Should I do a post bac?

[amar314]

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Hello everyone. I'm considering doing a post bac because of my GPA.

3.47-3.5 overall GPA and 3.2-3.3 sci GPA. Taking MCAT this April. Involved in a lot of research (2 labs, likely publication, presentations, scholarship) and long term volunteering (where I gained leadership) throughout college.

Any advice? Not sure if I need a SMP or what exactly. Thanks

Also do most people who do post bac programs get their LORs from those profs?

 

[Goro]

State of residence?????

Rising GPA trend???????

 

[freak7]

State of residence?????

Rising GPA trend???????

I believe OP is a FL resident.

 

[Goro]

With a rising GPA trend, several of the FL schools are doable.

Any DO school is on the table already.

 

[amar314]

State of residence?????

Rising GPA trend???????

I'm a Florida resident and I have a slight upward trend from Freshman to sophomore year but after that it's almost a downward trend. Thank you

 

[freak7]

How "downward" are we talking?

 

[amar314]

How "downward" are we talking?

Fall 13 - 2.44
Spring 14 - 3.92
Fall 14 - 3.76
Spring 15 - 3.75
Summer 15 - 3.91 Summer A and 3.33 Summer B (Orgo 2)
Fall 15 - 3.5
Spring 16 - 3.23
Summer 16 - 2.8
Fall 16 - 3.5

 

[Goro]

Yes, you definitely need to do a post-bac or SMP. At the minimum, retake all F/D/C science coursework and aim for DO schools.

If health or life issues were the cause of the GPA cratering, those need to be fixed first. The huge worry Adcoms will have right now is that you'll melt in med school.

 

[amar314]

Yes, you definitely need to do a post-bac or SMP. At the minimum, retake all F/D/C science coursework and aim for DO schools.

If health or life issues were the cause of the GPA cratering, those need to be fixed first. The huge worry Adcoms will have right now is that you'll melt in med school.

I retook a D+ and got an A- and I've only gotten 3 C's (1 of which is a C+ and the other was during my first semester in Anatomy). Would it be enough to retake those C's or do you recommend the full post bac?

Oh and I have 1 W in physics 1 which I retook and got the C+ 🙁

 

[Goro]

The fastest path for you to become a doctor will be to retake all F/D/C science coursework, do well on MCAT, and apply to DO schools.


IF you're boning for the MD degree, there are MD schools that reward reinvention. You'll need to ace all the classic pre-reqs, and ace either a post-bac (which can be DIY) or a SMP, ideally one given at a med school. Then also ace MCAT (513 or better, 33+ on the old scale).


Do not apply until you have the best possible app. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Med schools aren't going anywhere, and, in fact, by the time you apply, several more schools will have opened their doors.

 

[amar314]

The fastest path for you to become a doctor will be to retake all F/D/C science coursework, do well on MCAT, and apply to DO schools.


IF you're boning for the MD degree, there are MD schools that reward reinvention. You'll need to ace all the classic pre-reqs, and ace either a post-bac (which can be DIY) or a SMP, ideally one given at a med school. Then also ace MCAT (513 or better, 33+ on the old scale).


Do not apply until you have the best possible app. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Med schools aren't going anywhere, and, in fact, by the time you apply, several more schools will have opened their doors.

Thank you Goro. I honestly thought my GPA was fine for DO from what I've seen the averages are, so I'm at a standstill. I was planning on applying this cycle.

I took a look at the post bacc program at the Harvard Extension School, not sure if it's fitted for me, if anyone knows a bit about it I'd appreciate the info.

 

[Goro]

The downward trend is what concerns me.

Thank you Goro. I honestly thought my GPA was fine for DO from what I've seen the averages are, so I'm at a standstill. I was planning on applying this cycle.

I took a look at the post bacc program at the Harvard Extension School, not sure if it's fitted for me, if anyone knows a bit about it I'd appreciate the info.

 

[libertyyne]

Your gpa is not super competitive. Solid performance in a post bac would alleviate any concerns that adcoms would have. Doing super well on the MCAT may make some schools take you seriously. 515+ would be ideal and bring you into median matrriculant LizzyM territory.

 

[Dr.Kitty]

You mentioned Harvard Extension School... i've also considered this in the past, but what I think is definitely important to keep in mind is the reason you're doing a post bacc in the first place and if for some reason you can't be an excellent to perfect student with Harvard's rigorous coursework, well... you're even in a deeper hole. It's not to say you can't do it, but there's so many post bacc programs out there that would give you the same opportunities the extension school does. I've heard others mention it was very difficult to still keep extracurriculars going while handling Harvard''s coursework. Ultimately, you know yourself more than anyone on here.

 

[libertyyne]

Aren't you a urm? I would prep for the MCAT and apply .

 

[amar314]

You mentioned Harvard Extension School... i've also considered this in the past, but what I think is definitely important to keep in mind is the reason you're doing a post bacc in the first place and if for some reason you can't be an excellent to perfect student with Harvard's rigorous coursework, well... you're even in a deeper hole. It's not to say you can't do it, but there's so many post bacc programs out there that would give you the same opportunities the extension school does. I've heard others mention it was very difficult to still keep extracurriculars going while handling Harvard''s coursework. Ultimately, you know yourself more than anyone on here.

I think my grades began plummeting when I added in all my ECs sophomore year, I thought I could handle it but it was tough to study as much as before. Thank you though, the reason I looked into Harvard is because it had an easy application honestly. They don't require MCAT or LORs.

Would it be smarter to do a DIY post bac? I like the formal ones because they help you through the process but realistically I don't think I need to retake all my undergrad classes...at the same time the programs with linkages seem like a great option, albeit their admissions is tougher.

 

[amar314]

Aren't you a urm? I would prep for the MCAT and apply .

I'm Cuban (born there), is that even URM in FL?

 

[amar314]

Another thing is that I feel like DIY post bac are more suited for DO schools, if I'm looking at delaying med school by 2 years I'd ideally want to get into MD.

 

[Dr.Kitty]

I think my grades began plummeting when I added in all my ECs sophomore year, I thought I could handle it but it was tough to study as much as before. Thank you though, the reason I looked into Harvard is because it had an easy application honestly. They don't require MCAT or LORs.

Would it be smarter to do a DIY post bac? I like the formal ones because they help you through the process but realistically I don't think I need to retake all my undergrad classes...at the same time the programs with linkages seem like a great option, albeit their admissions is tougher.

Yeah i get what you're saying, I saw Harvard and I kind of fell in love with the idea of going to Harvard rather than at first thinking of what was best for me in my situation. Honestly though, with your GPA I don't see how you wouldn't be competitive for SMPs if you really wanted to do it (especially if you do well on the MCAT). You could do DIY, formal or the SMP, I think the thing that matters the most in deciding is knowing where you stand in your confidence to do well and how much you value being guided through the process. SMP will require a lot more from you than the formal or the DIY, but can bring about better rewards if you get to do really well and want to make sure you go MD (if you go to one at MD school). I personally think SMPs are risky, but a risk sometimes worth taking.

 

[amar314]

Yeah i get what you're saying, I saw Harvard and I kind of fell in love with the idea of going to Harvard rather than at first thinking of what was best for me in my situation. Honestly though, with your GPA I don't see how you wouldn't be competitive for SMPs if you really wanted to do it (especially if you do well on the MCAT). You could do DIY, formal or the SMP, I think the thing that matters the most in deciding is knowing where you stand in your confidence to do well and how much you value being guided through the process. SMP will require a lot more from you than the formal or the DIY, but can bring about better rewards if you get to do really well and want to make sure you go MD (if you go to one at MD school). I personally think SMPs are risky, but a risk sometimes worth taking.

That's pretty much me, I know what you mean. At this point I'm thinking of retaking the C's (3 classes) and maybe a few upper level courses at a community college. Would this be okay? If DO is the only option then I'll take it. Would this CC route hinder my MD chances though? Thanks for you help 🙂 I have a lot of passion to become a physician but I really needed this gap year (which now is nonexistent) and doing a rigorous SMP is not something I'd look forward to if I really sit and think about it. I think retaking those courses where I didn't do so well should be fine considering my GPA isn't like a 3.0 or anything. Someone correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[Dr.Kitty]

That's pretty much me, I know what you mean. At this point I'm thinking of retaking the C's (3 classes) and maybe a few upper level courses at a community college. Would this be okay? If DO is the only option then I'll take it. Would this CC route hinder my MD chances though? Thanks for you help 🙂 I have a lot of passion to become a physician but I really needed this gap year (which now is nonexistent) and doing a rigorous SMP is not something I'd look forward to if I really sit and think about it. I think retaking those courses where I didn't do so well should be fine considering my GPA isn't like a 3.0 or anything. Someone correct me if I'm wrong!

Retaking the C's and doing upper level coursework sounds great, but doing it at a community college does come with it's downfalls since you are trying to prove you can handle university level work. It could potentially look like you're trying to avoid hard classes, even though i'm sure those are not your intentions. That could ruin your chances not just with MD, but with DO too. If you had a rising trend, things would be different, but since your downfall was very recent, I definitely do not suggest CC classes. I would take them at a 4 year and if you do well, you stand a very very strong chance with DO since you took advantage of grade replacement and a better chance at MD having taken upper level courses as well.

 

[amar314]

Retaking the C's and doing upper level coursework sounds great, but doing it at a community college does come with it's downfalls since you are trying to prove you can handle university level work. It could potentially look like you're trying to avoid hard classes, even though i'm sure those are not your intentions. That could ruin your chances not just with MD, but with DO too. If you had a rising trend, things would be different, but since your downfall was very recent, I definitely do not suggest CC classes. I would take them at a 4 year and if you do well, you stand a very very strong chance with DO since you took advantage of grade replacement and a better chance at MD having taken upper level courses as well.

That's true, I don't even know why I thought that! My head is everywhere right now trying to put these pieces together since I have to decide what to do soon.
So I'll do those classes at a university. I have kind of an option I'm weighing in my head. I can graduate in the summer and use that semester to retake 2 classes at my university. Should I do that? Or just graduate and take the classes at another 4 year uni (moving back home probably).

One more thing (sorry!) do you have any idea if most people who do these post bacs get their LORs from those classes? I'm going to need writers for 1 sci and 1 non sci and it's looking unlikely that I'll get that next semester. The rest of my letters I can ask a prof who I've known for a while.

 

[Dr.Kitty]

That's true, I don't even know why I thought that! My head is everywhere right now trying to put these pieces together since I have to decide what to do soon.
So I'll do those classes at a university. I have kind of an option I'm weighing in my head. I can graduate in the summer and use that semester to retake 2 classes at my university. Should I do that? Or just graduate and take the classes at another 4 year uni (moving back home probably).

One more thing (sorry!) do you have any idea if most people who do these post bacs get their LORs from those classes? I'm going to need writers for 1 sci and 1 non sci and it's looking unlikely that I'll get that next semester. The rest of my letters I can ask a prof who I've known for a while.

No worries, you definitely have a lot of different options so I can see how your head might be spinning right now. There's nothing wrong with starting on those 2 retakes during the summer, the sooner the better for you. It doesn't matter if you do some at one and then do some at another, just as long as you perform well. Yeah, you can definitely get your LOR from your new professors coming up. It can also help you to be involved with your coursework and do well in your classes if you're forced to go to their office hours and get to know them anyhow lol just make sure they write you strong letters.

 

[freak7]

I'm Cuban (born there), is that even URM in FL?

It is not.

 

[libertyyne]

It is not.

That is interesting I was under the impression that it was urm. I know of an applicant who claimed urm status as a Cuban.

 

[freak7]

That is interesting I was under the impression that it was urm. I know of an applicant who claimed urm status as a Cuban.

"Before June 26, 2003, the AAMC used the term "underrepresented minority (URM)," which consisted of Blacks, Mexican-Americans, Native Americans (that is, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians), and mainland Puerto Ricans. The AAMC remains committed to ensuring access to medical education and medicine-related careers for individuals from these four historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups." Source

Now they refer to the Grutter decision (5-4's are always such interesting reads!!), but the point pretty much remains the same.

(Somewhat off topic) If we Mexican-Americans weren't well aware that there was an overrepresentation of Cuban doctors when compared to the total Hispanic population, Vic Palmero would've never been a character on George Lopez

 

[Lucca]

That is interesting I was under the impression that it was urm. I know of an applicant who claimed urm status as a Cuban.

They can check the Hispanic / Latino box but they will not be treated as URM for admissions purposes.

 

[amar314]

I didn't know there were that many Cuban docs all over the U.S but whatever, I'm still a Hispanic female if that helps me in any way. I'm calculating what my sci GPA would be for DO if I retook those 3 classes and added 3 upper levels and it would only go up to a measly 3.48. Is it even worth it, do I need to add more upper levels?
Thanks everybody for the input!

 

[amar314]

Does anyone know if I'd have to register as a non degree seeking student for the DIY? Just don't want to mess this up

 

[luckyely91]

Are you alright with doing the DO route? If so, it wouldn't hurt to contact certain schools and apply to them. Some schools reward an uprising trend, whereas some don't. It also depends on your overall GPA, from what I've been told - not your individual GPA from each semester. Good luck!

As for the "non degree seeking student" question, it depends. I have had friends who have done it that way. You can explain to the medical schools you're applying that you already graduated, but was hoping to retake classes for improvement. 🙂

 

[amar314]

Are you alright with doing the DO route? If so, it wouldn't hurt to contact certain schools and apply to them. Some schools reward an uprising trend, whereas some don't. It also depends on your overall GPA, from what I've been told - not your individual GPA from each semester. Good luck!

As for the "non degree seeking student" question, it depends. I have had friends who have done it that way. You can explain to the medical schools you're applying that you already graduated, but was hoping to retake classes for improvement. 🙂

Thank you! It's a lot to take in and all this post bac information is overwhelming since I'm not sure what the best road is. By next semester my DO Science GPA is 3.42 and overall is 3.58 without having to do anything else. So it's hard for me to take out a whole year to retake some classes to barely raise it up.

 

[luckyely91]

Thank you! It's a lot to take in and all this post bac information is overwhelming since I'm not sure what the best road is. By next semester my DO Science GPA is 3.42 and overall is 3.58 without having to do anything else. So it's hard for me to take out a whole year to retake some classes to barely raise it up.

Yeah, I hear you! Hang in there! I think you're a good candidate for some DO schools. I decided to do go the DO route as opposed to MD since I find that DO schools look at you holistically, and not just at your stats. Again, I would strongly recommend that you contact the Admissions Coordinator for whichever school are you are interested in, and go from there. Some may advise you to retake classes, whereas some may say that you are competitive enough! You may be surprised. 🙂