Masters or then DO an option?

[Waitnsee]

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Bio major . 2.5 GPA with a sGPA of 2.8. Haven't bothered to take MCAT because I know I stand no chance at acceptance. Had a huge downward trend and was dismissed from a college I transferred into. Will try and bump the GPA up but i've already racked up roughly 90 credits or so. Not much I can do.

I am going to be an undergrad assistant to some research at my school for the last 2 semesters I am here (unless its recommended double majoring or something to bump up my GPA).

Is there a DO masters program I can get into with these stats and possibly get into the med program afterwards? I wouldn't mind having a career in research but I would much rather be a physician. Because of this I would like to get a masters degree either way. I generally test well so I'm not worried about super low GRE or MCAT scores and will spend at least 2 or 3 months preparing for them before the exam.

Thank you

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Don't worry about a masters. Go to a college and retake classes. This will help for DO schools. Retake until you can get your gpa to 3.3 and then move forward with new science classes to show you can handle upper levels. Take the mcat later, apply, go to med school, be a doctor, cure cancer. Bam. Like a boss.

 

[Catalystik]

In order to invoke the AACOMAS grade forgiveness policy, each class that one retakes must have the same credit hours as the original course, or greater . The retake need not be at the same school. The course name needn't be identical so long as the course content is demonstrably similar per the course catalogs.

When one retakes, only the most recent grade is included in the calculation of your application GPA by AACOMAS. This is the fastest way to redeem a low GPA.

 

[Waitnsee]

I apologize its obvious that I wrote this post in a rush re-reading it today.

I should have stated that at the end of the downward trend I was dismissed and took a year off to reflect on what I was going to do with myself. I'm sure this will play a large role in even viewing my application, as I know there are plenty of much more qualified candidates out that that have not been dismissed.

Would a strong upward trend and retaking those classes that destroyed my GPA be enough even with the academic dismissal?

 

[Catalystik]

I should have stated that at the end of the downward trend I was dismissed and took a year off to reflect on what I was going to do with myself. I'm sure this will play a large role in even viewing my application, as I know there are plenty of much more qualified candidates out that that have not been dismissed.

Would a strong upward trend and retaking those classes that destroyed my GPA be enough even with the academic dismissal?

You will have to report the Institutional Action that led to dismissal, but the application gives you space to discuss how you used this wakeup call to turn things around. Your situation is not rare. Others have come back strong academically after figuring things out and gone on to get a med school acceptance after a period of consistent excellent academic performance. Adcomms love a good redemption story. They like applicants who have shown a positive, productive response to failure. If only perfect candidates were allowed into med school, we wouldn't have many doctors.

 

[Goro]

Yes! A number of my students have the exact same life story as you have had.

Would a strong upward trend and retaking those classes that destroyed my GPA be enough even with the academic dismissal?

 

[Waitnsee]

Thank you all for your replies and encouragement! Based off of what I've heard here I think I'm going to simply double major in a chem to boost my GPA while i finish my advanced bio coursework this year. I was planning on taking biochem anyway, so a few more chem courses wont hurt.

Worse comes to worse I can always get into pharma sales

 

[Catalystik]

Worse comes to worse I can always get into pharma sales

Our local pharma reps are getting laid off in droves right now, so let that inspire you to greater effort. 🙂

 

[EarthtoneJon]

Don't worry about a masters. Go to a college and retake classes. This will help for DO schools. Retake until you can get your gpa to 3.3 and then move forward with new science classes to show you can handle upper levels. Take the mcat later, apply, go to med school, be a doctor, cure cancer. Bam. Like a boss.

The funniest thing I've ever read.

 

[Didierdrogba]

Try the different branches of Tuoro, I think if you do well enough on the Masters, you automatically get an interview there.

 

[Waitnsee]

Try the different branches of Tuoro, I think if you do well enough on the Masters, you automatically get an interview there.

Would they accept a student like me with my low GPA into their masters program if I attain a high enough MCAT? I wouldn't mind taking this route if it is attainable. I'd be getting something back for my money either way, win win in my book.