Help! I need advice!

[YogiDoc]

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Hello everyone,

I need some advice. I have just decided that I want to be a DO. I have a dilemma of sorts on the best way to go about completing my education.

As of right now I am a senior majoring in humanities. My transfer GPA from junior college was pretty low (around 2.5), and now it’s around 3.6. I was originally pre-med at JC, but switched to accounting, and them to humanities (once I got here) so basically I have yet to take any science courses. I don’t really know the best way to go about completing my science courses, etc.

Should I go back to junior college for one year, and then coming back here for a year to finish my BS in “Basic Medical Science”? Should I stay here for 2 more years and finish? Is it even possible for me to apply to combined BS/DO programs? Is it possible to do a Special Masters Program? Should I just take the minimum courses, and forget about the BS?

I don’t know… I am so confused. I am also concerned about all the clinical experience, EC, groups, committees, etc. I was thinking about going in to phlebotomy because it’s quick and easy, but I don’t know. I have been working full time for the university I attend, but as an accountant and a yoga instructor so no medical relation.

I would appreciate any help or input anyone has!

 

[Jpc984]

As of right now I am a senior majoring in humanities. My transfer GPA from junior college was pretty low (around 2.5), and now it's around 3.6. I was originally pre-med at JC, but switched to accounting, and them to humanities (once I got here) so basically I have yet to take any science courses. I don't really know the best way to go about completing my science courses, etc.

Did you take science courses at the JC? Those will count. Your gpa is good and schools will put an emphasis on the newer stuff.

Should I go back to junior college for one year, and then coming back here for a year to finish my BS in "Basic Medical Science"? Should I stay here for 2 more years and finish? Is it even possible for me to apply to combined BS/DO programs? Is it possible to do a Special Masters Program? Should I just take the minimum courses, and forget about the BS?

I am not familiar with any BS/DO programs. What school are you referring to? Any of those options seem reasonable to me. How much time are you willing to spend getting your prereqs? How long would it take to get your BS-Basic medical science. A SMP would take a year but are quite expensive.

I don't know… I am so confused. I am also concerned about all the clinical experience, EC, groups, committees, etc. I was thinking about going in to phlebotomy because it's quick and easy, but I don't know. I have been working full time for the university I attend, but as an accountant and a yoga instructor so no medical relation.

"You should shadow physicians, specifically DOs as well."

 

[HrvatskiDoktor]

MSU has a BS/DO program, but it is highly competitive and only offered to 10 high school seniors a year. I'm pretty sure that you aren't eligible unless you are applying from high school...but don't quote me on that.

 

[DangQ3]

Hmm...if I were you, I'd stay with the major you are in right now and earn a BS cuz i think some schools actually require a BS. At the same time, I'd take the required science prereqs (g-chem, o-chem, physics, bio, math??). If it takes you 2 yrs to get all those done, so be it. I wouldn't go back to a JC. Make sure you get to know a few of those science professors well for LORs later. Assuming you'll stay another 2 years, you'll need to think about the MCAT probably next summer. Also you need to start volunteering and shadowing a DO. It is alot of work and you'll probably need cut down on other activities, but definitely doable. gluck.

 

[Jpc984]

MSU has a BS/DO program, but it is highly competitive and only offered to 10 high school seniors a year. I'm pretty sure that you aren't eligible unless you are applying from high school...but don't quote me on that.

Is that actually a BS/DO or is it the "Osteopathic Medical Scholars" program? I don't think it is a guaranteed acceptance, just "preferred".

 

[Jpc984]

Hmm...if I were you, I'd stay with the major you are in right now and earn a BS cuz i think some schools actually require a BS. At the same time, I'd take the required science prereqs (g-chem, o-chem, physics, bio, math??). If it takes you 2 yrs to get all those done, so be it. I wouldn't go back to a JC. Make sure you get to know a few of those science professors well for LORs later. Assuming you'll stay another 2 years, you'll need to think about the MCAT probably next summer. Also you need to start volunteering and shadowing a DO. It is alot of work and you'll probably need cut down on other activities, but definitely doable. gluck.

What school requires a BS? I am pretty sure a BA is perfectly acceptable.

 

[EEL08]

What school requires a BS? I am pretty sure a BA is perfectly acceptable.

I think he/she was just referring to a Bachelors degree in general.

 

[YogiDoc]

I tool A & P and Chem at JC, but I got Cs, so they would need to be retaken. It would take me 2 rigorous years to finish my BS. U of Hartford, FIU, MCPHS, and NYCOM are a few of the combined programs, I think. I haven't done a ton of research on any of them yet. I want to get my prereqs done asap. Now that i think about it, it's faster to get my BS and then apply than doing a combined program.

So I guess my main concern is getting the "good" clinical experience, lab experience, and ECs. I guess I was just kinda thinking outloud about everything. Thanks!

 

[Jpc984]

I think he/she was just referring to a Bachelors degree in general.

I guess in context it appears to be in general. Red flags went up when I read it though.

 

[DangQ3]

I think he/she was just referring to a Bachelors degree in general.

yea, thanks.

 

[Jpc984]

I tool A & P and Chem at JC, but I got Cs, so they would need to be retaken. It would take me 2 rigorous years to finish my BS. U of Hartford, FIU, MCPHS, and NYCOM are a few of the combined programs, I think. I haven't done a ton of research on any of them yet. I want to get my prereqs done asap. Now that i think about it, it's faster to get my BS and then apply than doing a combined program.

So I guess my main concern is getting the "good" clinical experience, lab experience, and ECs. I guess I was just kinda thinking outloud about everything. Thanks!

You do not "have" to retake C's, but you can if you want to improve your gpa. Usually, C's are the minimum. If you retake, AACOMAS will replace the new score with the old score. AMCAS, will average the two. I do not know if you knew that.

 

[HrvatskiDoktor]

Is that actually a BS/DO or is it the "Osteopathic Medical Scholars" program? I don't think it is a guaranteed acceptance, just "preferred".

You know...I am trying to remember. I applied when I was in high school, way back when, you were automatically in (unless you dropped below a certain GPA) and didn't have to take the MCAT. Regardless, if you already have a lot of college courses under your belt, it won't work out for you.

 

[DangQ3]

You know...I am trying to remember. I applied when I was in high school, way back when, you were automatically in (unless you dropped below a certain GPA) and didn't have to take the MCAT. Regardless, if you already have a lot of college courses under your belt, it won't work out for you.

i remember i read about this for MSU last night. I think you need to maintain a 3.5 and get at least a 25 MCAT. I think it's a program for high school students, i'm not certain.

 

[JaggerPlate]

You know...I am trying to remember. I applied when I was in high school, way back when, you were automatically in (unless you dropped below a certain GPA) and didn't have to take the MCAT. Regardless, if you already have a lot of college courses under your belt, it won't work out for you.

I thought you had to take the MCAT (still in high school) to even apply to those programs. Maybe that is only the BS/MD ones though.