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Low GPA... Sorry. Help please
- Thread starter jameschoun
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Here are some possible pathways to becoming a physician:
1) Plan to apply to DO med schools. Repeat the classes where you did the worst and use AACOMAS policy that includes only the most recent retake when calculating the application GPA. If you have some Ds and Fs, this is the fastest way to fix your low GPA if you can get As the second time (note: the repeated class must have the same number or greater in credit hours). Get straight As in the rest of your prerequisites due to your new work ethic. Get a good MCAT score to prove you understood the material. Shadow a DO and get a letter of recommendation. Educate yourself on this option in SDN's PreMed Osteopathic Forum.
2) Get your GPA to at least a 3.0 by taking new coursework. With a 3.0, you not only exceed the cut offs for most DO schools. You would also qualify for a lot of SMPs (Special Masters Program). This is a 1-2 year paid audition, and a very expensive redemption option which can overrride a low uGPA. You'd need an MCAT 28-30+ depending on the program requirements. If you perform well in the SMP, where you compete with first year med students at their linked med school and get a high GPA, typically 3.5 or better, you have a chance of an acceptance at an MD med school. This outcome is not guaranteed, though, but DO schools still remain an option. Read more on this option in the Postbaccalaureate Programs Forum of SDN.
3) Complete the next two years of full-time coursework, getting straight As. This would raise your GPA to 3.45+ (a third year would be even better). With an MCAT score of 33+, you might get into an allopathic med school due to the steep upward trend and excellent MCAT.
All these options assume optimal ECs and strong LORs, good PS and excellent interview skills.
1) Plan to apply to DO med schools. Repeat the classes where you did the worst and use AACOMAS policy that includes only the most recent retake when calculating the application GPA. If you have some Ds and Fs, this is the fastest way to fix your low GPA if you can get As the second time (note: the repeated class must have the same number or greater in credit hours). Get straight As in the rest of your prerequisites due to your new work ethic. Get a good MCAT score to prove you understood the material. Shadow a DO and get a letter of recommendation. Educate yourself on this option in SDN's PreMed Osteopathic Forum.
2) Get your GPA to at least a 3.0 by taking new coursework. With a 3.0, you not only exceed the cut offs for most DO schools. You would also qualify for a lot of SMPs (Special Masters Program). This is a 1-2 year paid audition, and a very expensive redemption option which can overrride a low uGPA. You'd need an MCAT 28-30+ depending on the program requirements. If you perform well in the SMP, where you compete with first year med students at their linked med school and get a high GPA, typically 3.5 or better, you have a chance of an acceptance at an MD med school. This outcome is not guaranteed, though, but DO schools still remain an option. Read more on this option in the Postbaccalaureate Programs Forum of SDN.
3) Complete the next two years of full-time coursework, getting straight As. This would raise your GPA to 3.45+ (a third year would be even better). With an MCAT score of 33+, you might get into an allopathic med school due to the steep upward trend and excellent MCAT.
All these options assume optimal ECs and strong LORs, good PS and excellent interview skills.
