interested in learning. Ask for a letter of recommendation at the end of the semester after you've done this and gotten the A you've worked so hard for.

 

[cmt2013]

It can't hurt. You're going to need LORs from these people, so you might as well get to know some. If any are doing research, and you're interested in it at all, ask them about it.


Am I supposed to just drop in on office hours just to introduce myself to my professors, even if I don't have questions?

Wait a least a year. Don't be ashamed of your past! The you of now is not the you of then.


When should I start trying to obtain letters of recommendation when my GPA is so low that I'd be a little ashamed to show any professors my transcript?




Yes...get your coursework under your belt. Check the MCAT forum for advice. Do NOT take the MCAT untill you're absolutely ready.


Is it too soon to be stressing/preparing for the MCAT?

You're also going to have to get the needed ECs in. So, start thinking about shadowing and doing patient contact volunteer work. You have to do that at the same time as your coursework, to show us you can walk and chew gum at the same time.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[cmt2013]

Don't worry, you are already on the right track. The most important thing is to keep doing what you are doing, working hard to learn all the material and do whatever is necessary to get an A in every class. Keep studying until you know everything in the class.

At this point there isn't much else you need to worry about. Forget about the MCAT until 3-4 months before you are planning to take the test. For now you can best prepare for the MCAT by learning everything in the prereq classes you're taking. Try and store information in long-term memory instead of just cramming before the test and dumping everything out of your mind after.

You will want your professors to know you. Don't be one of those anonymous students sitting in the back of the lecture hall who comes to class, takes notes and leaves. If the professor asks questions during lecture, do your best to answer them. Go to office hours or stay for a few minutes after lecture to ask questions related to the course material. When you go to office hours, don't just ask for a repeat of the lecture. Ask questions that will expand on the knowledge you've already gained from class. That will show that you are not just trying to get good grades, but you are also interested in learning. Ask for a letter of recommendation at the end of the semester after you've done this and gotten the A you've worked so hard for.

Thanks! I have never taken advantage of office hours before so I have no idea how to even approach professors. I'm making it a point to sit in the front row so they can at least recognize me 😀

 

[CW 2010]

I didn't even know that professors may want to see your transcript...
And I almost never go to their office hours, but I do ask questions during or after the class. But... if you work hard in class (and in the lab) the professor will see it. And he or she will gladly write you a letter 🙂