I dont know what to do

[Digi]

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Ive been so stressed out lately. I dont know what to do. I am in a bind due to my horrible performances in some of my science classes which has destroyed my science GPA. While my overall GPA is nothing special, it is above a 3, however, my science GPA lurks at a 2.3, the only saving grace for my GPA is the fact that i am a double-major, with one being a humanities subject. My biggest question is if I should just redo my science courses, seeing as how I got 2 F's in the same class, and a D and C- in my Physics classes. Other than that, ive done well in my science courses, but these mistakes have screwed up my entire gpa and put tons of extra tension on my life.

The options I am considering are:

a.) graduate immediately, and do a post-bac program and repeat my science courses, and actually work on the ones that dont interest me (math and physics)

b.) graduate on time (next may), and do a masters in my humanities subject which i am sure i would do great in, and then reapply

im sorry if i seem like im rambling, but im really down and i cant sleep, so that explains it. I got my MCAt score today, and I got a 27, which im actually happy about since i didnt study, but im gonna retake in august.

thanks for any input

 

[DD214_DOC]

Option (b) will be pointless as it won't change your science GPA any, and that is the main problem of your situation.

If I were you, I would retake the courses I made the F's and D's in and make A's. Then either do a post-bacc program or delay graduation and take higher-level science courses and make A's.

With a 2.3, a post-bacc alone may not be enough to show substantial improvement.

 

[Digi]

I am retaking those courses, except for the Math ones, which is the bane of my existance. I got an F twice in the same class. The first time was during the semester when I didnt study, and the second time was immediatly after in the summer session following the semester, and that was since I never went to class.

I think the hardest thing for me is going to be explaining why I didnt do jack in certain classes, and why I did work hard in others. I dont even understand my own psychology sometimes, it's driving me mad.

😡

 

[VienneseWaltz]

digi, you need to prove to adcoms that you have learned how to study, even in subjects that don't interest you. In medical school, there will be some subjects that don't interest you as much as well as some subjects whose relevance to clinical medicine isn't so clear. The master's in a humanities subject is pointless anyway unless you can draw a clear connection to medicine (eg. history of med, etc). I would take JKD's advice. You definitely need to re-take your science classes. Good luck.

 

[banannie]

if you don't understand your psychology sometimes, maybe you need to see a therapist. that's what they're there for, or so i've heard.

or, at the very least, maybe you should examine the facts: you didn't study for math and science classes, didn't even study for the MCAT, but did do extremely well in your humanities classes. it doesn't take a psychologist to see that's a huge indicator that maybe you are more cut out for the humanities!

now consider: medicine is a science based profession. that means you will have to continue studying science pretty much every day for the rest of your life.

i don't know all the facts of your situation, but from what you've presented, it really seems like you should seriously look into careers other than medicine. you've got a major uphill battle ahead, and that's even before day 1 of medical school.

 

[TexasGuy41]

I would argue that medicine is a science based profession. Sure, you have to be up on your medical science, but dealing with patients is a lot less science, and lot more social skills than many people think. So don't despair! Retake those classes and positively destroy them. Straight A's across the board. Then I'd do a one-year masters like Gtown, Finch, BU, etc.

A masters in the humanities (though you may find it easy and interesting) will do absolutely nothing for your chances at med school. I think that is unfair, but its the sad but true fact. They want high science grades and high MCATs, so give them what they want.

Believe in yourself and the world is yours.

 

[jscWFU2006]

lets be honest.. it is really going to come down to how bad do you want it? If med school is something that you really want then you are going to have to retake those science classes and do well no questions asked. you will not get in with F's.

regardless of what you have done in the past ... the future is all that matters .. so rather than stand around and ask other people to make a decision for you .. instead realize that it is only your decesion... med school is more work than you can imagine.. but it is manageable and even fun if this is what you want to do with the rest of your life..

i have no doubt that if you really want to start studying and really have the determination to retake those classes than you will.

maybe you should ask yourself why you really want to do medicine.. is it for the love of science or for something else?

good luck in whatever you decide to do ..

 

[Digi]

Good insights, its giving me a lot to think about.

 

[Adcadet]

here's another option to consider (not sure it's the best for you) - do a 2-year MPH. You can major in many things - biostats (well, maybe not - those are usually MS's), Epidemiology, Maternal and Child Health, Environmental Health, Policy, and a few others, depending on the school.

Masters of Public Health programs tend to be more interdisciplinary and may interest you. And if you can find a flexible program (more liberal arts than some), you can take some upper-level science classes. You probably can not re-take things like organic chem and basic bio and have it count towards your degree, but the upper level bio ones will show med schools that you can handle science and count towards your degree.

Also, with a bad science GPA, it may take 2 years to get your app in shape.

Just don't do an MPH purely as a stepping stone - do it because you think you'll use your MPH experience later in life.

 

[DrLady]

Hi there,
If you are interested in DO schools, you know that DO schools will ( I think) will replace the grades if u repeat them (Visit pre-do forum if u want to know more). So u haven't completely lost the chance to go into med school! Good Luck!!! 🙂 You can do it!!

 

[AAKRAZY]

Your best bet is take some time to think about what you want while doing something that is constructive toward any career path you eventually choose.

Perhaps getting an advanced degree in a humanities course of study is ill-advised, however, you might benefit from a year out of school. Get away from academics for a well-defined period of time if you're comfortable with that.

I was in a very similar boat, and I did a lot of not-for-profit work after I graduated. The pay was crap, but I inadvertently built a lot of skills and a very good mentoring network that have subsequently come in very handy. Eventually, I wanted to come back to academics and had no problem doing well in my courses and on the MCAT. Currently, I'm wrapping up an MS at UCLA, which has been very rewarding.

Ultimately, you want to know you can handle the rigors of medical school's and the even harder challenges that come as a future resident and physician. So, take all the time you need to arrive at this conclusion.

AAK

 

[Digi]

much appreciation again to everyone who has left a comment, Im sure it will help other confused individuals reaching this important juncture in their academic career.