Hey everyone!
I would like some advice on my current situation, I have looked at many threads that are similar but none are truly similar to mine.
I will be graduating from undergrad Spring 2018. My cum gpa will end up being around a 2.9 (Its abysmal) but I am willing to continue working to get to where I have to be. I want to become a physician in order to serve the poor and underserved community, I grew up in an immigrant and migrant community and I see the tremendous need for health care. When I see the need it pushes me to not give up.
As of now, I am considering the Master's program at USF and overall looking at some SMP's but I am honestly confused about what my next step should be. I have made many appointments with my advisors over these past semesters but I can never obtain a clear sense of direction. I always get the "Pick another career" talk but I won't give up just yet. I am aware of the tremendous work that has to be done.
My original plan was to do DIY-postbacc but I don't think that my GPA will increase dramatically. This is the reason why I have opted for an SMP. Here is a little background about me. No MCAT yet, will be taking next year. Going for MD or DO. Should I do retakes then apply to SMP or shoot directly for the SMP?
-First generation high school and college graduate. Female (23) Hispanic from El Salvador background.
-live in Florida now (would like to remain here due to family difficulties)
-400 hours as a medical assistant intern in freshman year of high school
-180 of shadowing (pediatrics and family medicine)
-260 hours of volunteering at a clinic for the poor and the uninsured
- 1,032.5 hours Sunday school teaching for children ages 3-6 (since 2010)
not only do I teach during Sunday school but I also tutor children at my church for free since many of them are also the first generation here in the U.S and language is also a barrier.
-Fundraising chair for a club on campus
-Youth group leader at my local church since 2009 (also work and mentor the youth)
I come from a disadvantaged background and one of the reasons why my GPA is a bit low is due to balancing school and work while working in the agricultural field with my parents. Illness and loss of grandmother which caused me to become responsible for siblings for a couple of months every year.
Thank you for reading my long post but I would like to know what alternatives I have. I know it's difficult to say since I haven't taken my MCAT yet but how could I go on and become a great applicant.
Thank you for your time!
EDIT: The USF program is one year and a Masters degree is awarded but to apply you need 3.0 GPA and a 490 MCAT.
I would like some advice on my current situation, I have looked at many threads that are similar but none are truly similar to mine.
I will be graduating from undergrad Spring 2018. My cum gpa will end up being around a 2.9 (Its abysmal) but I am willing to continue working to get to where I have to be. I want to become a physician in order to serve the poor and underserved community, I grew up in an immigrant and migrant community and I see the tremendous need for health care. When I see the need it pushes me to not give up.
As of now, I am considering the Master's program at USF and overall looking at some SMP's but I am honestly confused about what my next step should be. I have made many appointments with my advisors over these past semesters but I can never obtain a clear sense of direction. I always get the "Pick another career" talk but I won't give up just yet. I am aware of the tremendous work that has to be done.
My original plan was to do DIY-postbacc but I don't think that my GPA will increase dramatically. This is the reason why I have opted for an SMP. Here is a little background about me. No MCAT yet, will be taking next year. Going for MD or DO. Should I do retakes then apply to SMP or shoot directly for the SMP?
-First generation high school and college graduate. Female (23) Hispanic from El Salvador background.
-live in Florida now (would like to remain here due to family difficulties)
-400 hours as a medical assistant intern in freshman year of high school
-180 of shadowing (pediatrics and family medicine)
-260 hours of volunteering at a clinic for the poor and the uninsured
- 1,032.5 hours Sunday school teaching for children ages 3-6 (since 2010)
not only do I teach during Sunday school but I also tutor children at my church for free since many of them are also the first generation here in the U.S and language is also a barrier.
-Fundraising chair for a club on campus
-Youth group leader at my local church since 2009 (also work and mentor the youth)
I come from a disadvantaged background and one of the reasons why my GPA is a bit low is due to balancing school and work while working in the agricultural field with my parents. Illness and loss of grandmother which caused me to become responsible for siblings for a couple of months every year.
Thank you for reading my long post but I would like to know what alternatives I have. I know it's difficult to say since I haven't taken my MCAT yet but how could I go on and become a great applicant.
Thank you for your time!
EDIT: The USF program is one year and a Masters degree is awarded but to apply you need 3.0 GPA and a 490 MCAT.
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