Potential next steps

[Neuroplasticity 0510]

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During my undergraduate years I was unguided and did not take may education as serious as I should have. I graduated with a BS in biochemistry total gpa of 3.0 but science gpa (BPC) 92 hours 2.8 and (BPCM) 102 hours 2.6.

Luckly I have become self motivated since then and found my passion. I returned to school I got a masters in clinical research management graduating with a 3.65 unfortunatly none of the masters classes were science classes as far as I can tell from both websites.

Along with reciving my masters I have been lucky enough to work at a prestigious hospital and work directly with the physicians. So far I have about 12 publications (editorials, papers, book chapters, case reports,) where I am first or second author. I have also been able to help develop 2 medical devices one that is heading to the FDA soon. And one is just getting started.

I have yet to take an MCAT but in the process of studying I am aming for high 515+ to give myself a chance.

I am wondering if I should go back and retake some of the classes i got Cs in?
Will the extra curricular activities I have accomplished help me with my lower gpa or is gpa all schools care about even though that was 10 Years ago now?
Whats some good MCAT tips or score I should aim for is 515 adequate?

Thank you for your help,

 

[deleted610572]

DO doesn't include math into the science gpa so that will help you. 3.0 is the bare minimum that one should apply with... even saying that there are schools with 3.25 cutoff. Its all good and well to aim for a 515 but be realistic. Take a practice test and see where you are at. That being said, a 515 is more than enough to get you in.

 

[radian313]

You can either go all in on the MCAT and try to score a high MCAT (keeping in mind you will at the bare minimum need a 510+ to compensate for the low GPA). Or yes you can retake some classes.

That said, please dont say "you were misguided" during your undergrad career on your personal statement. Not only does that sound made up (not saying it is) but it shows lack of ownership and putting a blame onto someone else.

 

[Neuroplasticity 0510]

Thank you for the feed back. I was going to take ownership and show how I have grown since that portion of my life and use my experiances to grow.
However do you feel it wise to take classes and prep for mcat. Or should I manly focus on mcat?

Do publications and medical devices help any when applying for DO/MD?

What about having a graduate level degree?

Thank you,

 

[deleted610572]

Thank you for the feed back. I was going to take ownership and show how I have grown since that portion of my life and use my experiances to grow.
However do you feel it wise to take classes and prep for mcat. Or should I manly focus on mcat?

Do publications and medical devices help any when applying for DO/MD?

What about having a graduate level degree?

Thank you,

Research matters less to DOs but it still will improve you application especially if it’s productive

 

[hallowmann]

During my undergraduate years I was unguided and did not take may education as serious as I should have. I graduated with a BS in biochemistry total gpa of 3.0 but science gpa (BPC) 92 hours 2.8 and (BPCM) 102 hours 2.6.

Luckly I have become self motivated since then and found my passion. I returned to school I got a masters in clinical research management graduating with a 3.65 unfortunatly none of the masters classes were science classes as far as I can tell from both websites.

Along with reciving my masters I have been lucky enough to work at a prestigious hospital and work directly with the physicians. So far I have about 12 publications (editorials, papers, book chapters, case reports,) where I am first or second author. I have also been able to help develop 2 medical devices one that is heading to the FDA soon. And one is just getting started.

I have yet to take an MCAT but in the process of studying I am aming for high 515+ to give myself a chance.

I am wondering if I should go back and retake some of the classes i got Cs in?
Will the extra curricular activities I have accomplished help me with my lower gpa or is gpa all schools care about even though that was 10 Years ago now?
Whats some good MCAT tips or score I should aim for is 515 adequate?

Thank you for your help,

You need to take some classes and bring the sGPA up to at least 3.0, preferably 3.25/3.3. You'll need something like 1-2 semesters of sciences to pull that off. I'd recommend it in general if possible, if it really has been 10 years since you took some sciences.

The other EC stuff will help you, but a lot of schools have hard cutoffs/application screens, and you'll get the most out of your app (and increase the chances a human being will actually see it) if you can get at least above that 3.0 mark.

Continue what you're doing with the MCAT and get the highest score you possibly can. 515 is a good target.

I don't know what state you're in, but if you have a chance to live in TX while doing it, that may help. I think TMDSAS doesn't incorporate coursework done >10yrs ago into the GPA calculations, that could potentially be veey helpful. Double check that though, my info is old.

With a good MCAT and some GPA repair, I think you've got a good chance for DO. MD is going to be a longshot, but if you have the money, by all means apply (especially through TMDSAS if that's where you are and that 10yr rule is still in place).