Is it going to take a miracle for me to get accepted? lol

[KHOWARD7]

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So here it is...

I have worked and managed a restaurant full-time for the last six years. Typically, I worked 45-50 hr/wk to support myself. Due to my occupational work load and other stressors that comprise life, my college coursework performance was not at my best.🙁 Therefore, I have a dismal 2.4 cumulative gpa (Biology Major). However, after calculating retakes only (as in DO school program gpa calculations), I do have a 2.998.
<< I wish I didn't have to work so much >>

My MCAT practice exams scores demonstrate that I am capable of handling medical school curriculum successfully. I have been scoring in the 32-37 range (taken 5 practice exams). I plan on taking the official exam in January.

For the Fall and Spring semester of the 2010-2011 school year, I am retaking classes to obtain a higher gpa.

I will do anything that is necessary to get accepted into medical school! Please give me any guidance or advice that you may have.

What post-bacc programs would be willing to accept and help me get in? Or, should I just skip the US and go to the Caribbean (the BIG 4 Caribbean Schools)? Or, is the Caribbean not even going to take me?
Does anyone know of a story similar to mine that made it in?

 

[plzacceptme]

Retake the classes and get your GPA to above a 3.0 to get past the screening process, and with an MCAT score as you described you should have no problem getting into an SMP program.

 

[jslo85]

I don't quite remember, but didn't we go over this before?

If you want to stay within the US, with your GPA as it is currently, the only "realistic" option that you have is going the osteopathic route. Even then,you rely on certain variables such as As in all your retakes, a "high" MCAT score, and a convincing story that admissions committees may or may not choose to believe/give you the benefit of the doubt for.

Caribbean would involve a bit less work in that you would require a higher MCAT score and 3-4 As. They seem to be far less choosy in who they will accept due to their initial high class size as well as their expected attrition of a substantial amount of their class first and second semester. You might be able to gain enterance without those 4-5 classes if you enroll in Ross's MERP program.

If it was me personally, I would go for the retakes and get as close to a 3.0 as possible before applying straight for a DO SMP. Apply broadly and widely aiming for the high linkage programs (KCOM, LECOM, NSU, Touro NY, etc.) while being somewhat realistic with your chances of getting in. Just remember to submit your application early (Dec-January).

 

[OLYWA]

Those stats would get you in to LECOM's postbac. They want your prereqs done (and won't look at your gpa if you apply early enough) and a MCAT of 18 to apply.

If you finish the program with a cumulative 3.0 in the program and get a 22 on the MCAT within 3 years prior to matriculation they'll let you in the next year's class. Probably the best deal out there because you're judged solely on your performance in the postbac...but be warned, start studying your stuff early so you excel in the postbac AND learn about LECOM...as it's somewhat like living in North Korea...and a shock to many people that weren't aware of the politics with the school.