Pre-Med at Uchicago, what would you do?

[253962]

I am from El Paso, TX and went to the local health magnet, which was supposed to prepare me for more science classes. I ended up going to the University of Chicago, where I learned I wasn't as good as I thought I was at Chemistry. I bombed my Gen Chem and first quarter of Organic, all with C's and C+. I have a 2.85 cumulative GPA, and a ridiculously low 2.4 science GPA because of chemistry. I can't get a lab job because they always ask for my GPA. I can't even find a doctor to shadow, which has nothing to do with my grades, but means I don't have any ECs. I am in the middle of my second year and am trying to decide if I should transfer back home (NMSU or UTEP). I know for sure I can do it at these schools because I have friends that took less science classes than me in High school and are doing great, and even have lab posistions. So what would you guys do? Transfer or stay?

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[bellakk]

the most important question is whether you like the school or not. besides doing poorly in gen chem (and other courses as well, one C does not a 2.4 make), did you do well in your other science prereqs? Do you think you will be able to get A's in all other classes you take at Chicago?

If I were you I'd transfer not just for the grades but because it will make it even easier to get into med school. Texas med schools accept almost 90% instate students and although w/ a degree from chicago you'd still be considered an instate student, going to college in texas shows that you enjoy your home state and that you're interested in practicing there after med school (even if you really arent). Dude, take advantage of the TMDSAS!!

 

[Mobius1985]

If you want to be a doctor, do whatever it takes to salvage your GPA. If this means transferring back home to a state school, then do it.

From my rough calculations, even if you pull off a 4.0 this semester, transfer home and get straight As for the following two semesters also, your best GPA will be a 3.4 at the traditional application time after junior year. If you wait until after you finish your senior year to apply, assuming another year of 4.0, you could get your GPA to 3.5 or so. You may need to spend a fifth year at college to sufficiently redeem your GPA, considering you likely won't get a 4.0 this current semester.

Definitely transfer.

 

[253962]

I've decided I am definitely transferring for the summer. I just had a few more questions. When I apply are they going to count my new school and Uchicago's grades together in the GPA? Also, I will need to retake classes I did poorly at Uchicago, right?

 

[Mobius1985]

1) When I apply are they going to count my new school and Uchicago's grades together in the GPA?

2) Also, I will need to retake classes I did poorly at Uchicago, right?

1) Yes, the application service will calculate a cumulative GPA that includes grades from all post-high school institutions.

2) You don't have to retake all the classes, just the prerequisites where you got a C or lower. Some would say you don't need to retake a C+ or a class where you got a higher grade in the second course of a series, but if you didn't understand the material, you'd do yourself a favor to repeat the class anyway before you take the MCAT.

Note: I am not completely familiar with the Texas med school application service, so there may be some nuances I'm unaware of.