MD & DO How do I start the recovery process?

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Jumb0

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So I am graduating from Tufts University in May, having completed all of the premed requirements.
My cumulative GPA will be somewhere around 3.1. with a science GPA around 2.85.
I have a a fairly strong upward trend. My low GPA comes from my freshman and sophomore years, in which I got a C, two C-'s, and a D (in Calculus 1, which I retook and got a B-, Chem 1, Bio 2, and Computer Science 1). Since then, I have only gotten A's and B's, and I got Dean's List my last two semesters.

Other than that, I have no volunteering experience, no research experience, no physician shadowing, little to no extracurricular activities, and no MCAT scores.

Obviously I can't apply anytime soon. I have decided to spend the next 2-3 years improving my resume.
My question is, what is the most efficient way to begin the recovery process?

My plan was to get a research job while preparing for the MCAT over the summer and take the MCAT before they reformat it in 2015. Is it worth it to take the MCAT that soon or will my score probably expire before I have built my resume up enough to apply (i.e. will it take me more than 3 years to approach competitiveness?)
If it is advisable for me to take the 'CAT, then should I even bother getting the research job right now or should I remain unemployed in order to spend every waking moment of the summer studying?

Furthermore, should I pursue a Post-Bacc program? Would it be worth it to do one of those post-baccs that has you repeat the Pre-Med courses, or should I just take upper level bio courses? Or should I take a SMP?

How do I start the process of recovering from my mediocre undergraduate career?

Thanks in advance for your time.
 
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Quickest route to becoming a physician: retake courses in which you got a C+ or below. These courses need not be taken in a formal post-bacc program. Just take them in any old college, preferably the closest/cheapest option. If you're willing to go the DO route, an expensive SMP will not be necessary- retakes will more than suffice. You're not 2-3 years away. A swift and tactical approach can land you in medical school in sooner than 3 years.
 
If you're willing to go the DO route, an expensive SMP will not be necessary

What if I want to go to an M.D. school?
To be honest, I am a Massachusetts resident, and my dream is to go to UMass Medical.

Will I have a shot if I do the Tufts Special Master Program?
 
Yes, SMP is the back door into a med school, especially if the program is given by a med school. You'll need to ace the program and ace MCAT, and then apply to those programs that reward reinvention. Tufts is one of them.

What if I want to go to an M.D. school?
To be honest, I am a Massachusetts resident, and my dream is to go to UMass Medical.

Will I have a shot if I do the Tufts Special Master Program?
 
What if I want to go to an M.D. school?
To be honest, I am a Massachusetts resident, and my dream is to go to UMass Medical.

Will I have a shot if I do the Tufts Special Master Program?
No chance for UMass Med School. They are incredibly picky and have insanely high incoming stats for a state school.

You can speed up the process by retaking courses at a community college and going the DO route. This should be your strategy. You cannot be picky in any way with low GPA's.
 
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