Plan of Attack

[MountainClimber94]

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Hello All!

I am beginning to create a plan of attack for medical school. Wishful thinking for some but hey...gotta start somewhere. I would prefer to go the DO route. The physician that I shadowed my freshman year of college, since then became my closest mentor, is a DO. Western Alum. AMAZING physician and an all-around awesome guy. So I guess I am biased in that regard.

Currently my GPA is a 2.6...trash I know. I am in a really deep pit...hence "mountain climber". Currently I am working at my undergrad institution. I recently finished my 6-month probation period and am eligible to take 2 courses per semester for free. So I have jumped on that and am redoing Ochem II and Biochemistry through that institution. I am also taking Pathophysiology through UC Berkeley Extension for letter grade and credit (great course so far). I am thinking of staying on this path for the next 2-2.5 years.: taking 3 courses a semester, working 40 hours a week (Science Lab Coordinator), volunteering in my local area (hospitals, clinics, outreach programs), and doing pediatric research w/ UCSF.

IS THIS A SOLID PLAN??? HOW CAN I IMPROVE??

 

[Cardboard101]

How many units is that 2.6?

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

Well, assuming you can ace your classes while maintaining the activities on your list, yeah; much easier said than done.

@Cardboard101 raises a good point though.. with the new retake policy for AACOMAS, depending on how many credits that 2.6 is, you may still need to do an SMP afterwards.

And don't forget about the MCAT.

It's hard to say how things will be 2-2.5 years from now, but it will likely continue to become more competitive to get into medical school, and you certainly have your work cut out for you.

I'm sure others will chime in on this as well; best of luck, OP.


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[MountainClimber94]

Well thank you for your input! I am aware that my plan is pretty taxing. Yes, DO schools will now by averaging applicant's grades. If I was doing this a few years back I would probably have a brighter future. But now w/ averaging my luck may not be that high. I understand the audacity of this plan. But is it doable?? How can it possibly be improved?? I know that by doing a SMP my chances of being accepted will improve. But I don't even think I have the grades to get into a SMP

For those wondering the 2.6 GPA based on a full undergraduate career (120+ units). So yes, I know it will take A LOT of extra effort in order to see it budge up some. I will only retaking/taking new science courses. My GE GPA is not going to change. I do not see that by retaking GE courses my chances of being accepted will be increased.

 

[LutGholein]

Since you're looking at 120+ units I think it's in your best interest to take primarily upper-division science courses to prove to advons that you can manage the med school course load.

Having an upward course trend will help but you are coming from a big hole and you have to ask yourself how you will turn around prior study habits to overcome this deficit.

Don't take the MCAT till you finish biochem--it'll save you from a lot of pain.