options? chances?

[wanttobeanmd]

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Hey Everybody -
I'm new to this deal, but wanted to get some opinions from some people that may have gone through similar circumstances...
I graduated in 2004 w/ a BA in English from UC Santa Barbara. My GPA for first 2 years at a comm. college was 3.52 and then the GPA my last 2 at UCSB was 2.68 (had to work 30-35 hours per week while at UCSB). Also was certified as an EMT and worked a couple summers doing that stuff (cert has since expired). So cum. GPA was about 3.15 or so with no science and only 1 math class.
After graduating, spent about 3 years working in commercial real estate before realizing I wanted to go into healthcare. The past 1.5 years have been spent taking appropriate science classes at a local comm. college and now a 4 year university because I moved out of CA and had to wait a year to get residency in my new state. As of now I've taken 2 semesters each of general biol, chem, and physics. Also taken human physiology and taking anatomy this summer. I've also done a few electives in psych and physics. Planning to take o-chem next fall and spring before MCAT's in spring 2010 and applying during that summer. Post-bacc GPA is about 3.65 (46 credits) so far and I've done some volunteer and job shadowing too.
My #1 concern is whether I have a legit shot to get in anywhere? and whether I should look at a masters at BU or Georgetown after next year before applying to med schools. I'm also contemplating re-certifying as an EMT in the Fall to have that under my belt. Any opinions or advice on the path to take over the next year or so would greatly be appreciated!!!
Thanks

 

[Krisss17]

Hey Everybody -
I'm new to this deal, but wanted to get some opinions from some people that may have gone through similar circumstances...
I graduated in 2004 w/ a BA in English from UC Santa Barbara. My GPA for first 2 years at a comm. college was 3.52 and then the GPA my last 2 at UCSB was 2.68 (had to work 30-35 hours per week while at UCSB). Also was certified as an EMT and worked a couple summers doing that stuff (cert has since expired). So cum. GPA was about 3.15 or so with no science and only 1 math class.
After graduating, spent about 3 years working in commercial real estate before realizing I wanted to go into healthcare. The past 1.5 years have been spent taking appropriate science classes at a local comm. college and now a 4 year university because I moved out of CA and had to wait a year to get residency in my new state. As of now I've taken 2 semesters each of general biol, chem, and physics. Also taken human physiology and taking anatomy this summer. I've also done a few electives in psych and physics. Planning to take o-chem next fall and spring before MCAT's in spring 2010 and applying during that summer. Post-bacc GPA is about 3.65 (46 credits) so far and I've done some volunteer and job shadowing too.
My #1 concern is whether I have a legit shot to get in anywhere? and whether I should look at a masters at BU or Georgetown after next year before applying to med schools. I'm also contemplating re-certifying as an EMT in the Fall to have that under my belt. Any opinions or advice on the path to take over the next year or so would greatly be appreciated!!!
Thanks

Actually, with the good upward trend and doing well in your science classes, I would just make sure that you do really well on the MCAT and just apply for medical school. The advantage you have is that you didn't take any science classes, so you are starting with a pretty good science gpa...how did you do with your math classes during your undergraduate...that I believe will be added into your bcpm gpa if you are looking towards an MD degree. If you are open to a DO degree, then they look at the sciences alone for that gpa.

Gujudoc may also respond by suggesting just a one-year masters (not a SMP), if you don't get in...SMP's should be a last resort. But again, if you apply early, keep up that good gpa with organic chemistry, do well on the mcat, apply broadly, there should be no reason why you couldn't get into medical school. IMO.

 

[NewmansOwn]

I agree. I think MD schools might be a bit of a stretch without some graduate level work, but definitely worth a shot. Applying to DO schools, as well, would likely increase your odds of acceptance.

Your first priority should be to get a pair of As in Orgo, then focus on handily defeating the MCAT. I'd say to have a really solid shot at MD schools without additional coursework, you should shoot for a 35+ on the MCAT. Difficult, but certainly not impossible if you study full-time for a few months.

And don't neglect the oft-overlooked parts of your application. You can really do wonders for your chances by submitting a well-crafted, concise, interesting essay. Letters of recommendation, if outstanding, add a very positive dimension to your application, as well.