Non-Trad seeking advice

[MagicCarpetRide]

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Hi everyone, I am currently 25 years old, married, and just graduated last week from undergrad- (Psych major, Bio Minor). Having a hard time figuring out my chances and would like some advice.

I did 3 years of military, one year of undergrad, took a year break due to PTSD and then switched to Pre-Med and re-enrolled in school. I have had an uphill battle, after being diagnosed with PTSD and fighting through classes. I thought I could handle undergrad, but things got ugly once I got into chem classes.

My GPA is 3.2 BCPM, and 3.45 cGPA. Got C's in Orgo1, Chem 101, and Biochemistry due to severe PTSD flashbacks /anxiety attacks coming up to the exams. (Chem is my weakest subject). Rest of classes are A's/B's. Got accepted to the Pre-Health Advisory Committee at my university to help with applications since they tend to help veterans who are struggling

Extracurriculars:
3 years military service in the middle east
1 year working for American Express Credit Cards
120 volunteer hours at a hospital with veterans
150 clinical research experience with children w/autism and severe physical/mental handicaps
wrote for school newspaper for 2 years on middle east analysis
Board of 3 clubs on campus
involved with student government for 1 year
Have about 50 hours of shadowing

I am taking the MCAT in May, with plans to apply in June 2016. I will also be taking Physics 2 at the time (Jan-May) since I could not squeeze it in undergrad.

I intend on applying widely to DO and MD schools and will take either gratefully. I just want to be a doctor, don't care how it happens. Need some advice on my year off

My debate is now to either:
A) retake those 3 C classes
B) take additional post-bac classes to raise my GPA
C) go to an SPM to improve my GPA

Since I will be applying in June 2016, I have a year off with no plans after I apply. Are those good options just in case I don't get into any schools?

Would take any advice! thanks!

 

[GreenDuck12]

As of now your GPA is on the low end for MD and in the range for DO. Depending on how the MCAT goes, I would apply broadly with an emphasis on DO schools and see what happens. As for your questions, if you are planning on applying in 2016, taking classes fall 2016 will not increase your chances of an admission as your grades will not be included in your application GPA. I would only explore an SMP if your MCAT score is low and you aren't willing to retake or you have an unsuccessful cycle.

 

[Affiche]

Firstly, thank you for your service!

Secondly, have you worked with a professional to address the PTSD? Chem's a betch, but there's no escaping it for the MCAT and biochemistry will come up again in medical school. If you haven't already, I suggest getting this under control before you attempt taking the MCAT.

I agree with the above poster that your gpa is on the low end for MD and in the range for DO. Your MCAT score will really decide where you're competitive for, as a great MCAT can make you competitive for some MD programs. If your PTSD is under control, I'd recommend that you start studying for the MCAT now and continue with shadowing, volunteering etc. You can take Physics 2 during the application cycle so you don't have to worry about balancing it with MCAT studying. The Physics 2 on the new MCAT is pretty minimal and you could teach it to yourself before the test and be fine.