Need Guidance

[RumbaToMD]

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Hello!

I was hoping that I could get some advice from people on this forum. I want to pursue medicine but I am not sure how to move toward that at this point. I am currently a MPH grad student concentrating in Health and Behavior Education. I love public health but my passion has been medicine since I was in high school. I decided to switch paths (after I completed my pre-med requirements in college) after I became intimidated, a little discouraged and scared. But now, sitting in my classes, I am constantly brought back to the initial goal I had of becoming a MD.
A little about my background: I am a 26 year old Latina-native Spanish speaker. I worked in the social work field with the HIV population in a clinical setting. In addition, I have research experience, volunteered at several hospitals since high school and as an interpreter and health educator at a community health clinic. I did the general pre-med pre-requisites as an undergrad (did not take anatomy or biochem though), majored in psychology, minored in neuroscience and philosophy. I attended a community college for 2 years in which I received a D in Calculus due to health issues (I was out for surgery) but retook it and got a B+. I transferred to a university to finish off my undergrad career.
cGPA: 3.37
sGPA: 3.16
I have yet to take my MCATS
The school that I currently attend does not have a pre-med committee so I have no idea who to talk to about getting back on a pre-med track. My GPA is not amazing and I have heard that the GPA for my MPH will not be taken into account. My questions are:
-What should I do to get my GPA up? Should I take science classes even if it won't count toward my MPH GPA?
-I am currently working as a research assistant on a chronic disease program evaluation-should I seek a more "hands on" research experience? I may be doing more admin work if anything here...
-Should I re-engage in volunteering at a hospital/clinic?
-Do I have enough time to apply to get into school for Fall 2014?

I apologize if this post is overwhelming but I am pretty lost :/

Thanks guys!

 

[Jas1360]

I say keep working on your MPH. Volunteering again, would be a good idea. You have plenty of time to apply, in order to start Fall 2014. Study, study, study, and take the MCAT sometime between January and April 2013. Submit your application as soon as it opens. Usually you can fill it out in May and submit it around June 1st. Finally, you don't have to have a committee letter if your school does not have one. All you need to do is figure out which professors know you well enough and are willing to write a favorable letter of recommendation. Usually 3 to 4 letters are required, but look up the schools you are interested in to get specific requirements.

 

[RumbaToMD]

I say keep working on your MPH. Volunteering again, would be a good idea. You have plenty of time to apply, in order to start Fall 2014. Study, study, study, and take the MCAT sometime between January and April 2013. Submit your application as soon as it opens. Usually you can fill it out in May and submit it around June 1st. Finally, you don't have to have a committee letter if your school does not have one. All you need to do is figure out which professors know you well enough and are willing to write a favorable letter of recommendation. Usually 3 to 4 letters are required, but look up the schools you are interested in to get specific requirements.

Thank you for responding!

 

[Abider]

You've got a lot to offer. The mph background. The commitment to community health. And the cross cultural skill set.

What they're going to be concerned about is can you make it through the basic medical sciences. Which run full tilt. Your undergrad courses don't compare, they're tricky problem solving things pertinent to the mcat but little else performance wise. I mean the background is good but acing them is just a hoop if you dig what I'm saying. A hoop you have to make the cut at unfortunately. The low science gpa is bad. I had a low cum. With c minus in volleyball and theater appreciation though. My sci gpa was banging. So you have an issue with your app. How to prove science performance.

Not everybody can ace the mcat. It's a problem solver's contest. But I would say if you can put up an average or above score for it, you'll probably make it. You'll catch a break for your background. But only if they think you can make it.

You should research options for improving your grades in sconce coursework as well. I refer you to my colleague drmidlife. Search her posts. She's already covered the entire waterfront on this issue. So repeating it with less dedication and skill seems pointless.

Good luck.

 

[gyngyn]

Only the MCAT can keep you out!

 

[RumbaToMD]

Thank you for responding.
At this point I am planning to take the MCAT next spring. I have added more volunteer work to my schedule (helping start up a health education program for teenagers and participating on a research committee in support of a free health clinic). I would love to hear from others as well on how to improve my application!