need advice. I am stuck, kinda

[khan112794]

I have always been a underachiever, motivated but lazy, no matter how hard I tried I always managed to screw things up. Started college with good intention then shi happen in family(really serious shi that i dont wanna talk about). People told me i would never make it but deep down I still think I can make it.

Major: Biochemistry/Chemistry
E.C: I had been in trip coordinator for service tips and shadowed a pediatrician for 2 yrs. volunteering in free clinics next semester as well as applying for many scribe jobs hopefully I will get it. I have been doing chemistry and nutrition research for past semester.

I am trying to do a retroactive course withdrawal for the Fall of 2012 because I had so much **** going on in my family and life, pretty sure they will drop the semster so I can retake these classes and get A in all of them. I am sure I will get A in all my future courses. My predicted science GPA will be 3.5 when I graduate. I still have Pchem calc 2 physics 1 and 2, cell bio, human physiology class to take.. When should I take the mCAT.

My question
Should I graduate in December 2014(taking physics 2 and calc 2 over summer) or may 2015 just taking it easy? Should I add another minor to boost up my gpa? is it still possible to apply for 2015 cycle?

P.s I screwed up Bio 2 cuz I fell sleep in the exam room, no one woke me up i was pretty pissed.(note to my self get sleep in final week)


Fall 2013 Final Grade
Principles of Biology II D+
Princpls of Biology II Lab
Quantitative Analysis B+
Quantitative Analysis Lab A-
Inorganic Chemistry B
Biochemistry I B+

Summer 2013 Final Grade
Organic Chemistry I A-
Organic Chemistry II A
Organic Chmstry II Laboratory B

Spring 2013 Final Grade
Principles of Biology I B
Princpls of Biology I Lab
General Chemistry I B+
Approach to Literature B-
Physical Fitness for Life A
Film Appreciation B

Fall 2012 Final Grade
General Chemistry II C-
General Chemistry II Lab D
Intro to Communication Studies B-
Introduction to Economics B
Calculus I C

Summer 2012 Final Grade
General Chemistry II W
General Chemistry II Lab W

Spring 2012 Final Grade
General Chemistry I C-
General Chemistry Lab I B+
Introduction to Poetry C
History of Rock Music W
Introduction to Sociology A-
Beginning Spanish I C+
Western Civilization A-

Fall 2011 Final Grade
English Composition I A-
Foundations for Learning A
Personal Health A
General Psychology B
Intro to Religious Studies A-

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[Catalystik]

I have always been a underachiever, motivated but lazy, no matter how hard I tried I always managed to screw things up. Started college with good intention then shi happen in family(really serious shi that i dont wanna talk about). People told me i would never make it but deep down I still think I can make it.

Major: Biochemistry/Chemistry
E.C: I had been in trip coordinator for service tips and shadowed a pediatrician for 2 yrs. volunteering in free clinics next semester as well as applying for many scribe jobs hopefully I will get it. I have been doing chemistry and nutrition research for past semester.

I am trying to do a retroactive course withdrawal for the Fall of 2012 because I had so much **** going on in my family and life, pretty sure they will drop the semster so I can retake these classes and get A in all of them. I am sure I will get A in all my future courses. My predicted science GPA will be 3.5 when I graduate. I still have Pchem calc 2 physics 1 and 2, cell bio, human physiology class to take.. When should I take the mCAT.

My question
Should I graduate in December 2014(taking physics 2 and calc 2 over summer) or may 2015 just taking it easy? Should I add another minor to boost up my gpa? is it still possible to apply for 2015 cycle?

P.s I screwed up Bio 2 cuz I fell sleep in the exam room, no one woke me up i was pretty pissed.(note to my self get sleep in final week)


Fall 2013 Final Grade
Principles of Biology II D+
Princpls of Biology II Lab
Quantitative Analysis B+
Quantitative Analysis Lab A-
Inorganic Chemistry B
Biochemistry I B+

Summer 2013 Final Grade
Organic Chemistry I A-
Organic Chemistry II A
Organic Chmstry II Laboratory B

Spring 2013 Final Grade
Principles of Biology I B
Princpls of Biology I Lab
General Chemistry I B+
Approach to Literature B-
Physical Fitness for Life A
Film Appreciation B

Fall 2012 Final Grade
General Chemistry II C-
General Chemistry II Lab D
Intro to Communication Studies B-
Introduction to Economics B
Calculus I C

Summer 2012 Final Grade
General Chemistry II W
General Chemistry II Lab W

Spring 2012 Final Grade
General Chemistry I C-
General Chemistry Lab I B+
Introduction to Poetry C
History of Rock Music W
Introduction to Sociology A-
Beginning Spanish I C+
Western Civilization A-

Fall 2011 Final Grade
English Composition I A-
Foundations for Learning A
Personal Health A
General Psychology B
Intro to Religious Studies A-

I suggest that you delay graduation until May 2015 and do whatever it takes to raise your GPAs and demonstrate consistent excellent academic work for the next 1.5 years. You need to redeem the very-negative impression that your recent D+ gives, which means not applying before the summer of 2015.

If adding a minor allows you access to needed classes and an excuse to delay graduation, go for it, but having a minor doesn't make you any more appealing to adcomms, so don't pick one thinking it will help your case.

 

[Goro]

100% concur. I'd like to add that it appears you need some serious help with your coping skills. Medical school is a furnace, and doesn't bet easier. Have you sought out help from your school's counseling center? If not, I strongly suggest it.

What is your cGPA as of right now?

I suggest that you delay graduation until May 2015 and do whatever it takes to raise your GPAs and demonstrate consistent excellent academic work for the next 1.5 years. You need to redeem the very-negative impression that your recent D+ gives, which means not applying before the summer of 2015.

If adding a minor allows you access to needed classes and an excuse to delay graduation, go for it, but having a minor doesn't make you any more appealing to adcomms, so don't pick one thinking it will help your case.

 

[masaraksh]

Coming from a Fall '13 semester of D+, B+, A-, B, B+ what makes you so sure that you'll 'just get As from now on'?

 

[khan112794]

@Goro: yes I agree I have been doing exactly that I am going to counceling center and have mentor who is keeping me on track and accountable. I also registered with office of disability for acomodition.

Coming from a Fall '13 semester of D+, B+, A-, B, B+ what makes you so sure that you'll 'just get As from now on'?

My classes in fall were quiet difficult I took graduate level bichem analytical chem and inorganic I did fine on them. bio 2 was one of my easier and I had a going into the final but I messed up on the final by passing out. I am only worried about pchem now.

I am taking Kaplan mcat test prep from Jan to may.

 

[khan112794]

@Goro: my cgpa is 3.02, science GPA: 3.3

 

[Goro]

I think thoughts of medical school should go on backburner until you get your life in order. It looks like you made a partial comeback, but the D in Bio is very worrying. As of right now, MD programs are out of the question, and you're barely on life support for DO programs.

I do see promise, so you just need to get back into the groove.

 

[khan112794]

I think thoughts of medical school should go on backburner until you get your life in order. It looks like you made a partial comeback, but the D in Bio is very worrying. As of right now, MD programs are out of the question, and you're barely on life support for DO programs.

I do see promise, so you just need to get back into the groove.

I m retaking bio and hopefully I can replace that d with A. I will also take cellbio and phisiology to make up for that d. Do u think that's a good idea?

 

[deleted480308]

@Goro: my cgpa is 3.02, science GPA: 3.3

Just doing a little mental run through your grades....I don't think you have a science gpa at 3.3. Get a few good semesters of good grades under your belt. It's not over but it's been pretty rough lately for you

 

[Goro]

Sounds like a plan to me!

I m retaking bio and hopefully I can replace that d with A. I will also take cellbio and phisiology to make up for that d. Do u think that's a good idea?

 

[khan112794]

@sb247: Thanks hopefully things will go smooth on wards.. I am basing my gpa according to my transcript mate.. Including the grade replacement from general chem 1. Biochem, Analytical Chem and Inorganic is 4 credit hr each I still have 34 credit hr of Science Courses left on my plate. if i can pull out like mostly a or b i can have by science gpa up to 3.5-3.6, it will be hard but not impossible. If I apply in October to D.O school which GPA are they gonna base my application on. Spring 2014 or Fall 2014?

@Goro: I am taking Physics 1 next semester. Do you think its a dumb idea to take the mcat courses with out any knowledge basic of physics? would it be possible to self study physics?

 

[masaraksh]

@Goro: yes I agree I have been doing exactly that I am going to counceling center and have mentor who is keeping me on track and accountable. I also registered with office of disability for acomodition.


My classes in fall were quiet difficult I took graduate level bichem analytical chem and inorganic I did fine on them. bio 2 was one of my easier and I had a going into the final but I messed up on the final by passing out. I am only worried about pchem now.

I am taking Kaplan mcat test prep from Jan to may.

How can Biochemistry I be a grad. level course?!

 

[khan112794]

Coming from a Fall '13 semester of D+, B+, A-, B, B+ what makes you so sure that you'll 'just get As from now on'?

How can Biochemistry I be a grad. level course?!

@masaraksh: our school they have 2 biochem courses one for undergrads(one semester w lab), and other one for grad students(2 semester w 2 labs) its a 580 level course. I kinda find your comments offensive, i don't need your negativity in this thread please leave.

 

[deleted480308]

Aacomas does your gpa on what is inalized when you hit submit.....but unlike amcas, you can send in trnascript updates later as you complete more classes

 

[chemguy79]

@masaraksh: our school they have 2 biochem courses one for undergrads(one semester w lab), and other one for grad students(2 semester w 2 labs) its a 580 level course. I kinda find your comments offensive, i don't need your negativity in this thread please leave.

I don't think that the comments are at all offensive, although they may not be what you want to hear.

In my opinion, it's difficult to predict that you will make all A's from this point onward if you have yet to complete a semester with all A's. Furthermore, the courses will get more difficult as you continue your academic career. It is possible? Yes, but given your current track record, things need to improve or change in order for it to be a reasonable outcome. Frankly, your predicament is similar to the students who predict that they will make a 35+ on the MCAT when they have yet to score above a 35 on their practice MCAT's.

 

[khan112794]

so my appeal has been approved and university decided to drop all my courses from fall 2012 so my gpa jumed up to 3.3, I am taking the kaplan prep course and I got 25 on the diagnostic test. Last night I took a aamc test i ended up with a 29. I feel preety good about it but I registered for may 17 2014 mcat. If I can bring up my verbal to 10 I will score over 30s on aamc practice tests. Should I save the aamc test until closer to test dates?

 

[DOGuyy]

Have fun in physical chemistry. Oh and btw I suggest not taking heavy course loads when taking pchem 1 and 2 with their labs. Pchem 1 lab reports were easily 25-30 pages each and the class required a lot of studying and time. I'm in pchem 2 right now which is sorta like an intro to quantum mechanics and its extremely interesting but theres so much **** to it. JUst be careful

 

[khan112794]

as the semester ended i was able to write to dean of students and managed to drop the trouble some semster (fall 2012). so my gpa ended up being a 3.3 🙁 .....@masaraksh: got all a this semster..
Biochm2 a
biochem lab a,
physics 1- a,
genchem 2-A,
genchem 2 lab a
Took more practice amcat i got a 24 on the kaplan prep course diagnostic. so I am going to study all summer until June 30. and if i get more then 28 on practice test i will take the mact on July 2nd. What else should i do to make my self competitive? any one?

 

[Catalystik]

E.C: I had been in
-trip coordinator for service tips and
-shadowed a pediatrician for 2 yrs.
-volunteering in free clinics next semester as well as applying for many scribe jobs hopefully I will get it.
-I have been doing chemistry and nutrition research for past semester.

What else should i do to make my self competitive? any one?

Have you begun the active clinical experience in the free clinic, that you mentioned above last December? Are you continuing with the research?

Besides that, consider some local regular (weekly) nonmedical community service with a cause that you care about that helps those in need. Teaching (mentor, TA, tutor, coach) also strengthens an application. These two areas could be combined into a single activity for a few hours a week.


And, congrats on the excellent academics this last term.