Really need some advice and reality check

[Student1222]

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Hi, I am becoming a junior this august and I wanted some advice and reality check for my situation.
The past two years have been brutal and I have not done well academically.

I currently have a gpa of 2.745 for the first two years of university. Also my science GPA is 3.0 so far. I think I haven't spent much time studying for the past two years, even though I knew I was supposed to do well in my classes. My low GPA was combination of bad luck and lack of studying.

I was wondering whether I still have a chance to get into a decent medical school or even the ones at the lower end of it.
I am beginning to doubt myself whether I can even pull a perfect gpa from now on, but I still do want to try and want some opinion from others as well.

 

[tantacles]

Hi, I am becoming a junior this august and I wanted some advice and reality check for my situation.
The past two years have been brutal and I have not done well academically.

I currently have a gpa of 2.745 for the first two years of university. I think I haven't spent much time studying for the past two years, even though I knew I was supposed to do well in my classes. My low GPA was combination of bad luck and lack of studying.

I was wondering whether I still have a chance to get into a decent medical school or even the ones at the lower end of it.
I am beginning to doubt myself whether I can even pull a perfect gpa from now on, but I still do want to try and want some opinion from others as well.

Most MD schools have an absolute minimum of 3.0, and many screen out people with a GPA under 3.5 unless his/her MCAT score is stellar (35+). Unless you can do a complete 180 and get straight As in the remainder of your classes, MD schools are not really within reach.

DO schools, on the other hand, often have grade replacement programs. If you do well in the rest of your schooling and retake some of the classes in which you performed poorly, those grades will be replaced on your DO application, thus raising your GPA and putting you in a much better position to be accepted.

Best of luck.

 

[el_duderino]

Even if you get straight A's for two solid years you're looking at about a 3.37 cGPA, which isn't great but is workable.

I'd suggest to you that your record doesn't look strong at all. You've done nothing to prove you can get high grades, let alone do so consistently. If you spent junior and senior years killing it while acquiring volunteer and clinical experience, then you're in a good spot and can apply for 2017 entry . Can you do that? Be honest with yourself. If so, go for it - and go hard.

If you can't do it, then medicine is clearly not the career for you. Maybe something else in healthcare? Something else entirely?

 

[aspirantmed]

Most MD schools have an absolute minimum of 3.0, and many screen out people with a GPA under 3.5 unless his/her MCAT score is stellar (35+). Unless you can do a complete 180 and get straight As in the remainder of your classes, MD schools are not really within reach.

DO schools, on the other hand, often have grade replacement programs. If you do well in the rest of your schooling and retake some of the classes in which you performed poorly, those grades will be replaced on your DO application, thus raising your GPA and putting you in a much better position to be accepted.

Best of luck.

If anything, this seems to be your best bet. As you progress further, it becomes harder to raise your GPA.

 

[FutureFACS]

I had a 2.6 after 2 years. Decided I wanted to go into medicine and have had a 4.0 since (two years), bringing my cGPA up to a 3.3 and my sGPA up to a 3.4. I busted my butt on the MCAT and got a 38 (12/12/14). Now I am applying to Low-Mid tier MD schools. As well as a few reach schools (just for fun). My point is that you have to use your poor start as fuel!!! Man it still gives me sooo much motivation knowing I have something to PROVE. I view my poor start as a strength of mine for this reason, and not a weakness.

 

[Student1222]

Thank you guys so much for your advice. It seems like everything is up to me. Again, thank you for your advice.

 

[Student1222]

I had a 2.6 after 2 years. Decided I wanted to go into medicine and have had a 4.0 since (two years), bringing my cGPA up to a 3.3 and my sGPA up to a 3.4. I busted my butt on the MCAT and got a 38 (12/12/14). Now I am applying to Low-Mid tier MD schools. As well as a few reach schools (just for fun). My point is that you have to use your poor start as fuel!!! Man it still gives me sooo much motivation knowing I have something to PROVE. I view my poor start as a strength of mine for this reason, and not a weakness.

how did you manage to turn it around that well? Do you have any advice for me?

 

[lobo.solo]

how did you manage to turn it around that well? Do you have any advice for me?

You just to be thirsty for it!!! Research good study habits, Get help from your school, be disciplined, work hard. Make small reachable goals that sustain your bigger goal if getting into med school. GL

 

[FutureFACS]

how did you manage to turn it around that well? Do you have any advice for me?

Just like totally re-imagine yourself and how you approach your classes. I went from passively sitting in class, to actively writing down everything the teacher said/starring what I thought was going to be tested and looking up anything I didn't completely understand.

 

[lazyindy]

how did you manage to turn it around that well? Do you have any advice for me?

like @lobo12 said you have to be hungry for it! When your schedule is set up for next semester. Take note of the professor's office hours and visit them the first week of classes and ask about tips and strategies to do excel in the course. Don't blatantly state "how do I get an A in this course", rather I would phrase it as "What would be your best advice to students in excelling at this course". Professors are always pleased to help out serious students. Also additional steps:

1. Clear out any family/friends related problems or other social issues out of the way quickly so they don't hinder your studying.

2. attend every class (can't stress this enough), yes I know most lectures are available online but going to class instills a sense of discipline which for me worked wonders.

3. try to review lecture material the same day as its taught. I know for upper division science classes this might be difficult but break it down into pieces. Do a little each night to better grasp the material.

4. Try to find time in your schedule to exercise and relax/socialize.

repeat steps 2-4

 

[lmn]

I would probably focus yourself to become a strong applicant for DO schools personally, grade replacement policies can really help salvage your gpa assuming you can do well. It is great to plan on getting all A's for the next two years, but in reality very few people can make that immense change, so banking on that kind of performance isn't necessarily the best plan.