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[puravida85]

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[DrMidlife]

Since I still have an undergraduate record open, should I double major and work on a Biology degree increasing my GPA (cum. and science) to say a ~3.6?

I think you're looking at this backwards, as far as reasoning goes. What you need is a higher GPA, so you need to take more classes, and one way to do that is to add another major, and one major is Bio. Stop at the "take more classes" part and do some math to figure out how much coursework you need to do (at, say, a 3.7) to get your total and science GPAs to 3.6. And then you know how much coursework you need to add. Majoring in bio neither helps nor hurts you. If you love history, then do a history major and just take more upper div science too.

Would the AAMC include the BIO Degree grades into my overall and science undergraduate GPA?

Yes, undergrad is undergrad, until you have a degree.

I'm confident I can do well on the MCAT's because I am a good test taker.

Confident schmonfident. Go take a practice test for free on e-mcat.com, and you'll have some data.

Or should I just finish my Med. School Pre-Reqs and apply to a Graduate program like an SMP or Masters Science Program to up my chances for medical school.

I'd say no on masters work in lieu of more undergrad. An SMP is a last-ditch effort, and you have several more ditches. A regular masters doesn't fix your undergrad GPA, which is how they'll evaluate you against other candidates.

Would it be a good idea to retake the C+'s. I'm confident I can Ace them.

MD schools give you nothing for repeating a class. DO schools forgive the old grade on a retake. That said, C+ work in gen chem means you probably aren't ready to clobber ochem. I'd retake gen chem in summer school, or at least get tutoring, if I were in your shoes.

Don't forget that you need to have great letters of recommendation, community and medical volunteering, maybe some research, and as many interesting extra-curriculars as possible.

Best of luck to you.

 

[puravida85]

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[DrMidlife]

Thanks for the reply, it was pretty stern but honest. The reason I mention the degree in Biology is because I really enjoy it. I think I will finish out my premed courses and take as many upper level science courses until my GPA is ~3.6. This could take about 2 more years (which I could finish a biology degree in). It just is discouraging because I'd be stuck in the same school, dealing with the same people, same city, etc. But i'm willing to do what it takes. More replies please 🙂!

You can always finish the exercise degree this year and then start your 2nd bachelors at another school. If you'll be happier and more successful at another school, it's worth it. You'd apply to another school as a transfer, and that means app deadlines are coming up...

 

[puravida85]

but if I finished the degree at my current school, how can I still be considered a transfer? Should I leave out one class to stop be from graduating and then transfer to another school? I appreciate your patience.

 

[DrMidlife]

but if I finished the degree at my current school, how can I still be considered a transfer? Should I leave out one class to stop be from graduating and then transfer to another school? I appreciate your patience.

No worries. I'm not suggesting any hijinks with graduating, and "transfer" is a typical bucket (of rules and forms and deadlines) that I've seen schools put postbacs in. Pick a school you like, and see what their instructions are for applying when you already have a degree, and you now want to do more undergrad work. Some schools will call you a transfer, some will call you a 5th year, etc. You may be able to apply directly into bio, or they may require a separate departmental app.

I should mention that when you change schools there is ALWAYS some coursework to do to meet the new school's graduation requirements. Stuff like chapel attendance, or foreign language. Usually you can figure out what they're going to make you do on the transfer app.

You didn't hear this from me, but religiously FINISHING the 2nd degree isn't a requirement...

OK now I'll shut up and let somebody else voice an opinion.

 

[thePathOfMed]

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[puravida85]

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[Instatewaiter]

A low GPA generally requires extra course work. Rarely will a high MCAT make up for a very low GPA. If you have below a 3.0 it doesnt matter if you have a 38. You just look like a smart slacker. Like it or not, med school is less about smarts and more about sheer determination and hard work. Most ADcom take a low GPA as a sign of lack of determination.

In terms of comparisons between MCAT and SAT:
While good standardized test takers tend to do well, the MCAT is a knowledge based test and a different format than the SAT. I found the MCAT to be much more difficult than the SAT. I did well on both.

A 33 is generally 90th percentile.
1400 (old SAT, 2100 on new) is 90th percentile. Remember though that the lower half of those taking SATs either never went to college or arent going to take the MCAT.

That said people who didnt do very well on the SAT can still do well on the MCAT and vice versa.

 

[thePathOfMed]

I am just saying don't overload yourself with classes and not leave enough time to prepare adequately for the MCAT.

There will come a point where the marginal gain on GPA will be so low for every additonal class taken it will make it incredibly inefficient. I was planning to do 160 units in 2 years, but I'm going to reduce it to about 140 units. Those 20 units of time and work will be much better spent on the MCATs.

Who says it isn't hard work studying for standardized testing? I worked hard for my SAT score, got 1100 on my first diagnostic as a freshmen, then had tutoring for 1.5 years before reaching my final score. Just get a good feel for the test, figure out what tricks they got in the bag.👍

as for surfing... man i've got a fear of sharks, but I used to skate and still snowboard every chance i get.

sounds like you got all your ECs figured out. the plan looks good to me.