Next step/chances? Bringing my low GPA up

[kkosp2451]

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Hi Everyone!

I just graduated from a 4-year college back in May 2012 with a BS in Health Sciences and a BA in Sociology. Unfortunately, coming out of my undergrad I had a cGPA of 2.5 and a sGPA of 2.0 (approximately, maybe less).

So last year, I went back to another 4 year college closer to my house and started to retake everything. I registered as a non-matriculated in the Fall of 2012 and got a 3.98. I pulled some strings and was able to matriculate into a certificate program in the Spring, and got a 4.0 last semester. I re-took the following:

Chem I with lab (B+ in chem II so i didn't bother re-taking)
Bio I and II with lab
Orgo I with lab
Statistics

In addition to taking the following that I had never taken before:
Genetics
Biochemistry
Intro Psych
Another English
Cell Bio
ANP I

Now, I'm taking Orgo II, and ANP II and Physics I with lab in addition to 2 bio electives. I should be finishing the certificate this semester. I'm wondering what you guys think my next step should be! I'm not planning on applying anywhere until 2015, but do you think I actually have a shot at possibly MD or DO? I still have to take the MCAT of course but I have a good chunk of healthcare experience (both volunteer and paid Critical Care EMT, months of shadowing multiple MD's, working in the ER as a EKG/Phlebotomy Tech for almost a year, as well as other community service clubs)

Should I apply to SMP's or grad programs? Any insight on what more i can do would be great! Thank you in advance 🙂

 

[ciestar]

MD doesn't do grade replacement and with that GPA I think you have no shot. But you seem to be on the right track for DO.

 

[Etyan]

I just graduated
cGPA of 2.5 and a sGPA of 2.0
retake everything. ...got a 3.98.
...do you think I actually have a shot at possibly MD or DO?
I still have to take the MCAT
healthcare experience (both volunteer and paid Critical Care EMT, months of shadowing multiple MD's, working in the ER as a EKG/Phlebotomy Tech for almost a year, as well as other community service clubs)

Should I apply to SMP's or grad programs?

Any decent SMP should require you take the MCAT first. How well you do on the MCAT has enormous bearing on your MD prospects. The SMP route is probably not necessary here, however, unless you end up at a SMP with a strong connection to its medical school.

Other grad programs are most likely to be of no use.

What is your GPA with all the postbacc work factored in?

Your ECs look solid, but not outstanding. Your best shot at MD is to be a nontrad who displays a strong commitment to medicine and a passion for... something.

Again, though, much is contingent upon your MCAT.

 

[kkosp2451]

Thank you both for your advice! I'm thinking DO is definitely a more feasible option for me, but I will apply to both when I decide to apply.

I'm definitely gonna finish up my post-bacc and focus on MCATs. I know you said that SMP's (except for those closely tied with their med schools) aren't too useful in this situation, Etyan. Is there anything else in your opinion that would make me a more competitive applicant if I didn't do an SMP? Maybe more shadowing and getting involved in research?

I want to do as much as I can since I don't plan on applying for another 2 years, while maintaining enough time to continue boosting my GPA and studying well for MCATs. Any additional advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Etyan]

I'm definitely gonna finish up my post-bacc and focus on MCATs. I know you said that SMP's (except for those closely tied with their med schools) aren't too useful in this situation, Etyan. Is there anything else in your opinion that would make me a more competitive applicant if I didn't do an SMP? Maybe more shadowing and getting involved in research?

I want to do as much as I can since I don't plan on applying for another 2 years, while maintaining enough time to continue boosting my GPA and studying well for MCATs. Any additional advice would be greatly appreciated!

This is a good mentality to have... which is more than half the battle. Nicely done.

A great post-bacc performance (4.0's at 60+ credits) makes a SMP redundant and unnecessary, which is why it is not recommended for you.

From your synopsis, it is hard to see where your passions lie. Your passion for medicine, your passion for patient care, your passion for XYZ. Not to say it's absolutely critical, but having a clear vision of what you may bring to medicine certainly helps.

Continuing with shadowing and research in the next two years is a must. Also add some sort of community service activity you enjoy. It does not have to be medical. The point is to show your willingness to reach out and expose yourself to the needs of the real world. While you're at it, continue to develop at something meaningful you already enjoy. These types of activities usually make for the most interesting conversation topics. Good luck 👍

 

[Goro]

With the outstanding post-bac work, an SMP might not be necessary. With a strong MCAT, I think you'll be good for some MD schools, all of the new ones, your state school (if any) and any DO program. Keep in mind that AACOMAS' grade replacement policy does wonders for the GPA.

Hi Everyone!

I just graduated from a 4-year college back in May 2012 with a BS in Health Sciences and a BA in Sociology. Unfortunately, coming out of my undergrad I had a cGPA of 2.5 and a sGPA of 2.0 (approximately, maybe less).

So last year, I went back to another 4 year college closer to my house and started to retake everything. I registered as a non-matriculated in the Fall of 2012 and got a 3.98. I pulled some strings and was able to matriculate into a certificate program in the Spring, and got a 4.0 last semester. I re-took the following:

Chem I with lab (B+ in chem II so i didn't bother re-taking)
Bio I and II with lab
Orgo I with lab
Statistics

In addition to taking the following that I had never taken before:
Genetics
Biochemistry
Intro Psych
Another English
Cell Bio
ANP I

Now, I'm taking Orgo II, and ANP II and Physics I with lab in addition to 2 bio electives. I should be finishing the certificate this semester. I'm wondering what you guys think my next step should be! I'm not planning on applying anywhere until 2015, but do you think I actually have a shot at possibly MD or DO? I still have to take the MCAT of course but I have a good chunk of healthcare experience (both volunteer and paid Critical Care EMT, months of shadowing multiple MD's, working in the ER as a EKG/Phlebotomy Tech for almost a year, as well as other community service clubs)

Should I apply to SMP's or grad programs? Any insight on what more i can do would be great! Thank you in advance 🙂

 

[kkosp2451]

Sorry for the delayed response, your advice is all so helpful - I truly appreciate it!

Etyan, I will definitely try to solidify what specifically interests me about medicine. It's something that will without a doubt come up at some point, so I may as well start materializing it now! Thank you for the advice 🙂

Goro, I am definitely going to buckle down for the MCAT and study for it like I have never studied before. I sure hope it pays off. Thank you as well for your advice!

Question for either of you, I know DO schools do grade replacement - is there a limit on the number of times this can be done? I originally got a C- in Bio II, and then retook it once more at my undergrad college and it came up to a B. However, for my post-bacc, I retook it because I needed it for my certificate program and got an A. I would assume there's a limit to how many times the grade can be replaced, right? Would it stay as a B- even though I retook it a third time and got an A?

 

[sr41489]

I have the same question..I'm somewhat in the same boat as the OP, so I would also like to know about the retake question.

 

[CapCrunch]

It's your latest grade. If you got an A on the third try, then it's an A.