Does anyone know of MD schools that like redemptive coursework?

[Wolverine93]

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I messed up my undergrad GPA. I recently graduated and my GPA is not competitive enough for any kind of medical school, DO or MD. My science GPA is currently only a 2.5.

I'm planning on taking two years just to retake classes and figure out how to do well in my science classes. I'm also going to retake the MCAT as well. I'm planning on taking classes mostly at a CC just to save some money.

If everything goes well, I can raise my science GPA to a 3.4 according to AAMCOMAS, which I think is decently competitive.

I know getting into an MD school would be a long shot, but I would just like to try a couple anyways once I'm ready to apply. I figure it can't hurt.

From my research it seems like MD schools prefer graduate coursework, though.

Does anyone know of any MD schools that would look well upon me taking the time to target my undergraduate GPA and improve it by retaking all these science classes? I'm also planning on taking upper level sciences (like immunology and Pharmacology) at a four year university.

 

[LongTimeLurk]

Sounds like good pathway for DO schools. MD wont happen, dont spend money on app fees. Get those As on retakes and rock mcat.

 

[Law2Doc]

All MD programs have at one time or another accepted people who screwed up in college but came roaring back in later years, to some extent. So we all have anecdotal evidence of this, even though it's not the norm. You'd usually need to get the cumulative GPA up pretty significantly though -- above a 3.0 at least, and then rock the MCAT. I agree with the prior poster that the DO policies on grade replacement are much more in your favor.

 

[wholeheartedly]

From my research it seems like MD schools prefer graduate coursework, though.

I don't think most MD programs prefer graduate coursework. In fact if you do you do a search around here you'll see lots of posts advising people that their graduate GPA might not be weighted very heavily in considering their application for a couple of reasons: not everybody takes graduate courses so it's not a good way to compare applicants and graduate grades tend to be considered inflated. There is debate on this but in general I think most would agree that MD programs don't in general prefer graduate courses over undergrad courses.

A few exceptions would include things like special masters programs specifically designed to be difficult and demonstrate that an applicant is ready for med school or certain MD programs might have experience with a particular grad program and know its rigorous, and grad school can provide some interesting ECs like more research experience.

So I think your plan to take undergrad courses is a good one. Work hard and do well.

 

[deleted480308]

My science GPA is currently only a 2.5.

If everything goes well, I can raise my science GPA to a 3.4 according to AAMCOMAS, which I think is decently competitive..

That works fine for DO with a mcat in the high 20's.....I'm sorry to say that MD probably isn't in the cards for you without some major miracles

 

[TXKnight]

I really think DO is the route of less resistance. However, 3.4 is a bit below the average but will give you luck with the right ECs. Without good ecs, it will be an uphill battle. I hope you are working on those too, and maybe your are, but you didn't mention it. These become essential for Md and do (specially when replacing many grades) for good outComes

 

[Goro]

There are several MD schools that favor reinvention, when combined with a good MCAT (>33). Based upon posts from successful SDNers, they include: Tufts, Drexel, SUNY-Upstate (for NYers), Tulane, Case and Albany. I suspect that more low-tier and state schools (for in-state people) would be more receptive to a redemptive applicant.

And yes, DO schools as well.

I messed up my undergrad GPA. I recently graduated and my GPA is not competitive enough for any kind of medical school, DO or MD. My science GPA is currently only a 2.5.

I'm planning on taking two years just to retake classes and figure out how to do well in my science classes. I'm also going to retake the MCAT as well. I'm planning on taking classes mostly at a CC just to save some money.

If everything goes well, I can raise my science GPA to a 3.4 according to AAMCOMAS, which I think is decently competitive.

I know getting into an MD school would be a long shot, but I would just like to try a couple anyways once I'm ready to apply. I figure it can't hurt.

From my research it seems like MD schools prefer graduate coursework, though.

Does anyone know of any MD schools that would look well upon me taking the time to target my undergraduate GPA and improve it by retaking all these science classes? I'm also planning on taking upper level sciences (like immunology and Pharmacology) at a four year university.

 

[Wolverine93]

I really think DO is the route of less resistance. However, 3.4 is a bit below the average but will give you luck with the right ECs. Without good ecs, it will be an uphill battle. I hope you are working on those too, and maybe your are, but you didn't mention it. These become essential for Md and do (specially when replacing many grades) for good outComes

I'm mainly going to target DO schools but I just thought I would apply to a couple MD when the time comes, just so I have no regrets later.

I think I have decent ECs: lots of animal research and clinical research. I've volunteered at a hospice for a bit and I led a healthcare oriented club.

I also have some non medical related ECs- culture, religious. and social justice oriented.

I'm planning on getting more clinical and shadowing experience while I take classes. I need more of those- especially shadowing.

I'm planning on getting the clinical volunteering through volunteering or working in the hospital as a nursing assistant.

Anything in particular you think I should do to stand out?

 

[TXKnight]

I'm mainly going to target DO schools but I just thought I would apply to a couple MD when the time comes, just so I have no regrets later.

I think I have decent ECs: lots of animal research and clinical research. I've volunteered at a hospice for a bit and I led a healthcare oriented club.

I also have some non medical related ECs- culture, religious. and social justice oriented.

I'm planning on getting more clinical and shadowing experience while I take classes. I need more of those- especially shadowing.

I'm planning on getting the clinical volunteering through volunteering or working in the hospital as a nursing assistant.

Anything in particular you think I should do to stand out?

I think DO/MD shadowing is something ADCOMs like. Keep up man!