Low GPA applicants

[C. Ronaldo]

I have been out of college since 1999, but I didnt do that well when I was there, mainly because I was lazy. My GPA is around 2.7. Does anyone know the best strategy to get into MD school with this GPA? I plan on taking the premed courses at a university in a non-formal postbac program, possibly completing a second bachelors in something like Biology, and maybe doing a masters in biomedical science. Do you think getting through this with a strong GPA will compensate for my poor GPA the first time around? I was thinking of the DO route but on the message board there is a lot of general unhappiness with the way the DO profession is run. Thanks.

 

[Jonathan13180]

I think it sounds like the post-bacc/masters is the way to go, as you mentioned. The one suggestion i would make is to enroll in a formal post-bacc program, i think medical schools look more highly on those, than just taking classes, or so ive been told. But, i do think by doing well in these areas, you can certainly compensate for the 2.7. Also, just do well on the MCAT, and you should be fine.
Im not sure about the general unhappiness of the DO profession, i think it might be in part due to the "stigma" associated with it. Goodluck.

 

[normalforce]

You are on a message board. If you are going to in essence "rule out" an entire professional branch of medicine, you are not properly putting in the necessary time and effort to learn... ie you are making a rather ignorant choice.

If I were you, I would shadow a local DO. This way you can see osteopathic medicine in action. Do not make hasty decisions based on a freaking discussion board.

First educate yourself, then decide if it is for you. Remeber, your ultimate goal is to become a physician... DO or MD will not really matter in the long run.

NF

 

[box29]

"If I were you, I would shadow a local DO. This way you can see osteopathic medicine in action. Do not make hasty decisions based on a freaking discussion board.

First educate yourself, then decide if it is for you. Remeber, your ultimate goal is to become a physician... DO or MD will not really matter in the long run."

Completely agree! First of all, you'll need to bring up that GPA no matter what MD or DO. Shadowing a physician MD/DO is your best bet to really seeing what they do. Look up some books on DO and try emailing the AOA for specifics...research it...I chose to go to DO because I am truly interested in learning OMM...

Medical education is what you make of it yourself! You need to seek out what is best for you! If that means setting up good elective rotations at a hospital outside of the core network, you DO IT! Do the research so you can put yourself at the best possible place you can be.