Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention (updated for 2021)

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@Goro
Cumulative GPA / sGPA

Freshman Year = 3.50 / 3.33
Sophomore Year = 3.64 / 3.37
Junior Year = 3.68 / 3.41
Senior Year = 3.59 / 3.23

PostBacc (Orgo II + Lab) = 3.60 / 3.29
 
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pickeljuice said:
@Goro
Cumulative GPA / sGPA

Freshman Year = 3.50 / 3.33
Sophomore Year = 3.64 / 3.37
Junior Year = 3.68 / 3.41
Senior Year = 3.59 / 3.23

PostBacc (Orgo II + Lab) = 3.60 / 3.29
Click to expand...
You're fine right now for DO schools. The sGPAs are circling the drain for MD schools, so you'll need a DIYpostbac or SMP if gunning for MD.
 
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Thank you for your honesty!

Regarding the DIY post bacc, I have several questions.

1. Should I retake any prereqs even if I don’t have any classes that are lower than a C?

2a. If I don’t take prereqs, should the classes I take be higher level science courses?

2b. I looked into some higher level science courses at a local state college and they all require prerequisite courses at that same institution before I take the high level courses, should I look at community colleges instead?

3. How many credits do you recommend that I obtain?
 
@Goro

Hi Goro, I've made a few posts before regarding my plans to attend an SMP this fall. Thought it would be better to post here for a smaller question.

I said before that my cGPA is 2.9 and sGPA is 2.6. I anticipate graduating with a 3.0 cGPA but I obviously cannot raise my sGPA above 3.0 by then. I'm presently working on my applications to SMPs, but I've been debating re-enrolling for a second bachelors in physics and forgoing the SMP.

I believe I can do well in physics (and I seriously enjoy it) and was wondering if that would be acceptable as a DIY-postbacc when I decide to apply to med schools given that it would be factored into BCPM and would raise my sGPA. However it's not strictly higher level bio classes so I was wondering if you think this would be a good idea or not. I appreciate the help.
 
pickeljuice said:
Thank you for your honesty!

Regarding the DIY post bacc, I have several questions.

1. Should I retake any prereqs even if I don’t have any classes that are lower than a C?


No


2a. If I don’t take prereqs, should the classes I take be higher level science courses?


Absolutely yes.

2b. I looked into some higher level science courses at a local state college and they all require prerequisite courses at that same institution before I take the high level courses, should I look at community colleges instead?


That will be OK

3. How many credits do you recommend that I obtain?

30ish
Click to expand...
 
zappyapples said:
@Goro

Hi Goro, I've made a few posts before regarding my plans to attend an SMP this fall. Thought it would be better to post here for a smaller question.

I said before that my cGPA is 2.9 and sGPA is 2.6. I anticipate graduating with a 3.0 . I obviously cannot raise my sGPA above 3.0 by then. I'm presently working on my applications to SMPs, but I've been debating re-enrolling for a second bachelors in physics and forgoing the SMP.

I believe I can do well in physics (and I seriously enjoy it) and was wondering if that would be acceptable as a DIY-postbacc when I decide to apply to med schools given that it would be factored into BCPM and would raise my sGPA. However it's not strictly higher level bio classes so I was wondering if you think this would be a good idea or not. I appreciate the help.
Click to expand...
SMP = 1year
Another bachelor's? 3-4 years.

That's more lost clinical salary for something that not necessary.
 
Hello @Goro ,
I'm a 28F
URM (Mexican/Honduran) [Fun fact: my Honduran-side can be traced back to the Mayans]
first-generation
FL resident
non-traditional pre-med who had an eventful undergrad experience resulting in a lower GPA and is looking for some guidance, if possible.

I started college early in high school and didn't take it seriously and my grades definitely reflected that. Sophomore year I switched from a two year state college to a local university and in the first year there I experienced a multitude of extenuating circumstances (miscarriage, SA, gallbladder removal, and contracted E.coli and admitted in the hospital for sepsis) all within that year. Needless to say I failed most classes and my school mandated I see an advisor who realized the struggle I was in and helped me seek out resources and help. I was recovering semi-well my junior year when the state of Florida hit me with a notice of excess credit hours and told me I had one semester left to graduate (I needed at least 3 more for the Bio degree I was pursuing) so I accepted that maybe it just wasn't in the cards, I asked for an additional semester to complete my degree, and switched to an English degree in order to graduate. I tried to pivot into a different career to make due with what I had and have now been teaching middle school and high school for three years. This past year I went through a struggle for a health diagnosis that connects to the health issues I had before and finally got answers and an eventual surgery that helped my quality of life immensely. Soon after the surgery, I confronted myself with the truth that I do not feel content as a high school teacher. I've had a second job at my local hospital system since college and always seemed to thrive there more than at the school and decided to revert back to my initial goal of pursuing medicine. I know I have an uphill battle ahead but I'm more than willing to put in the work needed and just wanted to know if I'm being delusional or if there's some hope to get into any medical school. I still have a few pre-reqs (39 credits to be exact) I didn't complete in undergrad that I'm doing now in a sort of DIY post-bacc for. Below are my stats, ECs, volunteer hours, and Clinical Experience for reference.

High School Dual Enrollment: [63 credits] 2.34 / 1.5
Freshman: [27 credits] (finishing my AA) 1.89/ 1.00
Sophomore: [65 credits] 2.41/ 1.91 (31 credits were withdrawals with extenuating circumstances)
Junior: [41credits] 3.48/ 3.35 (could have been higher but it was COVID years)
Senior: [39 credits] 3.51/N/A (had switched to an English major at this point)

Extracurriculars/volunteer:
Physician shadowing: 40 hours (will do more this summer)
Animal Sanctuary Volunteer: 60 hours
Co Secretary of a Minority in Medicine club: 1 year (20-30 hours roughly)
Volunteer Tutor for low-income students: 60 hours
Panel Speaker for Education conference for first-generation students
Studied abroad in South Korea for a summer in 2021
Panel Speaker for a study abroad event
TRIO graduation ceremony speaker
Member of Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
ESOL Coordinator as a teacher for two years
Teacher for a Morning Program for students: ~20 hours

I've recently started volunteering at a food bank, the ED of my local hospital, and a local food kitchen

Clinical Experience:
I currently work at a hospital managing over 200 internal medicine physicians throughout 4 different campuses. I manage the patient they receive through ED admissions, consults, and intra-facility transfers. I also help facilitate transfers from any and all hospitals in Florida transferring patients back to our facilities. My responsibilities also non-medical transport for patients that are being discharged from the hospital rehab centers, SNUs, SNFs, or home. I'm the lead for my position so I have also been tasked with creating and implementing hospital policies related to my work.
I've done this for about 7 years and about 13,000 hours so far but it doesn't have direct patient care like other hospital jobs.

(This job has placed my in an ideal situation for very strong LORs when the time to apply comes since I've worked directly with directors, supervisors, physicians, etc.)

MCAT:
I haven't taken the MCAT yet but know it's important to score high given my low GPA. Plan on taking it May-June of next year.

My current plans include:
1. Taking post bacc classes (of course)
2. Expanding volunteer experience
3. Doing more shadowing
4. Looking into research opportunities now that I'm back in school
5. Possibly leaving teaching next year to work in a clinical setting

Any guidance, hard truths, and/or encouragement is greatly appreciated. I just don't know if that GPA is going to sink me or if I have a fighting chance at an acceptance given the holistic view of my circumstances and attempts of reinvention.
 
blindcatfastturtle said:
Hello @Goro ,
I'm a 28F
URM (Mexican/Honduran) [Fun fact: my Honduran-side can be traced back to the Mayans]
first-generation
FL resident
non-traditional pre-med who had an eventful undergrad experience resulting in a lower GPA and is looking for some guidance, if possible.

I started college early in high school and didn't take it seriously and my grades definitely reflected that. Sophomore year I switched from a two year state college to a local university and in the first year there I experienced a multitude of extenuating circumstances (miscarriage, SA, gallbladder removal, and contracted E.coli and admitted in the hospital for sepsis) all within that year. Needless to say I failed most classes and my school mandated I see an advisor who realized the struggle I was in and helped me seek out resources and help. I was recovering semi-well my junior year when the state of Florida hit me with a notice of excess credit hours and told me I had one semester left to graduate (I needed at least 3 more for the Bio degree I was pursuing) so I accepted that maybe it just wasn't in the cards, I asked for an additional semester to complete my degree, and switched to an English degree in order to graduate. I tried to pivot into a different career to make due with what I had and have now been teaching middle school and high school for three years. This past year I went through a struggle for a health diagnosis that connects to the health issues I had before and finally got answers and an eventual surgery that helped my quality of life immensely. Soon after the surgery, I confronted myself with the truth that I do not feel content as a high school teacher. I've had a second job at my local hospital system since college and always seemed to thrive there more than at the school and decided to revert back to my initial goal of pursuing medicine. I know I have an uphill battle ahead but I'm more than willing to put in the work needed and just wanted to know if I'm being delusional or if there's some hope to get into any medical school. I still have a few pre-reqs (39 credits to be exact) I didn't complete in undergrad that I'm doing now in a sort of DIY post-bacc for. Below are my stats, ECs, volunteer hours, and Clinical Experience for reference.

High School Dual Enrollment: [63 credits] 2.34 / 1.5
Freshman: [27 credits] (finishing my AA) 1.89/ 1.00
Sophomore: [65 credits] 2.41/ 1.91 (31 credits were withdrawals with extenuating circumstances)
Junior: [41credits] 3.48/ 3.35 (could have been higher but it was COVID years)
Senior: [39 credits] 3.51/N/A (had switched to an English major at this point)

Extracurriculars/volunteer:
Physician shadowing: 40 hours (will do more this summer)
Animal Sanctuary Volunteer: 60 hours
Co Secretary of a Minority in Medicine club: 1 year (20-30 hours roughly)
Volunteer Tutor for low-income students: 60 hours
Panel Speaker for Education conference for first-generation students
Studied abroad in South Korea for a summer in 2021
Panel Speaker for a study abroad event
TRIO graduation ceremony speaker
Member of Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
ESOL Coordinator as a teacher for two years
Teacher for a Morning Program for students: ~20 hours

I've recently started volunteering at a food bank, the ED of my local hospital, and a local food kitchen

Clinical Experience:
I currently work at a hospital managing over 200 internal medicine physicians throughout 4 different campuses. I manage the patient they receive through ED admissions, consults, and intra-facility transfers. I also help facilitate transfers from any and all hospitals in Florida transferring patients back to our facilities. My responsibilities also non-medical transport for patients that are being discharged from the hospital rehab centers, SNUs, SNFs, or home. I'm the lead for my position so I have also been tasked with creating and implementing hospital policies related to my work.
I've done this for about 7 years and about 13,000 hours so far but it doesn't have direct patient care like other hospital jobs.

(This job has placed my in an ideal situation for very strong LORs when the time to apply comes since I've worked directly with directors, supervisors, physicians, etc.)

MCAT:
I haven't taken the MCAT yet but know it's important to score high given my low GPA. Plan on taking it May-June of next year.

My current plans include:
1. Taking post bacc classes (of course)
2. Expanding volunteer experience
3. Doing more shadowing
4. Looking into research opportunities now that I'm back in school
5. Possibly leaving teaching next year to work in a clinical setting

Any guidance, hard truths, and/or encouragement is greatly appreciated. I just don't know if that GPA is going to sink me or if I have a fighting chance at an acceptance given the holistic view of my circumstances and attempts of reinvention.
Click to expand...
Paragraphs! Please use paragraphs. Otherwise the waterfall of text is difficult to Wade through
 
Goro said:
Paragraphs! Please use paragraphs. Otherwise the waterfall of text is difficult to Wade through
Click to expand...
My apologies for the waterfall of information earlier; I appreciate your time and guidance.
I'm a 28-year-old, first-generation Mexican-Honduran, non-traditional pre-med student from Florida with a unique and challenging academic journey. I started college early through dual enrollment but didn’t take it seriously, resulting in low grades. After transferring from a two-year state college to a local university, I faced a series of extenuating circumstances, including a miscarriage, SA, gallbladder removal, and hospitalization for sepsis due to E. coli—all within my sophomore year. As a result, I failed most of my classes, but with the help of an advisor, I was able to seek resources and begin recovering academically. By junior year, I was improving when I was hit with an excess credit hours notice, forcing me to graduate sooner than expected. Unable to complete my Biology degree in time, I switched to English and graduated, then pivoted to teaching middle and high school for the past three years. While I’ve been dedicated to my students, I recently had a health diagnosis that shed light on my past struggles, and after surgery, I finally admitted to myself that I feel more fulfilled in the medical field. I’ve worked in a hospital setting since college, thriving more in that environment than in the classroom, so I’ve decided to pursue medicine again. I know my academic record poses an uphill battle, but I am determined to put in the necessary work to improve.

Currently, I am completing a DIY post-bacc to finish 39 prerequisite credits while expanding my extracurriculars. My GPA history is as follows: Dual Enrollment (2.34/1.5 GPA, 63 credits), Freshman year (1.89/1.00 GPA, 27 credits), Sophomore year (2.41/1.91 GPA, 65 credits, with 31 W’s due to extenuating circumstances), Junior year (3.48/3.35 GPA, 41 credits), and Senior year (3.51 GPA, 39 credits, as an English major). My extracurriculars include 40+ hours of physician shadowing (with plans for more), 60 hours volunteering at an animal sanctuary, and leadership roles such as Co-Secretary of a Minority in Medicine club. I have also volunteered as a tutor for low-income students, spoken on panels for first-generation and study abroad students, and been a member of the Latino Medical Student Association. Additionally, I’ve taught ESOL students and coordinated morning programs for students. Recently, I began volunteering at a food bank, a hospital emergency department, and a local food kitchen.

My clinical experience primarily comes from my hospital job, where I’ve spent seven years (13,000+ hours) managing over 200 internal medicine physicians across four campuses. I handle patient admissions, consults, intra-facility transfers, and non-medical transport, and I have helped create and implement hospital policies. While my role lacks direct patient care, it has offered great experience with the clinical process and hospital policies and procedures and has placed me in a strong position for letters of recommendation from physicians and supervisors I’ve worked closely with.

As I move forward, I plan to continue my post-bacc coursework, expand my volunteer work, shadow more physicians, seek research opportunities, and possibly transition from teaching to a clinical role. I know my low GPA is a major hurdle, but I’m willing to do everything possible to strengthen my application. I plan to take the MCAT in May or June of next year and aim for a high score to compensate. Given my circumstances and commitment to reinvention, do I have a fighting chance at medical school, or am I being unrealistic? Any guidance, hard truths, or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.
 
Hello @Goro, I know I asked you a couple questions previously but I just have one small followup question if you don't mind.

You answered affirmatively that it would be okay to take higher level science courses at a community college, if available. However, would adcoms/med schools view higher level science courses at a community college unfavorably and deem them as not 'up to the level' of med school curriculum?
 
pickeljuice said:
Hello @Goro, I know I asked you a couple questions previously but I just have one small followup question if you don't mind.

You answered affirmatively that it would be okay to take higher level science courses at a community college, if available. However, would adcoms/med schools view higher level science courses at a community college unfavorably and deem them as not 'up to the level' of med school curriculum?
Click to expand...
This will be independent down to each screener or interviewer.

At my school, we don't ding applicants for CC work. A lot of the stigma against CCs has faded over the years
 
pickeljuice said:
Hello @Goro, I know I asked you a couple questions previously but I just have one small followup question if you don't mind.

You answered affirmatively that it would be okay to take higher level science courses at a community college, if available. However, would adcoms/med schools view higher level science courses at a community college unfavorably and deem them as not 'up to the level' of med school curriculum?
Click to expand...

Adcoms understand that it is hard for some people in certain situations to take courses at universities, whether that is financial, family, or what may have you.

You will be fine taking upper level courses at a community college. Take a breath.
 
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blindcatfastturtle said:
My apologies for the waterfall of information earlier; I appreciate your time and guidance.
I'm a 28-year-old, first-generation Mexican-Honduran, non-traditional pre-med student from Florida with a unique and challenging academic journey. I started college early through dual enrollment but didn’t take it seriously, resulting in low grades. After transferring from a two-year state college to a local university, I faced a series of extenuating circumstances, including a miscarriage, SA, gallbladder removal, and hospitalization for sepsis due to E. coli—all within my sophomore year. As a result, I failed most of my classes, but with the help of an advisor, I was able to seek resources and begin recovering academically. By junior year, I was improving when I was hit with an excess credit hours notice, forcing me to graduate sooner than expected. Unable to complete my Biology degree in time, I switched to English and graduated, then pivoted to teaching middle and high school for the past three years. While I’ve been dedicated to my students, I recently had a health diagnosis that shed light on my past struggles, and after surgery, I finally admitted to myself that I feel more fulfilled in the medical field. I’ve worked in a hospital setting since college, thriving more in that environment than in the classroom, so I’ve decided to pursue medicine again. I know my academic record poses an uphill battle, but I am determined to put in the necessary work to improve.

Currently, I am completing a DIY post-bacc to finish 39 prerequisite credits while expanding my extracurriculars. My GPA history is as follows: Dual Enrollment (2.34/1.5 GPA, 63 credits), Freshman year (1.89/1.00 GPA, 27 credits), Sophomore year (2.41/1.91 GPA, 65 credits, with 31 W’s due to extenuating circumstances), Junior year (3.48/3.35 GPA, 41 credits), and Senior year (3.51 GPA, 39 credits, as an English major). My extracurriculars include 40+ hours of physician shadowing (with plans for more), 60 hours volunteering at an animal sanctuary, and leadership roles such as Co-Secretary of a Minority in Medicine club. I have also volunteered as a tutor for low-income students, spoken on panels for first-generation and study abroad students, and been a member of the Latino Medical Student Association. Additionally, I’ve taught ESOL students and coordinated morning programs for students. Recently, I began volunteering at a food bank, a hospital emergency department, and a local food kitchen.

My clinical experience primarily comes from my hospital job, where I’ve spent seven years (13,000+ hours) managing over 200 internal medicine physicians across four campuses. I handle patient admissions, consults, intra-facility transfers, and non-medical transport, and I have helped create and implement hospital policies. While my role lacks direct patient care, it has offered great experience with the clinical process and hospital policies and procedures and has placed me in a strong position for letters of recommendation from physicians and supervisors I’ve worked closely with.

As I move forward, I plan to continue my post-bacc coursework, expand my volunteer work, shadow more physicians, seek research opportunities, and possibly transition from teaching to a clinical role. I know my low GPA is a major hurdle, but I’m willing to do everything possible to strengthen my application. I plan to take the MCAT in May or June of next year and aim for a high score to compensate. Given my circumstances and commitment to reinvention, do I have a fighting chance at medical school, or am I being unrealistic? Any guidance, hard truths, or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

No one can tell you if you have a fighting chance or not. Reinvention isn't about your academics prior to this moment. You need to start doing upper level sciences, completing pre reqs for medical school, and then studying for the MCAT and scoring well. If you do all of this and write a good application to the BROAD net you cast. You will be fine.

Good luck and start grinding out these prereqs and upper level courses.
 
Calizboosted76 said:
No one can tell you if you have a fighting chance or not. Reinvention isn't about your academics prior to this moment. You need to start doing upper level sciences, completing pre reqs for medical school, and then studying for the MCAT and scoring well. If you do all of this and write a good application to the BROAD net you cast. You will be fine.

Good luck and start grinding out these prereqs and upper level courses.
Click to expand...
Thank you! Will do~
 
Goro said:
SMP = 1year
Another bachelor's? 3-4 years.

That's more lost clinical salary for something that not necessary.
Click to expand...
Sorry to rehash this, but I wanted to follow up on this:

I was thinking, and putting off future earnings isn't a dealbreaker for me personally. Also, I have a lot of the prereqs out of the way so it would only take me 2 years to finish the physics degree. To be honest, I'm more inclined to pursue the second bachelors as it would be something I would find personally fulfilling before attending medical school. It would also cost me less than the SMP altogether.

I don't mean to be hardheaded here, just am weighing the options carefully. Of course, I would only do this if med schools would count my physics degree as a post-bacc, again given that it's not upper level bio. I really appreciate your help, Goro.
 
zappyapples said:
Sorry to rehash this, but I wanted to follow up on this:

I was thinking, and putting off future earnings isn't a dealbreaker for me personally. Also, I have a lot of the prereqs out of the way so it would only take me 2 years to finish the physics degree. To be honest, I'm more inclined to pursue the second bachelors as it would be something I would find personally fulfilling before attending medical school. It would also cost me less than the SMP altogether.

I don't mean to be hardheaded here, just am weighing the options carefully. Of course, I would only do this if med schools would count my physics degree as a post-bacc, again given that it's not upper level bio. I really appreciate your help, Goro.
Click to expand...
@Goro

Haha, sorry, does that thumbs up mean you approve of this plan? I should have phrased that as a question, just want to make sure this would carry the same weight as an SMP.
 
Hi @Goro,

I am reinventor / career changer.

I am on track to have done a 56 credit post-bacc by spring 2026, that has about 9 credits of upper division coursewwork (biochem, genetics, physiology).

Until now, I never took any prerequisites (except math). Should I take more upper division courses before applying?
 
ntds said:
Hi @Goro,

I am reinventor / career changer.

I am on track to have done a 56 credit post-bacc by spring 2026, that has about 9 credits of upper division coursewwork (biochem, genetics, physiology).

Until now, I never took any prerequisites (except math). Should I take more upper division courses before applying?
Click to expand...
What is your GPA in the post-bac? This is what will determine on whether you should take more courses, but 56 hrs is usually more than enough
 
Goro said:
What is your GPA in the post-bac? This is what will determine on whether you should take more courses, but 56 hrs is usually more than enough
Click to expand...
at the moment, 3.82 with 34 credits. I got a B in Chem 2 and Bio 1. 🙁
 
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Hey @Goro

I am a super non-trad, (RN, military vet, first gen) about to finish my post-bac with a ~3.95 sGPA (all courses were BCPM)

Even with 64 post-bac credits, my overall AMCAS sGPA won't make it above the 3.0 threshold. (My cGPA is around a 3.12) How likely am I to get auto-screened out? I am panicking about this. The classes I did poorly in were 15-19 years ago now and I am a completely different person with completely different circumstances. (Back when I first started school, some very turbulent family issues contributed to the unfortunate grades)

Because I have so many credits, even good grades barely move my GPA. Which sucks. I would need at least another 14-15 credits to move it barely past 3.0, and I've already completed all pre-med prerequisites.

What would you do here? Apply and tell my story, or keep taking classes? It's getting expensive :blackeye:
 
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IntoTheStorm said:
Hey @Goro

I am a super non-trad, (RN, military vet, first gen) about to finish my post-bac with a ~3.95 sGPA (all courses were BCPM)

Even with 64 post-bac credits, my overall AMCAS sGPA won't make it above the 3.0 threshold. (My cGPA is around a 3.12) How likely am I to get auto-screened out? I am panicking about this. The classes I did poorly in were 15-19 years ago now and I am a completely different person with completely different circumstances. (Back when I first started school, some very turbulent family issues contributed to the unfortunate grades)

Because I have so many credits, even good grades barely move my GPA. Which sucks. I would need at least another 14-15 credits to move it barely past 3.0, and I've already completed all pre-med prerequisites.

What would you do here? Apply and tell my story, or keep taking classes? It's getting expensive :blackeye:
Click to expand...
First off, many thanks for your service!

Screening will be school-specific. Many schools will still go into the "reject" pile to gleam out any diamonds in the rough.

Have you tried asking for retroactive Ws?

Suggest contacting a few med schools (like your state schools, and ask them if a <3.0 GPA is a hard R for a reinventor. Do NOT forget to mention that you're a veteran! Adcoms LOVE vets!
 
Goro said:
First off, many thanks for your service!

Screening will be school-specific. Many schools will still go into the "reject" pile to gleam out any diamonds in the rough.

Have you tried asking for retroactive Ws?

Suggest contacting a few med schools (like your state schools, and ask them if a <3.0 GPA is a hard R for a reinventor. Do NOT forget to mention that you're a veteran! Adcoms LOVE vets!
Click to expand...
I did ask for retroactive W's last year, and because the courses were so long ago, I am outside the window allowed to petition. I just sent another email all but begging to reconsider and allow an exception to policy (as this is an exceptional situation...I mean...how many people come back 15+ years later to try to apply to med school?!)

I will reach out to some specific schools I am interested in and ask about how they view re-inventors and if the cumulative <3.0sGPA is a hard R.

I am not even sure what my state school is anymore. My husband is active-duty and we move around so much, home is such a distant concept anymore! 🤣

Thanks for your input, Goro!
 
Goro said:
If you got C's, take some upper level science classes and ace them. There is no need to retake a C unless you are very weak on the material and you need it for MCAT. Never, ever retake a B or B-.
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I just got my grades back for orgo 2 and I got a C. I'm beating myself up b/c I got a B- in orgo 1 and wanted to do better. Should I retake or do better on the MCAT?
 
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nssa[emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]]] said:
I just got my grades back for orgo [emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]] and I got a C. I'm beating myself up b/c I got a B- in orgo [emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]] and wanted to do better. Should I retake or do better on the MCAT?
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Retaking a C is pointless, UNLESS it’s a C- (which wouldn’t be able to be used for pre req).
 
Hi Goro, wondering if you can provide a quick advice. Been stuck in this thinking for sometime and could not get clear insight myself. I got 2 DO acceptance, no MD interviews/acceptance yet, I am debating to attempt another MCAT and gap year to try MD coming cycle or chose one of the DOs?.
 
hleama89 said:
Hi Goro, wondering if you can provide a quick advice. Been stuck in this thinking for sometime and could not get clear insight myself. I got 2 DO acceptance, no MD interviews/acceptance yet, I am debating to attempt another MCAT and gap year to try MD coming cycle or chose one of the DOs?.
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Take the offer. Choose a school.
 
hleama89 said:
Hi Goro, wondering if you can provide a quick advice. Been stuck in this thinking for sometime and could not get clear insight myself. I got 2 DO acceptance, no MD interviews/acceptance yet, I am debating to attempt another MCAT and gap year to try MD coming cycle or chose one of the DOs?.
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Horrible idea to turn down a guaranteed acceptance and chance to be a physician only to be able to change the letters that come after your name. Take the acceptance to DO schools.
 
Thanks. Just hearing perceptions that DOs start of their career with earnings less than MDs and their reputation is less of MDs. First gen Physican here. Sorry for the lack of insights.
 
hleama89 said:
Thanks. Just hearing perceptions that DOs start of their career with earnings less than MDs and their reputation is less of MDs. First gen Physican here. Sorry for the lack of insights.
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That is false. DOs make exact same money as MD.
 
@Goro Hi Goro, I commented a couple weeks ago seeking some post-bacc advice which I was very grateful to receive from you. I have some additional questions as I will be registering for my post-bacc courses soon.

1. Some DO schools that I've emailed have told me that they do not accept my English Lang AP credits and, thus, I need to take an English course at my local CC. Would taking a literature course on Shakespeare be considered appropriate? I scoured all the English courses at my local CC and they were either a) ESL courses OR b) very similar to the one English course I did take in undergrad.

2. I wanted to take Cell Bio during my post-bacc but they don't offer them until the SPRING of 2026 which is when I would submit my med school applications. Would taking post-bacc courses during that spring semester be meaningless as schools would only be able to see the grades from the courses I took in the summer/fall?

3. I'm trying to do at least 30 postbac credits, but the CC course offerings are very slim right now so now I'm deciding on whether I take a random Human Sexuality biology course and Marine Biology course to reach that 30 postbacc credit mark. Would that be alright?
Thank you!
 
Hey Goro I had a quick question. You said not to retake any C grades but do you think that it will show the admissions you can do better than that grade and does it matter if the C was in a 4000 level bio course? Also how important do you think research is?
 
LLB03 said:
Hey Goro I had a quick question. You said not to retake any C grades but do you think that it will show the admissions you can do better than that grade and does it matter if the C was in a 4000 level bio course? Also how important do you think research is?
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No
No
It's nice to have an understanding of the scientific method specially when we were spiraling into a world that rejects science.

Research is important if one is applying to the stratospheric schools, since one of their missions is to train leaders in academic medicine.
 
This question is t really relevant right now since the semester is almost over, but do you think a withdraw looks better than a C?
 
@Goro I'm sorry to ask another question related to post-bacc courses but I just saw something on MSAR that made me consider whether I'm misinterpreting something.

On MSAR, there's a line that says: "What is the minimum number of credit hours in order to consider an applicant's postbacc or graduate coursework?"

Until this point, I thought they were referring to how many post-bacc credits I needed for it (it being the post-bacc courses) to be considered. I saw everything from N/A to 30 credits being listed which seemed to reaffirm that understanding. However, one institution stated that I needed 128 credits so now my questions are the following:

1. Is the bolded question referring to how many credits hours I amassed during undergrad?
2. I took orgo II during the summer at a 4-year institution. Due to the bolded question, I wanted to take post-bacc courses to bolster my GPA but also to avoid having my orgo II class performance invalidated. Would it be safe to say that my orgo II course would not be invalidated due to credit deficiency if I applied to an institution that stated that they needed, minimum, 30 credit hours in order to consider my post-bacc coursework?

I apologize if my questions are so wordy. Thank you!
 
Goro said:
1. Have you checked the school's website? 128 Hours of postback work is an entirely new undergraduate degree!

2. I can't see why anything would affect your credits in your post back.
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1. Haha exactly! That's why I was so confused about whether I've been misinterpreting that fact question/blurb.

2. So, just to confirm, when the MSAR states that an X school needs a minimum of 15 credit hours to consider an applicant's postbacc/graduate coursework, those 15 credit hours refer to how many credit hours we completed during our undergrad? Those 15 credit hours don't refer to how many credit hours of postbacc work I completed, correct?
 
pickeljuice said:
1. Haha exactly! That's why I was so confused about whether I've been misinterpreting that fact question/blurb.

2. So, just to confirm, when the MSAR states that an X school needs a minimum of 15 credit hours to consider an applicant's postbacc/graduate coursework, those 15 credit hours refer to how many credit hours we completed during our undergrad? Those 15 credit hours don't refer to how many credit hours of postbacc work I completed, correct?
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Pickle, I think the statement is quite clear. It's about post back work,. It doesn't mention undergrad correct?
 
Goro said:
Pickle, I think the statement is quite clear. It's about post back work,. It doesn't mention undergrad correct?
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Yes, it does not. I was just confused by the number given by that one particular institution. Regardless, thank you.
 
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