Should I do a pos bacc or improve grades

[fm543]

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I have a 2.95 GPA, MCAT score of 20, significan volunteering and research experience, with three publications in very prestigious journals. I plan on applying for DO medical schools. Question is, should I try o improve my low GPA science classes (Biology C+ and Physics B-), A in organic chemistry, B in Chemistry or go for a post bacc course?

 

[Catalystik]

To take advantage of the DO grade replacement policy, how many classes would you need to replace with As to get your GPA up to a 3.3-3.4 or so? If you can do this, the expense is likely to be considerably less for you than if you entered a formal postbac program.

Why do you feel your MCAT score was low? Was it just bad luck, or do you feel you didn't adequately master the prerequisite material?

 

[fm543]

Actually my MCAT is 29

 

[anfleisch]

Your best bet would be to follow the advice of Catalystik and to chose the 5 courses or so that would best improve your sGPA with grade replacement. For instance, replace the biology and physics grades with As as well as any other poor grades. You will save you money and you should be in decent shape for a DO acceptance with a 3.3ish, 29 MCAT.

 

[TriagePreMed]

If you're going to rely most strongly on retakes, I'd suggest getting that GPA as high as possible (3.5+). If you'll take a few new, challenging and upper division, courses, you could probably get away with a 3.3/29. Keep in mind, though, that the current average stats for DO are 3.5/27.

 

[Catalystik]

Actually my MCAT is 29

That's way better than the 20 you posted by accident. So, only one hurdle to overcome in that case.

You might try using this DO GPA calculation spreadsheet: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=450050 to help you figure the least number of class retakes it would take to get your GPA into a more competitive range.

 

[fm543]

SO you think a post bacc in a DO specific medical school is out of the question? So do you think it has no value? I was thinking of a LECOM or Midwestern DO specific post bacc course.

 

[TriagePreMed]

SO you think a post bacc in a DO specific medical school is out of the question? So do you think it has no value? I was thinking of a LECOM or Midwestern DO specific post bacc course.

Well, it could help you gain admission there, but it isn't a requirement that you must do it there to get a DO admission somewhere. It could be cheaper somewhere else, but if money is not the issue and you like that school, go for it.

 

[Catalystik]

SO you think a post bacc in a DO specific medical school is out of the question? So do you think it has no value? I was thinking of a LECOM or Midwestern DO specific post bacc course.

If the cost is not an obstacle for you, and you excel in the program, it would be very valuable, particularly if it is a Special Masters Program or similar.

 

[fm543]

So if cost is no an issue, then what would help me more, a post bacc or re-taking a few courses?

 

[Catalystik]

A formal postbac is generally a rigid preset curriculum which is very intense and leaves no room for error. If you do poorly, your chances for med school may be destroyed for all time. If you take the approach of retaking coursework, you can do so at your own pace, even part-time, choose your own classes and teachers, and even retake again if the second effort doesn't give you the results you need. Either path could be equally successful if you perform very well.