Next step?

[Smiles91]

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Hello,

I am new to the forum and I have been reading through many of the posts and while I am sure my question may have been answered some time ago I want to pose the question relative to my personal dilemma.

I am a senior (graduating in July--- Biology major with a Religious studies minor). My GPA is LOW (2.96). Hopefully by the end of the semester I will have a 3.02.
My science GPA is really low. Off the top of my head I am not sure what I am sitting with (possibly 2.7 but will be a 3.0 at the end of the semester).

I am HUGE in community service. I volunteer with the American Red Cross, a local high school band program, and various random small projects.

So given this, what are my chances at medical school?
Should I apply to a post bacc program or get a masters? I am open to either.
What should my next step be?

ps. My university is not a strong environment for medical or DO school. My advisor told me in the last 4 years they have not gotten a single student into medical school and only about 30 have applied in that time. So I need some kind of advice! 🙂
Thank you 🙂

 

[Moosepig]

0 of 30? Man that's insane.

I'll be honest, you're in a tight spot. Your only hope is DO, MD is out the window.

You have to retake science classes until your sGPA breaks 3.0. Then if you can do decent on the MCAT you'll have your shot. You also need 50 hours of shadowing and clinical volunteering. (Red cross is good but you need to interact with sick people).

 

[Smiles91]

0 of 30? Man that's insane.

I'll be honest, you're in a tight spot. Your only hope is DO, MD is out the window.

You have to retake science classes until your sGPA breaks 3.0. Then if you can do decent on the MCAT you'll have your shot. You also need 50 hours of shadowing and clinical volunteering. (Red cross is good but you need to interact with sick people).

Thank you!
Yep 0 out of 30 thats official! smh

Since I will need the hours of shadowing do you think its good to get a post-bacc and just work towards the MCAT and DO school?

 

[Blackhawkdown24]

Thank you!
Yep 0 out of 30 thats official! smh

Since I will need the hours of shadowing do you think its good to get a post-bacc and just work towards the MCAT and DO school?

I would say do a post-bacc and work on your MCAT : )

 

[Catalystik]

Hello,

I am new to the forum and I have been reading through many of the posts and while I am sure my question may have been answered some time ago I want to pose the question relative to my personal dilemma.

I am a senior (graduating in July--- Biology major with a Religious studies minor). My GPA is LOW (2.96). Hopefully by the end of the semester I will have a 3.02.
My science GPA is really low. Off the top of my head I am not sure what I am sitting with (possibly 2.7 but will be a 3.0 at the end of the semester).

I am HUGE in community service. I volunteer with the American Red Cross, a local high school band program, and various random small projects.

1) So given this, what are my chances at medical school?
2) Should I apply to a post bacc program or get a masters? I am open to either.
3) What should my next step be?

ps. My university is not a strong environment for medical or DO school. My advisor told me in the last 4 years they have not gotten a single student into medical school and only about 30 have applied in that time. So I need some kind of advice! 🙂
Thank you 🙂

1) Right now, they are zero, unless you get an astonishingly high MCAT score, sterling ECs, have a steep upward grade trend in the sciences (3.7+ for two-three semesters), and break the 3.0 barrier for GPAs.

2) Your choices may need to be guided by whether you are limited financially:

Your school's dismal success statistics make me think that the science coursework there may not have sufficient rigor to prepare one well for taking the MCAT. If you agree with this, and don't feel you could master the material on your own, then retaking your prerequisites again elsewhere, informally, or as part of a formal postbac program would be a first step to consider.

As AACOMAS DO schools only count the most recent grade (if credits are the same or greater), this is the fastest way to raise your sGPA if you are in a hurry to get into a med school.

If only an MD will make you happy, your best shot would be to engage in a Special Masters Program and earn a 3.7+ GPA. As these programs are competitive, in general, you will first have to demonstrate potential by earning a string of As in upper-level Bio and also get an MCAT of at least 30.

3) You also need to engage in appropriate ECs, to be sure medicine is right for you. What do you have so far for active clinical experience, shadowing physicians, research, teaching, and leadership? It looks like your nonmedical community service is already solid.

 

[Smiles91]

1) Right now, they are zero, unless you get an astonishingly high MCAT score, sterling ECs, have a steep upward grade trend in the sciences (3.7+ for two-three semesters), and break the 3.0 barrier for GPAs.

2) Your choices may need to be guided by whether you are limited financially:

Your school's dismal success statistics make me think that the science coursework there may not have sufficient rigor to prepare one well for taking the MCAT. If you agree with this, and don't feel you could master the material on your own, then retaking your prerequisites again elsewhere, informally, or as part of a formal postbac program would be a first step to consider.

As AACOMAS DO schools only count the most recent grade (if credits are the same or greater), this is the fastest way to raise your sGPA if you are in a hurry to get into a med school.

If only an MD will make you happy, your best shot would be to engage in a Special Masters Program and earn a 3.7+ GPA. As these programs are competitive, in general, you will first have to demonstrate potential by earning a string of As in upper-level Bio and also get an MCAT of at least 30.

3) You also need to engage in appropriate ECs, to be sure medicine is right for you. What do you have so far for active clinical experience, shadowing physicians, research, teaching, and leadership? It looks like your nonmedical community service is already solid.

This is the most helpful thing i have ever encountered. Thank you.
I was actually planning to take a year off and work in a hospital/shadow and do a prep course for the MCAT. Then potentially do a post-bacc program. That way people can see that I had a rough start but I am ready to be serious about my career.

 

[Smiles91]

I would say do a post-bacc and work on your MCAT : )

Thank you!