Help a Gay Student Out!!

[GayWolverine]

Hey all,

I was a member here a while ago, but since a lot of people know me by my old username, I decided to make a new account.

So here is my debacle: I just graduated from the University of Michigan yesterday in the Big House (Go Blue!). It's been a really rough and trying experience, to say the least.

My first year and a half, classes were fine, and I was making really good grades. However, I did self-exploration, and my family started to find out that I was gay. I had to live with them during college, just because that is the way it was. For all of sophomore and junior year, I was emotionally and physically (not an exaggeration) abused for being gay.

At one point in time, last May of 2009, I was actually kicked out of my house. I scrambled to find a place to live, while working full time. I even had to buy a car since I had to now commute 1 hour. My boyfriend was gracious enough to let me live with him, but the commute was so long.

I sought counseling services from psychologists at U of M, applied for financial aide and received it based on my predicament, and attempted to turn things around in my senior year. I applied for independent student status and actually received it.

I struggled to receive my degree.

I really do want to be a doctor, but I feel like my family got the best of me and have really ruined my chances for what was my dream. I had cancer in 10th grade (cancer free) and had horrible depression in college. I truly want to help people to get them out of such horrible situations and increase their quality of life. I can't articulate here why I want to become a doctor, but I know it's in my heart.

I have participated in several community service events and have worked in the health care field (currently a pharm tech). I lack research experience, and have not taken my MCAT, let alone study for it. I can have three letters of recommendation, but I do not feel confident asking any science faculty for them.

So I have 2 questions, and I really appreciate your answers

1. How receptive are medical schools of these types of situations? I am not looking to use it as an excuse, but I need someone to understand why my credentials might not be as strong as they should be.

2. What should I do? I can continue to take classes, and retake the science classes I didn't do well in. However, I don't know if that's a good idea to retake classes or to just take higher level classes.

If you have something to offer, I truly appreciate it. Good luck to everyone, and may everyone's dream of becoming a health care professional come true.

---

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[flip26]

So your GPA sucks? Is that your question - how to frame this?

How bad is it?

 

[armybound]

I'd continue to take courses that you haven't taken before unless you got a D or lower in a course, then you might need to retake it if it's one of the pre-requisites. I don't know how low your GPA is or if you've taken the MCAT. It might take you a couple years of hard work to get those up to an acceptable level.

People will understand your situation. The difficult part will be explaining it without using it as an excuse. It's a very tough situation you were put through and I'm sure nobody would expect you to come out the other side without having suffered any ill consequences on your school work.

 

[skiddoc]

Explain your predicament to med schools in your PS, and specify how it made you a better person. Retake the classes you didn't do too hot in, and go DO.

Good luck! 👍

 

[GayWolverine]

So your GPA sucks? Is that your question - how to frame this?

How bad is it?

Yes, my GPA sucks.

My grades for one semester each of intro Orgo, Physics, and Biology are 2 C's and 1 D.

 

[Catalystik]

From what I've read, your social situation might win you a bit of forgiveness, but the main advantage would be in breaking a tie between two similar applications, where the other guy didn't have the same challenges to overcome in order to be as successful.

Your chances lie in how much your GPA "sucks", and how much time, money, and effort you are willing to put into the repair process.

We need more information to give you good advice.

 

[flip26]

Yes, my GPA sucks.

My grades for one semester each of intro Orgo, Physics, and Biology are 2 C's and 1 D.

You will have to retake the D.

I would not retake Cs if you showed an improvement in the following courses.

Again, just how bad is this GPA? Below 3.0? Advice will depend on it...

The line between explaining and making excuses is very thin...be careful.

 

[GayWolverine]

Thanks for the comments. They are encouraging.

I was thinking that perhaps I should take classes this summer (taking the spring off), retake some of my classes while studying for the MCAT and working during the next academic year, and then applying for medical school.

I am considering working in LGBTQ areas, including advocacy and counseling as well.

 

[Depakote]

Since you've graduated but haven't taken your MCAT and it sounds like your GPA could use some repair (how much?)... a post bac program might be a good idea.

You would have the opportunity to groom yourself specifically for medical school, repair your GPA and take your MCAT.

Retaking classes might be a good idea if you have failing grades and are open to the DO route. The DO application system will replace grades with retakes when calculating your GPA.

Upper level coursework wouldn't be a horrible idea either just to show that you can master higher level coursework, this assuming you feel you have a strong enough foundation to excel in these classes without some remediation in lower level classes.

SMPs are another option people usually consider, but I'd hold off on this for now. It sounds like you need to build up your foundation a little more before you jump in to one of those.

 

[GayWolverine]

You will have to retake the D.

I would not retake Cs if you showed an improvement in the following courses.

Again, just how bad is this GPA? Below 3.0? Advice will depend on it...

The line between explaining and making excuses is very thin...be careful.

2.943 overall

I just checked

 

[armybound]

2.943 overall

I just checked

with 120+ hours?

did you get your grades up senior year? what were your grades like before the whole ordeal happened? did your grades only take a hit when you were kicked out, etc, or were they always bad?

 

[auburnO5]

Does nobody else think this is a troll??


I mean c'mon... GayWolverine??? lmao

 

[armybound]

Does nobody else think this is a troll??


I mean c'mon... GayWolverine??? lmao

I think YOU'RE a troll. what's up now?

 

[GayWolverine]

with 120+ hours?

did you get your grades up senior year? what were your grades like before the whole ordeal happened? did your grades only take a hit when you were kicked out, etc, or were they always bad?

122 hours.

Grades went up senior year, except for one class, which was just a ****ed up class that I don't want to talk about.

Generally speaking, my grades followed that pattern. I was doing well before exploring my sexuality and accepting it. In the process of accepting myself, my grades took a plunge.

 

[auburnO5]

I think YOU'RE a troll. what's up now?

It takes one to know one..

 

[Catalystik]

You're in a redeemable position. You haven't even begun to demonstrate that you can get straight As in the sciences and I think that's one thing you need to do. You have a lot of GPA redemption to accomplish if you want to succeed. It will take dedication, time, and money to fix the situation, but if you are resolved, then it can be done.

Here are some possible pathways to your goal; the first is most likely to be successful:

1) Plan to apply to DO med schools. Repeat the classes where you did the worst and use AACOMAS policy that includes only the most recent retake when calculating the application GPA. If you have a bunch of Ds and Fs, this is the fastest way to fix your low GPA if you can get As the second time (note: the repeated class must have the same number or greater in credit hours). Get straight As in the rest of your prerequisites due to your new work ethic. Get a good MCAT score to prove you understood the material. Shadow a DO and get a letter of recommendation. Be aware that there are a few DO schools that consider applicants with a GPA of 2.75 or lower, BTW, if the MCAT score is really strong and there is a recent steep upward grade trend. Educate yourself on this option in SDN's PreMed Osteopathic Forum.

2) Get your GPA to 3.0. With a 3.0, you exceed the cut offs for most DO schools. You would also qualify for a lot of SMPs (Special Masters Program). This is a 1-2 year paid audition, a very expensive redemption option which can overrride a low uGPA. You'd need an MCAT 28-30+ depending on the program requirements. If you perform well in the SMP, where you compete with first year med students at their linked med school and get a high GPA, typically 3.5 or better, you have a chance of an acceptance at an MD med school. This outcome is not guaranteed, though, and many of these people end up in DO schools, anyway. Read more on this option in the Postbaccalaureate Programs Forum of SDN.

3) Take two more years of full-time coursework, getting straight As. This would raise your GPA to 3.28. With an MCAT score of 34-35, you might get into an allopathic med school due to the steep upward trend and excellent MCAT.

All these options assume optimal ECs and strong LORs, good PS and excellent interview skills.

 

[GayWolverine]

Does nobody else think this is a troll??


I mean c'mon... GayWolverine??? lmao

How am I a troll? This is my username, as I am gay and a University of Michigan alumnus. We all have to start somewhere on these forums. Say something constructive. Contribute. Don't be an A-hole.

 

[auburnO5]

How am I a troll? This is my username, as I am gay and a University of Michigan alumnus. We all have to start somewhere on these forums. Say something constructive. Contribute. Don't be an A-hole.

If you're actually being serious.. I would listen to Catalystik's advice

 

[vc7777]

Hey all,

I was a member here a while ago, but since a lot of people know me by my old username, I decided to make a new account.

So here is my debacle: I just graduated from the University of Michigan yesterday in the Big House (Go Blue!). It's been a really rough and trying experience, to say the least.

My first year and a half, classes were fine, and I was making really good grades. However, I did self-exploration, and my family started to find out that I was gay. I had to live with them during college, just because that is the way it was. For all of sophomore and junior year, I was emotionally and physically (not an exaggeration) abused for being gay.

At one point in time, last May of 2009, I was actually kicked out of my house. I scrambled to find a place to live, while working full time. I even had to buy a car since I had to now commute 1 hour. My boyfriend was gracious enough to let me live with him, but the commute was so long.

I sought counseling services from psychologists at U of M, applied for financial aide and received it based on my predicament, and attempted to turn things around in my senior year. I applied for independent student status and actually received it.

I struggled to receive my degree.

I really do want to be a doctor, but I feel like my family got the best of me and have really ruined my chances for what was my dream. I had cancer in 10th grade (cancer free) and had horrible depression in college. I truly want to help people to get them out of such horrible situations and increase their quality of life. I can't articulate here why I want to become a doctor, but I know it's in my heart.

I have participated in several community service events and have worked in the health care field (currently a pharm tech). I lack research experience, and have not taken my MCAT, let alone study for it. I can have three letters of recommendation, but I do not feel confident asking any science faculty for them.

So I have 2 questions, and I really appreciate your answers

1. How receptive are medical schools of these types of situations? I am not looking to use it as an excuse, but I need someone to understand why my credentials might not be as strong as they should be.

2. What should I do? I can continue to take classes, and retake the science classes I didn't do well in. However, I don't know if that's a good idea to retake classes or to just take higher level classes.

If you have something to offer, I truly appreciate it. Good luck to everyone, and may everyone's dream of becoming a health care professional come true.

First off, Go Blue!...I avoided A2 yesterday b/c of the whole Obama/traffic mess. Hope you enjoyed it? I'm jealous b/c when I graduated (dating myself here) they got the woman who draws the Cathy cartoons to speak...really? Cathy? 🙄

When I was living at Bursely on North Campus my roommate came out of the closet. I would like to think we were very supportive/accepting of him (the whole floor I mean). I can only imagine how horrible it is to deal with an unsupportive family.

Check out the nontrad forum, lots and lots of info for someone in your shoes there. It sounds like that will be the route you are heading down - i.e. you will have a couple of years of repair work and preparation before you hit the medical school campus. You will be a nontraditional student.

One note re: "excuses" for bad GPAs. Three things: 1) your reason must be sympathetic (abusive family situations are no joke) 2) it must be in the past such as through improved GPA (resolved - in the past) 3) You must prove that it will not happen again in medical school (permanently fixed)

As a nontrad wolverine who had a horrible undergrad GPA, feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.

Good luck!

 

[armybound]

I agree with Catalystik and I like options 1 and 3 best.

Have you taken the MCAT yet? I haven't seen one way or the other yet.. I assume not.

 

[Parts Unknown]

2.943 overall

I just checked

At this point I would say your GPA isn't your biggest scholastic problem. Your biggest scholastic problem is that you have not shown any aptitude for the prereqs (2 Cs and 1 D in phys, orgo and bio). And if you can't perform in the prereqs it's going to make performing on the MCAT very, very difficult. If you can't get a good MCAT score then you've really screwed yourself to the wall.

I would personally just start my prereqs over from scratch, assuming you have adequate time to devote to them. If you can improve your performance in those courses then you may have a shot a decent MCAT score, which will help your application immensely.

Also, I would seriously consider DO schools, as they calculate your GPA differently from AMCAS (this is favorable when you retake classes and do significantly better). Should you eventually end up in DO school, I propose that you reregister on SDN as "GayDO."

 

[vc7777]

If you're actually being serious.. I would listen to Catalystik's advice

I have no reason to not believe the OP. People who have lived in Michigan know that Ann Arbor and Umich have a very large and vibrant LGBT student body.

Heck, as a straight student there, I once noted my gay roommate literally had waaay more organized activities every weekend to choose from than me!

 

[rxlea]

I am glad to see that people are offering support to the OP (which is NOT what happened when the other gay pre-med sought advice in this forum).

OP, I don't know too much about the pre-med process outside of what my gf (who is a pre-med) has explained to me. If you want to serve the LGBT community and you want to mention this in your app, you might want to do some volunteer work in that area prior to applying. As a gay student myself, I can definitely relate to your situation. You can PM me if you want. Although I am a soon-to-be pharmacy student, the pre-med process seems to be similar in terms of pre-reqs and EC's and application process (essays, supplementals, etc), so the door is open if you want to talk about your situation more.

 

[vc7777]

122 hours.

Grades went up senior year, except for one class, which was just a ****ed up class that I don't want to talk about.

Generally speaking, my grades followed that pattern. I was doing well before exploring my sexuality and accepting it. In the process of accepting myself, my grades took a plunge.

What's you major OP?

 

[RogueUnicorn]

I am glad to see that people are offering support to the OP (which is NOT what happened when the other gay pre-med sought advice in this forum).

OP, I don't know too much about the pre-med process outside of what my gf (who is a pre-med) has explained to me. If you want to serve the LGBT community and you want to mention this in your app, you might want to do some volunteer work in that area prior to applying. As a gay student myself, I can definitely relate to your situation. You can PM me if you want. Although I am a soon-to-be pharmacy student, the pre-med process seems to be similar in terms of pre-reqs and EC's and application process (essays, supplementals, etc), so the door is open if you want to talk about your situation more.

what are you implying

 

[flip26]

OP:

That GPA is a problem - a huge problem - and no amount of explaining will make up for it UNLESS you successfully repair the GPA with a post bacc in which you make, literally, straight As in the pre reqs and in additional course work.

You have a very long path in front of you just to get to the point where you can take the MCAT and then apply...years of hard work ahead of you.

 

[DrArete]

.

 

[flip26]

...also "GayWolverine"....using the thread title "Help a GAY Student Out!!111!!!"

at least be subtle when trolling

Good catch.

That is a very trollish explanation...

 

[auburnO5]

Good catch.

That is a very trollish explanation...

I immediately caught this troll... and was reprimanded for it. Glad I'm not the only one

 

[mmmcdowe]

I immediately caught this troll... and was reprimanded for it. Glad I'm not the only one

When an argument starts to turn your way sometimes silence is the best tactic.

 

[Depakote]

If you have concerns that a post violates the terms of service, you may report them to the mod staff using the Report Post Button.

Otherwise, let's try to address the OP's questions.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

If you have concerns that a post violates the terms of service, you may report them to the mod staff using the Report Post Button.

Otherwise, let's try to address the OP's questions.

um, the OP explicitly stating he made a new/separate account doesn't violate teh terms of service?

 

[Parts Unknown]

um, the OP explicitly stating he made a new/separate account doesn't violate teh terms of service?

Unless things have changed, technically there is no foul for abandoning one account and starting a new one. Operating multiple accounts simultaneously would be a violation.

Since people sometimes get recognized on this forum, I would hope that it is forgivable to start a "dummy" account in order to have a question answered anonymously.

 

[armybound]

Creating a new account for anonymity is allowed. Creating an account to troll, sockpuppet, circumvent punishment, or just to post after being banned is not allowed.

And now back to the OP's questions....

 

[RogueUnicorn]

kind of funny having to make an anonymous account for an anonymous account

 

[rxlea]

kind of funny having to make an anonymous account for an anonymous account

Statement from OP:

"I was a member here a while ago, but since a lot of people know me by my old username, I decided to make a new account"

Hence the need for an anonymous account. He does not want to "come out". I really don't find anything funny about that.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

Statement from OP:

"I was a member here a while ago, but since a lot of people know me by my old username, I decided to make a new account"

Hence the need for an anonymous account. He does not want to "come out". I really don't find anything funny about that.

unless 'know me by my old username' means 'know me personally and know my sdn username' i don't really get how this further preserves an already existing anonymity...

will you also answer my previous question plz

 

[rxlea]

unless 'know me by my old username' means 'know me personally and know my sdn username' i don't really get how this further preserves an already existing anonymity...

will you also answer my previous question plz

Maybe someone does know him personally and by user name. People know me personally and by my user name. Other people on here are the same.

As for your previous question, I meant just what I said: there was another student who came here asking about how he should address his previous academic challenges that were resultant of a similar situation. He also asked whether or not he should mention his sexual orientation in his essays or personal statement. The thread went downhill because of negative feedback and ended up in the SP forums...

But, come to think of it...it might have been in the non-trad forum. Nonetheless, I am glad to see there are supportive responses and suggestions for the OP.

 

[Elpenor]

I can't resist the urge to post something offensive / trollish so I will just move on..

:troll:

 

[UncleAdam27]

You're in a redeemable position. You haven't even begun to demonstrate that you can get straight As in the sciences and I think that's one thing you need to do. You have a lot of GPA redemption to accomplish if you want to succeed. It will take dedication, time, and money to fix the situation, but if you are resolved, then it can be done.

Here are some possible pathways to your goal; the first is most likely to be successful:

1) Plan to apply to DO med schools. Repeat the classes where you did the worst and use AACOMAS policy that includes only the most recent retake when calculating the application GPA. If you have a bunch of Ds and Fs, this is the fastest way to fix your low GPA if you can get As the second time (note: the repeated class must have the same number or greater in credit hours). Get straight As in the rest of your prerequisites due to your new work ethic. Get a good MCAT score to prove you understood the material. Shadow a DO and get a letter of recommendation. Be aware that there are a few DO schools that consider applicants with a GPA of 2.75 or lower, BTW, if the MCAT score is really strong and there is a recent steep upward grade trend. Educate yourself on this option in SDN's PreMed Osteopathic Forum.

2) Get your GPA to 3.0. With a 3.0, you exceed the cut offs for most DO schools. You would also qualify for a lot of SMPs (Special Masters Program). This is a 1-2 year paid audition, a very expensive redemption option which can overrride a low uGPA. You'd need an MCAT 28-30+ depending on the program requirements. If you perform well in the SMP, where you compete with first year med students at their linked med school and get a high GPA, typically 3.5 or better, you have a chance of an acceptance at an MD med school. This outcome is not guaranteed, though, and many of these people end up in DO schools, anyway. Read more on this option in the Postbaccalaureate Programs Forum of SDN.

3) Take two more years of full-time coursework, getting straight As. This would raise your GPA to 3.28. With an MCAT score of 34-35, you might get into an allopathic med school due to the steep upward trend and excellent MCAT.

All these options assume optimal ECs and strong LORs, good PS and excellent interview skills.

This is really solid advice (Personally, I chose option "2"). I am a gay student, and although it sounds like my situation wasn't quite as bad as yours, my undergraduate grades certainly were affected by my experience with coming out in college. Before I came to terms with my sexuality, I was very unhappy and found it difficult to focus on academics. While coming out - forget about it. My grades suffered. The result was that my transcript was extremely erratic. Got an A in Orgo 1, then a C in Orgo 2. Had a D on my transcript (Microbiology, I believe), and 2 E's (Physics II and some anthropology course). I retook Physics II and got somewhere in the A-/B+ range. My overall undergrad GPA was a 2.92. I worked for two years after graduating in the pharma industry, and when I felt like I was ready to go back to school, I chose to enroll in an SMP, and ROCKED IT. I got a 4.0, and earned the highest grade in several, if not all, of my courses. Got a 36 on my MCAT, and after receiving multiple acceptances I'm now I'm starting at my 1st-choice med school in the Fall. I did mention my struggles with my sexuality in my application, but only briefly and even then I took care to frame it in a positive light so it didn't sound like an excuse (i.e., helped shape me into the driven, determined person I am today, etc.) Take-home message is this: if you really want to attend an MD program in the US, it is definitely still possible. It's just going to take a LOT of hard work. If you have any questions or want more advice, feel free to PM me. Good luck!

PS. For those of you accusing the OP of being a "troll" - you're being unreasonable. If the OP had posted something along the lines of "i wanna find a hot dude to date in med school - help a brotha out!", I would agree that is troll-ish. Someone asking for honest advice about how to address a complex issue like sexual orientation and how it affected his grades does not, in my opinion, fall into the category of trolling.

 

[auburnO5]

PS. For those of you accusing the OP of being a "troll" - you're being unreasonable. If the OP had posted something along the lines of "i wanna find a hot dude to date in med school - help a brotha out!", I would agree that is troll-ish. Someone asking for honest advice about how to address a complex issue like sexual orientation and how it affected his grades does not, in my opinion, fall into the category of trolling.

Posting under the handle GayWolverine certainly does not help his case.

 

[armybound]

Let the moderators worry about whether this is a troll or not.

Either post something helpful in this thread or do not post at all. Final warning.

 

[FlowRate]

Posting under the handle GayWolverine certainly does not help his case.

Some gay people are proud of their homosexuality. If this anonymous account is to post about gay-related issues, then the username makes total sense. Get over yourself.


OP: good luck. I like Catalystik's option #1, personally. (I'm not fond of Post-Baccs, too high risk for me)

 

[illegallysmooth]

Know how I know you're gay?




JK, made me think of the movie 🙂 In all seriousness, stories that explain personal struggles will always help a little, but you've got to put yourself in the shoes of the admissions commitee. You would want to know the student is capable of the work involved with medical school. Proving that is priority #1.