Help: What do I do now?

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Linesider5

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Hey guys,


I know this has been posted many times. I apologize for that, but I don't know what to do. Here is my situation. I went to the University of Florida for undergrad with a major in zoology. I went to the University of South Florida for post-bacc non-degree seeking to further raise my GPA. I have a 3.4 overall GPA. However, since my last 70 hours where I have taken most of my pre-medical requirements, I have better than a 3.65 in both overall and science. I have A's in courses like Organic 1 and 2, calculus, parasitology, microbiology, etc. I have done a lot of extra-curricular work, such as research, volunteering, shadowing, among other things. I have an average MCAT score, hurt by a 6 in verbal. I took Kaplan and I was scoring between 28-30 on my tests, so I was pretty dissappointed with my score. I have talked to a couple of people at the Medical school, each one has given me different advice. One guy told me to get a Masters in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Another guy told me to get another bachelors in biomedical science. The guy told me that even if I get a 3.8 GPA in Molecular bio, I still do not have a good chance because of my 25 MCAT. Aside from the obvious retake the MCAT, which I plan on doing, what do you guys think? My final goal is to become a doctor, I will go out of the country if need be. However, I would rather make sure I do all that I can to get into the states before I think about that route. If anyone have provide any advice or help, I would greatly appreciate it.
 
I think your candidacy is strong except for the MCAT. I think that you should probably skip the exam this August, and concentrate on the next April exam. You could also spend the remaining time doing something interesting, perhaps getting an interesting job (schools tend to like professional initiative) or strengthening your service record. You need to plan for the worst, and that worst case scenario is one where you have a mediocre MCAT. You can battle this by having an above average academic record (which you have from your Post Bac work) and an above average peronal profile (which you will now have time to work on). Hope this helps...
 
"I have talked to a couple of people at the Medical school, each one has given me different advice. One guy told me to get a Masters in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Another guy told me to get another bachelors in biomedical science. The guy told me that even if I get a 3.8 GPA in Molecular bio, I still do not have a good chance because of my 25 MCAT."

Hey Linesider,
If you want to go to your state school, I think you should do what they tell you. I am getting a second bachelor's because the adcomm director told me that was my best bet, and he's the guy that decides who gets an interview. I don't know who you are talking to, but if you aren't talking someone "official," then I suggest you do and see what they advise. Then follow the advise and keep in touch with the person, so that you can update them about your activities, MCAT, grades, etc. It'll show just how interested you are in that school and how much you took the adcomm person's advice to heart and did something about it. Good luck to you.
 
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