Post Bacc Chances (Career Changer) 3.1 GPA

[drcartier]

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Hi, I'm a senior graduating Summer 2017 and my major is Sociology. My current gpa is a 3.1 because I took some science courses and a math course and didn't do well (2 C's and failed Trig) I always knew I wanted to be a doctor but I really wanted to major in sociology. I thought I could do my pre-reqs while completing my Soc. degree but I didn't plan well and I haven't been able to complete many courses in time for graduation. I'm currently taking Bio II and I'm honestly struggling, my last chance is the final exam. I was wondering if I should retake Trig (and possibly Bio II) before applying to any post bacc programs, and also, what are my chances of getting in with a 3.1/3.0?

ETA: (I'm looking at FAU, Goucher, Temple, and Bryn Mar)

 

[rbbash]

Hi Libra - congrats on the homestretch of undergrad! Sounds like you have a busy schedule.

This is my personal opinion, but make sure to review the general GPA ranges/student profiles for programs. You have an impressive list of schools that you are considering. Temple's BCMS for example has a minimum requirement of 3.3 GPA for any science courses taken, at least one year of professional experience preferred, and an SAT score required minimum of 1400 (Q+V).

Bryn Mawr does not publish GPA scores, but I recently was accepted for Summer 2017 and my sense is that the average GPA of an accepted student is north of 3.6. During my interview day there were two Fulbrights, as well as a PhD in the room. I have a master's degree in an unrelated field. Goucher is an equally established program and I would imagine their average metrics are roughly the same.

The primary evaluation criteria that a program considers are the student's ability to academically excel while preparing for medical school (as evidenced by post-secondary performance), as well as their interest in pursuing medicine. You clearly have an interest in medicine, so certainly follow your passion! My advice would be to expand your list of programs so that you hedge your bets. It'd be a shame to pursue only a handful of schools and sink time and money in to a round of applications if you think your list is "stretches" only.

There are a ton of solid, younger programs to consider, particularly those linked to established medical schools; programs like Thomas Jefferson's come to mind. Just make sure when reviewing them that they are able to provide statistics about how students perform on the MCAT, what their acceptance rate in to medical school is, etc.

You're young and have some time, so the other option to consider is taking a year or two to gain professional experience (working in a lab, at a hospital, as a medical assistant in an office, etc.). The further out you are from undergrad, the more importance programs place on experience and passion relative to undergrad performance.

Good luck on finishing the semester strong and have a good holiday season!

Does anyone else have thoughts on this?

 

[drcartier]

Hi Libra - congrats on the homestretch of undergrad! Sounds like you have a busy schedule.

This is my personal opinion, but make sure to review the general GPA ranges/student profiles for programs. You have an impressive list of schools that you are considering. Temple's BCMS for example has a minimum requirement of 3.3 GPA for any science courses taken, at least one year of professional experience preferred, and an SAT score required minimum of 1400 (Q+V).

Bryn Mawr does not publish GPA scores, but I recently was accepted for Summer 2017 and my sense is that the average GPA of an accepted student is north of 3.6. During my interview day there were two Fulbrights, as well as a PhD in the room. I have a master's degree in an unrelated field. Goucher is an equally established program and I would imagine their average metrics are roughly the same.

The primary evaluation criteria that a program considers are the student's ability to academically excel while preparing for medical school (as evidenced by post-secondary performance), as well as their interest in pursuing medicine. You clearly have an interest in medicine, so certainly follow your passion! My advice would be to expand your list of programs so that you hedge your bets. It'd be a shame to pursue only a handful of schools and sink time and money in to a round of applications if you think your list is "stretches" only.

There are a ton of solid, younger programs to consider, particularly those linked to established medical schools; programs like Thomas Jefferson's come to mind. Just make sure when reviewing them that they are able to provide statistics about how students perform on the MCAT, what their acceptance rate in to medical school is, etc.

You're young and have some time, so the other option to consider is taking a year or two to gain professional experience (working in a lab, at a hospital, as a medical assistant in an office, etc.). The further out you are from undergrad, the more importance programs place on experience and passion relative to undergrad performance.

Good luck on finishing the semester strong and have a good holiday season!

Does anyone else have thoughts on this?

Thanks for the advice and well wishes! I'll look into other programs. I just found out AAMC doesn't have all the programs up, so I'll definitely have to rely on other resources.

It's worth applying, since the upshot is so high, but I would look further and wider and also consider doing it yourself at a local university.

I see what you're saying, thanks for the honesty. I was kind of trying to find a program that had the classes + MCAT prep and possible shadowing opportunities since doing it myself has some risks...but if I have to go that route, I'll do it to make it to Med school. Thanks guys, have a nice holiday!