How to improve my chances of getting in MD/DO school?

[Ar1S3]

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I'm currently a junior at Stony Brook University. I have a 2.94 GPA and just started volunteering and doing some research work. I'm an idiot for not taking my first two years seriously. I have a questions that I would like to ask you guys

Should I retake classes?
I'm getting back on track and have gotten a few A's. I'm positive I can do better now. Should I take a science minor to boost my GPA?
What programs or events should I partake to beef up my resume?
Should I stay another year?
Should I graduate and then do a post-bac program?
What should I prioritize and focus on?
Should I consider Caribbean medical schools?

I really want to get into medical school. I've stopped being an idiot and shaped up. I am determined to do whatever it takes these next 2 or 2+ years. Please help me guys, I'd really appreciate it! 🙂

 

[mcloaf]

How many of the low grades were in your med school prereqs?
What's your sGPA?
What's your major (not that your major matters for admission, but I'm wondering if doing well in your major will equate with raising your sGPA)?



Don't consider Caribbean.

 

[CapCrunch]

If you commute to SBU, the benefit of graduating late would be to maintain senior standing, and registration priority. It's also a lot cheaper than other schools. What's your major?

 

[Ar1S3]

I'm a Biology Major. I've gotten a C's in both Orgo 1 and 2 and got a B on one of my BIO pre-reqs.

 

[Goro]

Retake every F/D/C science class you took, and utilize AACOMAS's grade replacement policy. Does wonders for the GPA, and you'll be fine for DO programs. For MD programs, a postpbac or SMPs will be necessary.

Should I retake classes?


It would help...you need to show AdComs you can handle a rigorous medical school curriculum.

I'm getting back on track and have gotten a few A's. I'm positive I can do better now. Should I take a science minor to boost my GPA?


You need the necessary ECs to show your humanism and altruism, do some research, shadowing to show you know what a doctor's life is like and what you're getting into, and patient contact experience to show us that you want to be around sick people for the next 40 years.

What programs or events should I partake to beef up my resume?

If needed to get all your bona fides in.

Should I stay another year?


See above if you're committed to MD only.

Should I graduate and then do a post-bac program?


Right now, GPA repair AND starting some ECs. You have to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time here. Medical school will be a LOT harder than what you're dealing with now.

What should I prioritize and focus on?


You can do better than Caribbean diploma mills.

Should I consider Caribbean medical schools?

 

[Maeby Funke]

For MD programs, a postpbac or SMPs will be necessary. [/I]

I don't think that's necessarily true. the OP's GPA isn't too far below a 3.0 so it's still possible to raise it to a 3.5 with heavy course-loads and straight A's over these last two years. With a good MCAT score and a very steep upward grade trend I don't think it will be a huge a problem. At least I hope that's the case! I myself had a 2.85 GPA at the end of my sophomore year, but took heavy course-loads and got straight A's my last 86 semester hours to move myself into the 3.3-3.4 range.

 

[CapCrunch]

I'm a Biology Major. I've gotten a C's in both Orgo 1 and 2 and got a B on one of my BIO pre-reqs.

A B in a pre-req bio... shall I guess and say BIO 203 with Cabot? Having taken more physic/neuro classes than I care to share, that course will be one of the toughest you'll have to deal with in undergrad. The pick the most incorrect format was a killer, as was his wording. You can do it...follow Goro's advice.