On the verge of going crazy/depressed and I really don't know what to do.

[ucaggie2012]

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Hi everyone. My previous thread got closed because I placed two things in the different categories by mistake. So yeah, I know these get posted everyday but I would really like some input. I don't want this to be a what are my chances but a what am I doing with my life right now and need help type of thing.

Anyways, currently I am a graduating senior at UC Davis.
My running overall GPA is 3.34 BCMP 3.09 Other GPA 3.7.
I initially began as a transfer student, graduated high school with a 1.3, grew
up in not the best environment and hung out with the wrong crew. While at
community college the first semester I didn't take it as serious and had a C+
in Cellular Bio and General Chemistry (1st Semester) respectively.
The following semester I got a B- in both I know horrible.

Anyways right now I am completely terrified/scared and depressed and have been for the past 2 weeks. I spent roughly 2 weeks straight 8 hour nights studying for my anatomy class and got a B on it, preventing me from getting an A in the class. The highest I can end up with now is a B+.

So my first year at Davis I was lost and had a GPA of around 3.01. (Ochem/Genetics/biochem)
My final year (this year), I've taken anatomy, physio, cell bio, bioenergetics and other classes and have a GPA of roughly 3.6ish.

I don't want this to be a "What is my chance" but I would like some advice since everyone I ask has told me just to go to post bacc (expensive but I know its worth it).

OR
I can retake at least those classes that I got C+ in (Cell Bio/General Chem 1 and maybe the Organism Bio class) and I know I can get A's in them. At least a B+. (Ochem I got a B and a B- in just thought I'd say would rather fix that C+ I think would be more beneficial)

If I did so, my GPA would raise to 3.3 for the BCMP, bumping the overall to 3.35. (Using the excel chart I used thats attached)

I have not taken my MCAT yet. I know I need to do it as well. I have been studying have been using the Berkeley Review books but was planning on using summer and making sure I have it down for sure. From the sample ones I've ranged from 27-32 on them.

I do have letters of rec from my bioenergetics teacher/physio TA/ and 2 from a MD and a DO. I have shadowed 3 doctors. I have worked for 3 non profit clinics as well.

Can someone please advice me what to do? I honestly cannot study I have midterms coming up next week before finals and have just been depressed as hell lately. Should I skip post bacc and just retake those classes at community college? Should I not take those classes over again and go to post bacc? When should I take my MCATs. I'm 23 years old, I just feel like I'm rotting my life away right now and can't seem to get on tract this current moment. I've never taken adderall but I had to take one today just to read which I never have problems with doing. Honestly whatever information I get, whether harsh or whatever will be great. I don't really want something to cheer me up or whatever. And yes...I am looking toward DO schools.

 

[listentoadvice]

First, take a deep breath. You're not even close to being sunk yet. From reading you post, you have a cGPA of 3.34. What's your science GPA according to AACOMAS? Remember that math doesn't count in it. As for retakes, I'd never retake anything over a C+. There's no guarantee you can do that much better to justify the time, stress and money commitment.

Second, if you're not planning on applying this cycle, take your time with the MCAT. By that, I mean do as much reading, rereading and practice problems as you can. I went with Examkrackers and did all of the 1001 questions. It really helped to cement the material in my head.

Lastly, 23 is not old by any means. I'm entering this fall at 25. I just got my MPH because I'm interested in policy work. I was set to apply last cycle but I didn't since I felt I needed a year off to just work (i.e. do something not too related to medicine) and to get my mind right. I have no regrets about it at all.

 

[Iliketoytles]

Hey OP,

First, lay off the adderall. You can get through this without it. Sorry, I had to say that bit, lol.

As for your situation, it's not as bad as you think... so you should relax a bit. Your GPA is below average, but this can be fixed by retaking the classes you got C's or less in. The new GPA you calculated (3.3 BCPM/3.5 overall) is somewhat competitive for many schools. People have gotten plenty of interviews with those stats (look at the first page of the Underdog Thread).

Just retake all your C's or less, and you need to do well in them (as in A's). Then just finish the rest of your classes as normal and that should raise your GPA a bit more.

For MCAT... a 27-32 is good. Aim for at least a 27 on your MCAT to compensate a little for your lower GPA. It'll make you more competitive so you can get plenty of interviews.

Which leads me to asking... when are you applying? I wouldn't recommend you apply this cycle unless you'll have your MCAT score by June... which means if you aren't ready to take it by May, then you should consider applying next cycle. This will give you more time to raise your GPA and boost your ECs.

Speaking of which... how are your ECs? I'm assuming they're good, but if not... be sure to remedy that.

And you already have your DO LOR which is good.

So yeah... you aren't in nearly as bad a position as you think. You're in an average position... there are tons of other people with similar stats and situations as you, and none of them should be freaking out over it. You just need to settle down, get a plan together, and stick to it. Take a couple hours to think about when you're going to apply, when you'll be taking your MCAT, and what the best/worst case scenarios are for what your GPA will be whenever you apply (it's fun to play around with your GPA like that). Once you do this, you'll find that you'll have more direction and you'll be incredibly focused on what you need to do.

Best of luck, mate.

 

[ucaggie2012]

First, take a deep breath. You're not even close to being sunk yet. From reading you post, you have a cGPA of 3.34. What's your science GPA according to AACOMAS? Remember that math doesn't count in it. As for retakes, I'd never retake anything over a C+. There's no guarantee you can do that much better to justify the time, stress and money commitment.

Second, if you're not planning on applying this cycle, take your time with the MCAT. By that, I mean do as much reading, rereading and practice problems as you can. I went with Examkrackers and did all of the 1001 questions. It really helped to cement the material in my head.

Lastly, 23 is not old by any means. I'm entering this fall at 25. I just got my MPH because I'm interested in policy work. I was set to apply last cycle but I didn't since I felt I needed a year off to just work (i.e. do something not too related to medicine) and to get my mind right. I have no regrets about it at all.

Thanks...I'm looking for what classes exactly they take and trying to find a way to calculate it with a spreadsheet but haven't been able to find one. Do you recommended just to study and do the MCATs or do post bacc? I know I can do better in cellular bio/zoology it was my fault taking those early in community college not knowing what I was doing.

 

[bayarea15]

I'm 28, and about 3 yrs away from applying to vet school. I wish I was 23! 😉

Sent from my PC36100 using SDN Mobile

 

[Iliketoytles]

Thanks...I'm looking for what classes exactly they take and trying to find a way to calculate it with a spreadsheet but haven't been able to find one. Do you recommended just to study and do the MCATs or do post bacc? I know I can do better in cellular bio/zoology it was my fault taking those early in community college not knowing what I was doing.

Sorry, I know this question isn't directed to me but... you shouldn't waste your time with post bacc. Just retake those couple classes you got C's in, do well in your upcoming classes, and take your MCAT.

 

[ucaggie2012]

Hey OP,

First, lay off the adderall. You can get through this without it. Sorry, I had to say that bit, lol.

As for your situation, it's not as bad as you think... so you should relax a bit. Your GPA is below average, but this can be fixed by retaking the classes you got C's or less in. The new GPA you calculated (3.3 BCPM/3.5 overall) is somewhat competitive for many schools. People have gotten plenty of interviews with those stats (look at the first page of the Underdog Thread).

Just retake all your C's or less, and you need to do well in them (as in A's). Then just finish the rest of your classes as normal and that should raise your GPA a bit more.

For MCAT... a 27-32 is good. Aim for at least a 27 on your MCAT to compensate a little for your lower GPA. It'll make you more competitive so you can get plenty of interviews.

Which leads me to asking... when are you applying? I wouldn't recommend you apply this cycle unless you'll have your MCAT score by June... which means if you aren't ready to take it by May, then you should consider applying next cycle. This will give you more time to raise your GPA and boost your ECs.

Speaking of which... how are your ECs? I'm assuming they're good, but if not... be sure to remedy that.

And you already have your DO LOR which is good.

So yeah... you aren't in nearly as bad a position as you think. You're in an average position... there are tons of other people with similar stats and situations as you, and none of them should be freaking out over it. You just need to settle down, get a plan together, and stick to it. Take a couple hours to think about when you're going to apply, when you'll be taking your MCAT, and what the best/worst case scenarios are for what your GPA will be whenever you apply (it's fun to play around with your GPA like that). Once you do this, you'll find that you'll have more direction and you'll be incredibly focused on what you need to do.

Best of luck, mate.

Haha sorry I had to today there was nothing I could do sadly. Thanks I really appreciate it. I read that the MCAT in 2013 won't have the writing sample? I was planning on taking it in 2013. Was gonna graduate this quarter and sign up to retake those classes during fall 2012 semester and start studying for MCATs summer and again beginning in December (after taking those 3 classes). I'm just outta my mind right now. At least this makes me feel better.

 

[Iliketoytles]

Haha sorry I had to today there was nothing I could do sadly. Thanks I really appreciate it. I read that the MCAT in 2013 won't have the writing sample? I was planning on taking it in 2013. Was gonna graduate this quarter and sign up to retake those classes during fall 2012 semester and start studying for MCATs summer and again beginning in December (after taking those 3 classes). I'm just outta my mind right now. At least this makes me feel better.

Yeah I read about that too. The writing sample never really meant much to begin with... I think my study prep for it was like, 5 minutes. Total.

Try taking your MCAT in early spring 2013 (like January), so if you don't do well you have plenty of time to retake, and retake again if you need to... before applications open up. The goal is to have everything ready by June so you can have your applications sent to schools and be "complete" ASAP. An early application gives you the best chance at success.

 

[572776]

Dude calm down. you are not in bad shape. dont be depressed. i think average age is like 25 or 26 for ppl starting med school. if i were you i would retake those classes to bump up your gpa. i think if you get 28-30+ on the mcat you will have a good shot at geetting in. One of the schools i interviewed at had an info flyer that said the oldest matriculant is 48 or something.👍

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

This forum didn't even exist when I was 23. Starting at 35.
Not sunk, recalculate your sGPA with no math, and add it to your cGPA. All the science courses are basically the same, and if you download the AACOMAS instructions it will give you a list. Calm down...

 

[ucaggie2012]

My young fellow aggie. I also graduated from Davis, but I did over 5 years ago. When I was your age, I made the same mistakes of not taking school seriously. I also had a crappy high school experience, but our worst coincidence was that you and I both thought at 23 our life was ending tomorrow. Guess what? I'm 28 now. Life is actually pretty good to me now. I'm not in medical school. I decided later in life to go to med school (our one difference). You're still very young to get into this profession. Heck, after meeting some non-trads here, I feel like a baby. Stop worrying about it so much. Take a 5th year with retakes if you can. If not, do post-bacc work. Replace poor CC classes with CC classes, and replace poor 4 year classes at another 4 year. Your life will be fine. If you're adamant about MD, I suggest an SMP (did that rhyme?). In my opinion, an SMP is a waste of money (50k) when you can get to the same end with a DO, but to each their own.

Thanks you guys.
So I redid some calculation

Using the AMCAS which doesn't allow regrades from what I understand but if it did.
Running overall current=3.15
BCPM=3.08

With retakes
Overall 3.31
sGPA 3.25


AACOMAS
sGPA right now 3.05
Overall 3.2

Retake General Bio (C+ to A) and General Chem (C+ to A) in Community College
sGPA 3.28
Overall 3.4

If I also take Micro (Got a B- 5 unit class) in addition to General Chem+General bio first semester
sGPA 3.34
Overall 3.422



Should I bother with the micro class? I think what I plan on doing now is just retaking general chem and bio this upcoming fall, study for mcats over summer and during fall periodically while attempting to get A's in the general chem/bio class. Possibly take MCATs in January if not I will take it spring (more time to prepare I don't want to rush) and then apply when I can.

At this point it seems like post bacc may not be the thing for me unless I'm looking at MD schools from what I understand what people are saying. SMP is way too expensive, coming from a family where my moms disabled and dad hasn't worked no way I can afford that.

 

[chiddler]

At this point it seems like post bacc may not be the thing for me unless I'm looking at MD schools from what I understand what people are saying. SMP is way too expensive, coming from a family where my moms disabled and dad hasn't worked no way I can afford that.

loans, if you are so inclined.

 

[ucaggie2012]

loans, if you are so inclined.

I'd truly like to avoid that. If I was only dedicated toward MD then I would most likely for sure take that route, but I think post bacc at that point would be cheaper at around 14~16k (I live down the street from Cal State East Bay).

 

[JeetKuneDo]

You know, your both your sci and overall gpa aren't bad. Focus on that mcat and retake a few sci classes. Also, how're your ECs? Strong ECs, mcat, and letters will make up for being slightly below average in the gpa category.

 

[TriagePreMed]

At this point it seems like post bacc may not be the thing for me unless I'm looking at MD schools from what I understand what people are saying. SMP is way too expensive, coming from a family where my moms disabled and dad hasn't worked no way I can afford that.

I would do as many retakes to get as high GPA as possible, but it's good to go about it rationally (like you are). Start with the worst grades and then move up. I wouldn't retake anything B or above (B- = retake), but that's up to you.

I know what it's like coming from a low income home. It's worrisome to think about spending all that cash on an SMP. At the end of the day, a DO is still "Dr.," and with the struggle that it is now to get into med school and the number of people applying to both programs, any stigma left will be gone. Get an MCAT over 28 and you'll likely have options on what campus to attend.

 

[Iliketoytles]

Thanks you guys.
So I redid some calculation

Using the AMCAS which doesn't allow regrades from what I understand but if it did.
Running overall current=3.15
BCPM=3.08

With retakes
Overall 3.31
sGPA 3.25


AACOMAS
sGPA right now 3.05
Overall 3.2

Retake General Bio (C+ to A) and General Chem (C+ to A) in Community College
sGPA 3.28
Overall 3.4

If I also take Micro (Got a B- 5 unit class) in addition to General Chem+General bio first semester
sGPA 3.34
Overall 3.422



Should I bother with the micro class? I think what I plan on doing now is just retaking general chem and bio this upcoming fall, study for mcats over summer and during fall periodically while attempting to get A's in the general chem/bio class. Possibly take MCATs in January if not I will take it spring (more time to prepare I don't want to rush) and then apply when I can.

At this point it seems like post bacc may not be the thing for me unless I'm looking at MD schools from what I understand what people are saying. SMP is way too expensive, coming from a family where my moms disabled and dad hasn't worked no way I can afford that.

The difference retaking micro would make is insignificant. So i don't think you should retake micro. Just retake anything less than a B, and whatever your gpa ends up being is what it will be. If youre wanting to, you can take a science class you havent taken before and ace it. That'll boost your gpa a bit, and it'll be another science class you'll have under your belt... But its not necessary, especially due to the additional cost.

You seem to have a good plan for yourself mcat-wise. Just remember that nobody ever "feels ready" to take the mcat, even after months of studying. So don't prolong it until you feel prepared for it, because that time will never come, haha. 😉

Sorry for bad syntax; I'm typing this on my phone. Lol.

 

[Iliketoytles]

Oh and one more thing... It's really important that you ace your gen chem and bio retakes this fall, so focus on that more than continuing your mcat studying. Study during the summer, and you'll still have winter break to finalize your mcat prep. Retaking gchem and bio will automatically be like an mcat review anyway, haha.

So yeah, focus on acing those classes in the fall. That takes precedence over mcat studying.