Feedback - What can I do to prepare to apply?

[BePerfect]

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[mrh125]

Hi, this is my first post on here and I wanted to get some advice on what I should be doing this summer and going forward to prepare to apply to MD programs. I am a psychology major at a well-regarded liberal arts school. I struggled in my first year (C in Bio I, B- in Bio II, but A- in Calc II) but was able to improve after the initial transition to college life (and leaving my varsity sport); I had a 2.84 in my first semester, a 3.25 in the spring, which brought me to a 3.04 for the first year. Last semester I got an A- in Gen Chem and B in Stats - 3.5 for the semester and 3.2 cumulative. I finished this past semester with a 3.75 (B+ in Orgo I) which leaves me with a 3.34 cumulative GPA and a 3.06 BCPM GPA.

I will take Orgo II and Neuroscience this fall followed by P-Chem and Physiology in the spring. I have taken only one science class at a time so far (not counting Calc and Stats), but will be taking at least two science courses at a time for the next two years.

I have had some work experience, consistent volunteering, have shadowed a good amount, been involved in some other EC's, and played a varsity sport. I am doing research this summer and plan on continuing research throughout the school year for my last two years.

I have been told that medical schools look at the trend of your grades (going upward) significantly. What are your thoughts on how much this will benefit me and how can I raise my particularly low BCPM GPA? I would greatly appreciate any advice on what to do moving forward in terms of school, activities, things to keep in mind as I prepare to apply in about two years. Thank you!

You're right about upward trends and one way you can definitely change your application positively is through the mcat. If you do really well on that, lots of doors will open for you. You really want to do well on that test otherwise your application gets significantly harder. Your social science background may also help you significantly if you take the 2015 mcat. Though biochem and some of the physicals sciences may be messy/difficult.

 

[BePerfect]

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[mrh125]

Thank you for the advice! Yes, I recognize the importance of the MCAT and will make sure to prepare well. I do hope to benefit from majoring in psychology on the 2015 MCAT and perform well on the hard science sections as well.

No problem, make sure you have a really good grasp of functional psychology vocabulary. Basically there's a ton of vocab you need to know and you need to be able to intelligently interpret it. Good luck with your mcat 🙂, I'm sure you'll do well with the added background. That test is a beast though.

 

[el_duderino]

Keep getting As, keep volunteering, rock the MCAT. That's all you can do, and you should have a very good shot when it's time.