Post Bacc program for low GPA?

[northstar209]

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Just wondering if anyone has any advice on getting into a post bacc premed program? I currently have a 2.63 GPA as double major in Psychology and Business Economics. The few science/math classes I did take in college I did very well in. I looked on the AAMC website for post bacc programs but most require 3.0+ gpa.

I've been out of school for 2 years now and I have to admit that I don't feel what I did in college is what I am truly capable of. How can I prove this if I cannot get into a post bacc program to prove it? With all the budget cuts in CA, getting into an actual post bacc program seems like the best bet for me to be guaranteed classes. Ive been told by the college I went to for undergrad that I most likely wouldn't be able to take classes there under Open Enrollment because there just isn't enough room/classes due to those budget cuts.

Does anyone have any advice on how I can get into a Post Bacc program with a 2.63 gpa? or how I can raise that GPA to be competitive for a Post Bacc? I would prefer not to go to a community college as I was previously at a 4yr university.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ehsu]

if you're in socal ucla has a extension program which lets you take classes through extension. Theres not too many classes and most will probably be at night. Most will be taught by non-ucla teachers but it's a start. Theres no requirement to enroll either

 

[pollyannaish]

Hello everyone,

Although I have been a member on this site for a few months now, this is my first ever post. I realize that many of us struggle with the fear of getting shorthanded by Medical schools owing to our low UG GPA's, but I have additional hurdles to overcome than just my low GPA.

I am an international student who came down to the US to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)majoring in Graphic Design. Shortly after my graduation, with an overall GPA of 3.18 (no sGPA since I did not need to take any of the Science required courses) I became interested in combining design with human psychology (I believe human behavior plays a huge role in any user centric design). Unable to find a job for the longest time given my visa restrictions I decided to volunteer my time at a company designing educational applications for children with learning and mental disorders. The opportunity also lead to a Research Assistant position working with children struggling in school. It was an intensely gratifying process, I would be lying if I said it was only the act of boosting the confidence of these children that touched me, it was a combination of that and a sense of personal satisfaction, a selfish side effect. This growing new-found euphoria augmented my interest in understanding the human mind, so I took classes in Psychology at the Harvard Summer School. Following these courses I was convinced of my passion for both human service and going to medical school. In my case, I never really had a childhood dream of becoming a doctor but rather a path filled with both personal and professional experiences that have lead me to my current decision.

Today, I am 30 years old and work full-time, recently undertook classes in English, Pre Calc and Calculus (B+ average). I am looking at post baccalaureate programs that will help me improve my UG GPA and fulfill the Science prerequisites required for Medical school applications. Although, my research has revealed that as an international student I would require excellent credentials to get admissions into an US medical school, which I clearly lack as of now. Adding insult to injury, some med schools don't even entertain international students. Although I am determined to go to a school here in the US, hence I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions you guys might have with respect to how I can go about making myself appear as a suitable candidate for med school.

- Is a post bacc program enough or should I also consider an SMP program to boost my GPA further?
- I have cntacted a few professors for RA positions, will this help?
- What other areas should I highlight to make my UG GPA appear less important?
- I love the Bryn Mawr Post bacc program but realistically speaking what are my chances of getting into Pre Med program there with a 3.18 GPA? What can I do to strengthen my application?

I know I have a rather long and dragging post, but honestly I couldn't help myself! 🙂 Hope to hear back from others in a similar situation or otherwise.

 

[gl0baltrader]

Well budget cuts is not going to affect open extension at University of California (UCLA or UCD), unless you are thinking of taking open extension classes at State University, such as SFSU.

And i'm not sure what post-bac program you're refering to that requires above a 3.0, but some program in California requires a minimum of 2.5 GPA. Check out SFSU Post Bac or the California Post baccalaureate Consortium for more info on different programs. They are very forgiving of past academic endeavours.

 

[decentdude]

I have a very similar Question...
I have a low undergrad GPA, 2.67, but in Computer Engineering at a respectable university. I'm located in Southern California working f/t as an engineer, and looking to enter a f/t post bacc program. What post bacc programs are designed for low gpa'ers? Also, I come from a fairly rough background. What post baccs besides California's Consortium are designed for underserved, ethnic, and the socioeconomically challenged? I wouldn't like to do an extension school because I would like to have a pre-health committee to assist in the med school application process. All input is appreciated!!

 

[abhavsar]

Hey all, Little lost and would appreciate some help.

I am currently a fourth year at UC-Irvine Psychology Major/Political Science Minor. This year I discovered my passion was medicine. Unfortunately I did poorly my second year at Undergrad but have been on an upward trend since then. I have not taken MCATS or any prerequisites for medical school and am hoping that Post Bacc is the right route for me. I currently have a 2.6 undergraduate cgpa. However like I said it is on an upward trend and the bulk of the difficult classes for my major are over and I have nothing but political science classes ahead of me. I anticipate I can by the end of this school year, raise my gpa to 2.8. My questions are the following.

1. Should I spend an extra year at my Undergrad? I can potentially raise my gpa over 3.0.

2. What are my chances of getting into a Post Bacc by applying now, or applying after I raise my gpa? (I am strongly looking into SF State because of it's location/have heard good things.)

3. Should I do a Formal or an Informal post bacc? (Not sure if I will be accepted into a formal one because I've heard it's highly competitive.)

4. Any recommendations on Post Bacc programs that would be good for me?

Thanks in advance!

 

[deleted248403]

Why not make your own threads rather then just jumping in on this one? I think you'll get more answers to your questions this way.

 

[shater]

hello, i would like to hear advices as im an international dentist and got wes gpa of2.4 and feel so depressed and would really value any adveice on which postbac programs i can apply with my gpa or what excatally i should do in usa to raise my gpa up before i apply to dental schools.value ur help much thx in advance

 

[Ultimeaciax]

delete

 

[mrinfamousmd]

3.5 Graduate G.P.A.(Biological sciences)/undergraduate G.P.A. under 3.0. Can I get into Post bacc?

 

[jslo85]

Generally people do not go back to do undergraduate post-bacc after doing graduate level work.

If your aim is medical school admission and you do not feel you have a strong enough academic background to make yourself competitive, I would recommend an SMP or biomedical certificate program at either a medical school you're interested in attending or a reputable one.

Your uGPA is low but your graduate GPA might sway their opinions, I'd do some research and call in to speak to advisers at said programs to see what they think. I have no experience in your specific scenario, so I cannot say for certain what the best route would be.

 

[DrMidlife]

3.5 Graduate G.P.A.(Biological sciences)/undergraduate G.P.A. under 3.0. Can I get into Post bacc?

As jslo mentioned, you should be looking at SMPs. You need a great MCAT score first.

Generally people do not go back to do undergraduate post-bacc after doing graduate level work.

I disagree with this being generally true. Lawyers & engineers & accountants with graduate degrees who want to go to med school must take undergrad coursework. In Mr. Infamous MD's case, I think the problem with additional undergrad is that there's not much undergrad left to take after doing grad work in bio, and an SMP is pretty much the only option.

Your uGPA is low but your graduate GPA might sway their opinions, I'd do some research and call in to speak to advisers at said programs to see what they think. I have no experience in your specific scenario, so I cannot say for certain what the best route would be.

A 3.5 in a traditional bio grad program is not helpful in this case. The grad GPA is only considered after undergrad GPA and MCAT are reviewed. Traditional grad work is not standardized, and in some circles, traditional grad GPAs are viewed as inflated. For Mr. Infamous MD, unfortunately I think he lacks a demonstration of academic success in highly standardized, high volume material that med school admissions committees need to see. And we agree that this points to an SMP.

When a candidate has an average undergrad GPA (3.5ish), and an average MCAT (31ish), then a strong performance (3.7ish) in a traditional grad program, particularly with published work, can seal the deal.

My $.02. Please collect a variety of opinions; SDN is anonymous, free and not moderated for accuracy. Best of luck to you.