Graduated over 10 years ago?

[cosmicstarr]

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I graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences in 1994. My parents (my dad especially) encouraged me to go to medical school so my undergraduate program was geared to meet all the medical school prerequisites. I even took the MCAT back in 1993. I scored 9V 10PS 9B (I forgot what I got in the writing), which seems about average. The problem is that my science (bio, chem, physics and math) GPA was only 2.95. I graduated with an overall GPA of 3.20. Needless to say, my undergraduate years were like a vacation and I know I should have applied myself (i.e. studied) more. Knowing that my GPA wasn't strong enough, I did not even apply to medical school at the time. I surrendered/convinced myself at that time that maybe I should do something else. I eventually got a second bachelors in Electronics Engineering Technology and now work as an Applications Engineer for a large electrical equipment manufacturer. However, I have never felt "fulfilled" in this career and am having difficulty seeing myself advancing in my current career path. Recently, I have thought about the possibility of going for my original dream: to become a doctor. Perhaps it was because I never fully committed myself and abandoned the idea at the end of my B.S. Bio undergraduate studies. I know it seems crazy because I'm almost 33. I have a pretty good job, a house in Southern CA (where everything is sooo expensive), and a nice car that's fully paid. These would be hard to give up, but to pursue my dream, I think I would do it.

Here are my questions:

1) Can I do anything about the 2.95 science GPA or is it just too much to overcome? I've looked at the different post-bacc programs and it seems like they're geared for either a) someone who has not yet taken the prereq. science courses or b) someone who wants to take an Masters program. Because of the length of time I took these (prior to 1994), I am willing to retake Bio, Chem, O-Chem and Physics. I would have to go this route anyways to retake the MCAT. This is the discouraging part because it seems like such a long road.

2) In my second B.S. degree in Electronics Engineering Tech, I had a 3.84 GPA. Would this be included in my overall GPA calculation? If so, it would boost my undergrad overall GPA is a 3.49, and I would just have to worry about the science part.

3) As an undergrad in Bio, I was unaware of Osteopathic Medicine, but after reading a lot about it, I like the approach to medicine. Would I have a better chance at getting into an Osteopathic program?

Thanks in advanced.

 

[Law2Doc]

I graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences in 1994. My parents (my dad especially) encouraged me to go to medical school so my undergraduate program was geared to meet all the medical school prerequisites. I even took the MCAT back in 1993. I scored 9V 10PS 9B (I forgot what I got in the writing), which seems about average. The problem is that my science (bio, chem, physics and math) GPA was only 2.95. I graduated with an overall GPA of 3.20. Needless to say, my undergraduate years were like a vacation and I know I should have applied myself (i.e. studied) more. Knowing that my GPA wasn't strong enough, I did not even apply to medical school at the time. I surrendered/convinced myself at that time that maybe I should do something else. I eventually got a second bachelors in Electronics Engineering Technology and now work as an Applications Engineer for a large electrical equipment manufacturer. However, I have never felt "fulfilled" in this career and am having difficulty seeing myself advancing in my current career path. Recently, I have thought about the possibility of going for my original dream: to become a doctor. Perhaps it was because I never fully committed myself and abandoned the idea at the end of my B.S. Bio undergraduate studies. I know it seems crazy because I'm almost 33. I have a pretty good job, a house in Southern CA (where everything is sooo expensive), and a nice car that's fully paid. These would be hard to give up, but to pursue my dream, I think I would do it.

Here are my questions:

1) Can I do anything about the 2.95 science GPA or is it just too much to overcome? I've looked at the different post-bacc programs and it seems like they're geared for either a) someone who has not yet taken the prereq. science courses or b) someone who wants to take an Masters program. Because of the length of time I took these (prior to 1994), I am willing to retake Bio, Chem, O-Chem and Physics. I would have to go this route anyways to retake the MCAT. This is the discouraging part because it seems like such a long road.

2) In my second B.S. degree in Electronics Engineering Tech, I had a 3.84 GPA. Would this be included in my overall GPA calculation? If so, it would boost my undergrad overall GPA is a 3.49, and I would just have to worry about the science part.

3) As an undergrad in Bio, I was unaware of Osteopathic Medicine, but after reading a lot about it, I like the approach to medicine. Would I have a better chance at getting into an Osteopathic program?

Thanks in advanced.

There are many people who have gone back to school at ages older than you (you might want to check out the non-traditionals board on this site. All undergrad GPAs (as well as any postbac work) are averaged together, so your undergrad cum for med school purposes is actually the 3.49. Did this latter BS involve any science or math courses? If so, your BCPM may have gone up too. For those that have been out of school for a while, med schools will want to see recent (within the last couple of years) science course work, so it may pay to do an informal postbac for a year+, either to retake some of the prereq sciences (as you suggested), or maybe take something upper level; this can serve the dual purpose of helping up your cum GPA a smidge and show med schools that you can still cut it in school after all these years. Then you will need to retake the MCAT as I believe it only has a three year shelf life (FYI the average score for allopathic programs is now around 30). If you score decently on the MCAT, I would think you have a shot at allopathic places. The numerical stats of osteopathic school matriculants on average is a bit lower, and they are reportedly are more receptive to older candidates, so you may find that an easier path to admission, but thanks to your decent GPA in the second bachelors I also wouldn't write off your chances at allopathic just yet.
Either way, as a career changer, you MUST get some exposure to clinical medicine -- either through employment, shadowing or volunteer positions. Med schools will want you to really know what the profession is all about -- they don't want people who are professional students or who do things on a whim. So while you are spending some time taking courses and studying for the MCAT, you want to do what you can to log a few hours a week in a hospital, nursing home or clinic setting.

 

[beephlatPT]

I graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences in 1994. My parents (my dad especially) encouraged me to go to medical school so my undergraduate program was geared to meet all the medical school prerequisites. I even took the MCAT back in 1993. I scored 9V 10PS 9B (I forgot what I got in the writing), which seems about average. The problem is that my science (bio, chem, physics and math) GPA was only 2.95. I graduated with an overall GPA of 3.20. Needless to say, my undergraduate years were like a vacation and I know I should have applied myself (i.e. studied) more. Knowing that my GPA wasn't strong enough, I did not even apply to medical school at the time. I surrendered/convinced myself at that time that maybe I should do something else. I eventually got a second bachelors in Electronics Engineering Technology and now work as an Applications Engineer for a large electrical equipment manufacturer. However, I have never felt "fulfilled" in this career and am having difficulty seeing myself advancing in my current career path. Recently, I have thought about the possibility of going for my original dream: to become a doctor. Perhaps it was because I never fully committed myself and abandoned the idea at the end of my B.S. Bio undergraduate studies. I know it seems crazy because I'm almost 33. I have a pretty good job, a house in Southern CA (where everything is sooo expensive), and a nice car that's fully paid. These would be hard to give up, but to pursue my dream, I think I would do it.

Here are my questions:

1) Can I do anything about the 2.95 science GPA or is it just too much to overcome? I've looked at the different post-bacc programs and it seems like they're geared for either a) someone who has not yet taken the prereq. science courses or b) someone who wants to take an Masters program. Because of the length of time I took these (prior to 1994), I am willing to retake Bio, Chem, O-Chem and Physics. I would have to go this route anyways to retake the MCAT. This is the discouraging part because it seems like such a long road.

2) In my second B.S. degree in Electronics Engineering Tech, I had a 3.84 GPA. Would this be included in my overall GPA calculation? If so, it would boost my undergrad overall GPA is a 3.49, and I would just have to worry about the science part.

3) As an undergrad in Bio, I was unaware of Osteopathic Medicine, but after reading a lot about it, I like the approach to medicine. Would I have a better chance at getting into an Osteopathic program?

Thanks in advanced.

Its pretty funny i'm in the same situation as you are right now as I took some of the prereq b/c i'm a physical therapist now wanting to go to med school but took them about 8-9 years ago. I'm going to just enroll at one of the my state universities and take the prereqs again. I have actually talked to some of the formal post bacc programs that let you do them all within a year and they said that i'd be eligible to apply since the pre reqs that I did take were more than 5-6 years old but a lot of the really accelerated ones are very competitive and may be somewhat difficult to get into though with your high gpa with your second degree would probably be alright. They're pretty pricey though. I guess it just depends on how much time vs. $$ you want to spend. In my case taking 2 years to complete via the 'do it yourself' route for less than 5 grand at my state university is much more practical than 25 grand at one of the formal post bacc programs as I can pay 5 grand without taking loans. Best thing to do is make phone calls to different programs, both formal and informal and even call some of your local public universities and talk to someone from admissions about enrollment options (i.e non degree seeking vs. second bachelor's). Some schools will limit the # of credits you can take as a non degree seeking student and also non degree status usually means that you're not eligible for financial aid. Talking to a pre med advisor can be helpful as well for figuring out what may be the best route for you given your situation and individual needs. Good luck to you, I hope it all works out. Its never too late! Peace.

 

[TiggidyTooth]

I would definately explore the post-bac programs with links to medical schools. Bryn Mawr comes to mind, so does Goucher and Columbia. These programs will improve your BCPM record and get you ready for the MCAT. A lot of people dont know this but in Texas, we have what is called a fresh start program. Any courses that were taken 10 years ago or long can be omitted from your record. Those early grades will vanish and you can Apply to Texas schools with a sparkling new transcript.

Tooth

 

[beanbean]

I was a biomed eng with a 2.5 undergrad gpa from 1990. I initially did my own post-bacc, but then was accepted to UCONN's post bacc. I am now 37 and in my 3rd year of med school. I was your age when I started and I am not the oldest in my class.

If there are no good post-bacc options in your area, find a reputable 4 yr institution and retake your prereqs on your own. This will serve as a review of the material for the MCAT and will improve your gpa. For MD schools all of your undergrad work in averaged together, including the first grades you received in classes. For Osteo schools, only the retake grade is averaged and the old grade is ignored.

Good luck!

 

[cosmicstarr]

All undergrad GPAs (as well as any postbac work) are averaged together, so your undergrad cum for med school purposes is actually the 3.49. Did this latter BS involve any science or math courses? If so, your BCPM may have gone up too.

Thanks for all the responses. They have been really encouraging. As far as my second bachelors in Electronics Engineering Tech, the 3.84 GPA was based on all Engineering Tech classes, so they are technically engineering classes, which I think may not qualify as a "science" class. But I am not sure.

I will definitely look more into retaking classes at the local university and will seek more advice from the premed. advisors.

 

[cosmicstarr]

A lot of people dont know this but in Texas, we have what is called a fresh start program. Any courses that were taken 10 years ago or long can be omitted from your record. Those early grades will vanish and you can Apply to Texas schools with a sparkling new transcript.

Tooth

Thanks Tiggidy Tooth. I did not know such a thing existed. What school does this?

 

[TiggidyTooth]

Thanks Tiggidy Tooth. I did not know such a thing existed. What school does this?

I don't know the specifics regarding this but it is state wide in Texas. All Texas medical schools follow the same guidlines for "fresh start". If you call any University in Texas an advisor should give you more information. You can also google "texas fresh start". Like I said, the advantage is if you are a texas resident, all courses that are 10 years or older get wiped off your record, so in your case you could make those old grades disappear.

Tooth