I think I'm in trouble

[DaymanNightman]

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Ok, well here's the story; in some past threads, I've mentioned that I've been having a lot of problems in chemistry (I'm sure everyone here's known that by now), but the thing is I think that's become a problem that may seriously jeopardize my path to med school...

So the situation is, I've noticed that because I did not pass chemistry part A, and after doing some calculations and hearing some "wise" words from the pre-health advisor, there is a possibility that I may have to pick another career because I was informed that if I want to graduate on time, I must just stick with my major and hope for the best, in which my advisor suggested "maybe it's time for a different career path?" Of course the thing is, it is my life long dream to go to med school (why else would I be here on studentdocs?) and because I was so preoccupied with trying to get into medicine, I didn't even think about what to do if nothing worked out (I was initially suggested Law in the beginning of college, but I didn't want to go into it in the first place; now I'm probably going to do it because it may be something I can do given how well I've done in the humanities).

I've done some contemplating and it would appear that my options are as following:
a.) Forget about med school, and go with the backup career plan (my original plan was since english, philosophy and history are my forte, I should try out for Law school instead and take the LSAT)

b.) Stay for an additional 1-2 years while taking classes in the summer (the nearest JC is about 12 miles away and I don't have a car) or other non-degree schools (however, the downside is it has to be direct hits in getting good grades, which would be difficult because of my troubled past in a certain subject)

c.) Go to Law/grad school and then try again for medicine but at the same time taking additional classes outside of the law/grad school (I think it will take an extra 9-12 years?)

I may end up picking A because I'm really unsure whether or not if medical school is even a possibility now (and because I want to start preparing for my permanent job), but I'm open to all suggestions, considering I'm kind of desperate. So, any suggestions from anyone else on how to remedy this issue?

By the way, this is the last time you'll probably hear me bellyaching about chemistry (lol) or anything else for that matter

EDIT: I should inform those who do care, the main problem in why I am asking for help is because I am in my 5th year and my school is trying to drop out 6-7 year students due to "budget problems". This is more of a what to do this year forum, not what I want to do for the rest of my life.

 

[SN12357]

Ok, well here's the story; in some past threads, I've mentioned that I've been having a lot of problems in chemistry (I'm sure everyone here's known that by now), but the thing is I think that's become a problem that may seriously jeopardize my path to med school...

So the situation is, I've noticed that because I did not pass chemistry part A, and after doing some calculations and hearing some "wise" words from the pre-health advisor, there is a possibility that I may have to pick another career because I was informed that if I want to graduate on time, I must just stick with my major and hope for the best, in which my advisor suggested "maybe it's time for a different career path?" Of course the thing is, it is my life long dream to go to med school (why else would I be here on studentdocs?) and because I was so preoccupied with trying to get into medicine, I didn't even think about what to do if nothing worked out (I was initially suggested Law in the beginning of college, but I didn't want to go into it in the first place; now I'm probably going to do it because it may be something I can do given how well I've done in the humanities).

I've done some contemplating and it would appear that my options are as following:
a.) Forget about med school, and go with the backup career plan (my original plan was since english, philosophy and history are my forte, I should try out for Law school instead and take the LSAT)

b.) Stay for an additional 1-2 years while taking classes in the summer (the nearest JC is about 12 miles away and I don't have a car) or other non-degree schools

c.) Go to Law/grad school and then try again for medicine but at the same time taking additional classes outside of the law/grad school (I think it will take an extra 9-12 years?)

I may end up picking A because I'm really unsure whether or not if medical school is even a possibility now (and because I want to start preparing for my permanent job), but I'm open to all suggestions, considering I'm kind of desperate. So, any suggestions from anyone else on how to remedy this issue?

By the way, this is the last time you'll probably hear me bellyaching about chemistry (lol)

The market for law grads is an unbelievable cluster**** right now so unless you have very very good reason to KNOW that you want to be a lawyer and can get into the very top schools in the country, do not just wander off to law school. A quick google will show you why.

 

[DaymanNightman]

The market for law grads is an unbelievable cluster**** right now so unless you have very very good reason to KNOW that you want to be a lawyer and can get into the very top schools in the country, do not just wander off to law school. A quick google will show you why.

Oh I know, but I sort of believe that if all other options have been exhausted, the next best thing is to do what you're good at (and by other options I mean the ones you really like).

 

[RuralPhysician8]

You are really going to let one course get in the way like that? I am far from the greatest pre-med ever, but I would still never give up over something like this. It is your advisor's job to put you on track to a degree, because his/her job description is four years=degree = job when the reality of college is that YOU need to do whatever it takes to get where YOU want to be. Do you know how many times I have been told medicine was not within my reach due to me having a learning disability in math? A good handful, but I smile, say thanks, go home, crack open the book, and keep my 90% average in College algebra without testing accommodations. My point, is if MD/DO is your goal, then do not let 4 credit hours get in the way of it.

For Chem, I personally use a lot of Dr.Blaber's online site and education portal; in addition too, I read the textbook.

 

[kami333]

D) Graduate on time, get a job and spend some time figuring out what exactly it is that you want to do with your life. Take a break from academics and live the daily grind. If failing one course is enough to discourage you, are you sure you really want it?

 

[loltopsy]

No one is going to make the decision for you. Why don't you actually bother to research your future and decide if it's good for you instead of relying on anonymous internet strangers to do the leg work?

 

[DaymanNightman]

You are really going to let one course get in the way like that? I am far from the greatest pre-med ever, but I would still never give up over something like this. It is your advisor's job to put you on track to a degree, because his/her job description is four years=degree = job when the reality of college is that YOU need to do whatever it takes to get where YOU want to be. Do you know how many times I have been told medicine was not within my reach due to me having a learning disability in math? A good handful, but I smile, say thanks, go home, crack open the book, and keep my 90% average in College algebra without testing accommodations. My point, is if MD/DO is your goal, then do not let 4 credit hours get in the way of it.

For Chem, I personally use a lot of Dr.Blaber's online site and education portal; in addition too, I read the textbook.

It's not just because of this one course; I'm aware that if you really are passionate about something, you should never give up, but considering that I'm trying to hurry up and graduate and finally settle down, it's sort of a difficult situation. But likewise I've been wrong many a time before and perhaps it's better that I stay in school as an ultra-senior (6+ years). All I can say is that right now, I'm just very insecure on what to do, let alone confused and bothered.

 

[DaymanNightman]

No one is going to make the decision for you. Why don't you actually bother to research your future and decide if it's good for you instead of relying on anonymous internet strangers to do the leg work?

I already did, but I think I'd rather hear some words of wisdom before I can fully conclude my choice

 

[RuralPhysician8]

It's not just because of this one course; I'm aware that if you really are passionate about something, you should never give up, but considering that I'm trying to hurry up and graduate and finally settle down, it's sort of a difficult situation. But likewise I've been wrong many a time before and perhaps it's better that I stay in school as an ultra-senior (6+ years). All I can say is that right now, I'm just very insecure on what to do, let alone confused and bothered.

What is making you so insecure? If it is just time, then remember that you have a good 12 years from undergrad to practicing physician, so an extra year or two will be nothing in the end.

 

[DaymanNightman]

What is making you so insecure? If it is just time, then remember that you have a good 12 years from undergrad to practicing physician, so an extra year or two will be nothing in the end.

I guess what's really making me so bothered is that according to calculations, I'd have to retake general chemistry part A (which is one semester), and I didn't register for any chemistry classes this upcoming (semi-final) semester, so I'd have to take it next spring; If I'm right, since I have to take all chemistry classes all the way up to organic, then I'll have to prepare for the MCAT (give it another 6 months, which is technically two semesters), which will have me graduate in 2015-2016; I have started school 3-4 years ago.

I suppose this is the red flag that's really changing my mind up to this point (again not the class, just the duration of how many classes); this and the fact my financial aid will not cover for post-senior years... Should I also mention that our school is trying to eliminate undergraduates who aren't graduating within 6-7 years?

 

[Ismet]

If medicine is really your dream, then suck it up, stop talking to your pre-health advisor except for when it's absolutely necessary (like if you need a committee letter, and even that isn't necessary), retake chemistry, get a tutor, take however long it takes to graduate, and do what you want to do with your life.

I honestly don't know your back story and I've never read your posts so I don't know if there's something more than your failing chemistry + taking a year or two extra to graduate, but if that's all that's holding you back from medicine, you seriously need to take a step back and look at the big picture. I'm as traditional as they come and I was always surrounded by other traditional pre-meds, but once I got to med school and met my class and upperclassmen (a large portion of which are non-trads), I am amazed at and inspired by the journeys some of them took to get here. Graduating in 6 years is nothing compared to entering a whole different career, then deciding 5 years in that you want to do medicine, going back to school, and getting it done. An extra 2 years is nothing compared to serving in the armed forces before going to college, entering a full 4 years older than most freshmen. Or realizing in your thirties with a wife and children that medicine is your calling, fully accepting that you might be nearing 50 by the time you are an attending. Seriously, I have dozens more stories, and those are just the people I know. People that didn't give up when one obstacle stood in their way.

Sorry for going all "inspirational speech" on you (looking back, some of that was kind of cheesy, but too lazy to change it), but seriously, look at the big picture. If you really want to be a doctor, the chemistry is a small bump in the road. Retake it, rock the rest of your pre-reqs, make sure you have a great app, and go for it. Only if you're hesitant about being a doctor should you look into other careers. The chemistry is not going to keep you from becoming a doctor.

 

[RuralPhysician8]

I guess what's really making me so bothered is that according to calculations, I'd have to retake general chemistry part A (which is one semester), and I didn't register for any chemistry classes this upcoming (semi-final) semester, so I'd have to take it next spring; If I'm right, since I have to take all chemistry classes all the way up to organic, then I'll have to prepare for the MCAT (give it another 6 months, which is technically two semesters), which will have me graduate in 2015-2016; I have started school 3-4 years ago.

I suppose this is the red flag that's really changing my mind up to this point (again not the class, just the duration of how many classes); this and the fact my financial aid will not cover for post-senior years... Should I also mention that our school is trying to eliminate undergraduates who aren't graduating within 6-7 years?

So what have you been doing those last 3-4 years? I would go 5th year and then post-bac if you are afraid of the university dropping you.

 

[DaymanNightman]

So what have you been doing those last 3-4 years? I would go 5th year and then post-bac if you are afraid of the university dropping you.

Well, I've been switching majors around (mostly due to misinformation) and, as many would know, that was a really dumb mistake. But, it was mainly to try to fulfill all the GE classes, not major classes (or pre-med classes).

 

[RuralPhysician8]

Well, I've been switching majors around (mostly due to misinformation) and, as many would know, that was a really dumb mistake. But, it was mainly to try to fulfill all the GE classes, not major classes (or pre-med classes).

Do your gen eds classes not overlap with some pre-med requirements? My university's gen eds fit decently with pre-professional areas. Even so, as long as you have English and social sciences down, then I could see you using this semester to get chem 2 down (if you already started, you might as well see it through), next semester take O-chem, use a summer plus a 5th year to tie up any loose ends. Then, if your sGPA is lacking, then hit a post-bac.

 

[DaymanNightman]

Do your gen eds classes not overlap with some pre-med requirements? My university's gen eds fit decently with pre-professional areas. Even so, as long as you have English and social sciences down, then I could see you using this semester to get chem 2 down (if you already started, you might as well see it through), next semester take O-chem, use a summer plus a 5th year to tie up any loose ends. Then, if your sGPA is lacking, then hit a post-bac.

Pretty much; the school I go to is very messed up, because they didn't even consider gen chem a GE after a while and didn't allow a lot of biology classes (the ones the med schools approve of) to non-bio majors. About the chem 2 for this semester, here's the thing, I'm not allowed to apply if I failed to pass chem 1; like all schools, it's not possible to go to the next class if you did very mediocre in it (this is the main problem of this entire issue right now as a matter of fact).

 

[RuralPhysician8]

Pretty much; the school I go to is very messed up, because they didn't even consider gen chem a GE after a while and didn't allow a lot of biology classes (the ones the med schools approve of) to non-bio majors.

Then you may try just finishing a degree and then doing any pre-reqs at a local community college, then post-bac if needed. What is your current GPA and how long do you have before dropping will equal a W?

 

[DaymanNightman]

Then you may try just finishing a degree and then doing any pre-reqs at a local community college, then post-bac if needed. What is your current GPA and how long do you have before dropping will equal a W?

Quick note: you may want to refresh, I've edited some additional info about your plan

GPA: 3.1; I've got a few days (about next wednesday) before it becomes anything I drop becomes a W. But if it's a suggestion to register for any chemistry classes, I've already tried, the classes are all booked full and there's a waitlist of 100+ people on.

 

[RuralPhysician8]

Quick note: you may want to refresh, I've edited some additional info about your plan

GPA: 3.1; I've got a few days (about next wednesday) before it becomes anything I drop becomes a W. But if it's a suggestion to register for any chemistry classes, I've already tried, the classes are all booked full and there's a waitlist of 100+ people on.

So you are not currently in a chemistry class? What are you taking? I know, registration is packed at my school too.

 

[DaymanNightman]

So you are not currently in a chemistry class? What are you taking? I know, registration is packed at my school too.

Just some basic physics, astronomy classes and a capstone research project. It's all major related if you're wondering

 

[RuralPhysician8]

Just some basic physics, astronomy classes and a capstone research project. It's all major related if you're wondering

Then I would roll with that. Go ahead and get physics out of the way. Focus on on getting a good 3.7 or higher GPA this year and the next if you end up staying for the 5th year. That away, 3.1+3.7+3.7=10.3/3=3.5 GPA and then you can tie up loose ends at a local community college, which should be lax enough for you to grab some ECs too.

 

[DaymanNightman]

Then I would role with that. Go ahead and get physics out of the way. Focus on on getting a good 3.7 or higher GPA this year and the next if you end up staying for the 5th year. That away, 3.1+3.7+3.7=10.3/3=3.5 GPA and then you can tie up loose ends at a local community college, which should be lax enough for you to grab some ECs too.

Actually, this is my 5th year... that's pretty much the cause of this panic right now 🙁

 

[AbbyNormal]

One thing you said concerns me more than your chemistry grade. You said you want to hurry up and settle down. That is incongruent with becoming a physician.

When I was in school it was my plan to be a chemical engineer. I sailed through the first two semesters of chemistry but during my third semester my professor told me I had a good grasp of theory but my math skills were holding me back. So I dropped the course and changed my major. If it really had been my life's dream to be a chemical engineer I would have hired a math tutor and stuck with it.

So... what do you really want to do with your life? You only get one life so choose carefully.

 

[DaymanNightman]

Before anyone else comments, I want to clarify something before we continue; LET ME MAKE IT CLEAR that the main purpose of this thread isn't to help me pick a future job. My main, underlying issue here is that I'm in my year in which I'm expected to graduate, or get dropped by the school (see the first post), and the point is is that I'm asking for any tip as to what my next course of action is. So I will reiterate my question: Because I am in a serious situation in which I HAVE to graduate within a year, what should I do if I still want to go to med school? Should I [refer to poll choices]

So please do not inform me about my career choices and spare yourself a headache; I don't need the same bullish my parents give on what I want do for the rest of my life, so either let me worry about my life's plan and I'll sink or float out there, as a lawyer or god knows what, otherwise press the back button on your browser and preach it elsewhere. Furthermore, I don't give a damn about chemistry up to this point either, because for all I care, I can and would rather have a BBQ with the book and the notes up and still be the happiest man in the world even if I did fail it. JUST ADVISE ME ON WHAT I SHOULD I DO NEXT IF I STILL WANT TO GO TO MED SCHOOL, OTHERWISE BOTHER ME ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE ANYWHERE BUT HERE.

 

[jombojuice22]

Before anyone else comments, I want to clarify something before we continue; the main purpose of this thread isn't to help me pick a future job. My main, underlying issue here is that I'm in my year in which I'm expected to graduate, or get dropped by the school (see the first post), and the point is is that I'm asking for any tip as to what my next course of action is. So I will reiterate my question: Because I am in a serious situation in which I HAVE to graduate within a year, what should I do if I still want to go to med school? Should I [refer to poll choices]

So please do not inform me about my career choices and spare yourself a headache; let me worry about my life's plan and I'll sink or float out there. Just please advise me on what I should do next if I still want to go to med school, before I conclude my final decision.

I didn't read the thread very carefully, but why can't you just graduate and then do any pre-req's you missed as a post-bacc?

You might want to spend some time reading the non-traditional forum. Lots of people take their pre-reqs while working part or full time in other careers. I don't think graduating from your undergrad is really a big deal...

 

[HopefulSlav]

The market for law grads is an unbelievable cluster**** right now so unless you have very very good reason to KNOW that you want to be a lawyer and can get into the very top schools in the country, do not just wander off to law school. A quick google will show you why.

This is an understatement. Only 30,000 seats available to 90,000 graduates. Imagine not matching. Yes, it's that bad.

 

[freakingoutabit]

I went to law school without really knowing what I wanted to do when I graduated college. DO NOT DO THIS. Please. I beg you. If you go to law school without knowing that you want to be a lawyer, you will be making a MASSIVE, EXPENSIVE mistake. I actually enjoyed law school itself, but I despised working in law offices, and I could have discovered this if I had taken some time off after graduation and worked in one before applying. As another poster said, the job market for lawyers is atrocious. It's not that people can't find fancy Big Law jobs. Many people can't find legal work at all. One of my classmates (who graduated from a top tier law school with honors and a publication) now works as a legal secretary and makes $35,000. Another great student now works an entry level government job in DC that doesn't require a law degree. Both of these people have over $100,000 in student loans, and both graduated 2 years ago. The legal job market disaster is not a problem that will be resolved in the next 4 years, believe me.

Seriously. Terrible, terrible idea (unless you want to be a lawyer).

My advice: graduate, work while taking the pre-reqs at a CC. This is a long road, and an extra year is not a big deal. If you need a few more years before you're ready, that's okay. But spend those years making money and progressing toward your goal, not spending $100,000+ on tuition for a degree you don't really care to have.

This is an understatement. Only 30,000 seats available to 90,000 graduates. Imagine not matching. Yes, it's that bad.

+1

Right now (and for the foreseeable future), going to law school is worse than going to a Caribbean med school. Unless your dad is a lawyer and is willing to hire you, or unless it's your life's dream to be Atticus Finch (lolz not gonna happen), don't do it.

 

[RuralPhysician8]

Before anyone else comments, I want to clarify something before we continue; the main purpose of this thread isn't to help me pick a future job. My main, underlying issue here is that I'm in my year in which I'm expected to graduate, or get dropped by the school (see the first post), and the point is is that I'm asking for any tip as to what my next course of action is. So I will reiterate my question: Because I am in a serious situation in which I HAVE to graduate within a year, what should I do if I still want to go to med school? Should I [refer to poll choices]

So please do not inform me about my career choices and spare yourself a headache; let me worry about my life's plan and I'll sink or float out there. Just please advise me on what I should do next if I still want to go to med school, before I conclude my final decision.

OK, here is my n=1 OPINION.
If I was a 5th year senior, then I would be doing as many major classes as possible in order to get a degree with a decent cumulative GPA. I would shoot for a 4.0 for both semesters, but anything above 3.5 will help a little bit. After graduating, I would do the pre-reqs at a community college or enroll into a formal post-bac. After this, then there is the MCAT and everything that follows. Work some early morning shifts, go to school in the evenings, volunteer on the weekends, it is do-able; however, I really think you need to set down with yourself and figure out what you really want out of your work.

 

[wholeheartedly]

I'd say graduate then f they'll drop you otherwise.

Also it's important to note, depending on where he lives and what schools are available, he doesn't need to take prereqs at a community college or do a formal post bac. There are quite a few schools that will let non degree seeking students enroll in courses to fulfill requirements for applying to professional schools, so you can do an informal post bac hat way and probably save some money. You might be last in line to register, so that might've an issue where a formal program would be more desireable. That depends on the school, so check out options for your area.

 

[DaymanNightman]

But why not fulfill the missing requirements at grad school? Would that not be more convenient? If memory services, JCs are notorious for having extremely limited spots compared to any other schools (I tried to take a psychology class in the local jc and out of 60 students that got in, 300 people were waitlisted, and this happened in 2 hours).

 

[freakingoutabit]

But why not fulfill the missing requirements at grad school? Would that not be more convenient? If memory services, JCs are notorious for having extremely limited spots compared to any other schools (I tried to take a psychology class in the local jc and out of 60 students that got in, 300 people were waitlisted, and this happened in 2 hours).

Do you mean a 4 year undergraduate school? Yeah, you can definitely do that. People tend to suggest community colleges because they're more affordable.

If you mean grad school, don't do that. Graduate school grades are considered separately from undergrad grades, so your post-bacc grades wouldn't be able to pull up your cGPA and sGPA if you went to grad school.

 

[tiedyeddog]

But why not fulfill the missing requirements at grad school? Would that not be more convenient? If memory services, JCs are notorious for having extremely limited spots compared to any other schools (I tried to take a psychology class in the local jc and out of 60 students that got in, 300 people were waitlisted, and this happened in 2 hours).

Don't go to grad school. Dont go to law school. Neither of those things will help you get into medical school and will just be adding to your debt. They don't help your resume and are a waste of time.

You need to just graduate and take the extra classes at a community college. In the mean time find a real job and start working full time. Your GPA is really low for a fifth year senior, almost low enough to be incompatible with getting into medical school but that depends on your home state. I would consider other careers you can use your degree in. You still need to take the MCAT and are years away from that based on not even completing gen chem, so you're probably three years away or more from starting medical school (if you somehow get in), so start working in a career that you could stay in if you don't get in.

 

[mehc012]

But why not fulfill the missing requirements at grad school? Would that not be more convenient? If memory services, JCs are notorious for having extremely limited spots compared to any other schools (I tried to take a psychology class in the local jc and out of 60 students that got in, 300 people were waitlisted, and this happened in 2 hours).

1. Because then it wouldn't count as your med school prerequisite. Read the wording; they want undergraduate.

2. Because then you'd have to apply to grad school, which it doesn't seem like you want to do , and because grad schools aren't really the same "take whichever courses you want" setup as undergrad

3. Because your grad gpa is not the same as your ugrad gpa, so you would be passing up the opportunity to boost dem stats.

4. No, it would really really not be more convenient. See above re: having to apply to grad school, looking worse, and not counting anyway.

If the junior colleges are a pain, don't use them. There are TONS of postbacc options. Similarly, if you're graduating soon, I'm not sure I understand why you'd be tied to this area. Move...anywhere, get a reasonable interim job, bang out your prereqs, boost your gpa, maybe score some cool ECs in the process, and apply!

 

[Gauss44]

Priorities in order of importance:
1. Graduate.
2. Then, take whichever additional classes you still need to apply for medical school. And take whatever additional classes you need to repair your GPA if it is low. What is your GPA?
3. Then, take the MCAT and apply

FYI - LAW SCHOOL HAS A REPUTATION FOR GIVING OUT LOW GRADES. That can ruin your chance at medical school. Top GPA in the graduating classes of some law schools are around 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. (I use to review resumes for a law firm.)

Do not apply to law school unless you want to be a lawyer more than a doctor.

Btw, if this OP is also you, then I figured it was something like this, which is partly why I was trying to help: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=1029496

Ok, well here's the story; in some past threads, I've mentioned that I've been having a lot of problems in chemistry (I'm sure everyone here's known that by now), but the thing is I think that's become a problem that may seriously jeopardize my path to med school...

So the situation is, I've noticed that because I did not pass chemistry part A, and after doing some calculations and hearing some "wise" words from the pre-health advisor, there is a possibility that I may have to pick another career because I was informed that if I want to graduate on time, I must just stick with my major and hope for the best, in which my advisor suggested "maybe it's time for a different career path?" Of course the thing is, it is my life long dream to go to med school (why else would I be here on studentdocs?) and because I was so preoccupied with trying to get into medicine, I didn't even think about what to do if nothing worked out (I was initially suggested Law in the beginning of college, but I didn't want to go into it in the first place; now I'm probably going to do it because it may be something I can do given how well I've done in the humanities).

I've done some contemplating and it would appear that my options are as following:
a.) Forget about med school, and go with the backup career plan (my original plan was since english, philosophy and history are my forte, I should try out for Law school instead and take the LSAT)

b.) Stay for an additional 1-2 years while taking classes in the summer (the nearest JC is about 12 miles away and I don't have a car) or other non-degree schools (however, the downside is it has to be direct hits in getting good grades, which would be difficult because of my troubled past in a certain subject)

c.) Go to Law/grad school and then try again for medicine but at the same time taking additional classes outside of the law/grad school (I think it will take an extra 9-12 years?)

I may end up picking A because I'm really unsure whether or not if medical school is even a possibility now (and because I want to start preparing for my permanent job), but I'm open to all suggestions, considering I'm kind of desperate. So, any suggestions from anyone else on how to remedy this issue?

By the way, this is the last time you'll probably hear me bellyaching about chemistry (lol) or anything else for that matter

EDIT: I should inform those who do care, the main problem in why I am asking for help is because I am in my 5th year and my school is trying to drop out 6-7 year students due to "budget problems". This is more of a what to do this year forum, not what I want to do for the rest of my life.

 

[Gauss44]

Choice B could mean at least 2 different things:

-That you graduate. And after graduation, continue to take any prerequisites you still need (what I recommend).

OR

-That you stay in the school you are currently at, and try to take another 1-2 years of classes without graduating asap. (I don't recommend.)

 

[freakingoutabit]

FYI - LAW SCHOOL HAS A REPUTATION FOR GIVING OUT LOW GRADES. That can ruin your chance at medical school. Top GPA in the graduating classes of some law schools are around 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. (I use to review resumes for a law firm.)

This is true, though it's also easily explained (and probably already understood by most ADCOMs). If you graduate with a 3.5 but were in the top 10% of your class, no one is going to think you did poorly, particularly considering the caliber of students at top law schools. Like med schools (that use letter grades), law schools grade on a strict curve. For this reason, law school grades and grad school grades aren't comparable. Of course, graduating from law school even in the top half of the class is not a given; like med students, law students are mostly people who made As in undergrad and are used to doing very well. In a curved grading system, half of them will become B-C students.

That said, law school is still a very bad idea if you don't actually want to be a lawyer.

 

[DaymanNightman]

1. Because then it wouldn't count as your med school prerequisite. Read the wording; they want undergraduate.

2. Because then you'd have to apply to grad school, which it doesn't seem like you want to do , and because grad schools aren't really the same "take whichever courses you want" setup as undergrad

3. Because your grad gpa is not the same as your ugrad gpa, so you would be passing up the opportunity to boost dem stats.

4. No, it would really really not be more convenient. See above re: having to apply to grad school, looking worse, and not counting anyway.

If the junior colleges are a pain, don't use them. There are TONS of postbacc options. Similarly, if you're graduating soon, I'm not sure I understand why you'd be tied to this area. Move...anywhere, get a reasonable interim job, bang out your prereqs, boost your gpa, maybe score some cool ECs in the process, and apply!

For the record, I will apply to grad school.

I believe I read somewhere here on studentdocs that it is suggested to go to grad school if you can't go in at first; I've got cousins who became MD from georgetown, and they said they had to go to grad school (because they were rejected from all schools) and apparently, it serves as some kind of a benefit (not just them, I've read other grad school students here in studentdocs that did this and they claim that apparently, the admissions seem to be interested when you've been doing research at grad school)

BTW, if not JCs, what other postbacc options are there? I can't think of anything else besides JCs or non-degree programs.

 

[DaymanNightman]

Priorities in order of importance:
FYI - LAW SCHOOL HAS A REPUTATION FOR GIVING OUT LOW GRADES. That can ruin your chance at medical school.

Not that it should matter, but I thought freakingoutabit said grad schools (and I'm sure this includes law school, business school, etc.) have a separate grading system and is not considered for med school, which she said: "Graduate school grades are considered separately from undergrad grades, so your post-bacc grades wouldn't be able to pull up your cGPA and sGPA if you went to grad school." If this is true, why would the med schools even care if you do poorly in law school?

Regardless, I'll put this into consideration.

 

[freakingoutabit]

Not that it is the right time to speak about this, but I thought freakingoutabit said grad schools (and I'm sure this includes law school, business school, etc.) have a separate grading system and is not considered for med school, which she said: "Graduate school grades are considered separately from undergrad grades, so your post-bacc grades wouldn't be able to pull up your cGPA and sGPA if you went to grad school." If this is true, why would the med schools even care if you do poorly in law school?

Regardless, I'll put this into consideration.

Although law, business, and grad school grades won't be included in your cGPA and sGPA, schools will still frown upon poor performance, particularly if your poor performance is recent. Low grades in these programs would cast doubt on whether you could handle med school coursework.

 

[freakingoutabit]

BTW, if not JCs, what other postbacc options are there? I can't think of anything else besides JCs or non-degree programs.

You can take the pre-reqs at any school that offers them. You don't need to enroll in a program to do it. If it's easier to take them at a local 4 year college than a community college, do that. Or a combination of both. When you graduate, you'll just apply to take classes as a non-degree seeking student. You can then take whatever classes you still need, no program needed.

If you plan to go to grad school, you'll obviously have to take a few undergrad classes in addition to your grad school coursework. You can't fulfill pre-reqs with graduate level classes.

 

[mehc012]

Although law, business, and grad school grades won't be included in your cGPA and sGPA, schools will still frown upon poor performance, particularly if your poor performance is recent. Low grades in these programs would cast doubt on whether you could handle med school coursework.

But high grades also don't necessarily help you; they don't have a very large pool of people to compare you to. Adcoms know what it takes to do well in the undergraduate prerequisites (and have a lot of experience with uGPAs). A grad gpa means a lot less to them...doing poorly still demonstrates that you are not up to a harsh academic task, but doing well may or may not be meaningful. Med schools are generally of the opinion that their academic load is the hardest one out there. If you do poorly at any other academic load, they will not see you as a good risk for their program. If you do well at an academic pursuit that they know little about, they don't know how much weight to give that - maybe it's almost as hard as med, maybe it's nowhere near as hard...in the end, doing poorly can hurt you, but doing well may not give you much of a boost anyway.

If your goal is med school, do a postbacc. If your goal is research, do a grad program. Do NOT, under ANY circumstances, try to do a graduate research program 'just to get into med'. That is by far one of the worst ideas I have ever heard. Not only does it require YEARS of work (seriously, you could complete an entire new bachelors' degree before you would finish a doctorate), it requires commitment and passion. You will not succeed if you're just going through the motions.

You can take undergrad courses at: community colleges/junior colleges, 4yr institutions, extension schools, night colleges, or any other institution which offers undergraduate credit and doesn't require full-time enrollment. Well, you could do full-time as well, but it would be overkill.

You can also apply for a specialized pre-medical gpa-enhancing postbacc program; these DO actually exist.

If your gpa is >3.0ish, you can apply to a Special Masters Program (SMP)...this IS a graduate program, but its ONLY purpose is to demonstrate med-school readiness. You essentially take med school courses to show that you can handle med school, and if you do well, it can be a ticket in even with a low GPA. If you do poorly, however, you are pretty much donezo for med school This may be your best bet. Some of them even have linkage programs...if you perform above a certain level, you are guaranteed an interview or admission to their MD/DO program.

 

[DaymanNightman]

But high grades also don't necessarily help you; they don't have a very large pool of people to compare you to. Many people think of science grad school grades as inflated (not saying that's the case, just a common perception)...so scoring poorly hurts you, but scoring well only sort of helps.

If your goal is med school, do a postbacc. If your goal is research, do a grad program. Do NOT, under ANY circumstances, try to do a graduate research program 'just to get into med'. That is by far one of the worst ideas I have ever heard. Not only does it require YEARS of work (seriously, you could complete an entire new bachelors' degree before you would finish a doctorate), it requires commitment and passion. You will not succeed if you're just going through the motions.

You can take undergrad courses at: community colleges/junior colleges, 4yr institutions, extension schools, night colleges, or any other institution which offers undergraduate credit and doesn't require full-time enrollment. Well, you could do full-time as well, but it would be overkill.

You can also apply for a specialized pre-medical gpa-enhancing postbacc program; these DO actually exist.

If your gpa is >3.0ish, you can apply to a Special Masters Program (SMP)...this IS a graduate program, but its ONLY purpose is to demonstrate med-school readiness. You essentially take med school courses to show that you can handle med school, and if you do well, it can be a ticket in even with a low GPA. If you do poorly, however, you are pretty much donezo for med school This may be your best bet. Some of them even have linkage programs...if you perform above a certain level, you are guaranteed an interview or admission to their MD/DO program.

I take it SMP is like those summer study programs that are offered in different schools for undergraduate? If so, I'm also guessing they will have different requirements (my assumption is that if it is med school courses, it will require like 2 years of o. chem or 2 years of bio or something like that?), in which I may not be able to fulfill in the set amount of time I have. I also take it that this is the worst (not worst but not the most recommended) idea because you're gambling to go in?

 

[freakingoutabit]

I take it SMP is like those summer study programs that are offered in different schools for undergraduate? If so, I'm also guessing they will have different requirements (my assumption is that if it is med school courses, it will require like 2 years of o. chem or 2 years of bio or something like that?), in which I may not be able to fulfill in the set amount of time I have. I also take it that this is the worst (not worst but not the most recommended) idea because you're gambling to go in?

An SMP lets you take med school classes along with med students to prove that you've got the academic chops to handle med school coursework. SMPs are very risky and very expensive. If you don't do well, game over. You're done.

Most people consider SMPs to be a last resort. You would also need to have finished the pre-reqs and taken the MCAT before you could start.

 

[mehc012]

I take it SMP is like those summer study programs that are offered in different schools for undergraduate? If so, I'm also guessing they will have different requirements (my assumption is that if it is med school courses, it will require like 2 years of o. chem or 2 years of bio or something like that?), in which I may not be able to fulfill in the set amount of time I have. I also take it that this is the worst (not worst but not the most recommended) idea because you're gambling to go in?

First, I edited the first paragraph of the post you quoted, so I'd look through that.

SMPs are their own special category. Generally you would do an SMP if you: completed your prereqs, took the MCAT, but just don't have the gpa to make it into medical school.

Your prereqs are honestly the least of your concerns. A quick Google search will net you probably 5-10 places that you could take your prereqs at within driving distance, IF you feel the need to stay where you are. Anywhere you end up will have the same opportunities.

Your GPA is your biggest concern. It's salvageable, sure, but right now it's a hole in your app big enough to drive a car through. An SMP might in fact be a good option for you....or grade replacement and DO. Either way, you have no choice but to settle down and crank out another few semesters of classes. Whether you stay in school to accomplish this (expensive route, may look bad to take that long to graduate), or take your degree, pick a good place to live, find any job whatsoever - in your major field, in a medical field, your choice - and then do those courses through a postbacc...well, that's your call. But you will be taking more undergraduate courses no matter what.

AFTER you take those courses, THEN you can consider 3 options: apply and cross your fingers, apply DO with grade replacement, or apply for an SMP, drop an extra year of tuition into it, rock its socks off, and go med afterwards.

Which you choose is up to your impatience, your willingness to take on loans, and your MCAT.

If it were me? Get my degree, move to Texas (or back with family for cheap room/board), get a medical job or a research job (or both), take classes whenever I could, dedicate some MCAT studying time, work on my ECs for a year or two, and then apply. Apply to SMPs concurrently in case I didn't get in. Go to the best option I'm accepted to.

 

[jombojuice22]

But why not fulfill the missing requirements at grad school? Would that not be more convenient?

1. Because then it wouldn't count as your med school prerequisite. Read the wording; they want undergraduate.

2. Because then you'd have to apply to grad school, which it doesn't seem like you want to do , and because grad schools aren't really the same "take whichever courses you want" setup as undergrad

3. Because your grad gpa is not the same as your ugrad gpa, so you would be passing up the opportunity to boost dem stats.

4. No, it would really really not be more convenient. See above re: having to apply to grad school, looking worse, and not counting anyway.

If the junior colleges are a pain, don't use them. There are TONS of postbacc options. Similarly, if you're graduating soon, I'm not sure I understand why you'd be tied to this area. Move...anywhere, get a reasonable interim job, bang out your prereqs, boost your gpa, maybe score some cool ECs in the process, and apply!

For the record, I will apply to grad school.

I think you're in trouble too...