Is this realistic?

[Tyrone.]

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So, I still need to complete all of my pre-reqs.. literally all of them. Due to a few hiccups early on when I was an engineering major and my father passed away and I had a health issue, my grades took a hit. I have calculated that if I received A's from here on out (Bio 1/2,Chem 1/2, Orgo1/2,physics1/2, Biochem) I would have around a 3.5 GPA. No idea how I would do on the MCAT, but knowing I'm in tight spot with not much wiggle room, I'd be willing to bet under that pressure I'd do pretty well on the MCAT.

I also plan to apply around the age of 30, because that's how it works out for me. I'm 27 now. Is this possible? Yes, mathematically. From those that have been through these classes, I am asking you if you think this is realistic. Keep in mind that I will be taking other classes as well. I'm a bio major now, so classes like cell bio, genetics, animal phys, evolution, etc.

It will be full-time semesters, and finding time to volunteer and do EC's. I have my EMT certification currently, but because of my local agency only hiring full-time EMT's I won't take the job because it would negatively impact my ability to study and do everything else to be a well-rounded applicant. Thoughts? Advice? Thanks

 

[Pagan FutureDoc]

It's possible to do them in 2 years but three would be more advisable. What is your cGPA and sGPA currently. A big stumbling block might be your ability to maintain a near 4.0 from here out.

 

[Tyrone.]

It's possible to do them in 2 years but three would be more advisable. What is your cGPA and sGPA currently. A big stumbling block might be your ability to maintain a near 4.0 from here out.

It's coming from two institutions, a CC and my current university. I had a 3.75 when I trasferred from CC after a year, with 30 credits, and I started with a 0.0 GPA like a freshman, and after my stumble I have a 2.333 right now cGPA and I'm not sure about sGPA but it's probably non-existent as I've only taken geology, intro chem, intro bio, and a failed calc based physics class; the others I got As in, though, but I have none of the med school pre-reqs done. With everything calculated in I would be at a 3.5 (roughly 75 credits later), and that's going over my 120 credits for my bachelors. I failed calc 3 and engineering physics (got a B in the lab but couldn't sit for the final because I fell ill and the dean wouldn't hear it or my appeal so.... ) but I have to take a algebra-based physics for med school so it won't even help the F that I got in the calc-based version.

 

[rufflev]

Though time is a factor, I would recommend that you take the courses at a pace that you are comfortable with and can make A's in. Additionally, if you do this, that means you'll free up more room for clinical and non-clinical volunteering, shadowing, etc.

In terms of extracurriculars, I always say duration > hours volunteered, so perhaps look at a clinic, hospital, or hospice that you can volunteer at on a regular basis (maybe once a week or every two weeks.) Also try to shoot for >= 50 hours of primary care shadowing and feel free to shadow other specialities afterwards.

For the MCAT, I would set aside 3 or so months to tackle the exam. If everything goes as planned, I'd say a 3.5 GPA and a 510+ MCAT would give you a fair shot at MD schools and at all DO schools.

Good luck!

 

[Tyrone.]

Though time is a factor, I would recommend that you take the courses at a pace that you are comfortable with and can make A's in. Additionally, if you do this, that means you'll free up more room for clinical and non-clinical volunteering, shadowing, etc.

In terms of extracurriculars, I always say duration > hours volunteered, so perhaps look at a clinic, hospital, or hospice that you can volunteer at on a regular basis (maybe once a week or every two weeks.) Also try to shoot for >= 50 hours of primary care shadowing and feel free to shadow other specialities afterwards.

For the MCAT, I would set aside 3 or so months to tackle the exam. If everything goes as planned, I'd say a 3.5 GPA and a 510+ MCAT would give you a fair shot at MD schools and at all DO schools.

Good luck!

I'm actually going over my excel spreadsheet of the courses I had for each semester and spreading them out over longer periods and leaving the summers blank. My university only does 5 week summer sessions and I wouldn't want to shoot myself in the foot by taking a higher-level science in 5 weeks, hoping for an A just because I was too impatient. I didn't know how medical schools would look at me taking a less than full-time schedule and doing this but it makes sense. Thanks for the advice and the wishes! It's encouraging to hear from others and hear they believe it's possible.

 

[rufflev]

I'm actually going over my excel spreadsheet of the courses I had for each semester and spreading them out over longer periods and leaving the summers blank. My university only does 5 week summer sessions and I wouldn't want to shoot myself in the foot by taking a higher-level science in 5 weeks, hoping for an A just because I was too impatient. I didn't know how medical schools would look at me taking a less than full-time schedule and doing this but it makes sense. Thanks for the advice and the wishes! It's encouraging to hear from others and hear they believe it's possible.

The general thought is to take a heavy load of courses (and excel) to indicate your potential for success in medical school. However, I believe taking them at your own pace (say three or four a semester, or perhaps less if you're needing to work) and excelling in them and also the MCAT does the exact same thing. People understand that life happens, what's truly important is how your pick yourself up and where you go from there.

 

[Tyrone.]

The general thought is to take a heavy load of courses (and excel) to indicate your potential for success in medical school. However, I believe taking them at your own pace (say three or four a semester, or perhaps less if you're needing to work) and excelling in them and also the MCAT does the exact same thing. People understand that life happens, what's truly important is how your pick yourself up and where you go from there.

I use financial aid, so that helps, and I plan on completing a CNA so I can work weekends as an ER tech, so it won't be many hours honestly. Would you mind I sent you my spreadsheet for a quick look to get your opinion?

 

[rufflev]

I use financial aid, so that helps, and I plan on completing a CNA so I can work weekends as an ER tech, so it won't be many hours honestly. Would you mind I sent you my spreadsheet for a quick look to get your opinion?

Sure thing, though I probably won't get to see it till tomorrow, currently (should be) studying for exams.

 

[Tyrone.]

Sure thing, though I probably won't get to see it till tomorrow, currently (should be) studying for exams.

Understandable. I'll send it and you can respond whenever you have time. I appreciate it, by the way. Any time that anyone is willing to offer me to give their opinion is very much appreciated.