Do I have a realistic chance?

[RuneSoldierfan]

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I'm a second semester sophomore. A junior by my credit hours. My cumulative gpa and science gpa are atrocious at the moment, although I have confidence in my ability to bring them up.I have a 3.10 cumulative gpa at the moment with a goal of 3.4-3.5 by the time that I graduate. I have a 3.0 science gpa at the moment. I wish it could get it higher, but with organic chemistry and physics still needed...well I hear they're tough. So i'm not sure how much I can increase it. I started college with a 1.6(bad dual credits from high school) but I have an upward grade trend. My last semester was a bad one, dropped my gpa from 3.35 to the current 3.10. I took on alot of science classes and was having family issues back home.
I intend on taking my mcat next summer/spring.
I just started volunteering at my local hospital, and I've been volunteering for years with children in my hometown. I typically spend my breaks from school doing it.
I have no research experience
And currently some EC's that are probably common- Pre med and biology clubs.
Looking to shadow while I take some classes this summer.
I'm considered a URM because I'm an African American female. It seems to mean something from what people say on this site. I want to become a doctor, but do I have a chance? What can I do to increase my chances? Or do I need to think of something else to do? Next summer is when my advisor says I should be getting my app together. I'm interested in schools in TN

 

[Goro]

As a URM your chances are better than you think. By all means, do increase that cGPA to be the best and most competitive candidate, and do well on MCAT. In the mean time, build up the ECs; research isn't all that needed unless you're interested in Vanderbilt. Also, make sure you have Ecs that show your altruism.

I'm a second semester sophomore. A junior by my credit hours. My cumulative gpa and science gpa are atrocious at the moment, although I have confidence in my ability to bring them up.I have a 3.10 cumulative gpa at the moment with a goal of 3.4-3.5 by the time that I graduate. I have a 3.0 science gpa at the moment. I wish it could get it higher, but with organic chemistry and physics still needed...well I hear they're tough. So i'm not sure how much I can increase it. I started college with a 1.6(bad dual credits from high school) but I have an upward grade trend. My last semester was a bad one, dropped my gpa from 3.35 to the current 3.10. I took on alot of science classes and was having family issues back home.
I intend on taking my mcat next summer/spring.
I just started volunteering at my local hospital, and I've been volunteering for years with children in my hometown. I typically spend my breaks from school doing it.
I have no research experience
And currently some EC's that are probably common- Pre med and biology clubs.
Looking to shadow while I take some classes this summer.
I'm considered a URM because I'm an African American female. It seems to mean something from what people say on this site. I want to become a doctor, but do I have a chance? What can I do to increase my chances? Or do I need to think of something else to do? Next summer is when my advisor says I should be getting my app together. I'm interested in schools in TN

 

[RuneSoldierfan]

I have no doubts that i can increase my cGPA. I'm just not sure how much. From what I hear not too many people are fabulous enough for Vanderbilt -_- by building EC's do you mean finding leadership positions?

 

[CjOz]

If you can get that GPA to roughly 3.4-3.5 you would be pretty solid with an mcat from 29+, maybe even 28+. Leadership roles do help but it isn't vital to have. Do a couple different forms of volunteering. For example, try some hospice volunteering (I was one and it is was a very rewarding experience), volunteer at some food shelters etc.

If you're curious - Look up the AAMC graphs that show med school acceptance based on gpa/mcat/ethnicity and you will see how much a factor being a URM can be. For example, as a white male my chances were roughly 40%, but an african american with my application would have had an 80% of finding an acceptance. Best of luck!

 

[CjOz]

I meant to add this to my previous post; but if you're having trouble with physics and ochem, I strongly recommend using the website www.khanacademy.org. Just trust me on this, the man on the khan academy videos taught me more than my professors did and he covers many many topics in physics and ochem (as well as your other sciences).

 

[RuneSoldierfan]

Thanks so much! My dream is still alive 🙂 i'll definitely use your advice.

 

[as1212559]

Early days. Focus on GPA. If it hits 3.5ish and you beat 30 on the MCAT you can go MD. If either falls short it might be a good idea to look into DO schools. LMU-DCOM is over in Harrogate, TN even, check them out.

 

[Cuongoff]

If you get a 3.4 and a 30 MCAT- even a 29. I think you're golden. Especially if you apply to Meharry in TN. Remember- beef up your volunteering a lot. Make sure you gain a good experience from it as well.

You have more than enough time to start research. Just stick to one thing for the entire time.


Also, saw this on reddit and I had to use it.