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Please Read and HELP!!!
- Thread starter umee1989
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I would retake some science classes in the summer sessions and get A in them and hope for a 30+ on the MCAT. Apply to the new schools and also look at this thread to see the school GPA and MCAT and where you fit.
http://forums.sdn.net/showthread.php?t=910661
http://forums.sdn.net/showthread.php?t=910661
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My advice to you right now is to focus on those 30 hours of science courses. They will be your opportunity to shine. As far as the MCAT goes, I would hold off on it until you are absolutely ready to score a 30+. I also would not apply with a sub 3.0 science GPA to DO or MD schools, most of them will screen you out for that. If you can obtain a 3.0 sGPA and 3.4 cGPA combined with a good MCAT score I think you will have a shot at some DO schools if you apply early and broadly. You also have the option to increase your sGPA by doing an SMP or post bac program in case it is still low after those 30 hours.
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Yeah...I don't think getting a letter from an Oxford graduate is going to help that much. The content of the letter matters way more than who wrote it, and even then, an excellent LOR is not going to make up for a subpar GPA.
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If you can really buckle down and excel in your remaining science classes you could do a lot for your GPA and wouldn't need to consider an international school. Also, prep well for the MCAT, kill it, and you'll be fine. I have to second what's been said about LOR, content matters MUCH more than who writes it. Make sure the people writing the letters for you know you well and will write you a good letter. Don't be afraid to ask them if they are willing to write you a strong letter of recommendation and then judge their response. That can help to know if you'll get a good one or not. Oh, and ask them ASAP before the cycle starts. Give them a few months to do it or you'll be biting your nails like me waiting for the last ones to come in. lol
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Umee for what it's worth my recommendation would be to boost the science GPA at least above a 3.0 and then apply early, as in early June, to really maximize potential. I'm kind of new here on the forum so anyone feel free to correct me, but that's probably what I would do.
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The Caribbean is always an option, but never a good one. Try to avoid it at all costs.
Yea I'd say pace yourself. Your opening statement sounded like u had a timeline to meet or something and that could be your biggest mistake. Focus on doing extremely well on those remaining science courses, b/c rushing through and doing Fair will Not get you into med. school. Keep up the hard work though and I'm sure everything will work out for you! Just know that an extra year of preparation can make a huge difference 😉
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Yes you should wait to apply. Just relax, focus on those credits, then focus on the MCAT, you have time.
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Could not agree more. Remember that an extra year, or even two, over the course of your lifetime will not make that much of a difference but you can reduce a lot of stress (and expense) if you prepare well and have a strong application the first time. Good luck!
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Not to be the voice of reason but I'm (and all of us) are sure you meant preferably MD and DO if possible. Wait to take all pre-reqs and be fully prepared for the MCAT before you take it. Attending med school in fall of 2013 may not be realistic where you're at - you would have to take the MCAT without background from whatever prereqs you haven't taken if any, write your PS, and retake your bad sciences classes this summer to boost your GPA for DO schools AND probably do it within a month to apply "early". Depending on how much work must be done to booth the GPA you could be better off doing a SMP.
