Do I have a chance of getting into med school with a CC DIY postbacc?

[arka18]

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My undergrad sGPA is really low, around a 2.2. I had really bad study habits coming into university, there's nothing else I can say about that. I had a few decent high level classes like Physics 2, Bio 2 and Chem 1 but other than that it's been bad. I want to take a bunch of 3-4 credit science classes at a local CC to help drag my sGPA up to a 3.0 at least (my cumulative will probably end up being a 3.3-3.4ish after my final semester in May '25). I am taking a gap year, so I just wanted to know if this something that's possible and has been done?

I'm taking the MCAT in May 2025, I'll apply in June/July. I have about 250-300ish (probably more, I haven't counted exactly) hours directly working as an MA & scribe at a cardiologist and IM office, I will end up at about 1,000 volunteer hours by the time I apply, I'm on 3 e-boards for college clubs (one being a president and restarting my college's Red Cross club from scratch to become one of the best on-campus clubs for easy volunteering hours). No shadowing hours, I'm currently looking for a research job to do next sem and throughout my gap year, of course I will be working at a doctor's office throughout my gap year and continuing my volunteering too.

What do my chances look like if I can drag my sGPA up and possibly get a good MCAT score? Also, since I'm taking these classes during/after applications from June-August 2025, will they even count? Will I just get screened out? Thanks a lot and sorry for the long read, it's my first post and this anxiety has been affecting my preparation for the MCAT.

Edit: I completely understand MD is completely out of reach with a GPA this low. This is mostly just for DO and in-state MD's.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Without a proper WAMC, it is difficult to say. We need a better idea of your academic history and how you got a 2.2 sGPA.

What is your state of residence? Have you met admissions professionals at the DO schools near you?

No shadowing?

 

[arka18]

Without a proper WAMC, it is difficult to say. We need a better idea of your academic history and how you got a 2.2 sGPA.

What is your state of residence? Have you met admissions professionals at the DO schools near you?

No shadowing?

My state is NJ and I thought shadowing was irrelevant since I started working with doctors one on one, isn't that better than shadowing? I have not met any admissions personnel.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

My state is NJ and I thought shadowing was irrelevant since I started working with doctors one on one, isn't that better than shadowing? I have not met any admissions personnel.

That would be easier to discern if you provide a WAMC in proper format. Yes, in many people's opinions, "doing" is better than shadowing, but you should become comfortable with different places and specialties. In all likelihood, you'll be doing this in medical school too.

As a NJ resident, you have some choices and should reach out to admissions staff at schools closest to you or would favorably consider you as an in-state applicant (all Rutgers, all Rowans; DO additionally: PCOM and NYCOM).

So the risk you take if you are going to continue taking classes after submitting your application (and why you should talk with admissions staff): you need as many grades as possible to lift your sGPA. You also don't have an MCAT score until your May score reports a month later. If you don't control your anxiety on the MCAT, I'm going to have doubts about you doing the same with your courses. It feels like you WANT to RUSH your application rather than take the time to craft the best possible application. You could get screened out if your sGPA remains below 3.0 when you submit your application. (Also, calculate your GPA according to AMCAS/AACOMAS rules because they may not be the same as your college/institutional GPA.)

Whose LORs have you secured? You need professor letters who can confirm your approach to challenging science coursework is improving or optimal now. If these critical classes don't come until summer, you're in a pickle and should wait a year.

A Strategic Guide to Letters of Recommendation | SDN

Whether it is an internship or a graduate school application, letters of recommendation are generally expected or required for all applicants to affirm

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