How can I make the most of the next year?

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I just graduated with my B.S. degree in physiology. Along the way, I had 3 Ds, but retook 2 and received an A and a B; I had a D in biostatistics at the end of my junior year and did not retake it. With grade replacement at my school, I finished out with a cumulative GPA between 3.20-3.25. During my undergraduate, I did run a sport club for 3 years and also sat on the executive board over all of the other university sport clubs. I worked for about half of my undergraduate. One of the jobs included a leadership role where I supervised referees and patrons during sport club and intramural games.

Currently, I have a low amount of volunteer and shadowing hours, but I have one opportunity already lined up this summer with hopefully more opportunities to come. I have a part time waiter’s job I am about to start, but I am also considering looking into medical field jobs that might better fit my qualifications such as a lab technician spot. I have yet to take the MCAT as well, but have been planning to take it early next Spring.

Through undergraduate, I had a lot of growing up to do. With the assumption that I have dedication to fix my wrongs, what would be the best way to continue forward so that I might be competitive enough for DO schools? Does taking the MCAT early next spring sound reasonable? Should I focus on a medical job, or do I already have my hands full? Should I consider a baccalaureate program, or would I be better off just retaking my lowest classes? I know I might have a long road ahead, but feedback on what I can do to improve would be much appreciated.

 

[Dr.Kitty]

Get your volunteer & shadowing hours up, focus on retaking the courses you did not do so well in and take the MCAT when you feel you are ready and have seen great results with practice exams. I would take the lab technician position as part time and not work in the restaurant industry. This is the time when you need to invest all that you have got into becoming this dream a reality. Also, join a couple of clubs if you can in your university and try to develop more leadership positions. I suggest not trying to limit yourself with time, if this is something that you really want take the time to perfect it.

 

[KP2AZ]

your better off than many people are at this point in your journey of "what next". I would go with a job in a hospital if possible (I personally went with Scribing and found it really helpful). Also- you don't need to do a post bacc program unless you really feel like you need to do that/spend some serious money... you could do exactly what you need by retaking classes at whatever state school is closest to you/is easiest (never really sure about CC. I know people have done it, but I would avoid it if possible). Food for thought as well: getting a masters degree (even with a high GPA) doesn't factor into Undergrad GPA.

 

[DrMikeP]

What is your sgpa?

You should take Biochem before the MCAT, as it is HEAVY biochem.

I agree with being a scribe!

 

[Flubmed]

What is your sgpa?

You should take Biochem before the MCAT, as it is HEAVY biochem.

I agree with being a scribe!

I calculated my sGPA to be 3.30. Would that sound right? My semesters varied from ~2.8-4.0, so I really bounced around. When I took biochemistry my junior year, it was pretty rigorous and I ended up with a B in the class. I have a biochemistry review book for the MCAT, so I will make sure to give that a deep look. There are probably other classes, however, that I should retake to help with GPA repair though.

And the scribe job does sound like an excellent idea. I saw recently that 2-3 of the surrounding hospitals are looking for one; I will be sure to apply.

 

[DrMikeP]

I calculated my sGPA to be 3.30. Would that sound right? My semesters varied from ~2.8-4.0, so I really bounced around. When I took biochemistry my junior year, it was pretty rigorous and I ended up with a B in the class. I have a biochemistry review book for the MCAT, so I will make sure to give that a deep look. There are probably other classes, however, that I should retake to help with GPA repair though.

And the scribe job does sound like an excellent idea. I saw recently that 2-3 of the surrounding hospitals are looking for one; I will be sure to apply.

A 3.30 isn't too far below the average. Any retakes you can do to move it closer to 3.5 the better.

All the best!