My credentials too low for a postbacc

[sleepingatlast]

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[Granny Watkins]

'm currently a predental junior bio student. I've done terribly in my science classes so far, and I know that. I'm trying to keep moving forward. I want to do a postbacc program after graduation, but I'm afraid my gpa is too low.

My overall gpa so far: 3.03
My science gpa so far: 2.4-2.5

Genchem1: A
Genchem2: C+
Bio1: C+
Bio2: B-
Calc1: D, retook and got a C
Calc2: C
Orgo1: C
Orgo2: B

Anatomy: D, going to retake
Evolution: B-
Ecology: C
Genetics: C

I still have to take physics. And 4 more science classes before graduating. I have 0 shadowing/research experience, and I also don't have any recommendation letters. I'm going to shadow this summer and am going to get my professors next semester to write for me.

My questions:
1) Can I retake any of my prereqs (genchem2, bio1/2, calc1/2) now to boost my science gpa after already taking some upper levels? Won't I be doing that anyway if I can't get into a formal postbacc and I have to do DIY postbacc/take classes by myself after graduation?
2) Do I have a chance at getting into a postbacc or masters program?
3) When should I take the DAT? Before or after a postbacc?

Thank you so much.

This won't answer any of your 3 questions, but its an observation based on what you wrote. First, you made an A in the first semester of gen chem and a C+ in the next semester. Then the majority of your science grades went downhill. Do you know what went wrong and do you have a plan to fix it? It doesn't matter how many science classes you still need to take if your future performance is going to be like your past performance. Also, in order to get a decent letter from profs you need to make decent grades in their classes so that part of your future plan could be affected as well. It sounds to me like you are just pushing through down this path without addressing your shortcomings and that will not lead to success. You don't have to share on here the reasons why your grades dipped if you don't want to. You just need to make sure you address them yourself. I'm pre-med, not pre-dental, but if your question number 3 was about the MCAT I would say don't be in a rush to take it since you have not done well in most of your science courses.

 

[Shotapp]

Granny Watkins gave you some pretty solid advice. Don't even think about doing a post bac program or masters (with your current work ethic and sgpa you will most likely struggle and shoot yourself in the foot). First figure out how to become an A student (its not going to happen over night). There is obviously some deficiencies in how you are studying/managing your time (figure out your deficits and fix them). Second don't apply for graduation. Do a fifth year and retake some of the courses you did poorly in or take more upper division (do this once you have figured out how to get A's).

You have a very long road ahead of you...

 

[DetectiveGrayson]

Although striving for As is paramount, you also have to be pragmatic with yourself. As other have mentioned, rectifying your shortcomings is the key but you need to look to just simply doing better, studying harder, and committing your brain and your heart to this path- maybe even a little soul searching. Initially, I would strive for the upward trend in your case and once you start to feel momentum hang on to that.

At first, the only goal was getting through and that anxiety was cyclical upon me. I wasn't too far off from your case when I was a young undergrad, so the best thing I did for myself was take time away from the fray, to really galvanize myself and see if this is what I wanted. After maturing and identifying my strategy and better study habits, I hit the upward trend hard and been trying to make myself better in every regard since then. Truthfully, I still feel like I'm getting through my own long road, and am entering into my post-bacc Masters program this fall. There is always hope, as long as your true to yourself!