Need advice on how to proceed...

[DbDan]

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I already posted in the low GPA thread so I will try to make it an abbreviated and to the point post here. I am currently going into my 5th year as a Physiological Science major at UCLA. Currently I am sitting at a 2.699 cum with a 2.41science GPA. Obviously this is not good enough for any kind of medical school. Assuming I can somehow manage to pull of a 4.0 the rest of my time at UCLA, I could potentially graduate with a 2.866cum with a 2.73sci. Right now I am planning on graduating after winter quarter and using Spring to study for and take the MCAT (likely taking a prep class).

My question is since I have such a low GPA, would it be more beneficial to me to spend my spring quarter retaking a few undergrad classes I didn't do well in (I've calculated that by taking 3 classes: two life sciences and a physics, which I recieved C's in could potentially raise my GPA from the 2.866/2.73 listed above to 3.01/2.97 assuming As after the retake) or taking that time to study for and take the MCAT.

Other info:
Research: I currently just began volunteering in a genetics lab through UCLA's school of medicine.
Clinical: I am going to attempt to take part in volunteering at the UCLA hospital starting in fall quarter.

 

[yadave]

I am in the EXACT (almost exact) situation as you. I have been told very demotivating things such as oh you wont make it into any SMP etc etc. HOWEVER, this is what my plan of action is and maybe it will also help you since we are in such similar boats:

take as many undergrad classes as possible and get the cum GPA as high as possible

take the GRE before the MCAT. It will give me an idea of how im doing on standerdized tests and also can be used to get into good SMPs. why take the MCAT before I have to? And when Im not totally confident and have had extra schooling 🙂

then, apply to EVERY SMP I can get my hands on and if I get accepted, work my butt off and get a very high gpa.

then ofcourse take the MCAT and break a 30. I figure after studying for it continuously for about a year I can manage atleast a 30.

apply to medical schools and get accepted 😉

but yea, dot get demotivated. you can do it. you will have to work much harder (like me) but its not impossible. you just have to really want it...

good luck with everything 🙂

 

[Perrotfish]

OP, your plan is good. Be aware that retaking a course, even if you school considers the grade replaced, doesn't actually replace the grade unless you're apply for DO schools/SMPs. Allo schools/SMPs just average the two grades.

As for Spring semester I'd say study for the MCAT full time, I lowered my GPA trying to take classes while studying for the MCAT. Then do the retakes over the summer while you wait for the SMP to start. Just my opinion, though, you could definitely do it both ways and you know yourself best.

take the GRE before the MCAT. It will give me an idea of how im doing on standerdized tests and also can be used to get into good SMPs. why take the MCAT before I have to? And when Im not totally confident and have had extra schooling 🙂

Just an FYI, you want to research the success rates of programs that accept the GRE relative to programs that accept only the MCAT, I think you'll see a significant difference. Also a high MCAT, for SMP applications, compensates for a low GPA more than a high GRE. If you're below a 3.0 this is important. Not saying your plan won't work, but it might not be the most efficient plan.

 

[yadave]

Just an FYI, you want to research the success rates of programs that accept the GRE relative to programs that accept only the MCAT, I think you'll see a significant difference. Also a high MCAT, for SMP applications, compensates for a low GPA more than a high GRE. If you're below a 3.0 this is important. Not saying your plan won't work, but it might not be the most efficient plan.

Ooo. I didn't know that. Thank you! So let me get this straight, programs like PCOM's or Drexels or even the harvard extension program are not good? Im confused...they accept GRE I thought? Also, do you know much about the harvard extension school? if so could you tellmesome about it?

 

[DbDan]

None of this is a good reason to take the MCAT if you're not doing well on your practice tests, of course. That's just shooting yourself in the foot.

This part is fairly obvious as I won't take the MCAT until I am 100% confident, however, I am confident that by taking a class and focusing my studying that I can score over a 30. I have always done well on standardized tests and when I actually apply myself as I have over the past two years I am actually very capable of learning the material.

My problems arose during my first two years (where I began at UCLA as an Electrical Engineering major with an emphasis in biomedical) and since I was unhappy with what I was learning I had a 2.05 after two full years of school. In my last two years leading into my fifth my GPA has been consistantly (save for one quarter) a 3.0+, if the upward swing continues would this help my chances of getting into an SMP program as well as retaking classes in summer to raise my GPA?

As far as the GRE, would you recommend taking it or no? I would be able to register for sometime in late September if I so chose and through taking the tests completely blind (I've never picked up a book or studied for it at all) I have scored consistently ~780quant with a lower (but if i actually study I could raise) verbal score of ~550.

 

[yadave]

HES is for people that haven't finished their prereqs yet.

Wait so,I thought that HES's premed stuff, the way it is taught is really really great thats why everyone does so well when they take the MCAT after they take their courses? Im confused...One thread says one thing the other says another...please clarify

 

[DbDan]

Well I've continued reading threads, etc. here in the forums and i've found yet another predicament. You suggested applying to SMPs immediately, attempting to start fall 09. The problem with this is that I will not be taking the MCAT until May/June since UCLA is on quarters, not semesters. My winter quarter will end in tmarch and I was planning on dedicating the end of march -> may/june (can't remmber the exact date of the test) to study for the MCAT and take it.

Since the applications for almost every SMP that I have seen is April 1st I will more than likely be completely dismissed since my MCAT will be taken so late. Would I be better off trying to do some kind of unstructured postbac for a year or working in a hospital/doctors office and gaining more experience or is there something I'm missing where I would have a chance to get into an SMP program?

 

[hung]

I would suggest you don't rush to take the MCAT. You can always study and take the MCAT next summer once you graduate. Stay at UCLA as long as you can and retake those sciences that you got C's and less in (remember that MD schools don't replace grades, rather count both). Use all three quarters to bring your gpa to above the 3.0 mark. As a Phy Sci major, there are a few easier elective classes you can take to help your gpa (ie. phy sci 165, diet and nutrition (I don't remember the #, offered in winter), just ask around). Just spend your 5th year focused on bringing up your gpa and getting letters of recommendations. Once you graduate next summer, then study for the MCAT. To offset a low gpa, you would need a competitive MCAT score (33+). If you take the MCAT next summer (09) or jan '10, you will be in great shape to apply for smps during the winter. By then you will have an MCAT score, higher gpa, and letters of rec. If all goes well, you will be in an smp for fall '10. This is only a suggested plan of action. I regret not making the most of my classes at UCLA. Do all you can academically while you are still there. Good luck. Go Bruins.