From a haunting past is there a tangible dream?

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standingwaves

standingwaves

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Hi,

I have a (newly acquired) dream to become a doctor, however my past is quite a haunting nightmare. To sum it all up quickly, all I did was burn my time playing video games all throughout high school and half of college. My GPA is 2.5

After realizing that what I was doing wasn't going to get me anywhere, I took time off from school. During this time I realized that I would only be happy becoming an MD. Also, I've quit any and all forms video gaming cold turkey, and have been this way for several months - never going back. On top of that, (this is drastic) during this time off I got married.

I feel as if I've awoken from a nightmare - which is my past. There is responsibility to take care of now, and playtime is over - for good.

What I've done since then is get myself back to school, and enrolled in Gen. Chemistry, Bio, Cell Bio and two electives. I'm very serious about becoming a doctor and I worry too much about my past. I really have changed big time but is this a case of "the deed has been done" or do I have a shot at this? I'm also going for nothing under A- or B+, optimally A's but let's be realistic in my case.

Any advice at all? I'm deeply concerned and would appreciate any and all advice/hard cold truth. I'm ready to do what it takes! By the way, I'm twenty years old, with only 40 credits (Upper Sophomore), and have transferred schools to where I am currently enrolled in.

P.S.
There is no such thing as a "reset." I took a winter course (A) and now I have a reset GPA to 4.0 since it's a new school. This doesn't count towards anything, my old college GPA and new one would be averaged in the eyes of Medical schools, correct?
 
So you don't have a bachelors right?

Ad yes there is no reset GPA. DO schools will look at the newest grade for any repeated classes but it will still be seen. MD schools won't replace them.

You just can't afford anymore slipups.

Just to clarify, your 2.5 GPA is for 40 credits right? So basically you are 1/3 of the way done. If you get a 3.7 from now, you'd have about a 3.2-3.3 overall, and then you'd prob have to go do an SMP.
If you rock things from now on you might be ok, provided you get 3.7+ from now on, do an SMP, get a good set of EC, and a good MCAT score.
 
Or apply to DO schools that only count the most recent grade among repeats (as mentioned) allowing a faster GPA repair. DO schools are more forgiving of past academic difficulty: their median acceptee GPA is 3.45, as opposed to MD school, which is 3.65.

If you get stright As for the next 80 credit hours, your GPA could be 3.5, putting you within reach of MD schools (without a very expensive Special Masters Program) if your MCAT score is ~32ish. For you, the difference between A and A- could be a $40,000 SMP, so let that inspire you to excel.

Yes, you must submit all college transcripts to the application service when you apply. It doesn't matter if your new schools accepts the old credits or not. You still need to redeem your past poor grades.
 
Somebody from Texas could fill us in here, but there is some sort of "academic bankruptcy" down there, a reset. Texas has its own system, apart from AMCAS. Not that this is a realistic program for you.

Look, you need to make straight As from here on out. No excuses. Just do it.
 
Catalystik said:
For you, the difference between A and A- could be a $40,000 SMP, so let that inspire you to excel.
Click to expand...
OP - i think this is a key statement.

I'm a little more skeptical about ppl going from a 2.5 to a 4.0 and thus I factored in you getting a 3.7 from now on.

That being said, the diff is worth $40k to you if you want allopathic. Hopefully you work a little bit harder and get the A and not the A-
 
I appreciate all the advice. I thought I was done for, but now that I know that there is still a chance, nothing is going to stop me from doing the best I possibly can.

I'll reply when this semester is over and ask for advice from there about possible EC's (since with a low GPA doors are closed). I'll be back! Thank you again.
 
I don't know why you made it more difficult on yourself with a spouse, but then again I'm always negative.
 
Hello once again SDN,

The semester has ended and I am here to report my results:

Gen. Chem 1 (5 credits): A
Comparative Physiology (3 credits): A
Molecular Bio (2 credits): A
Political Sci. (3 credits): A
Classic Cultures (3 credits): A

That's 5 straight A's. This is the first time I've executed this. Hard work, but it feels great!

My guidance is primarily from this website, and I hope that I have proven that I am serious about becoming an MD. For next semester:

Physics 1 (5 credits)
Gen. Chem 2 (5 credits)
Calculus 1 (3 credits)
Art (3 credits)

For those of you who can grant me any form of assistance as to where I currently stand, please, do tell! I accept any and all tweaks to my college career since I need it. Now that I have had a redeeming semester, what do I do in regards to extra-curricular work and recommendations?
 
Awesome! A perfect 4.0 is a great way to start the journey to redemption.

If you feel that you're on top of the academics, you might consider starting some nonmedical community service for 2-4 hours per week that you'll stick ith for 1-2+ years. Ideally this will be something you can feel a connection with. Examples might be a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, womens shelter, crisis hotline, tutoring kids in middle or HS, habitat for humanity, etc. maybe there's an organization both you and your spouse would like to invest time in together. Even better would be potential within the organization for you to move into a leadership role eventually.

About 1.5 years before you apply, you could add clinical experience. A year ahead, you could add research, if you decide you want to do it (60% list it). Six months ahead, you'll look into physician shadowing. Keep in mind that this is just one potential timeline among many possibilities. If at any point your academics are threatened, you take a step back and regroup. ECs can always be added after graduation when you can concentrate on them more, as there's nothing sacred about applying to med school before your late 20s, 30s, or older.
 
Thanks for the info about the academic fresh start, however it's too late to begin all over again for me.

I am at the "2-year mark" as of right now, and have applied to volunteer at a hospital. Along with working part-time and the next set of courses that are new to me, I'm going to have a fun time juggling - something I believe many here are well familiar with.

Lately I've been considering Caribbean Medical schools for their 'leniency' of acceptance and their lower costs. So far, I understand that most of them still require completion of the same 'pre-med' requirements, course-wise. Yet it is "easier" since the GPA requirements are not as prestigious - but the MCATs hold the same weight as U.S. Medical schools.

Can anyone elaborate more effectively the differences of Caribbean Medical schools and those of the U.S.? I am concerned of my GPA due to my past failures, Therefore this seems to be a ray of hope.
 
Happy New Year, SDN!

I'm back to check up on progress and see what you all think, and would appreciate your thoughts.

Since the last semester these are the courses taken:
Pre-calculus (A-)
Calculus (A-)
General Physics 1 (A)
Fundamental Nutrition (A)
Art (A+)

My GPA is now 3.918 with a total of 74 credits (with transfer credits).

Next semester is:
General Chemistry 2
General Physics 2
Calculus 2
Cell & Molecular Bio Lab

I'm also finally in direct-patient care volunteering. After this semester all is left is 1 biology course and the orgo's (for pre-med req.). I will be getting a head-start by studying several chapters out of the orgo textbook during the summer since I hear such great things about it.

The gears seem to be moving now, but should I take the MCAT while taking orgo 2, spring 2012? I've declared my major as Chemistry with minor in Biochemistry. What happens if I do well enough on the MCAT**? Would I have to complete undergrad anyway? The Chemistry major would take a long time to complete.

**This is a story all on its own, when the time comes.

Your thoughts?
Sincerely,
A.G.
 
standingwaves said:
Happy New Year, SDN!

I'm back to check up on progress and see what you all think, and would appreciate your thoughts.

Since the last semester these are the courses taken:
Pre-calculus (A-)
Calculus (A-)
General Physics 1 (A)
Fundamental Nutrition (A)
Art (A+)

My GPA is now 3.918 with a total of 74 credits (with transfer credits).

Next semester is:
General Chemistry 2
General Physics 2
Calculus 2
Cell & Molecular Bio Lab

I'm also finally in direct-patient care volunteering. After this semester all is left is 1 biology course and the orgo's (for pre-med req.). I will be getting a head-start by studying several chapters out of the orgo textbook during the summer since I hear such great things about it.

The gears seem to be moving now, but should I take the MCAT while taking orgo 2, spring 2012? I've declared my major as Chemistry with minor in Biochemistry. What happens if I do well enough on the MCAT**? Would I have to complete undergrad anyway? The Chemistry major would take a long time to complete.

**This is a story all on its own, when the time comes.

Your thoughts?
Sincerely,
A.G.
Click to expand...

ur amazing 🙂
 
=\

Ehh, I wouldn't classify myself as amazing. The advice from this forum would be amazing imo. I was a complete failure, and am just realizing the benefits of being a real student. Makes me feel guilty when I think of all the wasted years.

Besides, my GPA in the new school is 3.918. If you fuse that with ~2.5 from business school, it would be less. Also, I am not adding "F's" earned from my old school. Hopefully by the time I am done, keeping this up, I would be in the 3.5-3.6 range with both GPA's averaged together.

But I'll take it as motivation 🙂 Thanks!

I guess I'll manually calculate every grade to find out the GPA that will be seen by the medical schools.

P.S.
There was an article in the New York Times claiming that Caribbean schools are sought out to be terminated eventually. Only the top-tier ones perhaps would remain, since so many are sub-par. I guess that's out of the question now.
 
standingwaves said:
=\

Ehh, I wouldn't classify myself as amazing. The advice from this forum would be amazing imo. I was a complete failure, and am just realizing the benefits of being a real student. Makes me feel guilty when I think of all the wasted years.

Besides, my GPA in the new school is 3.918. If you fuse that with ~2.5 from business school, it would be less. Also, I am not adding "F's" earned from my old school. Hopefully by the time I am done, keeping this up, I would be in the 3.5-3.6 range with both GPA's averaged together.

But I'll take it as motivation 🙂 Thanks!

I guess I'll manually calculate every grade to find out the GPA that will be seen by the medical schools.

P.S.
There was an article in the New York Times claiming that Caribbean schools are sought out to be terminated eventually. Only the top-tier ones perhaps would remain, since so many are sub-par. I guess that's out of the question now.
Click to expand...

with your determination and hard work I'm sure u'll have a chance at DO and even some MD schools. I have friends who went to the Carib schools. They regret it. Those schools indeed give u an MD degree but cant guarantee that you will land good (or any) residencies. Get tons of clinical experience. Then if you have time, get involved in some research. publications r desired but not absolutely necessary (I got into research-heavy schools w/ only 1 yr of research and no publication). However they certainly make ur app look better (sort of compensate for the lower GPA, but i doubt any school would only look at ur overall and completely ignore your straight As). Anyways, best of luck and lemme know if I can help 🙂
 
standingwaves said:
Besides, my GPA in the new school is 3.918. If you fuse that with ~2.5 from business school, it would be less. Also, I am not adding "F's" earned from my old school. Hopefully by the time I am done, keeping this up, I would be in the 3.5-3.6 range with both GPA's averaged together.

I guess I'll manually calculate every grade to find out the GPA that will be seen by the medical schools.
Click to expand...
No need to do it by hand: AMCAS GPA calculator: http://medschool.ucsf.edu/postbac/pdf/AMCAS%20GPA_Calculator%20Version%204%20Final.xls

Or, DO GPA calculation spreadsheet: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=450050

It is nice to see how far you've come. Tell us what you get.
 
standingwaves said:
=\

Ehh, I wouldn't classify myself as amazing. The advice from this forum would be amazing imo. I was a complete failure, and am just realizing the benefits of being a real student. Makes me feel guilty when I think of all the wasted years.

Besides, my GPA in the new school is 3.918. If you fuse that with ~2.5 from business school, it would be less. Also, I am not adding "F's" earned from my old school. Hopefully by the time I am done, keeping this up, I would be in the 3.5-3.6 range with both GPA's averaged together.

But I'll take it as motivation 🙂 Thanks!

I guess I'll manually calculate every grade to find out the GPA that will be seen by the medical schools.

P.S.
There was an article in the New York Times claiming that Caribbean schools are sought out to be terminated eventually. Only the top-tier ones perhaps would remain, since so many are sub-par. I guess that's out of the question now.
Click to expand...

You are a rockstar. I graduated OP with a 2.45 and managed to get it up to just shy of a 3.0 with 70 credits and a masters degree (of practically all As..3.75) It was a battle...but I am now a med student. Hopefully that inspires you a bit 🙂 You can do it!!! PM me with any Qs
 
I read the title of this thread and expected to read about a horrible childhood with uncontrollable and unfortunate events. But its about a video game addiction. Nonetheless, I read the thread. Great story, great job, and great luck to you.
 
sounds a lot like my story, except I got a BA in video game sciences. Hopefully in a year I'll be posting a similar thread.
 
(I thought I replied a month ago, I guess I never hit "enter")

-MD schools spreadsheet-
Cumulative Undergraduate AMCAS GPA: 2.529
Cumulative Undergraduate AMCAS BCPM GPA: 2.718
Cumulative All Other Undergraduate AMCAS GPA: 2.438

Looks pretty grim now doesn't it? Somewhat demoralizing, I've included all WU's F's & Withdrawals (from old school basically).

I did not know that W grades were counted against you as F's. This means that my GPA from my old school was much worse than I thought in the eyes of the AMCAS (like a 1.8 or something LOL). Nevertheless, that can't be helped now - I'd rather finish what I started last year.

I'm sure that there isn't just one way of getting into MD schools, especially after reading this forum. There just comes a time where you really think you've found your calling, and not being able to reach it would leave you something to regret in the future. Besides, I am doing well ever since I "woke up." If anything, does anyone know what else to make of this? That is, the AMCAS GPA's? (I will take the MCAT in one year, during orgo.2)

At the end of this semester I will report on my grades. So far thanks for all of your support and advice, everyone & Catalystik.
 
standingwaves said:
(I thought I replied a month ago, I guess I never hit "enter")

-MD schools spreadsheet-
Cumulative Undergraduate AMCAS GPA: 2.529
Cumulative Undergraduate AMCAS BCPM GPA: 2.718
Cumulative All Other Undergraduate AMCAS GPA: 2.438

Looks pretty grim now doesn't it? Somewhat demoralizing, I've included all WU's F's & Withdrawals (from old school basically).

I did not know that W grades were counted against you as F's. This means that my GPA from my old school was much worse than I thought in the eyes of the AMCAS (like a 1.8 or something LOL). Nevertheless, that can't be helped now - I'd rather finish what I started last year.

I'm sure that there isn't just one way of getting into MD schools, especially after reading this forum. There just comes a time where you really think you've found your calling, and not being able to reach it would leave you something to regret in the future. Besides, I am doing well ever since I "woke up." If anything, does anyone know what else to make of this? That is, the AMCAS GPA's? (I will take the MCAT in one year, during orgo.2)

At the end of this semester I will report on my grades. So far thanks for all of your support and advice, everyone & Catalystik.
Click to expand...

I dont think Ws count as Fs...otherwise my GPA would have been srsly screwed cuz i had a W. I believe they just carry no weight.
 
Well, I had 4 W's. I just removed the W's from the MD school spreadsheet and there was slight improvement. This is in contradiction to something, either that they do count, or that I am simply not supposed to include them due to the spreadsheet counting them as F's. Hopefully the latter!

Revised MD Schools spreadsheet:
Cumulative Undergraduate AMCAS GPA: 2.905
Cumulative Undergraduate AMCAS BCPM GPA: 2.718
Cumulative All Other Undergraduate AMCAS GPA: 3.017

They look slightly better, but the BCPM grade did not budge. But it certainly will after this semester (upwards), since I am taking B,C,P & M!

This actually made me pretty happy. Thank you so much.
 
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=796665

That is my story...brought it up from 0.7 to 3.15ish (as it stands now). Keep up the good work! I know its hard work; I've done the whole 9 yards. I don't know if it is enough, but am willing to do more of it. FYI: I got 1 interview (been kept on hold) and at another school, I am on "hold for an interview?!". I am really hopeful about the school I interviewed with, and hopefully I'll get in this year.
 
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