I've ****ed up. What should I do?

[stgermaine]

Hi. I was a winter admit into a top-25 college in US, so it's been 3 semesters so far, and I've ****ed up. First two semesters, I've gotten 3.2 (mostly distribution requirements and psychology, which is my major). Third semester was really tough, as I've fell out with my friends and haven't been able to make new friends. GPA plummeted to a 2.7 (Spanish, psych, and intro chemistry). I have no research experience besides volunteering at this lab at a hospital, no professional connections, no connections with professors. I tried going to office hours, but I just showed up and had nothing to say, which quickly turned awkward.

What can i do from this point on? A lot of research assistant positions turned me down due to lack of research experience and low GPA, and I feel most summer extracurricular activities (Amgen, research postiions, etc) would reject me on the same grounds.

I can study harder to improve GPA, but how can I improve my application by the time it's time for me to write my apps to med school? What kind of EC activities are good?

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[JESSFALLING]

You'll likely get a lot of varied advice, but here's mine: Stop being a "premed" right now! I would pick a major that you love and focus all of your efforts on completing each course with an excellent grade. Take a lighter course load if needed until you prove that you can handle more. If you like psychology, then stay with that! After you graduate you can complete a post-bacc program to knock out all of your "prereq" requirements. This plan will hopefully help save your GPA so you will have a shot in the future at US MD. It will also give you some time to improve your study methods so you can do better.

Here are some other general "tips": If you're not good at math, spend the next few years improving your skills! Strong algebra and trig ability is needed to do well in Gen Chem and Physics. Additionally, stop putting the cart ahead of the horse! You shouldn't be worried about volunteering/research/etc. when your grades suck. Fix those first! Grades and MCAT are the most important and all the volunteering and research in the world won't save you if have a 2.0 GPA (unless you won a Nobel from your research ......but even then it's a maybe)

Good luck.

 

[gmcguitar4]

Hi. I was a winter admit into a top-25 college in US, so it's been 3 semesters so far, and I've ****ed up. First two semesters, I've gotten 3.2 (mostly distribution requirements and psychology, which is my major). Third semester was really tough, as I've fell out with my friends and haven't been able to make new friends. GPA plummeted to a 2.7 (Spanish, psych, and intro chemistry). I have no research experience besides volunteering at this lab at a hospital, no professional connections, no connections with professors. I tried going to office hours, but I just showed up and had nothing to say, which quickly turned awkward.

What can i do from this point on? A lot of research assistant positions turned me down due to lack of research experience and low GPA, and I feel most summer extracurricular activities (Amgen, research postiions, etc) would reject me on the same grounds.

I can study harder to improve GPA, but how can I improve my application by the time it's time for me to write my apps to med school? What kind of EC activities are good?

Yea..study harder. You also make it sound like you have some sort of deadline. Take your time and make sure your app is as strong as it can be. If it takes an extra two years out of school then so be it. No point in making your GPA suffer and spread yourself thin over EC's. Your app will suffer as a result and it will be very very hard to recover.

 

[Catalystik]

I can study harder to improve GPA, but how can I improve my application by the time it's time for me to write my apps to med school? What kind of EC activities are good?

Great grades are your first priority. ECs come after that. Unless you figure out some new study strategies, ECs aren't going to make a difference. There is no hurry to get into med school, as proven by the 30- and 40-somethings applying. Take it one step at a time, slowly, thoughtfully, and carefully, and you've have a better chance at ultimately succeeding.

Have you discussed your issues with a counselor? It's OK to seek out help.

 

[stgermaine]

My math skills are good..I've even qualified for AIME back in high school. It's been a real hard semester for me. One of my best friends passed away in a car crash, living off campus has been ****ty, with all the hassle and being distanced from friends. I think this semester was just a fluke and if I set my mindset straight I can bring up my grades.

I've considered doing a postbac, as I wanted to double major with government, but parents decided against it, and also it's pretty expensive. A special master's program seems to be cheaper and might be a better option at this point, as I've already registered for a lot of premed courses next sem.

Also, are there postbac programs that guarantee admission directly into whatever med school the program's associated with?

 

[mishaS]

Have you thought about going back home? People make a huge deal out of top name universities, but a bad GPA from a top university isn't going to do you any favors, and hurt your chances, while a good GPA from a no name school will still help. You say you miss your friends, and you're not enjoying yourself at your current school, so I'd at least think about it. Otherwise, if you don't do well, your only real options will be to either do a post bac or a masters and do very well then.

 

[Catalystik]

Also, are there postbac programs that guarantee admission directly into whatever med school the program's associated with?

You can see the entire list in SDN's Postbaccalaureate Programs Forum so you can research them. Some give % of students that get accepted to med school (without much, if any, differentiation between MD and DO acceptances). See Dr Midlife's sticky at the top.