Real talk: is podiatry even an option with my grades?

[UnsophisticatedUndergrad1]

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I’m a current junior at a public flagship. I have two bad grades on my transcript—a C- in Gen Bio I and a D- in Intro Botany (I think this can typically serve as an equivalent to Gen Bio II).

It’s clear I need to retake those courses.

However, I also have a C+ when I took Stats as a freshman. That means out of the three classes I’ve taken that fall under the “BCMP” courses (science), I have a science gpa of 1.567 (yikes!).

My cumulative GPA is a 3.1, so that’s not…particularly “good” either. It’s not awful, though.

I’m currently taking Chem I. It’s going okay so far. In theory, I would take Chem I + II, Physics I + II, Organic Chem I + II, Calc I OR Intermediate Stats, and retake Bio I + II. Biochemistry, Cell Bio, and Microbiology all are possibilities too. I could take most of these courses before I graduate.

So if I did well in all of those, my measly initial grades could (in theory) be just a small bump. This would mean my cumulative would also rise.

I also have a summer of research experience, along with multiple leadership roles—both roles that I served in and ones that I will continue to serve in. I also am doing well on MCAT practice quizzes (note that they are not the full practice tests, though).

However, I can’t help but worry about those initial grades (plus two other Cs and a D that I got early on in my college career). Should I consider applying to DPM programs (after I finish the basic pre-reqs and get clinical/volunteer hours, of course)—or did those low grades essentially filter out my chance of going to podiatric medical school?

Post-bacc is an option I’d consider, but I’d prefer to just work on a few courses if I need to while working a clinical/service-based job when applying to podiatric schools.

Thanks!

I posted this to the DO forum, but I also have an interest in foot and ankle surgery so I figured I’d also post here!

 

[podourology]

I have heard of worse GPAs in POD school. Also, plenty of time to raise your GPA. Suggest, going to office hours an re-evaluating your study habits.
Remember, graduate school is a business decision. They don't care if you graduate or fail out. If you fail out you are liable for that debt. Doesn't hurt to take the MCAT and if you do well, 495+ would show you have improved.

Do you feel like you have addressed the deficits which resulted in poor science average? That needs to be addressed first. As it is important for post bacc and any science grad school.

 

[heybrother]

Your situation is somewhat strange to me. My undergraduate courses looked like some variation of this:
1st year - Biology 1/2, Chemistry 1/2
2nd year - Organic Chemistry 1/2
3rd year - Biochemistry 1/2, Anatomy, Genetics
4th year - Physiology, Microbiology, Histology etc

The classes theoretically followed a pattern, somewhat built on each other, and were designed so that you didn't have to take 15 hours of intense classes all at the same time. You are essentially in your 3rd year of school, have taken barely any of the pre-reqs and essentially are going to take all of them in ...1.5 years? With your somewhat poor showing so far that seems like a path towards academic struggles.

Have you spoken to a guidance counsellor at your school? There's a reason they exist - to help you chart a path.

 

[gyngyn]

This thread can be followed here: Real talk: is it going to be realistic to apply in the future with my stats?