Looking for advice on where to go from here

[JHawk5]

Sorry this is so long but here we go...

I graduated from a state university with a degree in exercise science with a pretty low gpa of around 3.1 and a science gpa of probably 2.5ish. This included 6-7 C's on my transcript. I got C's in physics 1 and 2, chem. 1, a psychology class, anatomy lab, and 2 bio classes. The rest of my grades were all A's and B's. I did earn some A's in tough classes such as calculus, anatomy and physiology. It also took me 5 ½ years to gradate due to me taking light course loads a couple semesters which I'm sure does not look good either. I graduated in 2007 not really knowing what I wanted to do as a career.

After graduation I got job as a phlebotomist and have currently worked this job full time for the last 3 years. Last year I started taking classes again at a local college and have completed microbiology, Organic 1 and 2 plus labs, and biochemistry earning an A in all classes. I'm not sure what this has brought my gpa to but I can't imagine it has brought it up too much just because it hasn't been a ton of credits. I plan on taking genetics this fall and wanted to retake physics 1 but probably won't be able to because I work full time. I was also thinking of possibly enrolling in a medical technologist program at another state university which would take me 12mo to complete with 6mo of clinical rotations. The program consists of 60 credit hours and if I were to earn a 4.0 while taking these classes I may be able to dramatically improve my overall and science gpa. I also would have a solid career option to fall back on if I were to give up on being a physician (I'm almost 28 years old so I feel a rush to get into a good career field).

I have been studying for the mcat a lot in my spare time but really haven't gotten serious about setting a date because I just don't think my gpa is up to par. I do have volunteer work including boys and girls club, habitat for humanity, a hospital internship, doctor shadowing, and plan on working on a research project next semester. I also train nursing assistants to perform phlebotomy at the hospital I work at. My ultimate goal would be a DO school but I guess I just feel like my chance has come and gone. Any advice on where to go from here.

Thanks in advance

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[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Your science gpa is too low ( However if you calculate a few A's in some other classes it could be less painful). To ensure a good chance you're going to have to retake some undergraduate classes which you got low grades in ( DO schools replace retake grades completely). This is better then for example doing a medical terminology program because even with a 4.0 in 60 credits it'll barely affect your gpa. Where as complete retakes can effectively get your gpa to jump by over .3 per semester. Afterward it's recommended you visit the mcat prep section and learn some study tips for the Mcat.
Simply being said, you still have a decent chance at becoming a physician as long as you show a new upward trend and get a good mcat.

 

[JHawk5]

Your science gpa is too low ( However if you calculate a few A's in some other classes it could be less painful). To ensure a good chance you're going to have to retake some undergraduate classes which you got low grades in ( DO schools replace retake grades completely). This is better then for example doing a medical terminology program because even with a 4.0 in 60 credits it'll barely affect your gpa. Where as complete retakes can effectively get your gpa to jump by over .3 per semester. Afterward it's recommended you visit the mcat prep section and learn some study tips for the Mcat.
Simply being said, you still have a decent chance at becoming a physician as long as you show a new upward trend and get a good mcat.

My science GPA after taking the post undergrad classes that I have taken is currently a 3.0. After next semester retaking physics 1 and taking genetics it could be up to a 3.2, and then a 3.4 if I were to retake physics 2 in the spring. I was thinking that I would do what I could this semester to retake classes to replace grades. One of the the pathologists that I work with suggested getting my medical technology degree, she felt that working as an MT in a hospital laboratory for a few years had a very positive impact on her being accepted into medical school. I guess I was thinking it would look good on my resume if I were to do very well in the classes, boost my gpa a bit, and then if I decided to not further pursue a DO career I would have a 30$ an hour job to fall back on.

When I retake classes should I focus on the core premed science classes or all science classes in general?

What do you mean calculate a few A's in some other classes...like non science classes or classes that could be considered science classes like geology for example but don't fall in the chem/bio/math/physics prereqs.

 

[JHawk5]

bump