I feel confused as to how to proceed (low GPA, varied background).

[gulliverthecat]

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Hi everyone. Just going to lay everything out, I would appreciate some advice.

I went to University of Alabama, graduated with a BS in biology and cGPA 3.5, sGPA 3.2. I made a D+ in orgo II so I need to retake and I need to take biochemistry, as for the minimum. I wanted to be a field biologist in college so my courses represent that.

I worked full time for a year as a medical scribe in an ortho clinic, and I also worked at a vet assistant during that time. I have field research experience (ornithological surveys), worked with the state government as an environmental scientist, and now I work in the private sector as an environmental scientist. I’ve volunteered at multiple animal shelters/wildlife rehab/wildlife refuge. I’ve also taken care of my grandmother for years now and her having a stroke during college was a portion of my poor performance.

I love helping the world around me. I miss the doctors office, the faster pace, and actually feeling like I am doing good at the end of the day. The field I’m currently in is super limiting and it’s making me deeply unhappy. I feel more ambitious than what I am currently achieving. I have considered vet school, but the financial aspect of that career unsettles me. The vet office was also more emotionally draining for me than ortho clinic.

Anyway, I’m going to possibly do a diy post-bacc online and keep my current job. I live beside UAB (and where I would prefer to go) and was looking at their post-bacc programs, specifically the MSBHS program. I wasn’t sure if that would be better? There isn’t direct linkage, but my friend who goes to the med school said a lot of those grad students do end up at their med/dentist/etc schools. I honestly probably need financial aid if I take more than a few classes which sucks, which is why I’m thinking about that MS program. I wish I had someone to talk about this to, hence why I am here, appreciate any help. I feel like once I get a plan I can just lock in and get it done.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Your GPA honestly isn't awful especially for someone from a deep south state. Check MSAR, in state students at your state schools have a huge advantage and you're fairly around the average from what I remember applying a few years ago. For context, I got into an out of state public school to relocate out of the South with a pre-PB total GPA around 3.3ish and very few science classes.

The specific program doesn't really matter but in your shoes I'd just do a DIY postbacc to take the couple classes you need and maybe a few extras to show you can get As in upper level sciences. Focus on volunteering and clinical experience; I'd get a hospital job as a transporter or low level worker like a phleb or CNA. Do all that for a year or two and get a 505+ MCAT, you'll be golden for at least DOs and likely state MDs. Higher MCAT is a better prognostic sign for your MD chances.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

OP: read

How to Choose a Postbaccalaureate or Special Masters Program (SMP) | Student Doctor Network | SDN

Finding the Best Postbac or SMP Option for You Updated September 2025 Table of ContentsIntroductionTypes of Postbac ProgramsCareer-Changer

www.studentdoctor.net

 

[gulliverthecat]

Your GPA honestly isn't awful especially for someone from a deep south state. Check MSAR, in state students at your state schools have a huge advantage and you're fairly around the average from what I remember applying a few years ago. For context, I got into an out of state public school to relocate out of the South with a pre-PB total GPA around 3.3ish and very few science classes.

The specific program doesn't really matter but in your shoes I'd just do a DIY postbacc to take the couple classes you need and maybe a few extras to show you can get As in upper level sciences. Focus on volunteering and clinical experience; I'd get a hospital job as a transporter or low level worker like a phleb or CNA. Do all that for a year or two and get a 505+ MCAT, you'll be golden for at least DOs and likely state MDs. Higher MCAT is a better prognostic sign for your MD chances.

Thank you, appreciate your insight. I applied for a couple hospital jobs today. Did you do a diy pb?

 

[nobadwaves]

OP, you aren't in that bad of shape. Your GPAs are decent and you have a couple of classes you'd need to take to fulfill the prereqs - which give you to opportunity to boost your SGPA up a bit. Ace your prereqs and maybe take a few additional science courses. Other classes that would be high yield in terms of helping you refresh your memory of MCAT content would be genetics, cell biology, microbiology, biomolecules, anatomy and physiology, and pathophysiology. While you may have tackled some of these in undergrad, hopefully there are a few in there that you could hit to boost the SGPA slightly AND get your mind reacclimated to the material.
Because you'll be doing this part time it may take a year or so before you are ready to sit for the MCAT and apply to school - try to pick up some volunteering hours on the weekends or nights to get some clinical and nonclinical time under your belt.
Lastly, smoke the MCAT and apply. I don't think a formal DIY postbacc or an SMP are 'NEEDED' in your case.
Good luck!

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Thank you, appreciate your insight. I applied for a couple hospital jobs today. Did you do a diy pb?

I personally did, yes. Mostly at my local CC and the last few upper levels at UNE Online as my CC didn't offer upper levels on a schedule that fit with my work.