Low GPA, 38 years old, advice requested

[TravelTime]

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Hi, I am looking for some advice with regards to taking courses again that I completed 20 years ago. I am a 38 year old URM who wants to change careers, from a high paying one, in order to pursue medicine.

Twenty years ago, I took the following prerequisites Biology 1(B), Chemistry 1(C+), Phys 1(B), Phys 2(B-) under the quarter system. I have 184 undergraduate credits so it is difficult to increase my GPA. My undergraduate GPA is 3.0. My AMCAS GPA is 3.13 and my AACOMAS GPA is 2.96. In addition to the undergraduate degree, I also have a MS degree from 10 years ago, which I completed with a 3.58 GPA.

While I have read advice that said not to retake prereqs, I am concerned that since my prereqs are 20 years old they would not be accepted by most schools. Would it be a bad idea to retake the undergrad prerequisites? I would like to apply in 2020 to 2021 for medical school. There is one school in my location, NWHSU, that offers an accelerated pre-undergrad postbac. I would like to take the full-time postbac there. This would most likely involve quitting my job.

 

[gyngyn]

I cannot recommend a post-bac at a chiropractic school for someone interested in applying to medical school.

 

[Goro]

I cannot recommend a post-bac at a chiropractic school for someone interested in applying to medical school.

100% agree with my learned colleague.

 

[Goro]

Hi, I am looking for some advice with regards to taking courses again that I completed 20 years ago. I am a 38 year old URM who wants to change careers, from a high paying one, in order to pursue medicine.

Twenty years ago, I took the following prerequisites Biology 1(B), Chemistry 1(C+), Phys 1(B), Phys 2(B-) under the quarter system. I have 184 undergraduate credits so it is difficult to increase my GPA. My undergraduate GPA is 3.0. My AMCAS GPA is 3.13 and my AACOMAS GPA is 2.96. In addition to the undergraduate degree, I also have a MS degree from 10 years ago, which I completed with a 3.58 GPA.

While I have read advice that said not to retake prereqs, I am concerned that since my prereqs are 20 years old they would not be accepted by most schools. Would it be a bad idea to retake the undergrad prerequisites? I would like to apply in 2020 to 2021 for medical school. There is one school in my location, NWHSU, that offers an accelerated pre-undergrad postbac. I would like to take the full-time postbac there. This would most likely involve quitting my job.

Because your pre-reqs are so old, I suggest that you'll need to retake them for MCAT. It won't look bad to retake.

Read this:
Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

 

[DSM_302.0]

As you recognized, GPA repair will be difficult. But that's ok. It was a long time okay, and it's not abysmal.

What you need to do now is tell a redemption story. That you're a better student now. And that you're up for the challenge of medical classes. One great way to demonstrate this is taking science courses now and doing very well in them. Perhaps retake some of the prereqs you took before (Gen Chem would be a good starting point, maybe Bio as well), but then take some upper-division science courses. If you can get a good chunk of classes under your belt, adcoms would be more likely to see you as a strong student now. In your personal statement, you can address how you've changed as a student and why you're so motivated to go into medicine now.

Good luck!

 

[Cinemed]

Your low GPA was a long time ago and it's not the worst GPA ever accepted to an MD/DO school. If you put in the work on 3-4 semesters of significant science courses aimed at increasing your success on the MCAT and getting over the GPA screens, I think you'll be fine. Your goal at this point isn't to get a high overall GPA; it's to beat the screens and show that your last 2 years of commitment to the field makes you a serious candidate. Also, you've waited this long to apply, don't rush an app for the sake of meeting your 2020/2021 app timeline if it's not ready. Don't forget to find quality LORs and volunteer hours during your redemption tour. If you apply DO, it's favorable to have an LOR from a DO, too. Good luck! 🙂

 

[TravelTime]

Thank you. I really appreciate the advice!

With the accelerated postbac at the chiropractic school being a bad idea, I’ll have to reconsider a few things and answer some difficult questions.
Quit my job and return to school full time vs take 2 courses a semester?
How much income am I willing to give up for a chance to apply to medical schools?
Where will I take my courses, University of Minnesota vs Metrostate?
How long would it take to get my app together?
How old I’d be when I start applying?
Probably lots of stuff I'm missing at the moment.

 

[Cinemed]

Thank you. I really appreciate the advice!

With the accelerated postbac at the chiropractic school being a bad idea, I’ll have to reconsider a few things and answer some difficult questions.
Quit my job and return to school full time vs take 2 courses a semester?
How much income am I willing to give up for a chance to apply to medical schools?
Where will I take my courses, University of Minnesota vs Metrostate?
How long would it take to get my app together?
How old I’d be when I start applying?
Probably lots of stuff I'm missing at the moment.

If you're unsure of your academic abilities and want to break the rust, 2 courses to start off and make sure you can refine your study habits and make the grade isn't a bad idea. However, it is unlikely to impress an adcom. Ideally, you will be taking full course loads over 3-4 semesters of difficult coursework and rock them to prove your preparedness. Doing it this way will also help to condition you for the long hours required for MCAT prep (and hopefully make your MCAT prep more review than anything). Though, your unique circumstances and URM status are anyone's guess on how they will factor in -- undoubtedly beneficial. IMO, it doesn't matter where you take the courses as long as it is a 4-year institution and you're taking upper level courses -- pick the cheaper and more convenient option. Don't worry about how long it takes you. Put in consistent effort; however long it takes is how long it should take. Whether it's 1.5 years or 3, do not rush your app.

 

[cinjarn]

Thank you. I really appreciate the advice!

With the accelerated postbac at the chiropractic school being a bad idea, I’ll have to reconsider a few things and answer some difficult questions.
Quit my job and return to school full time vs take 2 courses a semester?
How much income am I willing to give up for a chance to apply to medical schools?
Where will I take my courses, University of Minnesota vs Metrostate?
How long would it take to get my app together?
How old I’d be when I start applying?
Probably lots of stuff I'm missing at the moment.

I know the program you speak of.... half of the class was real deal pre-med, not chiro. PM me if you want to know the details.