is there a chance?

[vandy123]

I am currently a student at Vanderbilt University. I am an Asian American an I currently have a 2.89 GPA, my science GPA is probably lower since I have been getting from B minus to B plus range for most of my classes. what killed me was math and general chemistry I have gotten Cs in math and C+ in chem in both semester and that's what's bringing my avg down so much. I am planning to take the MCAT this coming May and plan to rock it with everything I've done so far. with extracurriculars, I have started an organization on campus, did about 4 summers of research starting from high school, and I have volunteered extensively around hospitals, shadowed, and etc. I am definitely set on the extracurricular activities section. I am definitely not going to DO school and I am from MS, a state whose school is very easy to get into (although harder in recent years).

My question is:

What should I do at this point, what kind of MCAT should I expect to make, and what kind of medical school should I expect to apply to?

Thank you

I am also considering applying to Georgetown's SMP when i get my GPA up to a 3.0...but I'd rather not do that.

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[flodhi1]

I am currently a student at Vanderbilt University. I am an Asian American an I currently have a 2.89 GPA, my science GPA is probably lower since I have been getting from B minus to B plus range for most of my classes. what killed me was math and general chemistry I have gotten Cs in math and C+ in chem in both semester and that's what's bringing my avg down so much. I am planning to take the MCAT this coming May and plan to rock it with everything I've done so far. with extracurriculars, I have started an organization on campus, did about 4 summers of research starting from high school, and I have volunteered extensively around hospitals, shadowed, and etc. I am definitely set on the extracurricular activities section. I am definitely not going to DO school and I am from MS, a state whose school is very easy to get into (although harder in recent years).

My question is:

What should I do at this point, what kind of MCAT should I expect to make, and what kind of medical school should I expect to apply to?

Thank you

I am also considering applying to Georgetown's SMP when i get my GPA up to a 3.0...but I'd rather not do that.

I hate to sound mean but let's get this straight you have a cGPA of 2.89, a science GPA even lower but you would rather not apply to DO or a SMP program? how do you plan on getting accepted into medical school? you do understand that you're applying to a competitive field where every other applicant would kill you stats wise right?

 

[shinbeats]

I am currently a student at Vanderbilt University. I am an Asian American an I currently have a 2.89 GPA, my science GPA is probably lower since I have been getting from B minus to B plus range for most of my classes. what killed me was math and general chemistry I have gotten Cs in math and C+ in chem in both semester and that's what's bringing my avg down so much. I am planning to take the MCAT this coming May and plan to rock it with everything I've done so far. with extracurriculars, I have started an organization on campus, did about 4 summers of research starting from high school, and I have volunteered extensively around hospitals, shadowed, and etc. I am definitely set on the extracurricular activities section. I am definitely not going to DO school and I am from MS, a state whose school is very easy to get into (although harder in recent years).

My question is:

What should I do at this point, what kind of MCAT should I expect to make, and what kind of medical school should I expect to apply to?

Thank you

I am also considering applying to Georgetown's SMP when i get my GPA up to a 3.0...but I'd rather not do that.

The MCAT is not an easy exam to "rock" especially with a poor performance in undergrad. You will need to take a SMP program and get a gpa > 3.7

 

[Jamie561]

Short answer is no, no chance

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[DoctorLacrosse]

I am in your boat, though I have a couple years to try and turn it around. I have come to the realization that it is going to be nearly impossible for an MD acceptance, so I've put all my efforts towards starting to do retakes in hopes of a DO acceptance. I'm in no way, shape or form upset about that, as a DO is no different from an MD, and I am just grateful they offer a chance to have a chance, so to speak. No offense, but you have no shot. you should start being as realistic and grateful as I am, and consider doing retakes in hope of a DO acceptance.

 

[vandy123]

hey, thanks for the honest answer. I have a question though. will it be better if I can get both of my GPA above 3.0 this semester?

 

[flodhi1]

hey, thanks for the honest answer. I have a question though. will it be better if I can get both of my GPA above 3.0 this semester?

Absolutely not, your GPA needs to be extremely high. You need to show an upward trend for at least a couple years ( GPA greater than 3.6 for at least 4-5 semesters) even then MD schools are not a guarantee. A more realistic approach is to look into DO schools and their grade forgiveness.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

I think any increase will obviously help, but it still puts you in the near impossible region to be accepted, especially being of Asian descent. If MD is all you want, strongly consider trying to find an SMP that will take you. Otherwise, it doesn't look plausible.

Doing poorly in an SMP will end your chances all together. Just keep that in mind. I'd definitely start thinking about DO.

 

[shinbeats]

Right now DO is a long shot for you let alone MD. Average DO matriculant has a GPA close to 3.4 and MCAT score of 26-27. Your average MD matriculant has a GPA close to 3.6 and MCAT score of 30-31.

 

[Catalystik]

I am currently a student at Vanderbilt University. I am an Asian American an I currently have a 2.89 GPA, my science GPA is probably lower since I have been getting from B minus to B plus range for most of my classes. what killed me was math and general chemistry I have gotten Cs in math and C+ in chem in both semester and that's what's bringing my avg down so much. I am planning to take the MCAT this coming May and plan to rock it with everything I've done so far. with extracurriculars, I have started an organization on campus, did about 4 summers of research starting from high school, and I have volunteered extensively around hospitals, shadowed, and etc. I am definitely set on the extracurricular activities section. I am definitely not going to DO school and I am from MS, a state whose school is very easy to get into (although harder in recent years).

My question is:

What should I do at this point, what kind of MCAT should I expect to make, and what kind of medical school should I expect to apply to?

Thank you

I am also considering applying to Georgetown's SMP when i get my GPA up to a 3.0...but I'd rather not do that.

A few years ago, an SDNer got into a US MD school with a 2.92 MCAT 43, a strong upward grade trend, and superb ECs. As this route is usually not possible for normal mortals, your best bet would be getting straight As until your stats are above a 3.0, rock the MCAT, and apply to SMPs.

For fun, read about that journey: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=544011

 

[vandy123]

I have taken some practice tests with the AMCAS, and I've been making 35-37. I really do have great extracurricular activities. The med school I'm looking to get into is University of Mississippi (for MS residents only). I don't mean to sound stubborn or anything and if I come off as "I'm a Vandy student so I deserve everything," I don't mean to. But with all my shadowing experiences at that med school and all my research done at that med school, do you think I can even get an interview with them if I were to raise my GPA to an above 3.0? If not, I am considering of applying to an SMP program. I will not give up on MD because it is my dream and I've started to work hard in my classes. it might be too late, but I'm willing to apply after my senior year. thanks

 

[Catalystik]

Your stats are well below the bottom tenth percentiles for UMiss, but that doesn't mean that they never make exceptions, especially in the face of an outstanding MCAT score and with recent sustained excellent coursework. Why not call and ask them? You might make a phone appointment with a dean (to call back when one is free, if you don't live close) and go over your application in detail.

 

[vandy123]

also, I would like to know does where you go to undergrad mean anything to med schools? I have had both of my math classes curved down (had a B in both) because there were too many As in class. Will med schools give considerations to that?

 

[Jamie561]

OP no offense, but you seem to overestimate Vandy and underestimate U of MS in your posts. Your grades are simply too low for any md/do program.

Also, you will get no extra points for going to vandy. Sorry.

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[sliceofbread136]

also, I would like to know does where you go to undergrad mean anything to med schools? I have had both of my math classes curved down (had a B in both) because there were too many As in class. Will med schools give considerations to that?

Nope. Sorry but this cycle is out of reach. SMP/DO/Postbacc is your fate.

 

[vandy123]

Is there really 0 chance even if I get a 4.0 this semester and make a 35 on my MCAT?

 

[BrandonR]

It couldn't hurt but you really need to get your gpa up.

 

[flodhi1]

Is there really 0 chance even if I get a 4.0 this semester and make a 35 on my MCAT?

Never say never. I think you should follow the advice given by Cat and call the school. I think it's worth a try but most likely the chances are very slim.

 

[sliceofbread136]

Is there really 0 chance even if I get a 4.0 this semester and make a 35 on my MCAT?

Maybe get a 43 and we'll talk, but with a sub 3 gpa your chances are limited to a point that spending money to apply would be largely a waste.

 

[Total180]

Is there really 0 chance even if I get a 4.0 this semester and make a 35 on my MCAT?

You would probably get autoscreened because of your gpa and your app wouldn't even be looked at by humans. You are much better off waiting and raising your gpa. You have really nixed all of the "faster" options by not considering DO. It will probably be a few years before you are able to apply.

 

[vandy123]

I will most likely wait after my senior year until I can dramatically show the school that I have sustained a good grade for at least a year before applying. I agree, if I don't have what it takes, why bother...i guess it's time to crack down. Thanks for the reply everybody. I appreciate the brutal honesty. I'd rather hear it here than to still live a fantasy that I still have some sort of chance in this.

 

[vandy123]

Thanks for the advice. I am considering strongly into going into health politics after medical school and practice because I feel that is the best way I can help people. I am really not in medicine for the money and the lifestyle (although it's a nice perk). I want at least an MD because I don't want anyone to question my credentials if I were ever able to make it onto the political scene. No offense to DO doctors because I have shadowed one personally and he is extremely bright. But for what I want to do in the future, DO schools are just not for me. I may not get in this cycle, but I will work my butt off so I can realize my goal

 

[TriagePreMed]

I am definitely not going to DO school

Well, that part is definitely true because you don't have what it takes to get accepted at any DO program in the country. That being said, you have no hope to get into any MD program either, even a 45 wouldn't guarantee anything.

If you can actually get to a 3.0 (very doubtful given the record), you could do an SMP, which is your last hope, aside from Caribbean. And in case you're wondering, right now you would probably not make it into SGU in the Caribbean either. You'd need to focus on Ross, AUC, and Saba.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Right now DO is a long shot for you let alone MD. Average DO matriculant has a GPA close to 3.4 and MCAT score of 26-27. Your average MD matriculant has a GPA close to 3.6 and MCAT score of 30-31.

Average is 3.48 and will probably get to 3.55 this year.

 

[vandy123]

Well, that part is definitely true because you don't have what it takes to get accepted at any DO program in the country. That being said, you have no hope to get into any MD program either, even a 45 wouldn't guarantee anything.

If you can actually get to a 3.0 (very doubtful given the record), you could do an SMP, which is your last hope, aside from Caribbean. And in case you're wondering, right now you would probably not make it into SGU in the Caribbean either. You'd need to focus on Ross, AUC, and Saba.

My health advisor told me that if I can work hard in the next 3 semesters and work my way to a 4.0 semester, I can have a shot at UMiss WITH an awesome MCAT. I know it's probably sugar coating it a lot, especially with my GPA, but I still have this semester and two more semesters my senior year. to try to pull this thing up. I don't think the future is looking THAT dim for me, I know it's a probably going to be a long road ahead, but I'm going to get there eventually

the other thing is people don't realize how hard Vanderbilt is, it's one of the two schools that does grade deflations the other one being Princeton and I'm the victim in two of the classes. I'm not giving any excuses because I admit I didn't work hard my fresh and soph years, but I understand what it takes to get an MD and I have started to work on it last semester. 3.4 (all B+ and 2 A-s)...I just have a lot of ground to cover before being a competent applicant.

 

[sliceofbread136]

My health advisor told me that if I can work hard in the next 3 semesters and work my way to a 4.0 semester, I can have a shot at UMiss WITH an awesome MCAT. I know it's probably sugar coating it a lot, especially with my GPA, but I still have this semester and two more semesters my senior year. to try to pull this thing up. I don't think the future is looking THAT dim for me, I know it's a probably going to be a long road ahead, but I'm going to get there eventually

the other thing is people don't realize how hard Vanderbilt is, it's one of the two schools that does grade deflations the other one being Princeton and I'm the victim in two of the classes. I'm not giving any excuses because I admit I didn't work hard my fresh and soph years, but I understand what it takes to get an MD and I have started to work on it last semester. 3.4 (all B+ and 2 A-s)...I just have a lot of ground to cover before being a competent applicant.

Its looking about as dim as it gets. No adcom will care that much that you went to vanderbilt. Honestly you should just take advantage of DO's greade replacement policy and retake the classes ya dun goofed in. It's going to take ALOT more than one year to repair your gpa....

 

[TriagePreMed]

My health advisor told me that if I can work hard in the next 3 semesters and work my way to a 4.0 semester, I can have a shot at UMiss WITH an awesome MCAT. I know it's probably sugar coating it a lot, especially with my GPA, but I still have this semester and two more semesters my senior year. to try to pull this thing up. I don't think the future is looking THAT dim for me, I know it's a probably going to be a long road ahead, but I'm going to get there eventually

the other thing is people don't realize how hard Vanderbilt is, it's one of the two schools that does grade deflations the other one being Princeton and I'm the victim in two of the classes. I'm not giving any excuses because I admit I didn't work hard my fresh and soph years, but I understand what it takes to get an MD and I have started to work on it last semester. 3.4 (all B+ and 2 A-s)...I just have a lot of ground to cover before being a competent applicant.

It seems you have the advice of your advisor which you value on top of that of any other than you have a shot equal to what he said or better. What are you doing here then? Just hoping they tell you that a 4.0 or a high MCAT is not needed?

You chose your school, so don't play the blame game. Pre-meds have been successful at both those universities. It's all on you. But now that you know how hard your school is and you supposedly need a 4.0 plus you know Asian-Americans have a harder time getting in, you should evaluate if what you're thinking is realistic. Rocking the MCAT after a 2.8 performance and then turning around the semester immediately after until graduation to a 4.0 is very unlikely. What you need is to step back and create a realistic plan. Wishful thinking is not one.

And just for the record, DO's have every specialty, and given your performance, it's unlikely that even as an MD you'll have the necessary board scores and extra jazz to make it into whatever unrealistic specialty you have in mind. Also it would help if you stopped prestige-whoring which is obvious by your decision to remain at Vanderbilt despite your lousy grades. Anyone on your shoes is better served by taking time off or transferring to a university where they think they can succeed (or at least isn't deflationary).

 

[vandy123]

It seems you have the advice of your advisor which you value on top of that of any other than you have a shot equal to what he said or better. What are you doing here then? Just hoping they tell you that a 4.0 or a high MCAT is not needed?

You chose your school, so don't play the blame game. Pre-meds have been successful at both those universities. It's all on you. But now that you know how hard your school is and you supposedly need a 4.0 plus you know Asian-Americans have a harder time getting in, you should evaluate if what you're thinking is realistic. Rocking the MCAT after a 2.8 performance and then turning around the semester immediately after until graduation to a 4.0 is very unlikely. What you need is to step back and create a realistic plan. Wishful thinking is not one.

And just for the record, DO's have every specialty, and given your performance, it's unlikely that even as an MD you'll have the necessary board scores and extra jazz to make it into whatever unrealistic specialty you have in mind. Also it would help if you stopped prestige-whoring which is obvious by your decision to remain at Vanderbilt despite your lousy grades. Anyone on your shoes is better served by taking time off or transferring to a university where they think they can succeed (or at least isn't deflationary).

So should I consider another career path? it's the vibe i'm getting from more than half the posts here. I am willing to make up for the mistakes, but what you are saying is that I have no chance whatsoever

 

[TriagePreMed]

So should I consider another career path? it's the vibe i'm getting from more than half the posts here. I am willing to make up for the mistakes, but what you are saying is that I have no chance whatsoever

You have no chance as is, and I speculate that not even with your plan because it's unrealistic. But if you still want to go into medicine, I think this is what I'd do if I were in your shoes:

1) Leave Vanderbilt immediately and attend UMiss or another similar university without deflation.
2) Spend at least 2 years at the new University with grades close to 4.0

If MD....

3a. If your final GPA is under a 3.3, go for an SMP.
4a. Obtain at least a 3.7 during the SMP.
5a. Apply to MD school.

If DO...

3b. If your final GPA is under a 3.3, start retaking courses to hit a 3.5+
4b. Apply to DO schools.

Abandon everything that has to do with specialty right now. You can specialize in anything as a DO, even if you won't be doing it at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The other possibility is to abandon medical school completely. This is something that only you can decide, but if you do decide it, it'll be a financially more savvy decision because getting to apply to med school doesn't guarantee any returns that you'll get in. You'll also save all the time you'd invest getting to medical school. You could even finish your degree at your current university. You could also look into a career in Podiatry, which, though not ideal, still has medical ramifications including surgery.

 

[vandy123]

You have no chance as is, and I speculate that not even with your plan because it's unrealistic. But if you still want to go into medicine, I think this is what I'd do if I were in your shoes:

1) Leave Vanderbilt immediately and attend UMiss or another similar university without deflation.
2) Spend at least 2 years at the new University with grades close to 4.0

If MD....

3a. If your final GPA is under a 3.3, go for an SMP.
4a. Obtain at least a 3.7 during the SMP.
5a. Apply to MD school.

If DO...

3b. If your final GPA is under a 3.3, start retaking courses to hit a 3.5+
4b. Apply to DO schools.

Abandon everything that has to do with specialty right now. You can specialize in anything as a DO, even if you won't be doing it at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The other possibility is to abandon medical school completely. This is something that only you can decide, but if you do decide it, it'll be a financially more savvy decision because getting to apply to med school doesn't guarantee any returns that you'll get in. You'll also save all the time you'd invest getting to medical school. You could even finish your degree at your current university. You could also look into a career in Podiatry, which, though not ideal, still has medical ramifications including surgery.

Thanks for the help. I just didn't think it was that bad because we have people here getting into state schools with 2.8-3.0 GPA. I don't have any specialty in mind, I just want to clarify on that. I want to go into health politics, and I think being an MD will be better. To be honest, if i was given a choice, I would do doctors without boarders and take $50000 pay if i have to. I just want to help people and figuring out medical puzzles. I have considered an MPH, but I always want to choose a harder road because if I'm not challenged, I usually will slack off. I know you think I'm not suitable for Medical school, but that has been my goal since I volunteered at a hospital when I was in 9th grade. I will not give up.

 

[dreamweaver1988]

http://www.valuemd.com/

http://www.naturopathic.org/

Everyone wanna wear the white coat, nobody wanna study.

 

[Political]

Imo I think alot of people are being hard on you for not considering DO, but I understand your hesitations about the degree (though a bit unfounded).

If your goal is MD then you know exactly what you need to do now: 35+ on the Mcat, at least a 3.0 (really a 3.3) gpa and, on top of that, outstanding ECs.

Dont feel rushed in pursuing MD either; you could add on an extra major and graduate after your 5th year or do a post bacc. Its not unheard of to get into medical with a 3.3 gpa or with a great SMP grade but it does need alot of elbow grease and getting your hand dirty.

If its been your decision to be a doctor since 9th grade then you've gotta step it up now more than ever.

 

[vandy123]

Imo I think alot of people are being hard on you for not considering DO, but I understand your hesitations about the degree (though a bit unfounded).

If your goal is MD then you know exactly what you need to do now: 35+ on the Mcat, at least a 3.0 (really a 3.3) gpa and, on top of that, outstanding ECs.

Dont feel rushed in pursuing MD either; you could add on an extra major and graduate after your 5th year or do a post bacc. Its not unheard of to get into medical with a 3.3 gpa or with a great SMP grade but it does need alot of elbow grease and getting your hand dirty.

If its been your decision to be a doctor since 9th grade then you've gotta step it up now more than ever.

Thank you for your encouragement. I am actually glad that people can give me such straight forward answers. There's an old saying in Chinese saying that if you don't work hard when you're young, you're going to pay the price when you're older. I guess I have to pay the price for slacking off earlier. I am very glad that I posted on this forum. The answers will give me a sense of urgency that I'll need. Thank you all for your responses. It's been very helpful

 

[dreamweaver1988]

Thanks for the help. I just didn't think it was that bad because we have people here getting into state schools with 2.8-3.0 GPA. I don't have any specialty in mind, I just want to clarify on that. I want to go into health politics, and I think being an MD will be better. To be honest, if i was given a choice, I would do doctors without boarders and take $50000 pay if i have to. I just want to help people and figuring out medical puzzles. I have considered an MPH, but I always want to choose a harder road because if I'm not challenged, I usually will slack off. I know you think I'm not suitable for Medical school, but that has been my goal since I volunteered at a hospital when I was in 9th grade. I will not give up.

You forgot to mention that if you're challenged, you will also usually slack off.

 

[TriagePreMed]

You forgot to mention that if you're challenged, you will also usually slack off.

I hope this is the case. Otherwise, the OP isn't cut out for medical school. If the OP has put 100% of himself into his classes at Vanderbilt and has gotten this GPA, medical school is an unrealistic challenge.

I think the OP needs to really consider an MPH instead of an MD/DO. If he truly enjoys what encompasses an MPH, the level of challenge of his research is up to him, not the degree.

 

[Total180]

So should I consider another career path? it's the vibe i'm getting from more than half the posts here. I am willing to make up for the mistakes, but what you are saying is that I have no chance whatsoever

I think it is more that you are so unwilling to consider the DO route that a lot of people are having a hard time with. I, honestly, don't have a problem with it, as it really doesn't affect me at all if you get into med school, or if you decide to change careers. Actually, if you are so against DO schools, it is better just to keep trying until you get MD or change career paths altogether I think. We have some people here who are obviously unhappy because they didn't keep trying to get into MD. However, just coming from your posts, the impression you give off is that you want to become a doctor for the prestige (your unwillingness to go DO and staying at vandy despite your grades...). None of us can tell you that you should change careers, and I honestly think that will years of good grades you can redeem yourself. However, I don't think it is going to happen in 1 year, and it just seems as if you think that just because you made good grades for a year your past bad grades will just be forgiven, when that is far from the case. I would try and calculate how long it would take to bring your gpa to about a 3.2 if you got straight As versus any other grades you might get. Then you might realize how long it is really going to take until you are able to apply.