Future Uncertain...

[deleted92121]

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I was told by an NP today that I had almost NO chance of getting into medical school and this is why:

1. I am at my third school, the other two just were poor decisions. The NP said without consistency, it hurts my chances.

2. I had one very, very bad semester (failed 3 classes...including Bio I and Anat/Phys)...it was my ONLY bad semester. I transfered to where I a currently am following that bad semester (I am at Pitt now).

Those are her reasons for me not getting in, but I'm not so sure. My mom is pushing for PA but I don't want to do that.

I really am unsure of what to do. I am definitley applying DO and Caribbean, but based on this very little amount of information, am I screwed that bad?

For what it's worth, I have non-science research, trips overseas, volunteer hours, and work as an EMT. Plus, I know people who will give me a good lor and shadowing isn't a problem.

any advice is greaty appreciated.

dxu

 

[Kuba]

imo, those reasons alone are not enough to count you out at all. is your gpa >3 even with that awful semester?

 

[sunnyjohn]

What's ya GPA?

Getting admitted is a crap shoot. Some folks with bad numbers get in nowhere while others with average numbers get multiple admits.

One bad semester will not keep you out of med school, but a defeatist outlook will. Ignore the naysayers.




(Ive attended 5 colleges so far and will probably attend a few more before I'm done. I've also had a few bad semesters. I KNOW I'll get in.)

 

[deleted92121]

imo, those reasons alone are not enough to count you out at all. is your gpa >3 even with that awful semester?

Overall, it hovers in the realm of 2.7 to 3.0 I believe...I'd have to add it all up and check it out. But I have yet to take all my prereqs and I have about 40 or so more credits to go, hopefully helping bring up my GPA and my science gpa as well.

 

[Kuba]

Overall, it hovers in the realm of 2.7 to 3.0 I believe...I'd have to add it all up and check it out. But I have yet to take all my prereqs and I have about 40 or so more credits to go, hopefully helping bring up my GPA and my science gpa as well.

Nail the prereqs and the MCAT and you will be golden. Plus, PA isn't any easier to get into. Look at my mdapps and you will see I had an awful semester also. Only 1 F tho, but I think bad is bad.

 

[deleted92121]

I really appreciate the advice and encouragement. I usually am able to keep myself positive and am very independent, but sometimes you just need to hear from people who can relate.

Thanks!

dxu

 

[spicedmanna]

Without getting your hopes up too high, I will say that I think your NP friend is wrong. Nobody has NO chance, you just have to work harder and smarter until you increase your chances. DO NOT give up on your dreams based on dumb comments like, "you have no chance". I repeat: DO NOT give up on dreams and settle for less. While your past always does follow you, there are things you can do to compensate for past mistakes. For one thing, DO schools calculate GPA in such a way where you can retake classes in which you performed poorly and actually replace that grade with the newest one. You will want to check into that. It doesn't matter that much how many universities you've gone to. I really don't think schools care that much, as long as there isn't some weird reason for your choice. The only grief you'll probably suffer as a result of having been to multiple schools is when you need to gather all those transcripts for your primary application.

Do as well as you can in school and keep it up until you have brought your GPA up to a decent level. Study hard for your MCAT, and shoot for the highest score you can achieve. DO schools look at you holistically when it comes to the admissions process. They'll take into account many things other than your grades and MCAT; but don't underestimate these numbers. Apply when you are in your best position as early and as broadly as possible.

Good luck!

 

[Kuba]

I really appreciate the advice and encouragement. I usually am able to keep myself positive and am very independent, but sometimes you just need to hear from people who can relate.

Thanks!

dxu

your welcome. But just remember it is easier said then done. You need to get A's and B's in all prereqs if you want to be confident of your chances. If you focus on learning those prereqas you should consequently do well on the MCAT also. Good luck!

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Retake the classes and do well on MCAT. AACOMAS doesnt average in grades like the AMCAS ....

 

[DoctorMom78]

Retake the classes, bring your GPA up, do well on the MCAT, and have really strong ECs and you will be fine. There is no reason that you won't be accepted if you take the time to strengthen your application. Good luck!

 

[rad_one]

First off, do not take advice from some nurse who has never been through the process. Get solid info from a current med student or recent med school grad. Make decisions based on info from people who have walked the walk. Take time to improve your app as the above poster described.

 

[gypc200]

one bad semester will not kill your chances at an acceptance. just do well on the prereqs you have left. try to obtain at least a gpa of 3.0 by the time you apply. if you dont have a great gpa by then, you will need a very good mcat (above 30) to balance it out. make sure the other parts of your app are strong as well including lor's and ec's. don't let anyone discourage you. you can def get it done if you want it bad enough.

 

[Sailing Girl]

Another thing I did that you may want to try is to talk to a Dean of Admissions of a Medical School. The Dean knows exactly what you should do to make your application stronger. Then when it is time to interview, the Dean already knows you. Networking is a good thing. I'm a non-traditional student so I got most of my advice from those that have been on Admissions Committees.

 

[smugtroll]

I'd say you still have a chance if you follow the SDNers advice.

You have not eliminated anything yet. You control your future.

 

[stockmanjr]

I was told by an NP today that I had almost NO chance of getting into medical school and this is why:

1. I am at my third school, the other two just were poor decisions. The NP said without consistency, it hurts my chances.

2. I had one very, very bad semester (failed 3 classes...including Bio I and Anat/Phys)...it was my ONLY bad semester. I transfered to where I a currently am following that bad semester (I am at Pitt now).

Those are her reasons for me not getting in, but I'm not so sure. My mom is pushing for PA but I don't want to do that.

I really am unsure of what to do. I am definitley applying DO and Caribbean, but based on this very little amount of information, am I screwed that bad?

For what it's worth, I have non-science research, trips overseas, volunteer hours, and work as an EMT. Plus, I know people who will give me a good lor and shadowing isn't a problem.

any advice is greaty appreciated.

dxu

She's off base on this one. First I'm quite sure there are people who have attended multiple schools and got in. I would think it would be a question that you may get asked during an interview but it shouldnt prevent you from getting one if you have decent stats. Second as others have said DO schools allow you to retake classes and replaces the old grade with the newer grade so it does give you a second chance. I think her advice was well intended but I would talk to people who know more about DO school's than her. After saying all of that you do have an uphill battle but there's always a shot.
cheers
howie

 

[billydoc]

I was told by an NP today that I had almost NO chance of getting into medical school and this is why:

1. I am at my third school, the other two just were poor decisions. The NP said without consistency, it hurts my chances.

2. I had one very, very bad semester (failed 3 classes...including Bio I and Anat/Phys)...it was my ONLY bad semester. I transfered to where I a currently am following that bad semester (I am at Pitt now).

Those are her reasons for me not getting in, but I'm not so sure. My mom is pushing for PA but I don't want to do that.

I really am unsure of what to do. I am definitley applying DO and Caribbean, but based on this very little amount of information, am I screwed that bad?

For what it's worth, I have non-science research, trips overseas, volunteer hours, and work as an EMT. Plus, I know people who will give me a good lor and shadowing isn't a problem.

any advice is greaty appreciated.

dxu

With all due respect to NP, what is it that makes her such an "expert" on getting into med school? Nobody really can say what are your chances until you apply, and go through the process. I didn't really read through all posts on this thread, but you'll get the advise on overcoming bad GPA, and other stuff from many who have done it. The bottom line that, Yes, it can be done. And if for some reason, let's say, you've given it your very best shot (may be more than once) you could still go to a reputable offshore school and still become a doctor. You may not be in the posision to pick and choose, but...YOU CAN DO IT! So,stop listening to the pseudo-experts, buckle up, and just DO IT!

Best of Luck

 

[Depakote]

I was told by an NP today that I had almost NO chance of getting into medical school and this is why:

1. I am at my third school, the other two just were poor decisions. The NP said without consistency, it hurts my chances.

Well, let's see. I did my BA/MD program... (withdrew the MD component) 1 school. There was the community college I took classes at before college. The Mini Medical school. The school I took classes at the semester I was at home. My Post-Bac.... and the school I took classes at for free last semester (total 6).

2. I had one very, very bad semester (failed 3 classes...including Bio I and Anat/Phys)...it was my ONLY bad semester. I transfered to where I a currently am following that bad semester (I am at Pitt now).

Had the bad trend. That BA/MD program did no good for me. My GPA probably didn't tank as low as a couple of F's hurt, but withdrawing from a professional degree program definiately didn't help my chances. Anyway, left there and got my post-bac. Grades went WAY up.

Those are her reasons for me not getting in, but I'm not so sure. My mom is pushing for PA but I don't want to do that.

I really am unsure of what to do. I am definitley applying DO and Caribbean, but based on this very little amount of information, am I screwed that bad?

For what it's worth, I have non-science research, trips overseas, volunteer hours, and work as an EMT. Plus, I know people who will give me a good lor and shadowing isn't a problem.

any advice is greaty appreciated.

dxu

I've been to 2x as many schools as you, had some academic ugliness to overcome... and I got into my Top Choice DO school.

If you don't want to be a PA, don't even consider the option. Keep up the good EC's, get some great LORs. Retake the classes you bombed, this did wonders for my GPA when AACOMAS calculates and it will do even more for you.

You still have plenty of time to get your application worked out, and there is no reason you can't make it happen. Good luck.

 

[DiverDoc]

THE NP is ignorant and jealous in my opinion. He/She wishes they were in your shoes and had the oppertunity to get the grades and get in.

I volunteered at a small hospital and the NP's license plate said "doc" ----- nobody liked him.

 

[deleted92121]

well this has been a very informative thread...lol

I agree that I have an uphill battle, but then again, doesn't everyone who wants to become a physician? I guess I just rolled down the hill a few times. But now I gotta get up and keep working my way up.

I like the NP who I talked with, she is good at her job. However, she can be slightly overbearing and cocky. She likes how nobody has to sign her charts and how she is in charge when the doc is not around. It comes across like someone wishes they would've went to med school, but she claims that she never wanted to. Hmmm...?

I am definitley applying DO all the way, plus the three or four top Caribbean programs. The one thing I have going for me is the Robert Morris is opening a school and they are taking 50% of their class from 5 or 6 counties in SW Pennsylvania...one of which is my county. This is good news!

But once again thanks for the advice but thank you most for the upbeat, positive, and encouraging comments!

dxu

 

[MaximusD]

well this has been a very informative thread...lol

I agree that I have an uphill battle, but then again, doesn't everyone who wants to become a physician? I guess I just rolled down the hill a few times. But now I gotta get up and keep working my way up.

I like the NP who I talked with, she is good at her job. However, she can be slightly overbearing and cocky. She likes how nobody has to sign her charts and how she is in charge when the doc is not around. It comes across like someone wishes they would've went to med school, but she claims that she never wanted to. Hmmm...?

I am definitley applying DO all the way, plus the three or four top Caribbean programs. The one thing I have going for me is the Robert Morris is opening a school and they are taking 50% of their class from 5 or 6 counties in SW Pennsylvania...one of which is my county. This is good news!

But once again thanks for the advice but thank you most for the upbeat, positive, and encouraging comments!

dxu

Yeah RMU made my life a li'l more difficult by not opening this app cycle

 

[supersash]

hey DXU,

i had a similar experience the first time i shadowed a DO. the physician himself was very encouraging. but the first time i was alone with his nurse, she mocked me for not being able to do blood pressure, not knowing where bones were in the body, and told me my GPA wasn't good enough. while i'm generally a confident person, i was so shocked she could be so harsh, and it seemed for no reason at all!

i ended up not shadowing that DO again (not bc of the nurse, but because of time conflicts), but felt her negativity only made me want it more. i think alot of people on our road to medicine are "testing" us. if you want, you can get it. you know what you need to do to get there!

good luck 🙂

 

[laurenem]

definitely all good advice. but also, consider taking a year off between finishing classes and med school. this gives adcoms the chance to look at all of your grades (if you apply while still in school, they'll miss a semester or two of grades while making a decision on you) and you get a year to work on your EC's (though, your EC's look pretty good anyway) Good Luck!
(ps my mom also wanted me to be a PA... she was afraid I'd be crushed if I didn't get in to med school...)

 

[122206DO]

All the good advice in the world wouldn't get you in unless you can tell yourself that this is a one way street...you find out what you need to do to kick up your GPA(advice), then get it done like there's no tommorrow. Those "I got in with a 2.5 GPA" stories will never apply to you. It's like trying to win the lotto, sure it happens, but not you. It's a complicated and convoluted process, but then again it's also just that simple. Watch Rocky Balboa, he knows the path to success=) Cheers...

 

[spicedmanna]

All the good advice in the world wouldn't get you in unless you can tell yourself that this is a one way street...you find out what you need to do to kick up your GPA(advice), then get it done like there's no tommorrow. Those "I got in with a 2.5 GPA" stories will never apply to you. It's like trying to win the lotto, sure it happens, but not you. It's a complicated and convoluted process, but then again it's also just that simple. Watch Rocky Balboa, he knows the path to success=) Cheers...

Very well said, indeed. 👍

 

[deleted92121]

All the good advice in the world wouldn't get you in unless you can tell yourself that this is a one way street...you find out what you need to do to kick up your GPA(advice), then get it done like there's no tommorrow. Those "I got in with a 2.5 GPA" stories will never apply to you. It's like trying to win the lotto, sure it happens, but not you. It's a complicated and convoluted process, but then again it's also just that simple. Watch Rocky Balboa, he knows the path to success=) Cheers...

I am definitely determined enough. And I will make it one day...thanks for the helpful and encouraging words.

dxu

 

[Omashu]

DXU....

Believe in yourself....and screw everybody else. I'm in the same boat that your in. The thing is, If we start listening to people who bring us down....It will depress us.....I try not to listen to them....These people my be jealous, insecure,.....I think threatened by you if they have to make these comments.

Don't give up....seriously...If this is really what you would want to do as a profession in life.

Nothing in life is ever easy....


OOOO Here's another thought...What if you let this NP really get you....And you actually listen to him/her....

5...10 years down you'll kicking yourself in the a$$ for not believing in yourself.


I don't like negative people.🙂

 

[Talula21]

Maybe my tale will help. I've attended FIVE undergraduate institutions (4 of which were Community Colleges which most people believe are a no-no). I've never had D's or F's, but PLENTY of C's. I've had to take the MCAT twice, and never earned the coveted 30+. I've never done research, but have volunteered, shadowned, etc. My GPA is relatively high, but only because I re-took some pre-reqs that I originally got either B's or C's in. And because of MY hard work I've been accepted to my top choice.

Here is my soap-opera-esque "believe in yourself" moment: There are very few irreversible "errors" in undergrad. With hard work and dedication you can/will be accepted. Don't listen to people who have NO idea - or even worse, people who have their own insecurities because of self-imposed limitations. More importantly don't let their limitations be yours. A friend of mine was told that she could never be accpeted because she was too old....she was 32. We all know what a load of garbage that is.

Good luck! Decide what you want to do and do it.

 

[sunnyjohn]

Maybe my tale will help. I've attended FIVE undergraduate institutions (4 of which were Community Colleges which most people believe are a no-no). I've never had D's or F's, but PLENTY of C's. I've had to take the MCAT twice, and never earned the coveted 30+. I've never done research, but have volunteered, shadowned, etc. My GPA is relatively high, but only because I re-took some pre-reqs that I originally got either B's or C's in. And because of MY hard work I've been accepted to my top choice.

Here is my soap-opera-esque "believe in yourself" moment: There are very few irreversible "errors" in undergrad. With hard work and dedication you can/will be accepted. Don't listen to people who have NO idea - or even worse, people who have their own insecurities because of self-imposed limitations. More importantly don't let their limitations be yours. A friend of mine was told that she could never be accpeted because she was too old....she was 32. We all know what a load of garbage that is.

Good luck! Decide what you want to do and do it.

Huzzah! 👍

Community College- Check
Lots of F, C, D and W's - Check
Over 30- Check
Attended over 5 colleges - Check

Determination and Hard work- You betcha! 👍

You won't get sunshine and puppy dogs from me, but generally the folks that work their tails off and believe they will acheive, do.

 

[deleted92121]

This may be the dumbest question I ever ask, so I apologize ahead of time...

but how are B's viewed? Lets say I get MOSTLY B's throughout my undergrad, with a sprinkling of A's and maybe an occasional C...what are your thoughts?

dxu

 

[Dr. Josh]

What's ya GPA?

Getting admitted is a crap shoot. Some folks with bad numbers get in nowhere while others with average numbers get multiple admits.

One bad semester will not keep you out of med school, but a defeatist outlook will. Ignore the naysayers.




(Ive attended 5 colleges so far and will probably attend a few more before I'm done. I've also had a few bad semesters. I KNOW I'll get in.)

wow, you have me beat; I attended 4: one while I was in hs just for one course; another for two summers, a third for one semester study abroad and my main campus makes #4.

 

[Dr. Josh]

nevermind; i figured it out.

 

[spicedmanna]

This may be the dumbest question I ever ask, so I apologize ahead of time...

but how are B's viewed? Lets say I get MOSTLY B's throughout my undergrad, with a sprinkling of A's and maybe an occasional C...what are your thoughts?

dxu

B's are less favorable than A's, especially if it was received in a prerequisite class. A few probably won't hurt you too bad, but if you start trending B's, and then get C's, too, that's probably not going to help your case. I not sure how to answer this, since I'm not an adcomm member. What I do know is that you should clearly strive for A's as much as possible, especially in your premedical prerequisite classes. You want to trend A's, starting now. Forget about the past, anyway, it's done. What you should be concerned about now is what you will need to do to get yourself into competitive status, including retaking undergraduate classes and/or taking more advanced ones to drive your GPA up to a competitive level. You want to clearly score well on the MCAT. View the past as an, "okay, here's where I'm at; now what?"

 

[ruinevil]

you know.... the advisers will always tell you to leave their premed program unless youre an outstanding candidate. that's how they keep their high acceptance ratios. however, they are bound to help you, doing your committee letter and stuff like that.

 

[Krisss17]

Unfortunately, you are going to run across a lot of people that may be naysayers for whatever their reasons are...but that is just it...it is their reasons...

Will it take hard work? Yes
Is it possible? Yes

For quite a while I had been thinking of settling on going for nursing and then possibly a NP...but I knew my heart wasn't into it. I've got tremendous amount of respect for the nurses I currently work with (I'm a HUC/CMT), but the nursing model isn't the model that I'm interested in pursuing...it's the medical model.

The saying goes a C=MD, but never will a NP=MD...

Krisss17