doh!

[anxietypeaker]

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hey...so i just finished my last physics MT....wasnt too good i think. Anyways...here are my (most probable) numbers by the end of this semester (im a soph at berkeley). Science GPA is really low but the overall is decent.

3.38-3.40 science GPA
4.00 nonscience gpa
3.57-3.59 overall gpa

im REALLY REALLY nervous about my BCPM GPA. Plus i still have:

-biochem which is going to be my 2nd semster ochem (course prereqs are ordered wierd in berkeley)
-second semester physics (prolly wont do too well in that either, im assuming this semster physics ill get a B, which is almost DEFINITE)
-1 year bio (have NO idea how that will be)
-several other sci classes (cell/genetics/stats/etc), im an integrative bio major for those who go to Cal (again have NO idea how these will be)

Anyways, you guys think that with my numbers i going to have a hard time to get into ANY med school? How about an osteopathic med school? (keep in mind im california resident and NONminority if that helps).

 

[Turkeyman]

LOL, you've got plenty of chance --> DON'T WORRY! You still have tons of bio classes to make up for it anyways...just do well. Haha, 3.4 is fine, and you are fine, and everything will be fine.

 

[anxietypeaker]

you sound very sure of your comments. If theyre true IM VERY relieved. Anyways, i dont mean to freak anyone out (i realize some people have lower GPAs than me) but i think my nonminority status with CA residency hurts a lot.

As for why im freaking out about my GPA:
1) i still have the above courses that im pretty sure ill get Bs in (physics 2, biochem, genetics?)

2) there are SO DAMN (sorry) many people here who do well. It almost scares me that i study so hard and fail whereas everyone else who studies even less than me seems to get an A-/B+ AT LEAST.

anyways, if anyone else wants to comment on my chances/suggestions/comments (are the bio courses easier to get an A?), please post.

 

[DoctorFunk]

No worries. I sat with a BCPM and cumulative GPA similar to yours when I applied. The good news is that upper-level biology seems like it gets a little bit easier at most schools after they get past weeding people out of their program. You still have plenty of opportunity to boost that BCPM GPA up a little bit.

 

[Elastase]

you sound very sure of your comments. If theyre true IM VERY relieved. Anyways, i dont mean to freak anyone out (i realize some people have lower GPAs than me) but i think my nonminority status with CA residency hurts a lot.

As for why im freaking out about my GPA:
1) i still have the above courses that im pretty sure ill get Bs in (physics 2, biochem, genetics?)

2) there are SO DAMN (sorry) many people here who do well. It almost scares me that i study so hard and fail whereas everyone else who studies even less than me seems to get an A-/B+ AT LEAST.

anyways, if anyone else wants to comment on my chances/suggestions/comments (are the bio courses easier to get an A?), please post.

"i think my nonminority status with CA residency hurts a lot."

It does not hurt a lot to be a nonminority in CA. Your grades are fine...now work on your extracurriculars...go out work in the community, do some research, and sprinkle in some clinical experience.

 

[drmota]

i go to your school. Here are some helpful tips. no matter WHAT you do take biochem in the summer. honestly if you dont take this advice then you deserve whatever bad grade you get in it. over the summer the class is taught by a visiting professor who explains things VERY clearly and her tests are OPEN NOTES. yes...this is true. if you take it during the school year you have to memorize everything. also, during the summer you are taking it with a lot of kids that are RETAKING it and just trying to pass and that helps the curve out a lot.

secondly, the bio series is NOT that difficult at berkeley. bio 1a was actually very interesting and bio 1b you just need to get the reading done for. BUT i would recommend from here on out that you only take ONE science class per semester. thats what i started doing and thats when my grades went up.

thirdly, CHILL THE F*CK OUT. seriously, if you dont i will hunt you down and slap you. ok, not really but you know. i have a 3.23 BCPM GPA and have 3 interviews. i am the underdog american dream, maybe, but you gotta keep your head up and keep working. get clinical experience and do research. you will be fine. make sure your LORs are shining. and do NOT wait to get your letters. get them NOW. i hope you read this cuz i have a midterm tomorrow but still took the time to write it for you. good luck, my young disciple.
-mota

 

[anxietypeaker]

can i ask which professor it is that teaches biochem over the summer?

 

[drmota]

can i ask which professor it is that teaches biochem over the summer?

barbara bowman.
-mota

 

[BaylorGuy]

hey man, a 3.5-3.6 BCPM GPA is still pretty competitive at a number of schools. Also, since you still have science classes to take, go for the As and increase it as much as you can. If you have a good MCAT, you should have a good shot at allopathic schools.

And yes, i reiterate what DaMota says, chill out.

 

[chef_NU]

Dude, just do well on your MCAT and you'll be fine. My GPA sucks and I'm still being pleasantly surprised this interview season.

 

[Flopotomist]

How do you even have a BCPM GPA if you have most of your BCPM classes yet to take? OK.. some actual advice now...

1. DO NOT tell yourself you are going to get a B. Tell yourself you are going to get an A. Then make it happen. Form a study group, meet with them often - meet with the prof during office hours if you get lost. Study Study Study, and you can get an A. YOU CAN DO IT.

2. The bio series is an easy A.

3. Genetics is an easy A, and is fun.

4. Physics 2 is a harder A, but still quite possible.

5. Nobody but freaks get As in OChem anyways, HAHAHAHA.

6. Get an MSAR and reassure yourself that normal people get into schools. Yes, you will have to apply broad, and early - but you will be competitive.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[anxietypeaker]

i never disagreed with a 3.5-3.6 BCPM gpa being fairly strong in some med schools. In fact, i contend that 3.5-3.6 BCPM gpa is something ii'd LOVE to have when i do apply.

Anywho, thanks though. Makes me feel a better to know my gpa will prolly go up with the upper div sci courses (except biochem).