Is this a good plan?

[Pixie]

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Well, graduated from an Ivy League with a 3.0 in biochem and still have to take MCAT. Research is excellent and recs are fantastic. Planning to work in lab at a major university. Should I take a few classes too? Is this realistic?
Also, have written some excellent research papers for my lab. Can you actually send these papers with apps?

 

[hardy]

Well, graduated from an Ivy League with a 3.0 in biochem and still have to take MCAT. Research is excellent and recs are fantastic. Planning to work in lab at a major university. Should I take a few classes too? Is this realistic?
Also, have written some excellent research papers for my lab. Can you actually send these papers with apps?

Are you sure you are not being overconfident? Just because your professor tells you he is going to write you a fantastic rec or your research is excellent doesn't really mean all that much.

 

[J. Peterman]

I think if the recs are from powerful researchers, it could mean a great deal - YES, politics can help people score interviews when their GPA is below the program average. Try to perform as well as you can on the MCAT (35+) and make sure your application essays are stellar. Also, don't forget to spread your application around to several tiers of programs. If you have the opportunity, take a couple relevant grad/biomedical classes at the university where you're researching (immunology, medical genetics, etc) -acing these will enhance your academic credibility.

Good luck!

 

[JETER]

Well, graduated from an Ivy League with a 3.0 in biochem and still have to take MCAT. Research is excellent and recs are fantastic. Planning to work in lab at a major university. Should I take a few classes too? Is this realistic?
Also, have written some excellent research papers for my lab. Can you actually send these papers with apps?

Excellent recs and research will only get you so far, unfortunately. My adivise, and take this for what it is worth: Go do a thesis based Masters. Here are the benefits:

1. You get paid, as opposed to paying for a post-bac
2. You get more research experience, as well as more time to write/publish
3. Gives you an extended timeline to take the MCAT again. You can plan to take it next April, rather than rush an August test when you might not be ready for it
4. Opportunity to work in different area or with another well established PI.

If you are going to be doing more research, and are willing to take more classes (which I think you need since UG GPA is not stellar), might as well get a degree. And, judging from others' opinions on other threads, a MS might help during admissions.

As for sending the papers, some schools specifically ask for them as part of you application. Other specifically say not to send them in. For the rest, it probably couldn't hurt.

 

[Pixie]

Thanks for your detailed reply. It is really helpful. You get paid for thesis based master's?????