Is a post-bacc worth it for me? (High undergrad gpa but weird record)

[Stumpyman]

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Hey,

I have a cumulative 3.83 GPA (3.75 science) but I'm thinking about applying for a post-bacc (particularly the VCOM one which offers guaranteed admission if you meet their GPA requirements).

I'm currently studying for the MCAT, but even with a decent MCAT and a high GPA, I feel my academic record isn't very strong. This is because I attended 3 different colleges throughout undergrad (one was a community college), and had 3-4 semesters where I was part-time (8-12 credits). I also have 2 Ws on my transcript and am graduating in 5 years from a weak state school. I actually went out of state to a top public school and didn't do exceptional there ( cumulative 3.35 GPA) and then I transferred to a college close to my family (my mother was ill and I wasn't handling the long distance from my family very well). I don't really have a great reason why my record is so weird other than that; the part-time status/Ws resulted from just not being able to handle the material at the time. I wish I had a "traditional" path to a 4-year college. I feel as if a post-bac would help "bring together" my entire academic record.

So, do you think a post-bacc is worth it? Or would a 507+ MCAT score mitigate my weird transcripts? (I'm happy with DO or MD)

Just by the way, my LORs are pretty great. I have a lot of clinical experience through working part-time as well as volunteering. I've done a good bit of community service consistently and also have 2+ years of research (with 3 posters, 1 abstract publication).

Thanks a ton. I could really use some second opinions.

 

[P0ke]

2 W's wont make or break you. I'd say apply broadly and you should get some interviews. The timeline of classes isn't going to make or break you either. If it does come up in an interview or secondary question, say that you were young and still adjusting to the workload of college, or something along those lines. You did well later on, which is a big plus. I wouldn't try anything risky yet with those respectable gpas. Focus on the mcat and do well on it.

 

[deleted735168]

Your GPA is pretty good. As long as you're able to explain yourself in PS or during interviews (if it comes up) you should be fine. I think you have a solid chance at DO schools. I'd try the newer schools. Make sure your MCAT is 502+ and you should be fine without having to do a post-bacc.