shaky start in college

[Premed2500]

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Is anyone reapplying due to a shaky academic record mainly alot of withdrawals on transcripts? What were the questions asked by interviewers if any of u got that far? I plan on applying for 2006 but i am extremely concerned with multiple w's on transcripts none science classes. they were mainly from my freshman year and sophomore year due to serious personal circumstances. An entire year of w' s (8). then 3 during freshman year. any advice greatly appreciated

 

[icebrat001]

Is anyone reapplying due to a shaky academic record mainly alot of withdrawals on transcripts? What were the questions asked by interviewers if any of u got that far? I plan on applying for 2006 but i am extremely concerned with multiple w's on transcripts none science classes. they were mainly from my freshman year and sophomore year due to serious personal circumstances. An entire year of w' s (8). then 3 during freshman year. My overall gpa 3.36 mcat 34 sci= 3.45. any advice greatly appreciated

I haven't applied yet and I still have a while but I had this same problem, but I had really bad situations health and personal so i dont know.

I've been told that if they happen early on in your freshman year, not sure about sophomore and you complete all your other classes and do well from now to application time you had a good chance.

good luck

 

[Premed2500]

thanks for the input i have performed well in all my classes especially my science classes. I am just extremely scared of spending 2k plus and being rejected without even interviewing or getting a chance to explain my circumstances in detail

 

[xanthines]

Wow! You could be my application twin! 🙂

I have very very similar stats to you and I eventually got in. Most of my indiscretions were also during freshman year which torpedoed any shot having a decent GPA. In my case, I was just a punk and didn't study, though.

You don't necessarily have to explain bad grades in the personal statement. You can always write a separate letter, which at some schools, may be better since it will draw attention to your application. The letter should be sincere and adequately explain why you got W's and how it was a one-time thing and you've gotten over it, and that you are 110% confident you'll kick ass in med school.

I know this sounds cliche, but your essays need to be sincere and your letters of rec outstanding. I took a couple of years off to be a lab tech and I actually ended up loving it so much I applied to MD/PhD programs. My PS and secondaries were re-written a billion times and I know my letters of rec from the lab were great (the writers let me read them). You know what? I actually got accepted; and I'm a history major!

Your "numbers" are fine. Just be realistic about where to apply and be confident in the interview. Stay focused and positive throughout the process and you WILL get in somewhere.

-X

Is anyone reapplying due to a shaky academic record mainly alot of withdrawals on transcripts? What were the questions asked by interviewers if any of u got that far? I plan on applying for 2006 but i am extremely concerned with multiple w's on transcripts none science classes. they were mainly from my freshman year and sophomore year due to serious personal circumstances. An entire year of w' s (8). then 3 during freshman year. My overall gpa 3.36 mcat 34 sci= 3.45. any advice greatly appreciated

 

[virilep]

adcoms understand these personal problems. I mean if you call the office and talk to someone and tell them about your situation, they will be honest with you. f you want to increase your chances, do the Early decision. but I definately think you have a chance. 🙂

 

[Premed2500]

oh my god guys thanks for the vote of confidence but u know u really cannot take anything for granted. Xanthines i would love to pm u so that i could ask u a couple of question ifpossible. I would like to ask u both what schools would be adequate for me to apply to iam a ny resident and a urm. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[xanthines]

Sure, go ahead. I'll try to help.

-X

oh my god guys thanks for the vote of confidence but u know u really cannot take anything for granted. Xanthines i would love to pm u so that i could ask u a couple of question ifpossible. I would like to ask u both what schools would be adequate for me to apply to iam a ny resident and a urm. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[nodmochick]

hey
just to let you know
I am a med student and I had a bunch of withdrawal from my JUNIOR year also due to personal stuff but No one ever even asked me about it. I'm at a great medical school and I wouldn't worry to much about it.
😉

 

[fotolilith]

You'll get the interviews - just have a lot of people critique your personal statement and make good connections with the advisors who will write you rec letters.

Heck, my science GPA my last semester was nearly *twice* my science gpa from my first semester, and I got accepted: adcoms understand that humans are fallible (AS LONG as you clearly show that you have learned from your mistakes).

 

[Perrin]

My transcript has an F, W, D, and a few C's. I was a slacker for a while. When I made up my mind to do medicine, everything changed. All A's from then on. I pulled my gpa up to a 3.3. My interviewers asked me about some of my grades. I told them the truth. I was an idiot when I went to college, but I learned from my mistakes. They appreciated my honesty and a 12 days later I was accepted.

The most important thing is to show them that you learned from your mistakes.