I have a BS in Biology and in Nursing with a cGPA of 2.7. I will be the first to tell you I haven't had the best academic record and I messed up a lot especially early in college. The candy that is Nursing has quickly lost it's sweetness and I realize that the knowledge level and scope of a nurse will never be sufficient for me. I am certain I want to be a physician and have the drive to excel in my courses. Harvard extension is the only program I know of that will take me based on my GPA. Given my current GPA, would be really be beneficial for me to relocate to Boston and go through their program? Would doing well in this program overcome my GPA issues? Also, any other programs that would take me with my stats? Thanks
Hardvard Extension advice
- Thread starter arkgal
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Hi srleslie, I wouldn't be be so sure of your chances of getting into the Health Careers Program at Harvard Extension with that gpa. I suggest you email the director of the program and see what he thinks. I would expect him to encourage you not to apply. You can take classes at HES without being in the program though.
Based on my experience the only official postbac program that is receptive to <3.0 gpas is SFSU.
Actually, anyone can be admitted to the program. If one has below a 2.8, completion of 32 credits in the program as well as a score of 30 on the MCAT must be achieved to obtain sponsorship.
http://www.extension.harvard.edu/degrees-certificates/health-careers/sponsorship
Just wondering if anyone knows of people entering the program with that sort of GPA and doing well in the program.
SFSU...is that San Francisco or Santa Fe State University. Anyone have the scoop on this program?
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Anyone can apply, but even with my 3.4 GPA in undergrad, I was encouraged to reconsider. I don't think you will be accepted with a 2.7. I would take the advice seriously - this program has an extremely high attrition rate for a reason.
Also, sponsorship is only for those who are admitted. The point here is that you have a high chance of not being admitted to the HCP to begin with.
Yes, they have that information on the website. I am currently at HES doing a postbac but I was rejected twice. Once when I applied with a 2.7. I moved to Boston and got an A- in chem and physics 1 there, spoke with the director in his office, re-applied and was rejected despite my "excellent performance" in the two classes. I got two A's in chem and physics 2 but have accepted that HCP doesn't want to spend resources on unlikely med school candidates like us. Again, if you really want to be in HCP, I recommend you email the director first but don't expect that you will get in.
I am going to finish the postbac here at HES and I made the best decision in my life coming here. Boston is THE place to be for healthcare. Classes here are awesome. I won't get a committee letter when I leave here but I am taking advantage of the opportunities of being in Boston.
Regarding one's performance in the program. You shouldn't generalize and speculate on how one may do based on past performance (especially in non-science fields). There are people that come from good schools with good gpas but aren't prepared to take science classes here. When I say that classes are awesome I don't mean they're easy- they're very challenging.
I appreciate your honest appraisal of my situation. Actually, the thought of moving 1500 miles away either Boston or SF combined with the outrageous cost of living is very scary. I live in an area with very reasonable cost of living and I have a secure job. I wonder if those programs allow financial aid. I think my best option right now is trying Texas Fresh Start..which is only 1 state away. I could keep my cost of living down, my family is not far away, and I know I would be able to find a job easily with my RN/BSN. I know the job market in SF is bad..not sure about Boston. Just trying to figure out which path is best. If only I could go back and undo all the damage I did before to my record🙁 If I get my GPA above 3.0 combined with a good MCAT score I stand a decent chance of getting into my state school, Arkansas. Just exploring my options.
