Politics Major, Accepted to Northeastern University Post Bacc, Quesitons...

[sail boat]

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Before it is asked, I obviously regret majoring in politics. it is my goal to fix that.

I am graduating in May from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH with a B.A. in Politics with a 3.26. This summer, I will be attending Northeastern University's Post Bacc program. (accepted to American, Georgetown, Fordham, Rejected from Tufts) I have not taken a single science or math class since high school.

My Question: Considering my undergrad GPA, what post-bacc GPA and MCAT score would be considered competitive for MD and DO?
Also Take into Account: Both my parents are oncologists with successful private practices. I plan on studying oncology (as I have always been interested) and continue the family practice.

I know this will be the hardest academic endeavor I will ever face. But I have always wanted to become a physician and will do my absolute best to complete the program with excellent marks. Also, I am prepared to attend international medical school. I want to do everything in my power to make this happen!

Thank you!

 

[DrMidlife]

Get it out of your head that doing a non-science major was a mistake.

The average 1st year med student is 23-24.

That means HALF of med students don't go straight into med school.

My suggestion is to take what remains of your interest in politics and DO SOMETHING with it before you start your postbac. Big fat election year starting...

(The mistake wasn't poly sci - the mistake was 3.26.)

In answer to your question: what do you THINK your postbac GPA needs to be?!? If there's something other than 4.0 as your goal, the other kids are going to crush you.

From a 3.26 you should:
1. expect to need to do prep work before starting premed coursework. take a few entry-level math/science classes AND GET A'S while you're working on that Congressperson's campaign next year
2. expect to need more than the premed coursework. either spend 2+ years doing more undergrad, or plan on doing an SMP after your postbac. In either case you have to be the grownup in charge of getting into med school because premed advisers will have no idea what to do with you.
3. TAKE IT SLOW because every grade you get that isn't an A is a step AWAY from med school.

Best of luck to you.

 

[deleted248403]

Also, avoid the international route at all costs

 

[sail boat]

Of course, my goal is to get a 4.0. I am not trying to slack whatsoever, only curious as to what I should realistically expect.

Also, I was under the impression that medical schools would examine my application primarily for my post-baccalaureate achievement, and a transition from politics to successful pre-Med studies would most likely be deemed impressive (med school admissions advisor)

And why omit schools like Ross? According to physicians I've spoken to, it is a well regarded school. Luckily, since my residency is taken care of, I just need to get in somewhere.

 

[deleted248403]

Of course, my goal is to get a 4.0. I am not trying to slack whatsoever, only curious as to what I should realistically expect.

Also, I was under the impression that medical schools would examine my application primarily for my post-baccalaureate achievement, and a transition from politics to successful pre-Med studies would most likely be deemed impressive (med school admissions advisor)

And why omit schools like Ross? According to physicians I've spoken to, it is a well regarded school. Luckily, since my residency is taken care of, I just need to get in somewhere.

I fail to see how your residency is "taken care of".

If you bomb Step 1, nothing is guaranteed. Just because mommy and daddy are doctors, that guarantees you nothing for residency. And you should also not plan on using that, be your own man/woman. As an MS-(-3) [aka 3 years from even being called a med student] right now, thats a pretty bold thing to say.

Avoid the international schools because of their so-so match rates, and the long term stigma (whether right or wrong) that is associated with them.

 

[DrMidlife]

cumulative undergrad GPA and MCAT are the numbers that get you past initial screens in med school admissions. Then and only then will details such as upward GPA trend be noticed.

Ross and its ilk start with 200-400 students in their first year classes, and lose 1/2 to 2/3 of the class before step 1. Why? Because it's too easy to get into Carib schools, and med school is, um, hard. And the students who are permitted to stay and take boards then look forward to a match rate much lower than US DO grads.

To get to an oncology FELLOWSHIP you first have to get an IM residency. Your parents may think they give you a lock on this, but unless they moonlight as residency program directors you need to back away from that idea.

 

[sail boat]

I am very sorry to sound arrogant, and I was not referring to my parents being full time doctors and moonlighting as residency program directors.

Quickly, a story for you. Part of my decision to become a politics major was to "not be like my parents." I stuck with that rebellion for too long ignored my own personal interests.

My parents being doctors that are well regarded, you're damned right I am going to use their connections to my benefit. Are you saying you wouldn't, robflanker? Some of those connections include residency program directors. But no matter what "mommy and daddy" can do for me, they cannot get me a 4.0 premed GPA or a stellar MCAT score and they definitely cannot get me into medical school. However if I accomplish these monumental tasks, they can help get me into a residency program.

 

[DrMidlife]

i have no problem with you enjoying the advantage of what your parents could theoretically do to help you, a minimum of 9 years and 3 board exams from now.

you got what you came for. look back and skip over the parts of this thread you don't like. the info you need is there.

 

[deleted248403]

Are you saying you wouldn't, robflanker? Some of those connections include residency program directors. But no matter what "mommy and daddy" can do for me, they cannot get me a 4.0 premed GPA or a stellar MCAT score and they definitely cannot get me into medical school. However if I accomplish these monumental tasks, they can help get me into a residency program.

Correct. I got my residency spot on my own. "Mommy, wow! I'm a big kid now".

Do whatever you want in regard in regard to you leaning on connections to get a residency somewhere - but don't do your med school abroad.

 

[theonelegger1]

Before it is asked, I obviously regret majoring in politics. it is my goal to fix that.

I am graduating in May from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH with a B.A. in Politics with a 3.26. This summer, I will be attending Northeastern University's Post Bacc program. (accepted to American, Georgetown, Fordham, Rejected from Tufts) I have not taken a single science or math class since high school.

My Question: Considering my undergrad GPA, what post-bacc GPA and MCAT score would be considered competitive for MD and DO?
Also Take into Account: Both my parents are oncologists with successful private practices. I plan on studying oncology (as I have always been interested) and continue the family practice.

I know this will be the hardest academic endeavor I will ever face. But I have always wanted to become a physician and will do my absolute best to complete the program with excellent marks. Also, I am prepared to attend international medical school. I want to do everything in my power to make this happen!

Thank you!

Hey, how long did it take you to find out whether you got into the program or not? I've applied and waiting to hear back. Also, how do you like the program? How's the advising and other resources? How are the classes?