Military reformed high school slacker

[chris56th]

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I am 22 years old, Im in the Air Force, and I have decided to try and make it to medical school.

I have no college under my belt except for a CLEP and an online class Ive taken since I enlisted.

I have a 2.67 gpa from high school. Based on my research I have concluded that these are in fact my options at the moment:

1) Make an attempt to be accepted to my in-state resident eligible four year university straight up or...

2) If unable to get in, go through a transfer program with an approved community college.

I have not taken the SAT yet either, so my questions are....


-Will going through a CC route damage the credibility of my science credits upon review for entrance to medical school?

-Will I need to complete an SAT before I try and enter a 4 year university?

-If I really bust my ass and pull out a 3.5-4.0 GPA in my science and general courses, will that overshadow my lackluster high school transcript?

- Will my military service and a trend of improvement in my academic performance and my atittude toward academics in general help build a solid med school application?

If there is anyone who can give me a little guidance, maybe someone who is familiar with a slacker to stellar doctor story, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[redsquareblack]

I am 22 years old, Im in the Air Force, and I have decided to try and make it to medical school.

Good for you, and good luck! I'm hoping to go into the Navy for medical school, and I believe the Air Force also offers the HPSP program. Is that something you're considering?

-Will going through a CC route damage the credibility of my science credits upon review for entrance to medical school?

If at all possible, I would try to take the gen ed requirements through the CC, and save the science courses for University.

-If I really bust my ass and pull out a 3.5-4.0 GPA in my science and general courses, will that overshadow my lackluster high school transcript?

Even better, med schools won't even care about your high school GPA, by and large.

- Will my military service and a trend of improvement in my academic performance and my atittude toward academics in general help build a solid med school application?

YES. Per an Assistant Dean of Admissions with whom I am acquainted, schools are warming up to the non-traditional student, and I think you fit the bill.

If there is anyone who can give me a little guidance, maybe someone who is familiar with a slacker to stellar doctor story, that would be greatly appreciated.

I'm trying to do this, myself (different particulars, but same idea), and I'll let you know how the cycle goes. Whatever the case, forget about your high school GPA. Work hard, bust your A** in college, and you should have no problems.

Thanks[/QUOTE]

 

[Stratego]

See the answers in the bolded script:

-Will going through a CC route damage the credibility of my science credits upon review for entrance to medical school? It is better to take the General Education classes at the CC and English and Math, and save the prerequisite sciences for the four-year school. Some people take them at CC and do fine anyway, but there are schools that don't like to see CC credits. You might do well to call the admissions office of the med schools you'd most like to attend and ask their opinion. The concern is that the CC classes won't be sufficiently rigorous to prepare you well for the MCAT and upper-level science classes.

-Will I need to complete an SAT before I try and enter a 4 year university? Every school is different, so I can't generalize. In my area those of nontraditional age don't need ACT or SAT, but do need to take placement tests.

-If I really bust my ass and pull out a 3.5-4.0 GPA in my science and general courses, will that overshadow my lackluster high school transcript? The med school application process will not regard your HS performance, but CCs and universities will. You are starting with a fresh slate, so to speak. Only your college performance will "count."

- Will my military service and a trend of improvement in my academic performance and my atittude toward academics in general help build a solid med school application? Yes. Military service gives excellent opportunities for leadership and personal growth. I'd suggest you start slowly with the academics until you feel out what is necessary for you to get a near straight-A average. The median GPA for those accepted to med school is 3.65. If you get any Cs, it will take a lot of As to redeem it. Besides academics, you might want to do some volunteering in a medical environment where you have contact with sick people. Med schools expect to see that you tested the vocation, and you should do it for yourself to be sure it's right for you.

 

[chris56th]

Thanks everyone!

 

[pOrtEnt]

Agreed here... hold off on the sciences until four year. Get a handle on your study habits and skills with the gen ed. requirements at CC, then when you are ready (emphasis on ready), go out there and dominate the science courses.

Good luck and thanks for your service!

 

[teenmachinery1]

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I am 22 years old, Im in the Air Force, and I have decided to try and make it to medical school.

I have no college under my belt except for a CLEP and an online class Ive taken since I enlisted.

I have a 2.67 gpa from high school. Based on my research I have concluded that these are in fact my options at the moment:

1) Make an attempt to be accepted to my in-state resident eligible four year university straight up or...

2) If unable to get in, go through a transfer program with an approved community college.

I have not taken the SAT yet either, so my questions are....


-Will going through a CC route damage the credibility of my science credits upon review for entrance to medical school?

No, the CC route will not damage the credibility of your science credits. Provided - that your university classes, class loads, and grades provide data that an adcom member can use to compare your community college performance with.

-Will I need to complete an SAT before I try and enter a 4 year university?



Fuzz no. SATs are NOT required by MOST 4 year universities via the CC route. IF in doubt, just call the 4 year of interest (attend a transfer event) and ask to confirm.

-If I really bust my ass and pull out a 3.5-4.0 GPA in my science and general courses, will that overshadow my lackluster high school transcript?



Nobody gives a flying FUZZ how well you did in high school. High school performance is not a seriously regarded predictor of medical school success or admission. Of all the secondaries I've done this cycle, none have asked anything at all about my high school grades, activities, etc.

- Will my military service and a trend of improvement in my academic performance and my atittude toward academics in general help build a solid med school application?

Duh. Military service is something that I would guess is perceived with admiration and respect. I'm just a stoodent and not an adcom member so take that with a grain of salt... (along with everything else I'm saying)

If there is anyone who can give me a little guidance, maybe someone who is familiar with a slacker to stellar doctor story, that would be greatly appreciated.

If you think you're a slacker because you performed poorly in high school, or were indeed a slacker in high school, you're wrong. That's yesterday's news man. And NO ONE cares about those days anymore. If you do well at a CC, transfer to a U and do well, and also do the other things required to be a competitive med school applicant (volunteering, research, etc.), then suddenly... you're not a slacker. You're a overachiever. Throw on top of that your military service and you can provide a compelling case for someone who deserves a medical school education.

GL 😎

(having fun with emoticons)

Thanks

sorry i screwed up the quoting thing... my answers are in bold.