Hi all! Thanks for taking the time to read my post! I'm feeling quite hopeless. I recently took a class in my final year of undergrad in biosci and I realized I want to be a DO. its been something I've always wanted but never knew the exact career path. However, I am quite a failure. I have a 2.75 gpa, no research experience, barely have any volunteering and am planning to take my mcat at the end of the summer. I'm applying to post bacc schools right now but honestly my letters of recommendation will not be that great. I am starting research this coming month but I only have one more quarter after this one before I graduate. I will stay with the research as long as I can, even if I have to take a year off, however, I am feeling really hopeless. any suggestions for me? anyone that overcame some obstacles? I want honesty but please be somewhat kind about your approach this is a passion of mine but I've dealt with some mental issues that really hindered me and I know I did not reach my full potential in my undergrad work.
i know i probably don't have a chance in hell but any suggestions on any improvements or ways i can go about this would really help me!
First, relax... you'd be surprised how many people have overcome the most insane odds and gotten into medschool. I have to ask a question though... why is your GPA so low? You have to be honest with yourself... is it really because of "mental issues", or did you just slack off? You can keep the answer to yourself, but it's important you figure this out first so you can figure out the rest.
Anyway, clearly a 2.75 isn't going to cut it. Post-bacc will help, but you need to make sure you keep your post bacc GPA up high. Take advantage of the AACOM grade replacement policy and seriousley consider retaking some classes that you failed/did poorly in (especially in the sciences). You may also want to consider doing an SMP.
How are your other ECs? For DO schools, research is more of a "cherry on top" than an actual necessity. In other words... it's nice to have, but not necessary. You need to make sure that your clinical and non-clinical volunteering is stellar. What other ECs have you done? Spend time working on those in addition to your research.
Lastly, why are you afraid your LORs aren't good? Is it because you didn't perform well in the class, or did you act up a lot? Again... keep it private if you want, but be honest with yourself. Find a couple teachers that have gotten to know you and ask them to write you a letter. Build a relationship with a couple teachers during your post-bacc. Also, don't forget to shadow a DO physician and get that LOR as well.
When are you planning on taking your MCAT? Have you created a schedule for yourself? Give us some insight as to what your ECs are, and more info on your stats/grades/MCAT so we can help you create a plan for the next couple years.
