Prelim "am I crazy" thread

[Naos]

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I wanted to give an overview of my plans/situation and see if I should continue or if really, honestly, it's a bad idea and I should stop before I waste time and money on something impossible.

I'm currently 26, work as an intern at a small architectural firm and hold a degree in architecture. My plan is to quit that in January and head back to school to take all of my math/science that I never took the first time around. My husband is working so he'll support us and I'll do loans as necessary.

The problem as I see it, is that I have 120 credit hours and a GPA of 3.2, meaning the best I can possibly do to bump it while taking my prerequisites is a 3.5, and that's with a 4.0 BCPM. The other problem is that I'm only able to apply to one school - University of Colorado - because we strongly prefer not to leave the state or pay out of state tuition.

If all went according to plan I'd be applying in 2013 for matriculation in 2014 to the M.D. program. They don't have a D.O.

So, is it worth pursuing with the mediocre GPA or should I find something else to go after?

Thanks 😳

 

[Naos]

I should probably add that the 3.2 is a 3.28 from a Canadian university that works on a scale to 4.5, not 4. So it may end up translating lower than that.

I'm a legal permanent resident of the U.S. though, and I've been living and working in Colorado for 5 years.

 

[ShoTyme]

I wanted to give an overview of my plans/situation and see if I should continue or if really, honestly, it's a bad idea and I should stop before I waste time and money on something impossible.

I'm currently 26, work as an intern at a small architectural firm and hold a degree in architecture. My plan is to quit that in January and head back to school to take all of my math/science that I never took the first time around. My husband is working so he'll support us and I'll do loans as necessary.

The problem as I see it, is that I have 120 credit hours and a GPA of 3.2, meaning the best I can possibly do to bump it while taking my prerequisites is a 3.5, and that's with a 4.0 BCPM. The other problem is that I'm only able to apply to one school - University of Colorado - because we strongly prefer not to leave the state or pay out of state tuition.

If all went according to plan I'd be applying in 2013 for matriculation in 2014 to the M.D. program. They don't have a D.O.

So, is it worth pursuing with the mediocre GPA or should I find something else to go after?

Thanks 😳

First off, I think anyone is crazy for changing from what they know and venturing into the great unknown. But everyone here is crazy so welcome to the club! Anyhow, of course you will have to kick butt on all of your upcoming classes to show you can handle the course load, and are more mature than before. But the biggest problem that should be reconciled before you begin is the Colorado or bust thing. What if you kick butt and they still don't take you? What then? Then you have amassed considerable debt while your family lives on less disposable income, you have quit a viable career, and all for nothing. Before going into this, I would sit down with your husband and go over what this all really entails and come to an agreement that you will do your best to ace every class. You will shadow doctors, try to find a research project to latch onto, volunteer... but if it's still not enough for CO, then would you guys be willing to uproot your lives to follow your dream... If not, I would be wary of beginning the voyage in the first place. But ultimately the decision is yours. Best of luck!

 

[Bluesun]

(Insert the caveat here that I am not even a med student, but I've been reading about the whole process for awhile now)

If you're not entirely sure becoming a doctor is for you, but you can't let the idea go, I would suggest you start doing some shadowing/volunteering now (which you will need to do anyhow). It may give you a better idea of what being a doctor is actually like as opposed to what you may think it would be like (this is assuming you're like most people in that you have never seen very far beyond the curtains' pretty side).

Having said that, many people say that if you could imagine yourself doing anything else and being happy, your life would likely be easier if you chose another route. It would also be worthwhile to really examine your reasons for wanting to become a doctor -- be completely honest with yourself. It's not an easy process by any stretch of the imagination. The sheer amount of work required just to get accepted is pretty mind boggling. It's also very time consuming. Expect your life to be taken over by your pursuit of medicine.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

I would rethink your career plans. Not to be mean, but really try to find something else. What I mean is only applying to one school is a problem. Like a previous poster said, what if you don't get in. Secondly, what if you do get in and you have to move for residency. It isn't really a choice. You match, that's where you are going. So it is very unrealistic to think you can stay exclusively in CO.

Ultiimately, you definitely won't get in if you don't try. Your odds are against you, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Just make sure you have a backup plan.

I am a des moines resident and I really want to attend DMU as my kids are in school here, my family is here, my wife's family as well, etc. I have an interview and I hope like hell that it goes well but we have desicded that the desire to go to medschool is greater than the desire to go to DMU, meaning if it doesn't go well, I won't try again if I get in somewhere else.

 

[Naos]

.But the biggest problem that should be reconciled before you begin is the Colorado or bust thing. What if you kick butt and they still don't take you? What then? Then you have amassed considerable debt while your family lives on less disposable income, you have quit a viable career, and all for nothing... but if it's still not enough for CO, then would you guys be willing to uproot your lives to follow your dream...

I had a bit of a giggle when you say I left a viable career, making 21k a year after working at the same job for 4 years is hardly viable to me... but I digress 😛 I do understand what you're getting at. I don't mind the uprooting, I love new places and such, but together we bring home maybe $50,000 a year. If that. We can't afford to leave his job behind and move to another city. It isn't the lack of drive, it's a lack of financial ability.

If you're not entirely sure becoming a doctor is for you, but you can't let the idea go, I would suggest you start doing some shadowing/volunteering now (which you will need to do anyhow). It may give you a better idea of what being a doctor is actually like as opposed to what you may think it would be like (this is assuming you're like most people in that you have never seen very far beyond the curtains' pretty side)...The sheer amount of work required just to get accepted is pretty mind boggling. It's also very time consuming. Expect your life to be taken over by your pursuit of medicine.

I had my life taken over by my first degree pretty soundly (time-wise it's probably a similar day to day effort, but I'm sure MD will be a whole other echelon of difficulty on top of that) so I'm definitely prepared for the work. As soon as I'm done with this job the plan was to head right into volunteering. If I end up hating it, then I've just answered my own question anyway and spared myself the decision...

What I mean is only applying to one school is a problem. Like a previous poster said, what if you don't get in. Secondly, what if you do get in and you have to move for residency. It isn't really a choice. You match, that's where you are going. So it is very unrealistic to think you can stay exclusively in CO.
...
I am a des moines resident and I really want to attend DMU as my kids are in school here, my family is here, my wife's family as well, etc. I have an interview and I hope like hell that it goes well but we have desicded that the desire to go to medschool is greater than the desire to go to DMU, meaning if it doesn't go well, I won't try again if I get in somewhere else.

I kind of figured it would be a problem. Like I said, I'm not dead set against another school because of any particular attachments, I just don't have a clue how we would manage that kind of expense. With OOS tuition averaging $80,000 (or am I just looking at the wrong schools?) plus living expenses for what will likely become two households... is there even financing for that kind of money? Honestly, if there is please let me know because I'm at a loss.

As for residency, that doesn't bother me as much. Even if I'm separated from my husband for a year at a time, I'll at least be back to earning and being able to justify living away from home. The reason I'm so... ehhhh... about finances is that we spent a long time crawling out of debt... the thought of almost doubling the already $150k+ in loans at an OOS school makes my chest hurt.

Thanks for all the responses so far, it's giving me a lot to think about!

 

[ShoTyme]

but together we bring home maybe $50,000 a year. If that. We can't afford to leave his job behind and move to another city. It isn't the lack of drive, it's a lack of financial ability.

If this is the case, then it really shouldn't be a problem to relocate. I mean the initial costs are expensive - given. But one can get a job in most cities paying the same (I'm calculating your husband makes 29k/year) doing many things. I think this is more of an annoyance than a true objection.

Like I said, I'm not dead set against another school because of any particular attachments, I just don't have a clue how we would manage that kind of expense. With OOS tuition averaging $80,000 (or am I just looking at the wrong schools?) plus living expenses for what will likely become two households... is there even financing for that kind of money? Honestly, if there is please let me know because I'm at a loss.

Student loans will cover you expenses as well as provide you with sufficient , but not extravagant means with which to live. Again, if you are not willing to concede being in debt to your eyeballs for a time to do what you love, then again I would strongly reconsider your decision. Like a previous poster said, go shadow some doctors and do some volunteering. Then sit down with your husband with a piece of paper and a pencil. Do the Benjamin Franklin close on yourself. ie: write down all the pro's to going to school in one column, and all the con's of going to medical school in a second column. Only you can decide if the pro's outweigh the cons.

One last thing... if you decide that you wish to take the long road, remember the sage-like wisdom of Yoda, "Do or do not. There is no try."

 

[Naos]

Ah, true, I guess it's because it took so long for him to find *A* job, it makes me concerned about him finding another one in some random city. It's a thought, job aside, he wouldn't mind moving too much I don't think.

Ooooh I had just come to grips with the debt up to my eyeballs, debt over my head scares me!

In reality though, having spent a lot of time thinking about it, I do really, REALLY want to go. It's really just the finances that scare the !$@# out of me heh.

I like your choice for sage advice!

 

[LifeTake2]

From a financial standpoint, $80K is high; more likely $40-50 in tuition costs.

What you likely looked at is total cost of attendance, which is the amount you can borrow. This INCLUDES living expenses which probably average about what you are making now ($20K/yr) but are not taxed since they are loans. This means you likely would be better day-to-day than now; assuming you husband could find work comparable to what he is doing.

If he can't find work elsewhere, and you can't move then I would have to say that you are probably not in a good position to only apply to 1 school (sorry).

 

[medceg]

I wanted to give an overview of my plans/situation and see if I should continue or if really, honestly, it's a bad idea and I should stop before I waste time and money on something impossible.

I'm currently 26, work as an intern at a small architectural firm and hold a degree in architecture. My plan is to quit that in January and head back to school to take all of my math/science that I never took the first time around. My husband is working so he'll support us and I'll do loans as necessary.

Like a previous poster said, you should spend some time doing volunteer and shadowing now. You will find out quickly if this is for you, while you still have your job. After a month or two of this, you can reflect back on your experience and see if you still want to pursue the goal. If this career change is still on your mind, you can safely assume your heart is in this decision.

It is kind of like preventing impulse buying. You see something you want to buy but you give yourself a cooling off period. If the thought of buying that particular thing is still roaming around in your head after the cooling off period, you know it isn't just an impulse buy anymore.

Now with your GPA... I'm sure you can get that 4.0 in your pre-requisite classes if you really work at it. A 3.5 is adequate to get you into a MD school provided that the rest of your application is up to snuff. I'm sure yours will be because you have had more time than the traditional applicant to experience unique events that you can drawn upon during application.

The financial aspect of this requires a lot of your introspection. After your volunteer and shadowing experiences, your heart may be in full gear to jump into this career change. Then you have to decide if your "chest pain" due to debt is outweighed by your desire to become a doctor. You need to apply to more than one school and you have to be prepared to be accepted out of state.

I haven't seen any talk yet about the most hated question: Why do you want to become a doctor?
If it is primarily for financial reasons, it will take quite a few years to become financially advantageous.

 

[Naos]

I did a little digging and you're right, the University of Colorado is insanely expensive for OOS tuition (and instate it appears). The average is $20-40k... much more manageable.

I'm not entirely sure Hub can find a job like what he's doing now... or a job that pays decently at all. If he's not willing to move, I think I'm SOL as it stands...

 

[Naos]

Now with your GPA... I'm sure you can get that 4.0 in your pre-requisite classes if you really work at it. A 3.5 is adequate to get you into a MD school provided that the rest of your application is up to snuff. I'm sure yours will be because you have had more time than the traditional applicant to experience unique events that you can drawn upon during application.
...
I haven't seen any talk yet about the most hated question: Why do you want to become a doctor?
If it is primarily for financial reasons, it will take quite a few years to become financially advantageous.

Oh I didn't ways I wanted to BE a Dr. for financial reasons. I said that financially I'm not sure we can make the leap to other schools, not that I only want to do it because I'll be rolling in money down the road. Which isn't the case by the way, but I have a hard time articulating why it is I want to do it. It's weird, I have this insane drive for it but I can't put it into words. I did consider medicine (more Pharmacy) when I was headed to school the first time, but my parents pushed me toward Architecture because I was more"artsy" I suppose. I definitely agree the volunteering will be a great help, and may end up even being a make or break although I'm hoping it isn't the break.

It's tricky; we own three big dogs that make downsizing from the house we own into an apartment again pretty tough. Hub has a good stable job he doesn't want to give up after being unemployed for 8 months last year. He's close with his family (although I am not) and they're in CO... but really I think it's HIS job that's going to be the main point of argument.

 

[ShoTyme]

I did a little digging and you're right, the University of Colorado is insanely expensive for OOS tuition (and instate it appears). The average is $20-40k... much more manageable.

I'm not entirely sure Hub can find a job like what he's doing now... or a job that pays decently at all. If he's not willing to move, I think I'm SOL as it stands...

I don't know what he's doing now, but here in Dallas, one can gain employment at In-N-Out Burger starting at $10/hr. It's not glamorous, but if he gets hired as something other than entry level, they pay pretty well. There are all sorts of mall jobs that pay 30k/year, and there are plenty of those to be had, as there are 5 malls within 20 miles of my home. There are options out there will be able to replace a 30k/year salary. As another poster commented, with the student loans, you may actually come out ahead. Now I have no idea what he's doing now. He may be at his dream job for all I know. However, if this is something you truly want with every ounce of your being, a current job paying 30k per year shouldn't be the biggest deterrent as there will most likely be far more difficult hurdles you will have to face. Again, this is assuming he isn't locked into his own dream job that cannot be replaced.

 

[Naos]

True, true. I'm not sure if it's his dream job, but he does like it. He works as a lower level IT type, and I think he feels indebted to his boss for giving him the job. So yeah, it may come down to what he's willing to do for the same amount of money, or whether I'm willing to potentially spend 4+ years away from him.

 

[lsu hopeful]

Oh I didn't ways I wanted to BE a Dr. for financial reasons. I said that financially I'm not sure we can make the leap to other schools, not that I only want to do it because I'll be rolling in money down the road. Which isn't the case by the way, but I have a hard time articulating why it is I want to do it. It's weird, I have this insane drive for it but I can't put it into words. I did consider medicine (more Pharmacy) when I was headed to school the first time, but my parents pushed me toward Architecture because I was more"artsy" I suppose. I definitely agree the volunteering will be a great help, and may end up even being a make or break although I'm hoping it isn't the break.

It's tricky; we own three big dogs that make downsizing from the house we own into an apartment again pretty tough. Hub has a good stable job he doesn't want to give up after being unemployed for 8 months last year. He's close with his family (although I am not) and they're in CO... but really I think it's HIS job that's going to be the main point of argument.

Edit to add: dunno why I thought you had children... I re-read and don't see any mention of any, or am I crazy? lol... I left the remarks untouched, though.

I can already see where this is going. Not to be cynical, because 99.99% of my posts are positive ones, but you need to understand that what you're preparing to do is going to put an incredible pressure on your relationship with your husband and your children. I would direct you to immediately search for threads in this Non-trad forum with keywords like "wife", "husband", "relationship", "children", etc..

Look for threads that were started by people talking about the stress this path has caused their family. Look for the one where the person talks about how they regret doing it because they never get to see their children and feel like they missed out on being their parent for such an impressionable period of their life. Look for the ones where people talk about how they got a divorce two years into med school because their significant other felt alone and cheated on them. Also, neglected children without a present mother figure sometimes have behavioral issues growing up and when grown.

People created most of these threads to make it known that these things happen and can happen to all of us making this transition. I'm merely pointing you in their direction, to hear their story, so you make the best possible decision for you.

I really hate even bringing this stuff up, but it's something you need to understand. If you realize you have a chance of these things happening to you and turning your world upside down, but you still choose to do it, then go for it and we'll all be here to cheer you on.

 

[medceg]

Oh I didn't ways I wanted to BE a Dr. for financial reasons. I said that financially I'm not sure we can make the leap to other schools, not that I only want to do it because I'll be rolling in money down the road. Which isn't the case by the way, but I have a hard time articulating why it is I want to do it. It's weird, I have this insane drive for it but I can't put it into words. I did consider medicine (more Pharmacy) when I was headed to school the first time, but my parents pushed me toward Architecture because I was more"artsy" I suppose. I definitely agree the volunteering will be a great help, and may end up even being a make or break although I'm hoping it isn't the break.

It's tricky; we own three big dogs that make downsizing from the house we own into an apartment again pretty tough. Hub has a good stable job he doesn't want to give up after being unemployed for 8 months last year. He's close with his family (although I am not) and they're in CO... but really I think it's HIS job that's going to be the main point of argument.

I know exactly what you are talking about. I am not at the point that I can fully articulate why I want to be a doctor yet. I know why I want to, but verbalizing it to others takes a bit of work at this point. The more I am volunteering at different places, the closer I am to communicating my answer to that question.

I also have a big dog that needs constant care and I am settled into a nice house in a nice place. My girlfriend also has a nice career start. I have one medical school in mind that is convenient for both of us. However, if I'm not accepted, I must accept the fact that sometimes your dream isn't always convenient. I think we are in similar boats and I wish you luck with your dilemma! 😀

 

[Beandog]

If he can't find work elsewhere, and you can't move then I would have to say that you are probably not in a good position to only apply to 1 school (sorry).

\
👍
I am fairly sure that CO has a good PA school...just saying, if it's CO or nothing, you might have to take anther route if you don't get into the (1) school you are considering.
Lots can change in a couple years....is your husband set in stone long term there, or would moving be a possibility down the road? And like others dais, is a $30k a year job really that difficult to replace? Just saying...I know it's hard times and all with the economy, but still...

 

[Naos]

You've all made great points and been really helpful! No, I don't have kids, just the dogs 😀. As for it being strenuous on the relationship, we've been there done that in a way. In the 5 years we've been married we have managed to get through my immigration to the US (from Canada, but it's no walk in the park regardless), pull our way out of $30,000 worth of debt, 8 months of him being unemployed and my pitiful earnings carrying us through. He IS supportive, I don't want to paint him as some kind of jerk, I guess it's more me thinking he wouldn't like to work some menial job for 4 years while all I do is study and whine about studying. Perhaps I'm making that decision for him, which is in poor taste anyway.

SO, we've come to the agreement that I will do my prerequisites in CO, and then apply to University of Colorado, University of New Mexico, University of Kansas, Texas A&M, Baylor College of Medicine, University of Arizona, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. The reasoning behind these is they're either close to CO (just in case he can't move with me), he has family or family friends in the are a (Milwaukee), or he used to live there and like it (Texas). That's 7... is that enough? Better?

I think when/if we have to move the hardest part will be finding a rental that will accommodate our 3 enormous dogs...

Reading another thread on here made me wonder as well. Since my first degree is Canadian, will my GPA count?

Thanks again guys, you've been honest and awesome <3

 

[TriagePreMed]

I'll say it like it needs to be said: If your stipulation is applying to only 1 school, forget going to medical school.

 

[Naos]

I'll say it like it needs to be said: If your stipulation is applying to only 1 school, forget going to medical school.

See my last post 🙂

I know it wasn't a great idea, I just wanted opinions. It would be EASIER to stay in CO but easy really isn't a part of this anyway, and it will all pay off in the end.

 

[TrustMe101]

I'll say it like it needs to be said: If your stipulation is applying to only 1 school, forget going to medical school.

I thought that was a given to any premed?

 

[Laji]

Hi there,
I live in Colorado and while I would love to stay here, I am willing to relocate. I am also applying (2012 to matriculate 2013) to both DO and MD programs to increase my chances.

You actually have two options in Colorado because there IS a DO school. The name is Rocky Vista:

http://www.rockyvistauniversity.org/

They are currently provisionally accredited because they are new. I believe they graduate their first class of DOs in 2012 or 2013. After this, my understanding is that they will have full accreditation.

Good luck.

 

[Naos]

I thought that was a given to any premed?

That's funny, I thought forums were a place to ask about things you're kind of new to 😉

Thanks Laji, I (clearly) had no idea about that, I'll add that one to my list!

 

[theseeker4]

Regarding your financial situation, why don't you consider getting EMT certification? You could most likely find a job that pays more than you are currently making (though I do not know about Colorado's job market, so I could be wrong) and gain clinical experience at the same time? You can then start taking your classes while working a flexible schedule and gaining clinical experience all at the same time.

Regarding debt, if you are going to go to medical school you can't let it scare you that much. Look at it this way, you will have anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000 (ballpark) in debt when you graduate, and more will accumulate over the next few years of residency due to interest. On the other hand, you will be making that much or more each year when you are an attending, depending on your specialty. Compared to the pay doctors earn, the debt is not nearly as crushing as it appears from your current perspective. Something to keep in mind as you cannot make decisions simply based on minimizing debt if those decisions prevent you from becoming a doctor. The debt is worth the chance to make doctor's wages.

Good luck!

 

[Naos]

Yeah, I keep telling myself the loan will be ok, we'll pay it off fast etc. It's just a whole lot of money. More than we owe on our house. 😱 You're right though, it equals out in the end, it's just hard for me to wrap my head around in our current situation...

Great idea about the EMT cert! Thank you!

 

[excitedtoapply]

I went to a lecture last night to learn more about that which I am applying and my spouse came with me. This was fantastic and if you have the opportunity, I recommend asking your husband to join you at informational events. The physicians last night said that it really helps both folks understand what will be necessary for the student and the relationship which in turn will help the support system. The more you two talk about it, the better off you will be! When I married my husband it was with the understanding that I want him in my life and any decision I make must take him into consideration and visa versa. This means that we problem solve together so he needs all of the information I have.

 

[augeremt]

Ooooh I had just come to grips with the debt up to my eyeballs, debt over my head scares me!

In reality though, having spent a lot of time thinking about it, I do really, REALLY want to go. It's really just the finances that scare the !$@# out of me heh.

I like your choice for sage advice!

If the only thing holding you back from doing this is worry about debt then I think you should go for it. Seriously.

I'm also terrified of being in 6-figure debt. Seeing how it took my roommate over 5 years to come out of her credit card problems, I can't even fathom the amount of time and savings it'll take to pay off med school.

But the way I see it is that med school debt is different than undergrad/credit card/house payment/etc debt. You're investing in a very stable future, and those loans will be paid off much easier with a doctor's salary than with what you're making now. Granted, it'll be a while and you'll have to live cheaply, etc, but to me it's totally worth it.

So, if you're dead-set on medicine (which you should figure out by shadowing and volunteering in a medical setting before you take the plunge), I don't think you should allow the worry of debt to keep you from pursuing your dream.

 

[katiemaude]

Yes, you're crazy, but so are we.

It's an insane amount of debt and it terrifies me. I could have started PA school by now and be 2 years away from getting my degree instead of 5 or 6 (depending on whether I am accepted for next year). The debt would be half as much.

You have to be nuts to consider changing careers to medicine, and I think in that way it's good that it's such a long road to even be accepted. You have to *really* want it.

You probably won't start medical school for 3-4 years (2 to do the prereqs and a year to wait for acceptances, plus another if you need to reapply). That's a long time to work things out with your spouse, to save money and to form a plan.

I agree with everyone who said to start by shadowing and volunteering in a medical setting. It's totally free and you can keep working while you do it. Then register for general chemistry but make sure you have algebra down pat first. One class at a state school is not going to break you financially forever, and it will give you a small taste of what you're in for the duration of the prereq years. If it goes well, add bio the next semester with gen chem II. If you still want to do it, take three classes the next semester and quit your job if you can.

 

[Naos]

You're right, we've definitely got some time to really think it over. I'm going to start volunteering as soon as I'm done with my current job and get a feel for it, and from there start getting all our ducks in a row. If we can stay in CO all the better, if not oh well, we can always go back when I'm done right?

Thank you so much for all the advice guys, it's been SO helpful! I think we're going to go for it, and deal with what comes along as best we can!

 

[stefspets]

The problem as I see it, is that I have 120 credit hours and a GPA of 3.2, meaning the best I can possibly do to bump it while taking my prerequisites is a 3.5, and that's with a 4.0 BCPM.

I should probably add that the 3.2 is a 3.28 from a Canadian university that works on a scale to 4.5, not 4. So it may end up translating lower than that.

I don't know if I'm the only one that caught this, but I would double check the GPA. I don't know if this one is up to date, but it has an excel sheet to calculate GPA: GPA Calculator

My point is, if the GPA is in fact lower than the 3.2, even after taking your science classes it may be pretty low still. Definitely look into DO schools if that is the case; they seem to be more forgiving of a lower GPA. DO schools also do grade replacement, so if you retake a course you did poorly in, you can raise your GPA much more quickly. MD schools average the two grades I believe.

Also make sure you have enough US credits to apply--schools usually have a number of credits that you must have completed at a US institution to be eligible. I don't know how many so I don't know if the pre-reqs will cover you there or not. Just do your research so you won't be scrambling at the last minute.

There's my two cents--otherwise, good luck! 🙂

 

[Naos]

I don't know if I'm the only one that caught this, but I would double check the GPA. I don't know if this one is up to date, but it has an excel sheet to calculate GPA: GPA Calculator

My point is, if the GPA is in fact lower than the 3.2, even after taking your science classes it may be pretty low still. Definitely look into DO schools if that is the case; they seem to be more forgiving of a lower GPA. DO schools also do grade replacement, so if you retake a course you did poorly in, you can raise your GPA much more quickly. MD schools average the two grades I believe.

Also make sure you have enough US credits to apply--schools usually have a number of credits that you must have completed at a US institution to be eligible. I don't know how many so I don't know if the pre-reqs will cover you there or not. Just do your research so you won't be scrambling at the last minute.

There's my two cents--otherwise, good luck! 🙂

The 3.28 @ 120CH doesn't include any BCPM or requirements either, so I figure if I can demonstrate a solid BCPM and therefore an upward trend with a strong MCAT and ECs, I might be alright. Maybe haha.

I definitely will have to check with each school to make sure my Canadian credits transfer in terms of applying. I suppose the more I have to take here the better, grade-wise if not time wise so I'm not suuuper worried about that...

Thanks for that spreadsheet, it's awesome and says my AMCAS GPA as it stands now is 3.2. With a strong BCMP post-bacc I'd end up at around 3.5, and the law of diminishing returns says I can't do much more at that point...