I don't know if I can do this

[888lkys]

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Since I was young, I wanted to be a doctor. Then, in my first year of college, I got a C and C+ in General Biology and then sophomore year, a C in Ochem. I ended up taking the second semester of ochem during the summer at a state university where I live. I also, took the MCAT last year, and scored 9P, 9B, 5V (I really don't know what happened here because I scored very well on verbal when I did practice tests). I got a Q for the writing sample. Overall, my GPA is 3.6 and my science is 3.16. I'm planning on retaking the MCAT in May 2011 but I currently don't have the motivation to study. I think a lot of it is doubt that I can even improve my score and get in to med school. I just finished my undergraduate and will be starting a Masters of Public Health next month. Should I still go for it?

 

[barcoderider]

You should still go for it if it's what you still want. Have you had experiences that confirmed your desire to go into medicine? The cGPA is OK, but the sGPA is too low. You'll really need a high MCAT to make up for it, and even then I think allopathic schools might be a reach unless you're URM or have amazing EC's. But there is always DO.

As far as the MCAT though, I think it's too early to start studying for. In my opinion 3 months of heavy review is the most you should do for the MCAT. If you stretch it out slowly for a whole year, you'll start forgetting things. How are you studying?

 

[Catalystik]

A few Cs in the prerequisites aren't a bar to becoming a physician, but a low BCPM GPA can be. Your overall cGPA is fine, but your BCPM needs work that only a steady stream of As can provide. Unfortunately, an MPH won't help you there, as it isn't a hard science. While taking the MPH, however, you can take upper-level science that isn't required for the masters aand have it count as "Postbac" coursework, which would be calculated into your undergrad GPA by AMCAS. When the MPH is done, you could do additional postbac work at that point. I don't think you'll be ready to apply a year from now, so there's no rush if it takes awhile to recover your motivation. With grit and determination you can raise your BCPM and score in a more competitive range on the MCAT. Right now, you're burned out and discouraged. Once you dig into your new studies which are hopefully in an area you really want to learn about, you'll get your spark back.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

C's and a low mcat do not indicate an unfit physician. They indicate however that you didn't study hard enough. You've still got a very good chance of getting into medical school. However you need to figure out why you got C's in those subjects and make sure you don't get anymore. A MPH isn't going to save you. However Your best shot right now is to spend 2-3 more months studying for the mcat get around a 30 ( with no sub-scores below 7) and then apply to DO. For MD if you hit study hard enough and hit a 32+ you'll have a shot.

 

[flip26]

You have to bring that BCPM up - are you good at math? Take more math classes, or other classes that can boost BCPM...oh, and As only.

As for the MCAT - when did you take it? Sounds like too early in college, or at least not well prepared. Before taking it again, you need to do some serious prep - Kaplan online was very helpful to me. Also Examkrackers books are great.

Finally, if your goal is doctor, you need to look at DO, too. A tad more lenient on grades, plus they allow grade replacement for any classes you retake, which could really boost your BCPM.