Should I continue with what I am doing?

[chrishousesomg]

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I currently graduated UCLA with a 2.48 science GPA at UCLA and my regular GPA is about the same. I currently enrolled in the UCLA extension Pre-Health Program to repeat almost all the pre-req courses (which is where my GPA suffered). I applied to several post-baccs but I was certain that none of them would take me with my GPA. Neither a masters program. My plan is to do well in the pre-reqs (currently taking 1 and have an A in it) and apply to a masters or a well structured post bacc that would provide more rigorous course work. Should I still continue with this plan? I have lab experience for the past 5 years and finally work full time as a research associate in a bone cancer institute. I currently have a paper being published next month and hopefully within the next year or so, have 1-2 more papers I will be on. I have not taken the MCAT or GRE but plan on doing so soon. I feel pretty confident about my outside experience but lack the academic portion of my application. Any advice if I am doing the right move with UCLA extension?

**My end goal is to become a psychiatrist FYI if that information is important.

 

[Dr.Kitty]

If you're looking into being a DO, keep retaking the pre-reqs and take the MCAT. If you're looking into being an MD, things are a little more complicated because a full degree with a 2.48 will take an immense amount of credits to raise it up to a 3.3+ and even then, people would suggest an SMP. My end goal is to become a Psychiatrist as well, keep going! I've heard UCLA is a tough school.

 

[chrishousesomg]

If you're looking into being a DO, keep retaking the pre-reqs and take the MCAT. If you're looking into being an MD, things are a little more complicated because a full degree with a 2.48 will take an immense amount of credits to raise it up to a 3.3+ and even then, people would suggest an SMP. My end goal is to become a Psychiatrist as well, keep going! I've heard UCLA is a tough school.

Well I was pretty set on doing MD ha :/

 

[jqueb29]

Well I was pretty set on doing MD ha :/

Unfortunately, you likely have literally zero chance at MD. On the right track for DO, but MD is long gone.

 

[Dr.Kitty]

Well I was pretty set on doing MD ha :/

MD is still possible, but it would mean multiple more years of undergraduate work. Meaning, you would most likely try to get a second or even third degree depending on how many credits you have taken. After pretty much making sure you get A's throughout those courses and you get somewhere around a 3.2-3.4 cumulative GPA range, then you would have to complete another year of an SMP to prove you are ready for allopathic medical schools. You could apply to medical school while you are in the SMP, but keep in mind if you don't do well during the SMP your chances of becoming a physician tank after all of that hard work. So in essence, take about 3-5 years to complete multiple degrees (and probably re-take pre-reqs anyway) & do a SMP OR retake courses. Both MD & DO are open, you just need to choose which one appeals to your time, money, and goals better. I'm keeping a very open mind when it comes to becoming a Psychiatrist through the DO route, but of course everyone initially wants to have an MD besides their names.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Well I was pretty set on doing MD ha :/

With a 2.48 GPA.... Stop dreaming and come back to reality. Your only chance is grade replacement for DO. I don't see how MD is even an option at this point. DO isn't even an option without multiple semesters of retakes.

 

[chrishousesomg]

Well thanks for replies guys 🙂

 

[IlyaR]

Only chance at MD is through an SMP. Best shot at getting into one is to show at the very least a semester or two of straight As, then crush the MCAT (95%+)