how to get into post bacc with low gpa?

[awakening]

Hi, new to forums and am in dire need of help. Haven't done too well would like to boost my gpa of 2.87-2.9. I was a Cell Biology major and I noticed that most post-bacc programs require a gpa of at least 3.0. How exactly do I get in to a post-bacc program then? I'd really like to get into USC post bacc, but with the gpa minimum it's kind of difficult. Thanks.

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[MediMama23]

If you really have your heart set on USC or any post-bacc program with stat requirements higher than yours, you're going to have to bring your GPA up on the side with classes at a local U. If the programs are strict with their requirements, that's pretty much the only thing you can do.

Have you not had all of your pre-med pre-reqs given your major? USC is for career-changers, and you have to have not taken the pre-reqs, as those are pretty much the only classes that their program offers. I would think Molec. Bio would've had most if not all, but then again, I wasn't a Molec. Bio major, so...

I've seen some post-baccs on the AAMC website that have stats lower than yours; you might want to look into that. I've seen some as low as 2.7. I don't know, however, if those programs are only limited to disadvantaged students.

 

[awakening]

I just looked at the aamc site. It seems that most programs require students to be considered economically/educationally disadvantaged. I don't think I fall into this category, but I screwed up my grades due to the lack of drive and motivation. Is there any way to boost up my grades? It seems that post-bacc in California doesn't seem too useful at the moment with the requirements of being disadvantaged educationally/economically.

 

[MediMama23]

I think the only thing you can do at this point is go the informal route; that is, going to a place like SFSU or SJSU and taking classes to boost your GPA (or you could take Extension classes at Berkeley). You could do this, save yourself a ton of money by taking however many classes you needed and bypass the informal post-bacc route, and apply to med schools. But if you want the formal post-bacc, you'll have to just take classes on the side to raise your GPA.

 

[medanthgirl]

also, if you work at the university, you get a discount (or free) classes - but then of course you wouldn't be able to take as many as if you weren't working at all. that's how i improved my transcript enough to i think make myself competitive for a post-bacc w/o going broke. especially in a lab environment there is a lot of flexibility usually with hours. if you go that route just be sure to knock out your work in both places!

 

[doctorFred]

Hi, new to forums and am in dire help.

just a shot in the dark here, but is english not your first language?

 

[MediMama23]

just a shot in the dark here, but is english not your first language?

Just wondering, but what does this have to do with a post-bacc program?

 

[doctorFred]

Just wondering, but what does this have to do with a post-bacc program?

it has nothing to do with a post-bac program. i thought "in dire help" was a funny expression. but thank you for being so enlightened and showing me the politically incorrect error of my ways.

i'm a changed man. hallelujah!

EDIT:

although now that i think about it seriously, poor grammar can certainly hurt your chances of getting into a post bac/med school.

 

[Mempho1983]

it has nothing to do with a post-bac program. i thought "in dire help" was a funny expression. but thank you for being so enlightened and showing me the politically incorrect error of my ways.

i'm a changed man. hallelujah!

EDIT:

although now that i think about it seriously, poor grammar can certainly hurt your chances of getting into a post bac/med school.

 

[awakening]

Geez. Since when did forums require the use of proper grammar? I can't even get away with mistyping a few words. And yes, English is not my first language, if that's such a big deal around here. Changed my post just for you....

 

[Mempho1983]

Why not just give it a shot? You are right on the border, and if you have something else good about you on the resume you might get in. I really doubt those minimum GPAs are set in stone except at more competitive post-baccs.

 

[georgia_md]

Hi, new to forums and am in dire need of help. Haven't done too well would like to boost my gpa of 2.87-2.9. I was a Cell Biology major and I noticed that most post-bacc programs require a gpa of at least 3.0. How exactly do I get in to a post-bacc program then? I'd really like to get into USC post bacc, but with the gpa minimum it's kind of difficult. Thanks.

good luck