Nontrad with low-ish GPA

[careerchanger456]

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Hi all,



Looking for advice and guidance as a potential non-trad student with a low-ish GPA in undergrad.



I graduated from undergrad almost 7 years ago with a business major and lowish GPA (3.3). Since then I’ve had some pretty good success and now work at a well known tech company in San Francisco.

I really want to become a doctor and after 7 years of going back and forth thinking it was out of reach I am seriously considering the long path there. However, I am concerned that my undergrad GPA will eliminate me right away.



Stats:

uGPA: 3.3

Science GPA: non-existant, I didn’t take science classes in undergrad

EC:

• Various volunteering
• took 6 months off to volunteer (non-medically) with children in an impoverished country.
• President of the associate board of a national medical non-profit, will have raised $50k+ in the next year

I am willing to quit my job and focus full time on a formal post bacc and have confidence I can do well. I really just wasn’t motivated by my business classes in undergrad. However, I’m worried that my undergrad grades will count me out before I even begin. I would be aiming for 50 credits at 3.9+.



If I am able to really kill the postbacc and do well on the MCAT do I even have a chance? During this time I would also work on shadowing and volunteering in the hospital and clinical setting.

Thanks in advance!

 

[I'mJustCurious]

Yeah, if you do kill the postbacc and the MCAT, you're still back in the game. Best of luck

 

[GreenDuck12]

You need to think about your goals here:
1. Are you aiming for MD only or are you open to DO as well?
2. How much time do you want to invest in your postbac?
3. While taking classes, are you planning on attending part time while working ( longer but more affordable) or are you going to attend full time (faster but more expensive)

Yes, you can still pursue a medical career. Your GPA is low for MD and likely will be on the lower end for MD even after a postbac. However, it is fine for DO. You’ll need to gain clinical exposure, shadow physicians, and do well on your MCAT. It’s the start of a multi year journey just to be able to start medical school but is possible as many on here have done it before.

 

[Goro]

If I am able to really kill the postbacc and do well on the MCAT do I even have a chance? During this time I would also work on shadowing and volunteering in the hospital and clinical setting.

Absolutely. There are plenty of MD (and all DO) schools that reward reinvention

 

[careerchanger456]

Good questions!

1. MD would be my preference but the end goal of being a physician is the same, so I would be open to DO as well.
2. I am aiming for 2 years of full time, so about 50 credits. But also after the first year there are probably diminishing returns, so would be open to 1 year of 30 credits.
3. The plan is full time. I know this is likely the more expensive option.

I’ve seen conflicting reports of schools weighing your post bacc GPA more heavily than undergrad, especially for those further out from school like myself. This would be best case scenario for me.

I recognize this is likely a long and hard road, but I’m willing to make the sacrifices if there’s a decent chance it will work out.

 

[GreenDuck12]

Good questions!

1. MD would be my preference but the end goal of being a physician is the same, so I would be open to DO as well.
2. I am aiming for 2 years of full time, so about 50 credits. But also after the first year there are probably diminishing returns, so would be open to 1 year of 30 credits.
3. The plan is full time. I know this is likely the more expensive option.

I’ve seen conflicting reports of schools weighing your post bacc GPA more heavily than undergrad, especially for those further out from school like myself. This would be best case scenario for me.

I recognize this is likely a long and hard road, but I’m willing to make the sacrifices if there’s a decent chance it will work out.

You are correct that some schools will look more heavily at your postbac GPA as it is a more accurate representation of who you are as a student. In AMCAS, your cGPA and sGPA are reported both cumulatively and by year. Your postbac coursework will all go on the same line which helps make significant improvements stand out. Your state schools will be most forgiving depending on your state of residence. With 30-50 credits, you have the potential to make some significant gains in your GPA. There are a fair number of students who have been in your position and have had success matriculating to medical school. Focus on getting good grades, a 4.0 is not necessary but it helps. When it comes time to take the mcat only take it once and when you are scoring near your goal score. If you have a well rounded application you can definitely be competitive.

 

[careerchanger456]

Thank you all for the advice, it's encouraging to hear!

Sadly my state schools are California so makes it slightly more difficult 🙁 Trying to stay in a big city as well as my husband is also career-oriented, but know beggars can't be choosers.

 

[SeamlessForFood]

Consider yourself a virgin at this point. I did a similar thing. One correction on timing - you will not be able to do one year for everything because bio 1 and 2 is required before biochem. And you also need dedicated time to study for MCAT. Minimum is two years before applying, unless you attend a one year formal post-bacc program. BUT please don't rush it - do everything once and do it right. I took all of my required classes (~50 credits) at a local, lowly ranked university. What mattered to me was that the classes were easy to ace with some effort and I applied with a 4.0 sGPA (3.66 cGPA). I was accepted to multiple MD programs starting this fall.