Postbacc... or something else?

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Hey, I don't know if this is the right subsection to post my question. Sorry if it's not.

I was a bio major for the first 2 years of undergrad, and was doing well. In my 2nd and 3rd years however, I failed/received low grades in my med school pre-reqs (due to unfortunate circumstance, as well as my immaturity) and was subsequently forced out of my major. At the same time, I decided against being a doctor. Now that I have graduated with a economics degree, I have been reconsidering the option, but know that my previous record will hold me back. (I would like to at least try for an MD instead of a DO)

I want to try getting into a postbacc program (for career changers), but I think I have taken too many science courses to apply. At the same time, I don't know if an informal postbacc will help me; nor can I apply for an SMP because I have not taken the MCAT. When I was put in the effort, I excelled at my science courses, so I know that medical school is doable. Does anyone have any suggestions for someone like me? I want to fix the mistakes I made when I was too immature to set my priorities straight. Could I even apply for a postbacc? I have also heard SMPs are an option, but I have gone so long without taking the pre-reqs that I will probably end up with a low MCAT score. Conversely, I know I could do great on the MCAT if I could brush up on my science. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to begin? I know that informal postbaccs are possible, but I feel as if I will be unable to enroll in the courses I need in a timely manner. Thanks for your help.

TLDR: made a lot of mistakes, do not know if I can fix it/ where to begin fixing my situation. Which program should I shoot for so that I can attempt to become an MD.

sGPA 2.65, cGPA 3.1 majorGPA 3.7, SAT 2350

 

[chonc]

I know where you've been and I don't think it's impossible for you to get into a post-bacc program. They are exactly for what you described -- making right of some academic wrongs you've made in the past. But also explain in your application why you feel compelled to go to such lengths to become a doctor. Post-bacc programs are a real commitment and investment. It's not real med school, so you should be able to convey why you want to be a doctor despite your obstacles/past mistakes, explain why/how the post-bacc program will be a stepping stone to achieve this.

Btw, there are post-bacc programs that don't require a MCAT score like the Tufts MBS program. And it seems like most legit programs offer MCAT tutoring and resources so if it's not necessary, I wouldn't take the MCAT solely for entrance into a program.

Another thing you might want to consider is to leave DO as an option. Not that the MD game is strictly about numbers, but let's be honest it's a huge part and stellar post-bacc grades won't entirely cover up bad ones. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about the Tufts MBS program. I just completed it and think it was the best decision I made.

 

[GreenDuck12]

(I would like to at least try for an MD instead of a DO)

I want to try getting into a postbacc program (for career changers), but I think I have taken too many science courses to apply. At the same time, I don't know if an informal postbacc will help me; nor can I apply for an SMP because I have not taken the MCAT. Conversely, I know I could do great on the MCAT if I could brush up on my science. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to begin?

TLDR: made a lot of mistakes, do not know if I can fix it/ where to begin fixing my situation. Which program should I shoot for so that I can attempt to become an MD.

sGPA 2.65, cGPA 3.1 majorGPA 3.7, SAT 2350

To be quite blunt, recovering from your sGPA and cGPA to get close to a competitive range for MD is not practical. Your sGPA is 0.85 below what is widely considered a minimum to be competitive and your cGPA is .4 below average as well. The amount of coursework it would take to get those numbers to a more realistic range would be in the order of years i.e. doing 4 years undergrad all over again. It sucks but it is the reality. You can decide if it is worth the cost to do that.

As for SMP programs, there are programs out there that will allow you to prove that you can handle the rigors of medical school. Without some serious improvement to your sGPA and cGPA, I don't see that making a large enough impact on your application to earn a MD admission.

As for the MCAT, bear in mind that a competitive score is in the top 20th percentile of all test takers. Everyone is confident that they can do well on the MCAT but 4/5 do not. Just putting this out there for you to think about as I think about it often.

Option 1:
To pursue MD you most likely will need to enroll in a second bachelors degree and crush a science curriculum. If you redo an entire degree and earn a 4.0 GPA this may increase your cGPA to a 3.55 and sGPA to a 3.3 (depending on how many science credits you have already earned). Strong MCAT score will be a must. Next, an SMP is going to most likely be necessary which will add another two years (and many thousands of dollars as these programs are not expensive). Assuming all of this goes well, you will need to apply broadly to both MD and DO schools and hope for an admission.

Option 2:
Accept that MD schools may not be a realistic option at this point given everything that is listed above. Realize that DO schools offer a grade replacement policy which will help you replace your low grades with higher ones. Retake all F/D/C-/C classes and earn a higher grade. Take additional upper division science classes to show that you can handle the rigors of medical school and take the MCAT. Apply broadly. This option will take significantly less time than option 1 and will likely save you many thousands of dollars in tuition. If you want to be a doctor does it really matter if you trained at an allopathic or osteopathic institution? Are you really gunning for one of the most competitive specialties and/or academia?

 

[Winged Scapula]

Closing as cross posted elsewhere