Should I stop?

[QueenJames]

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Hey guys/gals,

Just finished my first DIY post-bacc year back at the CC I went to before I transferred to a 4-year. Took 21 units total (including 2 retakes for my O-chem courses). Got 4.0 for all 21 units. Have been doing ECs on side. So far, if retakes count properly, my GPA will be 3.39 sGPA and cGPA. Should I stop? If I take anymore classes, like micro and/or physio, GPA will move up to 3.42 for sGPA. Taking MCAT in 2 months. Was planning on getting a job as a scribe or maybe finding another EC to do while I gear up and get my applications ready for next year?

Is 21 units enough for a DIY post-bacc? I have certainly changed my ways since undergrad (was certainly NOT ready to transfer to a university especially under the circumstances at the time) and have been taking everything much more seriously.

 

[DoctorKrieger]

A 4.0 for the last 21 credits is great. a 3.39 will be alright for most DO schools, obviously the 4.42 is better, but if you need to take that time to study solely for the MCAT ,I wouldn't worry about taking additional classes as much. Getting a solid MCAT score is much more important than picking up another EC at this point, you can do that after you take the MCAT. IMO, focus on the MCAT for now, and pick up an EC after that. Your MCAT is likely before any fall courses start, so just study hardcore for the MCAT for now. If you haven't taken even an intro micro course, you should probably do that regardless.

 

[QueenJames]

A 4.0 for the last 21 credits is great. a 3.39 will be alright for most DO schools, obviously the 4.42 is better, but if you need to take that time to study solely for the MCAT ,I wouldn't worry about taking additional classes as much. Getting a solid MCAT score is much more important than picking up another EC at this point, you can do that after you take the MCAT. IMO, focus on the MCAT for now, and pick up an EC after that. Your MCAT is likely before any fall courses start, so just study hardcore for the MCAT for now. If you haven't taken even an intro micro course, you should probably do that regardless.

Appreciate the sound advice Krieger. I am studying for the MCAT as I type this (well, I should be atleast lol). Have taken a microbio course at the 4 year university I went to (one of my upper divs for my major) and took an into to micro course as well. Got an A and a B+ respectively in those courses.

 

[BenzylAcetate]

A 4.0 for the last 21 credits is great. a 3.39 will be alright for most DO schools, obviously the 4.42 is better, but if you need to take that time to study solely for the MCAT ,I wouldn't worry about taking additional classes as much. Getting a solid MCAT score is much more important than picking up another EC at this point, you can do that after you take the MCAT. IMO, focus on the MCAT for now, and pick up an EC after that. Your MCAT is likely before any fall courses start, so just study hardcore for the MCAT for now. If you haven't taken even an intro micro course, you should probably do that regardless.

+1

Having an MCAT score will really determine your next step. If you do well (>=28) and your extra curriculars are up to par you should be good to go. The number of credits isn't as important as the GPA you ultimately apply with. I did a similar DIY post bacc and only took 17, several interviews and acceptances. It sounds like you've put in quite a bit of work, just one small hurdle left!

 

[QueenJames]

+1

Having an MCAT score will really determine your next step. If you do well (>=28) and your extra curriculars are up to par you should be good to go. The number of credits isn't as important as the GPA you ultimately apply with. I did a similar DIY post bacc and only took 17, several interviews and acceptances. It sounds like you've put in quite a bit of work, just one small hurdle left!

I really appreciate the uplifting advice Benzyl. Congrats on your acceptances and may you be blessed with tremendous good fortune in your future pursuits. I REALLY want/need a 30 (don't we all?) and hopefully everything goes well. I do have solid ECs (that touch base with everything I wanted to) in my opinion (DO shadowing (little more than 15 hours), MD shadowing (more than 100 hours), family business work, tutoring, and health clinic volunteering).

 

[QueenJames]

Bump. Any more advice? (*cough* @Goro *cough*)

 

[Goro]

I think you're ready to start applying!

Hey guys/gals,

Just finished my first DIY post-bacc year back at the CC I went to before I transferred to a 4-year. Took 21 units total (including 2 retakes for my O-chem courses). Got 4.0 for all 21 units. Have been doing ECs on side. So far, if retakes count properly, my GPA will be 3.39 sGPA and cGPA. Should I stop? If I take anymore classes, like micro and/or physio, GPA will move up to 3.42 for sGPA. Taking MCAT in 2 months. Was planning on getting a job as a scribe or maybe finding another EC to do while I gear up and get my applications ready for next year?

Is 21 units enough for a DIY post-bacc? I have certainly changed my ways since undergrad (was certainly NOT ready to transfer to a university especially under the circumstances at the time) and have been taking everything much more seriously.