Help With My Next Step

[TwoBits]

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Hi everyone,

I am a recent graduate from the University of Florida. I am currently enrolled at USF in a 1-year Masters in Medical Sciences: Concentration in Molecular Medicine program. I have a 3.85 GPA through last Fall and have started very well in my classes thus far this semester. I plan to finish the program this summer with a GPA above a 3.6. I plan to take an MCAT course in the Fall of this year; then take my MCAT in Jan of 2011. I want to apply during the summer of 2011 to start in the fall of 2012. I want to start preparing my track as of now so that I can have everything ready to apply early in the process.

My question is:

Should I retake some of my pre-med requirements since that is a very weak part of my application?

I earned a "C" in both Bio 1 and Orgo 2; a "C+" in Chem 2, Phys 2 and Orgo 1. My sGPA is 3.04 and my cGPA is 3.15. I have really improved my study skills and habits in the past 6 months since starting my masters. Also leaving a very enjoyable (but distracting) undergrad school has helped to say the least. I am very confident that I can do well if I retake these courses.

Also, if this were a good idea, where can I take these courses? I am originally from south Florida so anything in that area would be best, however, my location is not limited to just that.

Information about me to help with the counseling:

No MCAT (GRE=1200 and SAT=1350)
-Had no intention to apply to med school during undergrad so i did not take it
Research
-2 yrs
Hospital Volunteering
-300+ hours
Physician Shadowing
-Only about 30 hrs
Highly Involved on UF campus during 4 years

*Please ask if you would like to know more.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and please re-direct my thread if I posted it in the wrong location. <--- I am new, SRY!

Any recommendations regarding my next step after I finish my masters this summer (besides taking the MCAT) would be greatly appreciated... I am open to all suggestions! Thanks again.

 

[Morsetlis]

Make sure you rock the MCAT, that you have all your letters in order (at least 1 science professor who taught you (2 is safest) + 1 non-science professor who taught you), and that your personal statement is proofread and revised SEVERAL times.

Things that you should be contemplate for 2010-2011:
-nonhospital volunteering
-research
-leadership

Is that USF Master's a special master's wherein you take classes with medical students? If it is, use your school's LINKAGE.

 

[Sammich117]

Where in south florida? Edison is an option.

I don't think I'd retake them though. Take some upper level courses and do well in those. It will have the same effect on your gpa, but you'll learn other things

 

[TwoBits]

Morsetlis - Thanks for the suggestions! The masters is apart from the med school, although the curriculum includes some classes comparable to first year meds.

Sammich - I live in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I will look into Edison State College. Thanks! When you speak of upper level courses, do these get calculated into you sGPA or just the cGPA?

 

[Sammich117]

Upper science level so that it can raise your sGPA

 

[ucsfstudents]

I also agree that you should take upper level science courses (and ace them). Doing well in those will have a larger impact than retaking undergraduate courses that you passed. It will show them that you can handle more advanced material, despite a weak performance in the lower level courses.

Good luck!!! 🙂

 

[TechAggie14]

It sounds to me like your GPA is just fine, and my experience is that Med Schools love graduate programs because they prove that you are academically fit for graduate or professional programs. A lot of people on here are students who had a super high GPA and basically live for school, so don't let anyone tell you your numbers aren't good enough.

I just got in with about a 3.45. My MCAT was pretty good, so my advice would be to rock the MCAT. Also, don't freak out about crazy volunteering or resume builders. Volunteering or shadowing is a must, but you are much more likely to stand out to admissions officials if you are well rounded and have had experiences that make you unique and that could possibly give you something special to bring to their campus.

It sounds like you have your stuff straight, so keep it up on that front. Just be careful and don't take the numbers kids too seriously. They know their stuff a lot better than me, but there are multiple ways to get into Medical School.

 

[TwoBits]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the suggestions.