Gpa 3.1/3.1, 36 mcat, tfa

[Rakin]

Hey guys, I've found myself extremely confused as of late. I went to a top 20 undergrad, and honestly, I lacked any real goals and that is reflected in my grades. Anyways, I did teach for America after college because I'd always wanted to. I then took a couple classes at Berkeley extension which I did great in (high A's), and got a 36 on my MCAT. I applied 2 years in a row, and last year I got into a D.O. Program where I am currently attending.

Since I have been here I've been really frustrated. The teaching is terrible, the classes are far too easy, definitely under the step 1 level. Also. I really didn't realize that any California University residency is basically out of the question now. Finally, I didn't realize how much difficulty D.O.s have working overseas which is something I really had set my sights on.

My question is what options do I have to have a reasonable shot at a decent medical school? My MCAT is from 2008 FYI. Is there any hope in an SMP program?

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[Goro]

We've had student transfer into MD programs, so you should look at that route. Definitely do NOT recommend starting over. I can't speak for other AdComs, but we don't like retreads from other schools.

Maybe the classes are too easy because you're smart? This is a good thing.

Hey guys, I've found myself extremely confused as of late. I went to a top 20 undergrad, and honestly, I lacked any real goals and that is reflected in my grades. Anyways, I did teach for America after college because I'd always wanted to. I then took a couple classes at Berkeley extension which I did great in (high A's), and got a 36 on my MCAT. I applied 2 years in a row, and last year I got into a D.O. Program where I am currently attending.

Since I have been here I've been really frustrated. The teaching is terrible, the classes are far too easy, definitely under the step 1 level. Also. I really didn't realize that any California University residency is basically out of the question now. Finally, I didn't realize how much difficulty D.O.s have working overseas which is something I really had set my sights on.

My question is what options do I have to have a reasonable shot at a decent medical school? My MCAT is from 2008 FYI. Is there any hope in an SMP program?

 

[SLC]

I got into a D.O. Program where I am currently attending...the classes are far too easy, definitely under the step 1 level...

Would you be comfortable sharing where you are at? PM if it's easier?

I'm just really curious about this for some reason, your situation sounds a lot like mine.

 

[Catalystik]

The AMCAS application lists whether you have previously matriculatd to a medical school. You would be asked about it. Saying, "I dropped out because it was too easy, choosing to retake the MCAT and complete an expensive SMP when I was already deep in debt, so I could have a shot at a 'decent medical school'" is going to earn you some looks of disbelief.

 

[JustMeditate]

Generally speaking, I've been told its a bad idea to quit at one program and then try to get into another. Like others have said, your GPA is WAY too low to warrent an MD acceptance, as you've learned by now from your two previous application cycles. I doubt anyone would let you into an SMP after starting a DO program, and no medical school wants to accept a quitter. Its like that old saying, "If she cheated with you, she'll cheat on you." MD schools suspect that if you left a DO school for an MD program, then you may try and leave one of their programs for another. Why waste a valuable placement on someone who may, potentially, not appreciate it?

I think you'll just need to suck it up and be a DO. If you really want to work overseas, and being a DO makes this difficult (I wouldn't know if this is true or not), cross that bridge when you come to it. I am sure there are some DO's working overseas, you'll just need to make sure you do what you have to to be one of them.

 

[Rakin]

[/QUOTE]Your chances at a "decent school," which I think you mean an MD program is very very small. I think it will also be very difficult to get into a SMP after already starting medical school. Good luck in whatever you do but seriously think about this. There are thousands of students who would love to be in your seat.[/QUOTE]

Sorry, by decent medical school I wasn't implying that DO schools are terrine because I don't think they are at all. What I meant by decent is a medical school where I might have a chance to land a residency at a great university. I can't be positive at this point, but I'm pretty sure I want to do Internal Medicine, and looking at where DO's go from my school is a little disheartening. So sorry if I made it seem like DO schools were not decent, not my intention.


[/QUOTE]Maybe the classes are too easy because you're smart? This is a good thing. [/QUOTE]

Haha I'd love to think that as well, but honestly, our averages are in the 90's or high 80's on all exams. I've always done well above the mean, but it's still a little shocking. Also we have people from other SMP programs that describe the level of rigor they had in their programs and it is leagues above this school.

[/QUOTE]Like others have said, your GPA is WAY too low to warrent an MD acceptance, as you've learned by now from your two previous application cycles.[/QUOTE]

Actually I got me two interviews at MD schools because of a strong upward trend and solid EC's (I'm assuming), I got wait listed at both. But, the point of an SMP, would be to show that I can hack it, because other than that, I have a high MCAT and solid ECs. I'm not sure I see it as being a quitter. That's like saying quitting cigarettes is a stupid thing to do. In one sense, yes, I would be "quitting," but by not means would I be quitting the pursuit of medicine. I find it hard to believe that a medical school would have trouble seeing my reasoning, or have trouble understanding my desire to work over seas and attend a prestigious program.

 

[Stumpyman]

Your MCAT is pretty much expired, and you would need to do an SMP (like you mentioned) to get into MD schools. I'd suggest to just tough it out at the DO school, how bad can it be?

 

[Rakin]

Your MCAT is pretty much expired, and you would need to do an SMP (like you mentioned) to get into MD schools. I'd suggest to just tough it out at the DO school, how bad can it be?

Haha yeah it actually is expired 🙁 except for texas schools. I was thinking about withdrawing, working near my girlfriend while I apply to SMP programs and retake the MCAT. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it also seems ridiculous to just stick with it if I know I won't be able to do the things I want with my degree.

 

[SLC]

Haha yeah it actually is expired 🙁 except for texas schools. I was thinking about withdrawing, working near my girlfriend while I apply to SMP programs and retake the MCAT. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it also seems ridiculous to just stick with it if I know I won't be able to do the things I want with my degree.

I hate to play devil's advocate, but what will you do if you never get in to MD? Or if you don't make residency at a "prestigious" hospital?

I'm a firm believer in the idea that the future is up to you. I really doubt that you'll feel let down or disappointed if you stick it out no matter what or where you end up with.

 

[XOT]

Have you thought about attending a PhD program after finishing your DO degree. I am not 100% sure, but it may help you attain some of your future goals.

 

[Goro]

Another alternative is to do a research fellowship at a good place, like, say, NIH. That should parley in to a good residency program.

Have you thought about attending a PhD program after finishing your DO degree. I am not 100% sure, but it may help you attain some of your future goals.

 

[bajastapler]

didn't realize that any California University residency is basically out of the question now.

I'd disagree. I know a family friend who has a lot of D.O. residents at his University hospital in cali.

 

[seraphkz]

Hey guys, I've found myself extremely confused as of late. I went to a top 20 undergrad, and honestly, I lacked any real goals and that is reflected in my grades. Anyways, I did teach for America after college because I'd always wanted to. I then took a couple classes at Berkeley extension which I did great in (high A's), and got a 36 on my MCAT. I applied 2 years in a row, and last year I got into a D.O. Program where I am currently attending.

Since I have been here I've been really frustrated. The teaching is terrible, the classes are far too easy, definitely under the step 1 level. Also. I really didn't realize that any California University residency is basically out of the question now. Finally, I didn't realize how much difficulty D.O.s have working overseas which is something I really had set my sights on.

My question is what options do I have to have a reasonable shot at a decent medical school? My MCAT is from 2008 FYI. Is there any hope in an SMP program?

There are lots of residency opportunities in California for DO students. For example, OPTI-WEST associated with Western University. Look up western university's match list and Touro-CA's match list.