Hit me with the TRUTH...what are my chances?

[RN007B]

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Ok here's the deal:

1. 2.6 overall GPA (Biomedical Engineering, why did I do it???)
2. 2.4 science GPA (I know it sucks, you don't have to point it out)
3. 27 O MCAT (10VR, 9PS, 8BS)
4. Lots of clinical and volunteer experience and other Extracurriculars.
5. IMO....good letters of rec and good personal statement.

Now the questions:

1. How much of a chance do I have at getting into Post-Bacs?
2. If so, which ones would you recommend?
3. Any other comments/input/feedback?

I appreciate any feedback. You won't hurt my feelings: be harsh if you feel the need to do so. Thanks in advance.

 

[jimkat]

I think most post-baccs take anyone willing to sign up and pay (i.e. Harvard extension). You can do an informal post-bac at almost any university through their extension programs or concurrent enrollment (I'm doing this at a UC). There might be some formal post-baccs with links to med schools that have formal admission procedures but I don't know anything about those.

 

[nena]

i have the same stats as yours, except for the mcat and my overall gpa was a little higher (2.86). i dont think you'll have a problem getting into a post bacc program. what i am doing is getting my masters in medical sciences in med micro at the college of medicine at my undergrad school. i preferred to go this route for a number of reasons. first i wanted to have an option in case i didn't get into medical school. with my masters i can work in a lab or continue with a PhD. I like science so i don't mind being a researcher. secondly, i went to several admissions counselors and they told me to leave undergrad behind and to do well on my masters. if i could get all A's and very few B's if any and a decent MCAT then i had a great chance for admission. and third, being in the college of medicine gives me a great opportunity to network with professors and other staff that sit on the admissions committee.

SO with that being said, you should look into both options, post bacc and masters programs available. this forum lists quite a few. and of course, look into your undergrad institution and other universities you might like to attend. find a fit for you based on what you want to accomplish. and above all, don't give up hope!! you will make it, your mcat is good and if you do well in whatever route you choose, you should make it! good luck and pm me if you want more info on the program im in or the ones my undergrad institute has. 🙂

 

[Law2Doc]

I think most post-baccs take anyone willing to sign up and pay (i.e. Harvard extension). You can do an informal post-bac at almost any university through their extension programs or concurrent enrollment (I'm doing this at a UC). There might be some formal post-baccs with links to med schools that have formal admission procedures but I don't know anything about those.

Actually most of the better known, more formal postbacs (Bryn Mawr, Goucher, Tufts etc) are going to require decent GPA for admission, and probably wont take someone who has already taken the core sciences and the MCAT. The OP could certainly do his own informal postbac at any university, or places like Harvard Extension which has open enrollment (but is in the minority of post bacs, I believe). Check out the few threads of people redoing their bachelors -- they should provide the best insight into the kind of grade rehabilitation someone with a 2.4 BCPM might need to do. Good luck.

 

[jj08]

What state are you from? I know that in CA there are some post-bacc programs at the UC schools (UC Davis, UCLA, UCSD, UC Irvine, UCSF) that have relaxed requirements. Rock your post bacc (i.e. 4.0 GPA) and your current ug gpa shouldn't even be an issue. Your post-bacc year is your chance to shine! Just make sure that you are committed, to doing a ton of hardwork (i.e. balls to the wall mentality) !

Personally, I would go the post-bacc route before getting an MS b/c post-bacc GPA WILL boost your ug gpa while MS grades will not. In the end, it is your decision. Good luck! 🙂

 

[cosmicstarr]

I would probably do a postbacc prior to a masters. This way you can try to get your undergad GPA to at least above a 3.0. From what I read, adcoms' initial screening of applicants is based solely on the numbers, so a sub 3.0 undergrad GPA may lead to you not getting a secondary application request and you would be immediately rejected.

 

[TEnsai]

There's a post-bacc program at UCSF? I've look at their website and couldn't find any. Can you link me to it plz?

thanks,

 

[RN007B]

Thank you all for the input.

To be honest, I really don't want to do undergrad coursework again...I've already done pre-med reqs + more. I'm more interested in programs like Applied Physiology at Rosalind Franklin, etc. I definitely don't want to spend another 3 years before med school. I wonder how much of a chance at admission I would have to programs like these. I am a Cali resident btw.

Thanks again to everyone who replied....I really do appreciate your comments.

 

[Lindyhopper]

America is a great country. There is always a second chance. The road my be long (but not impossible) for a US MD.
But perhaps, you can think about the DO or Carbi routes to becoming a physician. Why not do what you must to get into a DO post-Bacc? Then bootstrap into the parent program. If that fails. Either keep plugging or go Carbi. That works too!

 

[jj08]

Thank you all for the input.

To be honest, I really don't want to do undergrad coursework again...I've already done pre-med reqs + more.

Are you under the impression that post-bacc programs make you take frilly undergrad classes? This is not so, my friend! There is a whole slew of classes, upper division science classes, that you could take! A good friend of mine took anatomy, immunology, toxicology, endocrinology, and the list goes on and on during her post-bacc year. She rocked it and got into UCD SOM. And she had taken lots, and I mean lots of classes prior to the post-bacc program. Since you are a Cali resident, I would seriously take advantage of the UC post-baccs that are available to you. They would make you shine out!

 

[priyanka]

Are you under the impression that post-bacc programs make you take frilly undergrad classes? This is not so, my friend! There is a whole slew of classes, upper division science classes, that you could take! A good friend of mine took anatomy, immunology, toxicology, endocrinology, and the list goes on and on during her post-bacc year. She rocked it and got into UCD SOM. And she had taken lots, and I mean lots of classes prior to the post-bacc program. Since you are a Cali resident, I would seriously take advantage of the UC post-baccs that are available to you. They would make you shine out!

I have a question. Is getting a 4.0 in your senior year, same as getting 4.0 in your post bac year?

Also, can I do an informal postbac, without being in a program? Will the GPA from an informal post bac be given the same weightage as a formal post bac?

 

[Law2Doc]

I have a question. Is getting a 4.0 in your senior year, same as getting 4.0 in your post bac year?

Also, can I do an informal postbac, without being in a program? Will the GPA from an informal post bac be given the same weightage as a formal post bac?

The term postbac just means any courses you take after you graduate college that are not taken in a graduate program. An informal or "design your own" postbac just means you are finding a university which lets you take classes not toward any degree. Thus any grades you get while in college are not postbac grades (but on AMCAS, your undergrad GPA and postbac GPA will be merged to get your combined cum). What you lose by not being in a formal postbac is the sponsorship of the program (most formal places have directors who meet with med school and/or write letters on the student's behalf -- which can be huge in helping get into schools), the advising and structure of such program, and any linkages the program might have. Those people on this thread who have suggested that one quick year of non-formal program postbac study will overcome the kind of GPA deficit (2.6) the OP has might be being a bit unrealistic (esp. if we are talking about the allopathic route) -- it tends to take a much longer time of getting straight A's to move such an undergrad cum up to an adcom palatable level. Lots of people would advise a lengthier postbac, perhaps even capped with a one year masters (SMP) thereafter. Most of the linkage programs I have seen would require an applicant to have or pull themselves up to a higher GPA than the OP. The quick, one year path, tends to be for people who did fairly well in college but never took any prereq sciences, or those who took the sciences but kept the GPA just shy of competitive numbers (eg. 3.1 or so). For most others, the path is longer. Just remember, getting into med school is not a race. But if you are really determined and have adequately revised your study habits, though, you can rehabilitate a poor college GPA.

 

[nena]

Those people on this thread who have suggested that one quick year of non-formal program postbac study will overcome the kind of GPA deficit (2.6) the OP has might be being a bit unrealistic (esp. if we are talking about the allopathic route) -- it tends to take a much longer time of getting straight A's to move such an undergrad cum up to an adcom palatable level. Lots of people would advise a lengthier postbac, perhaps even capped with a one year masters (SMP) thereafter. Most of the linkage programs I have seen would require an applicant to have or pull themselves up to a higher GPA than the OP. The quick, one year path, tends to be for people who did fairly well in college but never took any prereq sciences, or those who took the sciences but kept the GPA just shy of competitive numbers (eg. 3.1 or so). For most others, the path is longer. Just remember, getting into med school is not a race. But if you are really determined and have adequately revised your study habits, though, you can rehabilitate a poor college GPA.

i agree with this post. in my case, i have a 2.86 and it would take 18 credits for me to pull that gpa to a 3.0. and in those 18 credits, i HAVE to get all A's. now, its not impossible but its a lot of hard hard work, especially since the classes i would have to take have to be upper level science courses since i'v already done my pre-reqs and a few other sciences.
for the OP with a 2.6, you need MORE than 18 credits to pull yourself up to a 3.0 and you NEED to get A's. that could mean (maybe) taking a max of 3 classes per semester. and in the end if you pull yourself up to a 3.0 it doesn't necessarily mean that thats gonna be good enough. talk to a few admissions counselors from med schools that you are interested in. they will advise you as to what your best option could be.

 

[jj08]

Those people on this thread who have suggested that one quick year of non-formal program postbac study will overcome the kind of GPA deficit (2.6) the OP has might be being a bit unrealistic.

Although you brought up a good point, some do get into allopathic schools after a great performance in their post-bacc. I had a couple of post-bacc people in my classes my senior year and they had around 2.7 for ug gpa and were interviewing at quite a few schools. Those that did well during their post-bacc year ended being accepted into a UC school. The post-bacc was not a conditional one either.

 

[emgirl]

i agree with this post. in my case, i have a 2.86 and it would take 18 credits for me to pull that gpa to a 3.0. and in those 18 credits, i HAVE to get all A's. now, its not impossible but its a lot of hard hard work, especially since the classes i would have to take have to be upper level science courses since i'v already done my pre-reqs and a few other sciences.
for the OP with a 2.6, you need MORE than 18 credits to pull yourself up to a 3.0 and you NEED to get A's. that could mean (maybe) taking a max of 3 classes per semester. and in the end if you pull yourself up to a 3.0 it doesn't necessarily mean that thats gonna be good enough. talk to a few admissions counselors from med schools that you are interested in. they will advise you as to what your best option could be.

18 credits is not that much. Some people do one or two years worth of full time post-bac to raise the gpa. If the OP were to NOT do a post-bac and just apply with an SMP completed, he would need to do VERY well in the SMP and get a GREAT MCAT (35+) to be competitive. This is if the OP chose not to raised his ungergrad grades with a post-bac. As of now, they are quite low and while I realize it sucks to go back and take undergrad courses (cuz I'm doing it now), the OP can't afford to be too picky at this point. Alot of people in his situation would do BOTH a post-bac and a Masters/SMP like AP at Rosalind Franklin.

 

[jbayne04]

I have a low ug gpa. I've been working in a research lab since college. My position allows for me to take classes at one of the university's graduate schools, but I am not enrolled in any formal program. My grades have improved dramatically, and I am getting some great experience in the lab. My specific questions are:

1. Do my new courses count toward a "post-baccalaureate gpa" or a "graduate gpa" when I apply to formal programs (masters, post-bacc, medical school)?

2. Will most medical schools forgive a low ug gpa if I do very well in a masters/SMP program? Or is it critical to improve pre-graduate grades first?

Thanks for your input!

 

[jj08]

2. Will most medical schools forgive a low ug gpa if I do very well in a masters/SMP program? Or is it critical to improve pre-graduate grades first?

I can't really give you a definite answer since I am not an any adcoms...however, there are some schools that will look at only your ug gpa when screening for secondaries, regardless of your graduate work.

Another thing to keep in mind is SMP programs like at GT and RFU have a minimum cut off gpa in order to apply. So it seems to me that you should try to fix your ug grades through a post-bacc first.

1. Do my new courses count toward a "post-baccalaureate gpa" or a "graduate gpa" when I apply to formal programs (masters, post-bacc, medical school)?

It depends on the course number. If it's BIO 401 then it's probably a graduate course so it would count under your graduate gpa. Post-bacc courses are courses that you take at a university AFTER you have received your BS degree.

Hope this helps a little!

 

[Law2Doc]

Although you brought up a good point, some do get into allopathic schools after a great performance in their post-bacc. I had a couple of post-bacc people in my classes my senior year and they had around 2.7 for ug gpa and were interviewing at quite a few schools. Those that did well during their post-bacc year ended being accepted into a UC school. The post-bacc was not a conditional one either.

I would think this result is the exception and not the rule. I suspect most people need to rehabilitate their GPA to a more palatable level before getting past the initial application review. It would really depend on what else was in their application, how long ago the undergrad coursework was, and how they did on the MCAT. Someone who got straight A's in a postbac year after having worked in another field for five+ years, and got, say, 40+ on the MCAT probably will get looked at, especially if they also have other things (eg. grad school degrees, big name LORs, connections) in their favor. Someone who totally flubbed college, and after a year or so did a quick one year postbac, got more average MCAT scores, probably wouldn't.

 

[riceman04]

What state are you from? I know that in CA there are some post-bacc programs at the UC schools (UC Davis, UCLA, UCSD, UC Irvine, UCSF) that have relaxed requirements. Rock your post bacc (i.e. 4.0 GPA) and your current ug gpa shouldn't even be an issue. Your post-bacc year is your chance to shine! Just make sure that you are committed, to doing a ton of hardwork (i.e. balls to the wall mentality) !

Personally, I would go the post-bacc route before getting an MS b/c post-bacc GPA WILL boost your ug gpa while MS grades will not. In the end, it is your decision. Good luck! 🙂

Yeah but most of the UC postbaccs are for people who have either already applied to med school and were not accepted, and/or are disadvantaged according to AAMC standards. I would have done these programs instead of coming way out here to Philly just to do the program at Penn.

But if someone fits these categories then by all means apply for them!

 

[jj08]

I would think this result is the exception and not the rule... Someone who totally flubbed college, and after a year or so did a quick one year postbac, got more average MCAT scores, probably wouldn't.

They had < 3.0 ug gpa and didn't have spectacular MCAT scores. I think many got in with around 26-28. Two of them had 30's. I will have to say that they were very persistent that year. I remember one girl soliciting rec letters from every professor that taught her that year and sending them into the schools as update letters.

Regardless, the OP would have to do a post-bacc prior to even thinking about applying to an SMP like GT or RFU. Some poster already mentioned this but you could definitely take two years worth of classes during the post-bacc. to boost your gpa.

Yeah but most of the UC postbaccs are for people who have either already applied to med school and were not accepted, and/or are disadvantaged according to AAMC standards.

Well, the post-bacc people that I met had never applied to medical school before. I think that they requested that requiremnt to be waived. It didn't seem to be a problem since half the post-bacc students I met had not applied before.

Maybe the disadvantage part is sort of blurry b/c only two students were URMs. The rest seemed like normal college students who just decided to take a chance and apply.