Is Med School even the right choice at this point?

[medlover2015]

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Hey everyone,

At this point, I am becoming really discouraged about getting into medical school and my chances due to a low GPA. As of now I have a 2.2 GPA, which I'm not proud about at all and on top of that my third years in college I found out that I am 4 credits short of being a junior, after this semester I will be a junior. Lately I have been trying to work harder at studying, but it seems like I can't retain the information that I am studying even if I re-read and go over notes. When it comes to taking test in any of my science class it seem like I freeze up and I forget almost everything or I second guess myself, which get me a lower test grade. When it come to classes like Philosophy, Sociology, and Biblical class (I go to a Liberal Christian University and these class are required) I can do fine with these classes getting a C+ or higher. Its the opposite when it comes to science classes, and lately I have started to change my study habits, so only time can tell. Studying is probably the worst that I have to overcome because I'm a kinesthetic learner, so it's hard to sit down and focus on reading material plus I am a complete Right Brain learner.

Recently I had a meeting with one of the staff member here at the university that I attend and her words just crushed me, she told me that I should basically stop looking into medical career and choose a different field to go into due to my GPA. I understand where she was coming from but it's not like I'm trying to fail these classes on purpose, I just have trouble comprehending what I learn and all the classes that I have got a bad grade in, I'm retaking.

Last year, I hardly passed Human A&P even with a tutor, the only reason I passed barley was due to all the papers and the final exam, which is the same as previous test plus some new material.

At this point I don't know what to do anymore? I don't want to just quit because so many people have faith in me and expect me to do well, but I scared I'm going to disappoint myself and them. I have talk to my Advisor, who said to just focus on studying and retaking some of the classes then look to taking the MCAT when I feel ready. Can someone please offer an advice or personal experiences? Anything will help at this point.

 

[911 Turbo]

Hey everyone,

At this point, I am becoming really discouraged about getting into medical school and my chances due to a low GPA. As of now I have a 2.2 GPA, which I'm not proud about at all and on top of that my third years in college I found out that I am 4 credits short of being a junior, after this semester I will be a junior. Lately I have been trying to work harder at studying, but it seems like I can't retain the information that I am studying even if I re-read and go over notes. When it comes to taking test in any of my science class it seem like I freeze up and I forget almost everything or I second guess myself, which get me a lower test grade. When it come to classes like Philosophy, Sociology, and Biblical class (I go to a Liberal Christian University and these class are required) I can do fine with these classes getting a C+ or higher. Its the opposite when it comes to science classes, and lately I have started to change my study habits, so only time can tell. Studying is probably the worst that I have to overcome because I'm a kinesthetic learner, so it's hard to sit down and focus on reading material plus I am a complete Right Brain learner.

Recently I had a meeting with one of the staff member here at the university that I attend and her words just crushed me, she told me that I should basically stop looking into medical career and choose a different field to go into due to my GPA. I understand where she was coming from but it's not like I'm trying to fail these classes on purpose, I just have trouble comprehending what I learn and all the classes that I have got a bad grade in, I'm retaking.

Last year, I hardly passed Human A&P even with a tutor, the only reason I passed barley was due to all the papers and the final exam, which is the same as previous test plus some new material.

At this point I don't know what to do anymore? I don't want to just quit because so many people have faith in me and expect me to do well, but I scared I'm going to disappoint myself and them. I have talk to my Advisor, who said to just focus on studying and retaking some of the classes then look to taking the MCAT when I feel ready. Can someone please offer an advice or personal experiences? Anything will help at this point.

MD is out. Retake the classes you got a C or below in, do well on the MCAT, apply DO, and you'll be doing the same exact things an MD does.

 

[docRomi]

I was in the same boat last year and I'm straightening myself out this year. I'm a junior in undergrad and my GPA from my first two years were crap. Around a 2.7 and I just switched my career choice to premed. Since I was doing engineering I didn't really care about grades because you can basically pass with any grade in that field, so I screwed myself in the end. I have the same problem with test taking especially math but the way to get over that (and I'm sure everyone on this site would agree) is to drills the information in your brain over and over until it becomes second nature. Tell the girlfriend/boyfriend that you gotta study and start thinking about your future rather than tonight's plans. When I started doing that my grades are significantly better and I'm planning on retaking all the C classes I have later. Idc if takes an extra year because my GPA isn't high enough, ill do it because I don't like any other profession and because I set a goal that I'm gonna meet. Have this mentality and give it a shot. You gotta want it.

 

[docRomi]

Btw I'm going the DO route because honestly there isn't much hope for MD. Kick serious ass on the mcat and you'll be fine.

 

[SunsFun]

The material in med school will only get harder. If you are having so much trouble with basic sciences after several years of trying really hard you may need to figure out a strategy that will work for you before moving on. No MD school and probably no DO school will take a chance on you until you are able to be an effective learner.

 

[Mavs88]

First of all, don't EVER worry about disappointing anyone else. They can shove their expectations up somewhere. It's your life, not theirs.

Second off, it seems like you've had some real struggles. I'd do a massive self reflection to find what you can do to achieve your goals. Less partying/going out/lazy time? More studying? Better studying? At the end of a semester, if you get a bad grade, ask yourself "have I done everything I can?"

I agree with the sentiments above that an MD is very unlikely considering the uphill battle you have (3 years with 2.2 GPA...not sure how high you could get that with even an SMP). On the other hand, the good news is that if you retake these courses you didn't do so hot in, DO schools will do grade replacement, so the old grades come off your GPA! This is your best option. Basically, start all over. Go from Gen Chem I or Bio I if you have to and just make an A or B in everything with new study habits and your ultimate goal and big picture in mind. Retaking these earlier courses will also lay a better foundation for the MCAT.

Good luck! And take it a semester at a time. It doesn't matter if it takes you extra years.

 

[BlackBox]

You will likely have to do an SMP & apply DO. I kinda like when people tell me I can't accomplish certain things- it makes me work even harder!

I think you do need to investigate different ways to study/manage your time though. I've always found that rewriting/teaching topics is the best way for me. Good Luck

 

[astromfs]

DO school chances are not looking good either. Definitely retake and perform well on your MCAT.

 

[medlover2015]

Thanks Guys for all the help and encouragement, I appreciate it. I'm currently try a new study plan and trying to break old habits, because last year I didn't make good choices. I will admit, and I know the mind set that I had last year was horrible for me academically. Also the school I attend if you fail a class and retake it with a higher grade, the failed class doesn't show on your records only the new grade, which I'm thankful for.

Is it bad to take extra classes or retake certain class like major biology at a community college or would that be look down upon?

The reason I ask this, is due to my school requirements and cost:
-Only 12- 15 credits are allowed per semester
- Tuition is over 25 grand a year since it's a private college
- Liberal Art based along with biblical and classes focus around Christianity take up most of the credits leaving about two year for major class.

 

[911 Turbo]

Thanks Guys for all the help and encouragement, I appreciate it. I'm currently try a new study plan and trying to break old habits, because last year I didn't make good choices. I will admit, and I know the mind set that I had last year was horrible for me academically. Also the school I attend if you fail a class and retake it with a higher grade, the failed class doesn't show on your records only the new grade, which I'm thankful for.

Is it bad to take extra classes or retake certain class like major biology at a community college or would that be look down upon?

The reason I ask this, is due to my school requirements and cost:
-Only 12- 15 credits are allowed per semester
- Tuition is over 25 grand a year since it's a private college
- Liberal Art based along with biblical and classes focus around Christianity take up most of the credits leaving about two year for major class.

Yo.... what?

 

[tabascosauce]

md and do are both out. what else do you see yourself doing in the future?

 

[Jay K]

I'm a kinesthetic learner, so it's hard to sit down and focus on reading material plus I am a complete Right Brain learner.

If you buy into this BS, you're never going to be a practicing physician of any sort.

As others have mentioned, in your present circumstances, you'll never make it through all the hurdles it takes to be a board certified physician practicing in the United States.

You are capable of rote memorization and devoting the focus and time necessary to achieve success; It's up to you to do so, instead of naming excuses for your failure.

If being a physician is what you want, then you will have to earn it in competition with others who can do what you currently cannot.

Take note that discipline and investment of time will lead to success in any field, so you still need to change irrespective of career choice.

 

[Akali]

Maybe Loma Linda will take you.

 

[deleted480308]

If you have a 2.2 taking one or two sciences per semester and you've actually been trying, you need to consider the fact that academically speaking, you just don't process science well enough to make it as a doctor.

Not everyone can handle it. My wife can run a major company but could never do it. My sister manages a therapy clinic, could never get through med school. There's no shame in it, there are plenty of ways to help people and provide care that don't require a scientific thought process like the upper level classes you are failing.

You need to pray and ask yourself of you are chasing a dream that you should be chasing.

 

[kyamh]

...I can do fine with these classes getting a C+ or higher

OP, this is the statement that sets of a bit of an alarm for me. In order to be competitive at MD and DO programs, you have to understand that getting a C+ or better is not really "fine". Most candidates for MD and DO have GPAs that are over a 3.0, meaning that they average better than a B. Even in the case of a 3.0-3.3 many choose to do post-bac programs in which they usually score a 3.8-4.0 to make up for their earlier grades. Again, we are talking about B+ to A range grades. While it's fine to have a few C's and many successful applicants do, it sounds like your situation is worse.

Also, your choice of school is not great for accomplishing your goal. If you can't load up on science courses, it's a problem. If you are serious about becoming a doctor, I would fill out a transfer application right now. Go to a state school where tuition is a little cheaper and spend the next 2-3 years getting your degree. Utilize all the resources available to you like tutoring, group study, office hours, homework help rooms, etc. Talk to your future dean about getting some professional help from an educational counselor at your school so that someone can help you find the study methods that work well. Maybe use some of the money you save by transferring and hire a weekly private tutor who can whip your habits into shape.

 

[SaintSteezy]

First of all, don't EVER worry about disappointing anyone else. They can shove their expectations up somewhere. It's your life, not theirs.

Second off, it seems like you've had some real struggles. I'd do a massive self reflection to find what you can do to achieve your goals. Less partying/going out/lazy time? More studying? Better studying? At the end of a semester, if you get a bad grade, ask yourself "have I done everything I can?"

I agree with the sentiments above that an MD is very unlikely considering the uphill battle you have (3 years with 2.2 GPA...not sure how high you could get that with even an SMP). On the other hand, the good news is that if you retake these courses you didn't do so hot in, DO schools will do grade replacement, so the old grades come off your GPA! This is your best option. Basically, start all over. Go from Gen Chem I or Bio I if you have to and just make an A or B in everything with new study habits and your ultimate goal and big picture in mind. Retaking these earlier courses will also lay a better foundation for the MCAT.

Good luck! And take it a semester at a time. It doesn't matter if it takes you extra years.

This is so true. OP you need to realize that you possibly have an external locus of control meaning that you are prone to blaming success (and failure) upon some external force(s). The day I realized that I wanted to be a physician (and not a businessman like my father), I took ultimate control over my life. You must realize that this is your life and you must obtain mastery over it. In addition, I don't feel as though you're somehow academically deficient, you just haven't grasped your particular modality of learning. It might be in your best interest to take a semester or two off and focus upon doing some things you enjoy , such as volunteering or shadowing, to determine if you really are willing to pursue medicine "whole hog".

 

[NontradCA]

Hey everyone,

At this point, I am becoming really discouraged about getting into medical school and my chances due to a low GPA. As of now I have a 2.2 GPA, which I'm not proud about at all and on top of that my third years in college I found out that I am 4 credits short of being a junior, after this semester I will be a junior. Lately I have been trying to work harder at studying, but it seems like I can't retain the information that I am studying even if I re-read and go over notes. When it comes to taking test in any of my science class it seem like I freeze up and I forget almost everything or I second guess myself, which get me a lower test grade. When it come to classes like Philosophy, Sociology, and Biblical class (I go to a Liberal Christian University and these class are required) I can do fine with these classes getting a C+ or higher. Its the opposite when it comes to science classes, and lately I have started to change my study habits, so only time can tell. Studying is probably the worst that I have to overcome because I'm a kinesthetic learner, so it's hard to sit down and focus on reading material plus I am a complete Right Brain learner.

Recently I had a meeting with one of the staff member here at the university that I attend and her words just crushed me, she told me that I should basically stop looking into medical career and choose a different field to go into due to my GPA. I understand where she was coming from but it's not like I'm trying to fail these classes on purpose, I just have trouble comprehending what I learn and all the classes that I have got a bad grade in, I'm retaking.

Last year, I hardly passed Human A&P even with a tutor, the only reason I passed barley was due to all the papers and the final exam, which is the same as previous test plus some new material.

At this point I don't know what to do anymore? I don't want to just quit because so many people have faith in me and expect me to do well, but I scared I'm going to disappoint myself and them. I have talk to my Advisor, who said to just focus on studying and retaking some of the classes then look to taking the MCAT when I feel ready. Can someone please offer an advice or personal experiences? Anything will help at this point.

You need to stop making excuses and buckle down. Plain and simple. I had a 2.25 GPA at 70 units, and now I'm sitting on an MD acceptance as well as several DO. It's definitely doable.

 

[touchpause13]

You need to stop making excuses and buckle down. Plain and simple. I had a 2.25 GPA at 70 units, and now I'm sitting on an MD acceptance as well as several DO. It's definitely doable.

Wow that's very impressive dude. Way to go!

 

[NontradCA]

Wow that's very impressive dude. Way to go!

Thank you. I did take an additional 80 units, and there was a large gap in between. Although, I did start out bad my first two semesters back to school (Prior to the military I attended college, then 5 years later went back to school).

 

[IL Pre Med]

OP I was in a similar situation, I had a 1.7 GPA after first year and around a 2.5 after second. I eventually brought that up to just under 3.0 at graduation and pulled a 3.9+ in grad school, got a 35 MCAT and am applying MD now. Of course, I can't tell you if I've been successful yet but I at least have a chance. As others have posted, students can recover from a 2.2 GPA and attend some medical school but to be honest, I don't think you can. You said you were trying in school with a small course load and even used tutors and got C's; what's worse is that you believe that's an acceptable grade. I don't know man, but it's not looking good.

 

[BlueLabel]

You need to stop making excuses and buckle down. Plain and simple. I had a 2.25 GPA at 70 units, and now I'm sitting on an MD acceptance as well as several DO. It's definitely doable.

Wow. Where did your GPR end up if you don't mind me asking? MCAT score also?

 

[NontradCA]

3.7 for DO and 3.0BCPM for MD, 29 MCAT. I retook quite a few classes for DO. Barely moved my AMCAS GPA because I have so many credits. 3.9ish for the last 80+ credits, which are mainly prereqs and upper division courses.

 

[papi89]

I think you can always go for a DO program and you would be fine, buddy of mine last year did the same since he had a lower GPA and is doing great there... I don't think it's as gloom and doom as some of these people are leading you to believe

 

[medlover2015]

So it seems like Grad School is looking like the a huge options, I talked to my advisor and he gave me the advice that going to Grad School would be better than retaking classes and wasting money. Should my grad program deal with medicine or does it matter?

 

[rain4venus]

In addition, I don't feel as though you're somehow academically deficient, you just haven't grasped your particular modality of learning. It might be in your best interest to take a semester or two off and focus upon doing some things you enjoy , such as volunteering or shadowing, to determine if you really are willing to pursue medicine "whole hog".

This. If you haven't figured out how to get straight A's from here out, chugging along with mostly C's may make your cGPA completely impossible to repair. Having a 2.2 is something you can overcome, but the more credits you add on at this point at the B- or lower level, the harder it will be to overcome.
Med schools will totally understand if you take some time off, and then come back and totally rock all your classes.
I would give up going to med school in 2-3 years, and come up with a way to get yourself in 5-10 years from now. Maybe you can find a job that satisfies you for now, and take free classes online (khan academy or something like that where you won't get a grade that shows up on a transcript) so you teach yourself how to teach yourself. Once you've mastered your studying habits, go back to school and kill it, and you will demonstrate to med schools that you're dedicated and that you have the ability to handle a science course load.

 

[bambam92]

Have you been evaluated for add/adhd? A lot of people don't think they have it but after being evaluated are shocked that they actually do indeed. If medicine is only thing you see yourself doing retake classes you did bad in for DO--MD is out. Don't focus so much on left/right brain learner--you just need to figure out what works for you. Also don't let anyone tell you that you CANT do medicine--I believe anyone that is average level of intelligence equipped with a strong work ethic can get it done. You may need to study even more for your science classes. I was shocked initially how much I had to study to do well in certain science class, i.e. chem and anatomy. Getting the grades isn't all about intelligence, its more about adequate prep. I have friends that are naturally more intelligent than I, but their GPA is no where near mine. Maybe you have anxiety if you are "freezing" up on tests. I find the best way to avoid feeling anxious about a test is thorough prep. Maybe get evaluated by psych for anxiety/adhd--you never know. Once you get everything figured out I'm sure you can succeed. This is coming from someone with average/slightly above average intellect and a 3.85 GPA in my junior year of pre-med. You can do it, if thats what you decide!

 

[dorian baltar]

I agree with a lot of what I've seen other people say.
The first thing you need to do is learn how to teach yourself well. If you can't do that, there's no point trying to get an MD or a DO, because you'll fail.
Someone said you're going to have to compete with a lot of people who don't have the academic problems you have. That's definitely true. I have a 3.65 (might be a 3.74 if I get a retroactive withdraw approved) and I'm studying for the MCAT very intensely. Despite that, I'm still slightly concerned about getting into a DO school. That fear may be unfounded, but there LOADS of people with numbers better than yours that are applying at DO schools.
Thinking a C or higher is "fine" is not going to fly from now on. Like others have said, to have a chance, you're going to have to show adcoms that you turned yourself around. Going from a C average to a B average probably won't make a difference, but an A/B ratio greater than 1 from now on will largely eliminate your grade handicap from the perspective of DO schools.
A solid MCAT (30+?) will help a lot too. However, again, you need to know how to learn before you can get that, since it appears you aren't retaining information very well or you at least have abysmal test taking skills.
You said you made some bad decisions the last semester (or few semesters).
I would try working for a year while volunteering at a hospital and shadowing so you have a better idea that this is really something you want to do.
When I first went to college, I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but I had no determination to be one, so I played video games instead of studying. I abandoned the goal of being a doctor for 6 years until I worked for a few years and looked at a lot of different careers. I finally realized being a doctor was the only thing I wanted to do and I had the experience to know that for certain. Consequently, I had a 3.98 GPA for all of my classes when I went back to college.

TL/DR
Take a break.
Learn how to learn.
Make sure you not only want to be a doctor but it is the only thing you want to be.
If you don't really want to be a doctor, just accept it and do something else. You don't have to be a doctor to be successful or happy.
If you do, finish school with good grades (thanks to the determination that knowing you want to be a doctor will give you).

 

[Law2Doc]

Agree with the prior poster who suggested take a break. Do not take any more sciences. Youd have to take sciences again later so don't bother with them now. Take things you will do well in from here on out. You are in GPA salvage mode. Take fine arts, intro to Sanskrit, basically things where you get graded based on effort, not ability, and start pulling in high marks. After college, strongly consider another field, at least for a while. Med school ill always be there. Later on, when your head is in a better place, you can try to take/retake the science courses again.

 

[Law2Doc]

Agree with the prior poster who suggested take a break. Do not take any more sciences. Youd have to take sciences again later so don't bother with them now. Take things you will do well in from here on out. You are in GPA salvage mode. Take fine arts, intro to Sanskrit, basically things where you get graded based on effort, not ability, and start pulling in high marks. After college, strongly consider another field, at least for a while. Med school ill always be there. Later on, when your head is in a better place, you can try to take/retake the science courses again.

 

[Maeby Funke]

I don't think it's too late, particularly if you're fine going the DO route, but you need to make major some changes immediately. I suggest taking a very light load next term, maybe even just taking classes part time if possible so you can focus on developing strong study skills. Take advantage of all the resources available to you - tutoring services, professors' office hours, the academic center, study groups. And study - A LOT. I think a lot of college students underestimate the amount of hours they need to put in to get good grades. While a few students might be able to read the chapter once through and do well, most of us need to read it over many times and take thorough notes/do a ton of practice problems to solidify the material.

I was in a similar situation a few years ago. By the end of my sophomore year of college I had around a 2.8 GPA and was placed on academic probation for failing every single one of my classes that term (not to mention the huge handful of W's on my record from previous terms). At that point I decided to withdraw from school and take a term off because I could only see things going downhill. During that time I decided to pursue a career in medicine, and when I returned to school I did everything in my power to make sure I didn't have any more slip ups. It took me five years in total to finish college, but I got straight A's throughout those last 3 years and studied hard for the MCAT to get a competitive score.

I'm definitely still an underdog at all allopathic schools with a GPA in the bottom 10th percentile for most, but I've been accepted to my top choice DO school, with upcoming interviews at 2 MD schools and 2 more DO schools (GPA <3.3, 34 MCAT, non-URM).