MD Soliciting Advice for Admissions

[saurusrawr]

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Hello everyone! I am new to the forum.

Currently, I am a software engineer. But after much thought, I would really love to become a psychiatrist.

While I did attend Harvard, my GPA is exactly 3.3--it's even worse to ADCOM because the average GPA here is 3.7 (sad). I honestly barely studied since most of my focus were devoted to learning actual things to become a competent software engineer.

Cost of grad school is not really a major factor for me. So would an MPH help me? Or is it a marginal help not worth of 2 years?

And any thoughts on publications? Do you aim for a certain number of publications?

 

[deleted480308]

Prereq gpa? Have you taken a practice mcat to know your range? Do you just want to be a doctor or an MD from an “upper” school?

 

[Goro]

Currently, I am a software engineer. But after much thought, I would really love to become a psychiatrist.
Start shadowing some doctors

While I did attend Harvard, my GPA is exactly 3.3--it's even worse to ADCOM because the average GPA here is 3.7 (sad).
A 3.3 from anywhere is the issue, not just one from Harvard, at least for MD schools. You're fine for DO schools, including mine

Cost of grad school is not really a major factor for me. So would an MPH help me? Or is it a marginal help not worth of 2 years?
Nope. I suggest that if you're boning for the MD, do an SMP, or a DIY post-bac. And even more importantly, volunteer with patients so you know what you're getting into.

Most med school acceptees do NOT have publications. It's hard enough for grad students!
And any thoughts on publications? Do you aim for a certain number of publications?

 

[3toedsloth]

@Goro said everything I would've said and more. But I have to emphasize that I really agree with the advice that you should not do a masters.

Do a DIY post bac. 2 bio, 2 gen chem, 2 organic chem, 2 physics, 2 math, 1-2 biochem plus extra in these areas if possible. Try to pull as close to a 4.0 as possible.