Post Bacc programs that will accept applicant with sub 3.0 GPA

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Braveheart

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First I would like to say that I am happy to join the SDN family. I think that this website offers moutainful resources better then anyone. I have a question that pertains to post bacc programs that will accept u if you have below 3.0 GPA. I havent take then MCAT yet however I will be taking it this fall. I even quit my job (with the help of my girlfriend) to study full time for the MCAT from now till the time I take it. I really want this more then anything and will do anything to prove that I am fit to be a doctor mentally. I am kinda old (22 years old black male) and made lots of mistakes in my life. I want to correct it now so I would not have to live the rest of my life with what if. Since I am new heres a little bit bout me. I graduated with a Biology degree (cant find any job in this field in South Carolina) in 2004 and decided to work for a year in a unrelated field. I worked full time all throughout college to support my family (have u heard Estimated Family Contribution of $20 on ur FAFSA) because its just my mom and my sister. Well, I took care of my family most of my life. I want to do a post bacc program because my self confidence is also low and I feel I need to prove myself in those settings. I would like to start applying this Fall and get in by the grace of God next year. Are there any programs out there for a person like me. My back is against the wall and I need some assistance. Please help, dont ignore me (this is my first post :laugh: ).
 
Can anyone help me. Phil Anthropist I know that u are lurking around, I've seen u help alot of people with ur wisdom.
 
Braveheart said:
Can anyone help me. Phil Anthropist I know that u are lurking around, I've seen u help alot of people with ur wisdom.


I am not sure, but you can check by going to www.aamc.org

Click on "medical schools" and then you shoud see "postbaccalaureate programs" as an option.

Click on that and you will be on the page that lets you see all the established post-bacc programs (based on what you are looking for. You will see what I am talking about when you get to that specific page).

Hope this helps at least a little.

cya and g luck on the MCAT.
 
riceman04 said:
I am not sure, but you can check by going to www.aamc.org

Click on "medical schools" and then you shoud see "postbaccalaureate programs" as an option.

Click on that and you will be on the page that lets you see all the established post-bacc programs (based on what you are looking for. You will see what I am talking about when you get to that specific page).

Hope this helps at least a little.

cya and g luck on the MCAT.

thank you. what score u think i need to aim for to make me competitive for post bacc
 
how was your experience with applying to post bacc
 
Check out this link: http://hpap.syr.edu/LISTPB.HTM. There are more programs out there (paging Phil A 😉), but this will give you a good start.

FYI, Wake Forest's minimum GPA is going up to 2.7 next year.
 
I don't know if you are interested in an SMP-type program, but I got into BU's GMS program with a GPA just below a 3.0. So, it's definitely possible. You also don't need the MCAT to apply for the program, you can send in GRE scores.

Good luck and study hard for the MCAT.
 
jklasser17 said:
I don't know if you are interested in an SMP-type program, but I got into BU's GMS program with a GPA just below a 3.0. So, it's definitely possible. You also don't need the MCAT to apply for the program, you can send in GRE scores.

Good luck and study hard for the MCAT.

Does BU SMP have a linkage to any med schools? What was your MCAT scores like to get into that program?
I did not know that Wake Post Bacc are increasing their standards. I wonder if you have a 30 + MCAT and a sub 2.7 would they let u into their post bacc program. hmmmmm 😕
 
jeepgirl said:
Check out this link: http://hpap.syr.edu/LISTPB.HTM. There are more programs out there (paging Phil A 😉), but this will give you a good start.

FYI, Wake Forest's minimum GPA is going up to 2.7 next year.

Thank you jeepgirl, great source. Are you in a post bacc yourself?
 
Braveheart said:
Thank you jeepgirl, great source. Are you in a post bacc yourself?

Not yet, but hopefully within the next two years.

Also, suggestions for employment for the next year: look at all the research universities and hospitals within your state. Try to get picked up for a lab tech position. A lot of these are grant-funded and, therefore, aren't high-paying ($25K-$50K per year) and generally only last a few years, but there are definite advantages. Many universities and research hospitals offer tuition remission/assistance programs. Essentially, you'll get to take classes for free to boost your GPA, get some research experience, line up potential LORs, and save up a little dime to boot.
 
Braveheart said:
I wonder if you have a 30 + MCAT and a sub 2.7 would they let u into their post bacc program. hmmmmm 😕

I posed this question to one of the WF program coordinators. In her words, a 30+ MCAT and sub 2.7 GPA is a "very rare" combination. The program committee would definitely take a serious look at your app. She said that the best thing to do would be to get your GPA where it needed to be and rock the MCAT (30+).
 
jeepgirl said:
I posed this question to one of the WF program coordinators. In her words, a 30+ MCAT and sub 2.7 GPA is a "very rare" combination. The program committee would definitely take a serious look at your app. She said that the best thing to do would be to get your GPA where it needed to be and rock the MCAT (30+).

thanks jeepgirl for your time and patience in answering the post. we all going to be a doctors. which programs are u interested in going to. have you narrowed down your choices yet.
 
USF is starting a new post bac prgram where u get to take classes with first yr med students, like rosalind franklin's AP program. Since its new I don't think they have a specified cutoff. I also,during my post bacc search phase, found several in not so competitive schools like Barry University in Fl. I would think those have lower requirements. I'll look thru some of my emails and see if I can find anything suited for you. What is ur GPA btw? There's a big diff b/w a 2.6 and 2.0. U can PM me.
 
mcjay said:
USF is starting a new post bac prgram where u get to take classes with first yr med students, like rosalind franklin's AP program. Since its new I don't think they have a specified cutoff. I also,during my post bacc search phase, found several in not so competitive schools like Barry University in Fl. I would think those have lower requirements. I'll look thru some of my emails and see if I can find anything suited for you. What is ur GPA btw? There's a big diff b/w a 2.6 and 2.0. U can PM me.


oops...so I was accidently logged in as my coworker. I am not McJay. This is my actual sdnID. So any PMs should be resent to me. 😳
 
lumaya said:
oops...so I was accidently logged in as my coworker. I am not McJay. This is my actual sdnID. So any PMs should be resent to me. 😳

Lol! oops i send a personal message to McJay. I will send it to ur actual ID. 😀
 
I got into Ros Frank, BU, and Drexel with a sub 3.0, but my MCAT was over 30. I'm going to be matriculating this Fall at 27, so you're by no means old! There are people in my class in their 40s! It doesn't hurt that you're an underrepresented minority either. Drexel has a program for underrepresented minorities and has a linkage so long as you get something like a 22 on the MCAT. Check your state school too.
 
MasterShakeDO said:
I got into Ros Frank, BU, and Drexel with a sub 3.0, but my MCAT was over 30. I'm going to be matriculating this Fall at 27, so you're by no means old! There are people in my class in their 40s! It doesn't hurt that you're an underrepresented minority either. Drexel has a program for underrepresented minorities and has a linkage so long as you get something like a 22 on the MCAT. Check your state school too.

My state school is South Carolina, "no love for second chance" state. 👎. but u right though
 
Also,
how are your other factors? ie: experience? research?volunteering?leadership? Committees will also be kinder if your application is stellar in these areas.
 
lumaya said:
Also,
how are your other factors? ie: experience? research?volunteering?leadership? Committees will also be kinder if your application is stellar in these areas.

I have 3 years of research experience and won couple of BRIN Grants to fund my research. I didnt publish anything but gain 3 years of research. I had a pretty decent GPA till my Junior year when I had a family crisis (where it lead me and my family homeless for several month) that i should had dropped of school so my GPA hadnt had went down. But i was stubborned and took the GPA drop. I also have many volunteer hours and have been involved in Student Government. I've lived in Africa for 8 years and came back to the states when I was 8. With no educational system in Liberia prevent me to have a education. I started 1st grade when i was 9 😱 . Make a long story short I learned how to read in 2 months and since then excel til my step dad divorce my mom when I was 14. I worked full time since I was 15 and started working more hours in college trying to take care my mom and sister. I even help put my mom thru college (she got discouraged at the course load and quit, talk about waste of my money) while I was in college. But then my family crisis happened and landed my mom and sister homeless during finals week of my junior year. We were homeless for couple of months but I got them on track while I was still in school (I should had dropped classes but kept on persisting which pulled my GPA down). More life changing happened however I realized that its not what you go through its what you learn and how u overcome that obstacle.
 
Hi Braveheart, welcome to SDN 🙂

There are some postbac enrichment programs that say that they have 3.0 cut-offs. However, I've seen many on this forum get accepted with sub-3.0 GPAs (b/w 2.6-2.99). Usually they have something to compensate...major upward trend, high MCAT/GRE, extenuating circumstances, etc.

There are a bunch of programs for disadvantaged/underrepresented minorities. I honestly don't know a whole lot about them (I'm not disadvantaged/URM), but I'll mention a few things. Wake Forest was mentioned by jeepgirl and MasterShakeDO is referring to the DPMS program at Drexel. Creighton also has a similar program to Drexel's DPMS. Like DPMS, you can get a guaranteed acceptance into the med school for the following year with a satisfactory performance. It's been awhile since I've seen the specifics. But anyway, with your life story, I would think you would be a good candidate.

All of the special masters programs have informal linkages. RFU's is strongest, but G-town, BU, UMDNJ, EVMS, etc., have significant linkages as well. There are also postbac enrichment programs that are similar at DO schools--UNT and PCOM are a few examples.

I also agree with mcjay--a 2.0 and a 2.6 would be a big difference. If your GPA is really low, you might even want to consider retaking some prereqs at a state school. At the same time, it would be like studying for the MCAT. Just an idea.
mcjay said:
USF is starting a new post bac prgram where u get to take classes with first yr med students...
Interesting--that's one program I haven't heard about. This isn't the MS in Medical Sciences is it? Do you have more information on this?

Also, FAU has an MS in Biomedical Sciences program that can be completed in one-year. But when I last inquired, the only med school course you can take is Human Gross Anatomy (with the University of Miami branch students). And for out-of-staters, it costs an arm and a leg.
 
Hey Phil,

When did you become Moderator????

Kudos... Well deserved man!
You can use this on your med school app... lol



How much are they payin' ya????

😛
 
sunnyjohn said:
Hey Phil,

When did you become Moderator????
Just two days ago. I'm actually more like a moderator-in-training. See, I even get these fancy green letters!
Kudos... Well deserved man!
You can use this on your med school app... lol
Thanks 😀 However, if I stuck that on AMCAS or AACOMAS, my cover is blown! And I'm not sure how "Pre-Allopathic Moderator" would look on the osteopathic application! :laugh:
How much are they payin' ya????

😛
Nada--it's a volunteer effort 🙂
 
Thank you all that posted. Phil, congratulations being moderator. I think that is cool as heck. I think that is a priviledge to become moderator because you do have a certain responsibility to meet.

Hopefully one day I will become a moderator after I go through Post Bacc/masters then onto medical school. 🙂

Please everybody keep on posting to help those in my situation.
 
Phil Anthropist said:
Hi Braveheart, welcome to SDN 🙂

There are some postbac enrichment programs that say that they have 3.0 cut-offs. However, I've seen many on this forum get accepted with sub-3.0 GPAs (b/w 2.6-2.99). Usually they have something to compensate...major upward trend, high MCAT/GRE, extenuating circumstances, etc.

There are a bunch of programs for disadvantaged/underrepresented minorities. I honestly don't know a whole lot about them (I'm not disadvantaged/URM), but I'll mention a few things. Wake Forest was mentioned by jeepgirl and MasterShakeDO is referring to the DPMS program at Drexel. Creighton also has a similar program to Drexel's DPMS. Like DPMS, you can get a guaranteed acceptance into the med school for the following year with a satisfactory performance. It's been awhile since I've seen the specifics. But anyway, with your life story, I would think you would be a good candidate.

All of the special masters programs have informal linkages. RFU's is strongest, but G-town, BU, UMDNJ, EVMS, etc., have significant linkages as well. There are also postbac enrichment programs that are similar at DO schools--UNT and PCOM are a few examples.

I also agree with mcjay--a 2.0 and a 2.6 would be a big difference. If your GPA is really low, you might even want to consider retaking some prereqs at a state school. At the same time, it would be like studying for the MCAT. Just an idea.

Interesting--that's one program I haven't heard about. This isn't the MS in Medical Sciences is it? Do you have more information on this?

Also, FAU has an MS in Biomedical Sciences program that can be completed in one-year. But when I last inquired, the only med school course you can take is Human Gross Anatomy (with the University of Miami branch students). And for out-of-staters, it costs an arm and a leg.
I actually don't know much about it...I was told about it by the admissions advisor at USF. He told me that it was new this year and very similar to the RFUSM program where students would get to take courses with M1 students and be eligible to enter the medical school in the end. Your best bet is to contact the admissions office there. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. =(
 
lumaya said:
I actually don't know much about it...I was told about it by the admissions advisor at USF. He told me that it was new this year and very similar to the RFUSM program where students would get to take courses with M1 students and be eligible to enter the medical school in the end. Your best bet is to contact the admissions office there. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. =(
No prob. I think I'll contact the admissions office and see what's up. I figure I've checked out so many of these types of programs, heck, why not one more! 😀

However, keep in mind that RFU's informal linkage is very strong. Former students of the program have told me that if you get a 2.96 or above, you're pretty much golden. And no glide year. I don't think any other SMP has as strong of a linkage. Well, maybe EVMS, but it's so small it's hard to tell. But I'm sure USF's program would be a heck of a lot cheaper for Florida residents. Anyway, I'll try and look into it and get back to you guys if I get good info.
 
👍
Phil Anthropist said:
No prob. I think I'll contact the admissions office and see what's up. I figure I've checked out so many of these types of programs, heck, why not one more! 😀

However, keep in mind that RFU's informal linkage is very strong. Former students of the program have told me that if you get a 2.96 or above, you're pretty much golden. And no glide year. I don't think any other SMP has as strong of a linkage. Well, maybe EVMS, but it's so small it's hard to tell. But I'm sure USF's program would be a heck of a lot cheaper for Florida residents. Anyway, I'll try and look into it and get back to you guys if I get good info.
 
Braveheart said:
thank you. what score u think i need to aim for to make me competitive for post bacc


30+ but balanced (meaning dont score really well in two areas and then bomb the other. This really really really really applies to verbal, but you should do well in the sciences as well.
 
Phil Anthropist said:
Happy B-Day riceman04! :hardy:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOO RICEMAN THANKS FOR THE POSTS
 
Braveheart said:
how was your experience with applying to post bacc


Actually very good! I got in everywhere I applied. I wish I had applied to that NIH postbacc this yr though. Soon I will be too far removed from undergrad to apply for next yr. They require that you will be graduating in the spring or have finished undergrad no more than a year ago.

Back to other post baccs: The good thing about alot of postbaccs is that they allow you to get your personal statement together for medschool primaries, and possibly some essays that will be asked in the secondaries. That is a good thing! I know it has helped me.
 
USF in TAmpa????

Hey Phil post the info as soon as you get the 411.....


Happy B-Day Riceman.... 😀
 
Phil A,
Please post back with info on the USF program ...
 
jeepgirl said:
Phil A,
Please post back with info on the USF program ...
USF told me that the program should definitely be in place by next year. It may or may not be in place by this Fall. My understanding is that the program is intended primarily for those who have applied, but have not been successful and need an extra push to prove themselves. Waitlisted applicants would probably be ideal candidates. However, the program is still in the process of being organized and nothing is set in stone yet. The gentleman I spoke with told me that in about 7-10 days, USF will contact me by phone or email with a more complete response. When I receive that info, I'll start a thread and let you know what I found. 🙂
 
Phil Anthropist said:
USF told me that the program should definitely be in place by next year. It may or may not be in place by this Fall. My understanding is that the program is intended primarily for those who have applied, but have not been successful and need an extra push to prove themselves. Waitlisted applicants would probably be ideal candidates. However, the program is still in the process of being organized and nothing is set in stone yet. The gentleman I spoke with told me that in about 7-10 days, USF will contact me by phone or email with a more complete response. When I receive that info, I'll start a thread and let you know what I found. 🙂
Thanks Phil....

Have you gotten the 411 on he MS in Biotechnology at Hopkins??

I have looked over the website, read all the class descripts and sent for a catalog, but I have yet to find anyone who has attended?

You got any info Phil???
 
Braveheart said:
I have 3 years of research experience and won couple of BRIN Grants to fund my research. I didnt publish anything but gain 3 years of research. I had a pretty decent GPA till my Junior year when I had a family crisis (where it lead me and my family homeless for several month) that i should had dropped of school so my GPA hadnt had went down. But i was stubborned and took the GPA drop. I also have many volunteer hours and have been involved in Student Government. I've lived in Africa for 8 years and came back to the states when I was 8. With no educational system in Liberia prevent me to have a education. I started 1st grade when i was 9 😱 . Make a long story short I learned how to read in 2 months and since then excel til my step dad divorce my mom when I was 14. I worked full time since I was 15 and started working more hours in college trying to take care my mom and sister. I even help put my mom thru college (she got discouraged at the course load and quit, talk about waste of my money) while I was in college. But then my family crisis happened and landed my mom and sister homeless during finals week of my junior year. We were homeless for couple of months but I got them on track while I was still in school (I should had dropped classes but kept on persisting which pulled my GPA down). More life changing happened however I realized that its not what you go through its what you learn and how u overcome that obstacle.

If it helps, I had an undergrad GPA of ~2.7 (because of some difficult times), but I did a non-thesis Master of Physiology at NC State to get into med school. Graduated undergrad in 2000, worked for a few years in an ophthalmology office, then started post-bac courses. I'm graduating from State now (next week) and starting UNC in the fall. Since you're in SC maybe you could find a school that has a similar program. Gaining resident status in NC before applying really helped me get into NC schools.

There was a HUGE difference between my undergrad and grad GPAs and the schools did look at my application more seriously when I explained my undergrad difficulties and proved that I could do much better. Whatever you end up doing, don't give up. 😳
 
Hey Braveheart,


Here's a useful link to all the major post-bac programs in the US. Hope its helpful. If you have any questions PM me. I'm from Liberia as well, will be starting med school this fall at Case.

http://hpap.syr.edu/LISTPB.HTM
 
Braveheart said:
First I would like to say that I am happy to join the SDN family. I think that this website offers moutainful resources better then anyone. I have a question that pertains to post bacc programs that will accept u if you have below 3.0 GPA. I havent take then MCAT yet however I will be taking it this fall. I even quit my job (with the help of my girlfriend) to study full time for the MCAT from now till the time I take it. I really want this more then anything and will do anything to prove that I am fit to be a doctor mentally. I am kinda old (22 years old black male) and made lots of mistakes in my life. I want to correct it now so I would not have to live the rest of my life with what if. Since I am new heres a little bit bout me. I graduated with a Biology degree (cant find any job in this field in South Carolina) in 2004 and decided to work for a year in a unrelated field. I worked full time all throughout college to support my family (have u heard Estimated Family Contribution of $20 on ur FAFSA) because its just my mom and my sister. Well, I took care of my family most of my life. I want to do a post bacc program because my self confidence is also low and I feel I need to prove myself in those settings. I would like to start applying this Fall and get in by the grace of God next year. Are there any programs out there for a person like me. My back is against the wall and I need some assistance. Please help, dont ignore me (this is my first post :laugh: ).


Try CWRU, Masters in Anatomy program. It is designed to give you a boost and the coursework is very similar to what you will see in Medical School. In fact, it is harder which is great because if you can do that then Medical School should not be as tought (that is what I have been told by current students in medical school at Case). I can answer more specific questions if you have them.
 
I was just accepted recently to UMDNJ with a sub 3.0 GPA. I had a 32 MCAT and 2 publications recently accepted. But I'm still amazed that I got in. Still waiting on RFUMS and BU.
 
Im finishing up drexel's IMS program and I got in with a 27 and undergrad <3.0 but with higher post bac classes. My state school told me I might never get over my low grades even with like 4 semesters of solid post bac coursework.(the coadmissions dean told me to consider PA or nursing instead) I absolutely crushed this program and in my interviews this year I was told my grades are no longer an issue to them. I am number 19 on the alternate list at said state school...Im pretty sure because of the MCAT.
So if you ahve low grades go into a post bacc I recommend it, just realize that you have to bust ass. This is make or break you..there are quite a few who didnt put the work in here at drexel and might never get into medical school because of it.
gluck
 
sigepwelker said:
Im finishing up drexel's IMS program and I got in with a 27 and undergrad <3.0 but with higher post bac classes. My state school told me I might never get over my low grades even with like 4 semesters of solid post bac coursework.(the coadmissions dean told me to consider PA or nursing instead) I absolutely crushed this program and in my interviews this year I was told my grades are no longer an issue to them. I am number 19 on the alternate list at said state school...Im pretty sure because of the MCAT.
So if you ahve low grades go into a post bacc I recommend it, just realize that you have to bust ass. This is make or break you..there are quite a few who didnt put the work in here at drexel and might never get into medical school because of it.
gluck

Wow, ur state school told u that u will never make it. Thats discouraging! That is persistance for you. I am glad u overcame that and u will serve as inspiration for people in that kind of predicament. That is awesome! Which state school said that to you?
 
giorgeo said:
I was just accepted recently to UMDNJ with a sub 3.0 GPA. I had a 32 MCAT and 2 publications recently accepted. But I'm still amazed that I got in. Still waiting on RFUMS and BU.

Congratulations on your accepted! 👍
 
Braveheart said:
First I would like to say that I am happy to join the SDN family. I think that this website offers moutainful resources better then anyone. I have a question that pertains to post bacc programs that will accept u if you have below 3.0 GPA. I havent take then MCAT yet however I will be taking it this fall. I even quit my job (with the help of my girlfriend) to study full time for the MCAT from now till the time I take it. I really want this more then anything and will do anything to prove that I am fit to be a doctor mentally. I am kinda old (22 years old black male) and made lots of mistakes in my life. I want to correct it now so I would not have to live the rest of my life with what if. Since I am new heres a little bit bout me. I graduated with a Biology degree (cant find any job in this field in South Carolina) in 2004 and decided to work for a year in a unrelated field. I worked full time all throughout college to support my family (have u heard Estimated Family Contribution of $20 on ur FAFSA) because its just my mom and my sister. Well, I took care of my family most of my life. I want to do a post bacc program because my self confidence is also low and I feel I need to prove myself in those settings. I would like to start applying this Fall and get in by the grace of God next year. Are there any programs out there for a person like me. My back is against the wall and I need some assistance. Please help, dont ignore me (this is my first post :laugh: ).

Check out Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. I just finished up a year in their post-bac program. Its small, about 30 people, but I thought the atmosphere and program were good for getting done what I needed. Plus there are tons of hopsitals in the area to get extracurriculars.
 
gbbdoc said:
Check out Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. I just finished up a year in their post-bac program. Its small, about 30 people, but I thought the atmosphere and program were good for getting done what I needed. Plus there are tons of hopsitals in the area to get extracurriculars.

Thank you. Does the Duquesne U. program have any linkage to medical school. Are you applying to medical schools right now?
 
Braveheart said:
Thank you. Does the Duquesne U. program have any linkage to medical school. Are you applying to medical schools right now?

Their website (http://www.premed.duq.edu/index.html) says they offer two linkage programs. The first one is with Temple and is only open to folks who weren't pre-med in undergrad. The second one is with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and is open to everyone in the post bac program. I couldn't find any info about what it took to earn the LECOM linkage.

Maybe gbdoc can shine a bit more light on the subject?
 
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