downward trend = ?

[Spin]

---

Members do not see this ad.

How bad is a downward trend, and how bad is a D right before applications?

I started off with like a 3.8 GPA freshman year which slowly started falling, and after this semester it'll probably be a 3.45 total (and probably ~3.2 science GPA) since I'm expecting two C's -- one in a higher level chemistry class and one in a lower level science elective -- but upper level chem class might end up as a D

This is going to be my last real semester on my transcript before I apply to Podiatry school. Will it be a major red flag? I'm absolutely cleaning up my act in the fall and I have decent ECs: big research project, patient-contact-type-volunteer work, and I'm going to be shadowing podiatrists this summer. I haven't taken the MCAT, but I usually do well on standardized tests and I'll be studying all summer.

To summarize: I know my numbers won't be the problem; I'm just worried about the downward trend and the possible D (and definite C) on my transcript right before applying.

ETA: There's no "reason" for my downward trend except for burn-out. I haven't had a real break from school since I started college three years ago, and its taken its toll. Hopefully that will change this summer.

 

[moldovanits]

How bad is a downward trend, and how bad is a D right before applications?

I started off with like a 3.8 GPA freshman year which slowly started falling, and after this semester it'll probably be a 3.45 total (and probably ~3.2 science GPA) since I'm expecting two C's -- one in a higher level chemistry class and one in a lower level science elective -- but upper level chem class might end up as a D

This is going to be my last real semester on my transcript before I apply to Podiatry school. Will it be a major red flag? I'm absolutely cleaning up my act in the fall and I have decent ECs: big research project, patient-contact-type-volunteer work, and I'm going to be shadowing podiatrists this summer. I haven't taken the MCAT, but I usually do well on standardized tests and I'll be studying all summer.

To summarize: I know my numbers won't be the problem; I'm just worried about the downward trend and the possible D (and definite C) on my transcript right before applying.

ETA: There's no "reason" for my downward trend except for burn-out. I haven't had a real break from school since I started college three years ago, and its taken its toll. Hopefully that will change this summer.

I would not sweat it. I think your in good shape. Podiatry admissions is alot more humble and understanding than other allopathic programs.

 

[dropfoot]

Should not be a problem.

 

[air bud]

I haven't had a real break from school since I started college three years ago, and its taken its toll. .

Don't ever mention to this with admissions or anybody further ahead in school than you. You will be hard pressed to find anybody that feels sorry for you, since they have already done it. Say this after 4 years undergrad, 4 year pod school and a year into your residency and then you might find some sympathizers. Like it or not, this is the reality of a medical professional. If you want to reap the rewards then pay the price. Make sure you are prepared and aware before you begin this giant undertaking.

 

[Spin]

Don't ever mention to this with admissions or anybody further ahead in school than you. You will be hard pressed to find anybody that feels sorry for you, since they have already done it. Say this after 4 years undergrad, 4 year pod school and a year into your residency and then you might find some sympathizers. Like it or not, this is the reality of a medical professional. If you want to reap the rewards then pay the price. Make sure you are prepared and aware before you begin this giant undertaking.

Thanks. I wouldn't blame them for not feeling sorry for me -- I just don't have any of the "acceptable" reasons for having a downward trend. The only other truthful explanation would be that classes got harder, meanwhile I developed good study habits too late for it to make a difference this year, and I got nervous and bombed one of my finals.

 

[air bud]

the solution to this is kill the MCAT, get into a pod school, don't ever forget those feelings of failure (or near failure) and use them as motivation in your studies and in your life outside of school.

There is nothing wrong with admitting you messed up. I screwed around for a number of years during my initial undergrad. I learned from my mistakes, came back to school a few years later with perspective and better habits and did great. It was very liberating to walk into the interview and say "I was immature. I made some mistakes. I am better off because of it." The key here is to back that statement up with proof. Fortunately I had the grades and MCAT to do so. You will only have the MCAT. What is an "acceptable" excuse? A death in the family? Health issues? Financial problems? Everybody has challenges they face in life. It is how you react to them and how you grow.

I repeat: There is nothing wrong with admitting you made a mistake

 

[DaveApple]

Get the application in early, do well on the MCAT, and be ready to answer why your grades went on a downward trend. The trick will be to answer why in a positive manner that explains your motivation and desire to get into school. If you apply to all the schools you'll get a fair amount of interviews anyways if you have decent statistics. All you have to do after that is ace the interview.

Don't sweat it, and don't give up. You'll be fine.

 

[roninishya]

You still have a really really good GPA (3.45). Sure it is a "downward trend" if you want to think about like that...but think about it this way, you are taking advanced coursework now. Knowledge, not so much the grade is important; plus perhaps these are courses that will help in podiatry school, so you are already prepared for when you take it in podiatry school

 

[Spin]

Thanks everyone for responding. It was all good advice 🙂

(Oh, and I ended up passing the class I was worried about!!)