some insight

[gene2011]

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I had a pretty bad first year and a half thus I had to repeat (got D's) in 4 courses. With that said (averaging the retakes) my:
cGPA: 2.87
sGPA: 2.71
MCAT: 10/11/10 W
Major: Genetics; school ranking in subject area is 24 nationally

I plan on applying early this September to all DPM schools.

To help my low GPA's I have been working as a CNA, shadowing a DPM hoping to get a great LOR from him and also doing research.

Advice on anything else I can do to help my application?

 

[g squared 23]

If any buildings in your area are on fire, rush in and save a newborn baby and as many others as possible. Also, a healthy donation to the APMA wouldn't hurt either 😀

But in all seriousness, you should at least be competitive. Really good MCAT (for podiatry) which shows that you have the ability to succeed. They definitely will ask you about your very low GPA (even by pod school standards) and will be worried about your ability to be consistent over the long haul. You need to have a good reason and convince them that you've changed and become much more consistent. Be honest and confident and they'll probably buy it.

But first and foremost, you need to DRILL/ACE/DEMOLISH your classes this semester and hopefully some of those are science classes. If you show that you're "on the rise", they'll hopefully overlook your poor performance in some of your other classes.

Your extracurriculars are good, especially the research. Just having done research (i.e. going through the motions) isn't going to cut it. You need to know show some knowledge of the area you researched and really understand what you were/are working on. Don't be a braggart about it, but be an expert in that area as much as possible.

If you have time, perhaps consider some volunteer work, but NOT at the expense of your classes this semester. Those come first. Not your girlfriend, mother, social life, your job (quit if you have to) or even your dog. Grades should be it. If you are serious about getting in, working your tail off for one semester and putting everything else aside shouldn't be a big deal. If you can't handle that, schools might wonder if you're cut out for the long haul. The MCAT is one test. In Pod school we have dozens per semester and so consistency is key.

 

[spo01]

You're fine for a few, but what is your reason behind such a low gpa? Some schools have a minimum cut off. The fact you said your first 1.5 years means the following years would be better thus show an upward trend which is good. Genetics is tough, but not 4 D's tough. My roomate in my post bac was in a similar situation, the guy is a pure inspiration. He graduated college with ~2.8 gpa. Got his life together and his post bac work bumped him up to a ~3.2. Sheer upward trend. Took his MCAT and got a 34. Worked in hospitals and volunteered like no other. He was accepted into his state MD school shortly afterwards.

 

[catchburns]

I had a pretty bad first year and a half thus I had to repeat (got D's) in 4 courses. With that said (averaging the retakes) my:
cGPA: 2.87
sGPA: 2.71
MCAT: 10/11/10 W
Major: Genetics; school ranking in subject area is 24 nationally

I plan on applying early this September to all DPM schools.

To help my low GPA's I have been working as a CNA, shadowing a DPM hoping to get a great LOR from him and also doing research.

Advice on anything else I can do to help my application?

So, I hate to be the one to call BS on your MCAT score but the writing sample is only scored between J and T... so that would make a W quite impossible.

 

[pacpod]

I have to agree with g squared 23, do what you can to bring that GPA up, if anything, for the upward trend. Good MCAT tho ... except the W writing score, I gotta call that along with catchburns.

 

[gene2011]

apologies typo not W i got an O...sorry.
there has been an upward trend starting 3 semesters ago 3.1, 3.11, 3.8

i guess it is worth applying and seeing what happens.

thanks all

 

[Popat Lal]

dude Apply already. the earlier u do it, the MUCH better ur chances....my cGPA is 2.84, sGPA is 2.60, and 20 on the DAT....i just got done with my interview at Temple.....as long as u indicate that your have not been living up 2 ur potential, and Podiatry School is where you'll shine, ur good.....i'll find out in bout a week if I got in. I'll keep you posted.............but yea, dont give up hope..

 

[air bud]

dude Apply already. the earlier u do it, the MUCH better ur chances....my cGPA is 2.84, sGPA is 2.60, and 20 on the DAT....i just got done with my interview at Temple.....as long as u indicate that your have not been living up 2 ur potential, and Podiatry School is where you'll shine, ur good.....i'll find out in bout a week if I got in. I'll keep you posted.............but yea, dont give up hope..

at 30k that first year is a lot if you don't live up "2 ur potential."

So while Popat is correct, you should apply sooner than later, make sure you have successfully identified and corrected the behaviors that led you to your current situation.

 

[Shireiqiang]

at 30k that first year is a lot if you don't live up "2 ur potential."

So while Popat is correct, you should apply sooner than later, make sure you have successfully identified and corrected the behaviors that led you to your current situation.

I agree! Just getting in can be an expensive thing if you can't change your habits and fail out after the first year. The most important thing you can do is prove that those first 1.5 years are gone and behind you.