Sophomore awaiting your constructive criticism.

[Pwny]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi guys. I'm a sophomore majoring in environmental toxicology with an intended neuroscience minor, and I'd greatly appreciate a few ears, hints, criticism (whether it's constructive or not doesn't bother me too much- it's SDN! 😉), anecdotes, and pretty much whatever you want to throw at me.

I had a difficult time adjusting to college as a freshman. I was lost, unhappy, and life decided to lay some turds on me all at once... it was overwhelming. My grades were hit hard, and it scared me having never experienced such failure before.

My first quarter of sophomore year wasn't too hot as well. I was hoping to start showing that upward trend, but it was more of a slow slope than anything. I talked to my professor, and I realized that I had to change my ways of studying. It's not that I don't study, it's more so that I never stopped studying, and had lost efficiency. My academic transcript is horrific. There are A's to F's, so I've covered the whole rainbow in grades. My GPA is currently a 2.93.

I know this is a typical thread many of you see, so I apologize for the repetition. However, I'm curious what you would do in my situation. My plans are to go through a postbac to enhance my academic record, as I cannot see a way of successfully getting accepted into a US allopathic school without it. If I'm set on this path towards medical school, are there required premed classes I should avoid taking in my undergrad? I've taken two quarters of calc, fulfilled my year of genchem, and will be finishing my year of bio after the new quarter begins. I will be starting ochem as well.

As for my neuroscience minor, should I put that aside or concentrate on showing that upward trend? I have an option of creating my own neuroscience specialization through my Etox major if minoring isn't a possibility, so would they care to see that neuroscience minor? I'm passionate about neuroscience but at this point, whatever is going to help me is most important.

 

[TexasPhysician]

I really don't think the minor will add anything, especially if you will also have a post-bacc.

Just work on getting the best grades you can, and smash the MCAT in the face.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I really don't think the minor will add anything, especially if you will also have a post-bacc.

Just work on getting the best grades you can, and smash the MCAT in the face.

cough he's a sophomore considering a post-bacc..

to the OP
start getting your grades up.. you need to put all your effort into school..
any F's and D's retake them..
and taking a extra minor might help.. a bit..
but my thoughts are..
do very very very well from now on..
you still got a chance of ending your 4th year with a 3.5 gpa..
then you'll need to try your best to do good on the mcat.. if you get a 28-30 you'll be good for DO and maybe some MD, 30+ you'll probably be good for MD...
i think you should switch majors though.. neuroscience is extremely hard.. i'd switch into biology.. that would slightly.. improve your grades and give a easier work load...
but yes.. change majors..
and apply your 4th year..
if necessary take a 5th year to get gpa up..
you dont need a post-bacc because thats mostly for ppl who cant get into SMP's
you just need to try to get your gpa up.. if that means taking easier work.. go for it..
medical schools will take a basket-waving major with a 4.0 over a neuroscience major with a 3.5 any day..
so no shame in just doing psych or bio..

 

[abbilation]

Next semester try taking an easier course load to get a handle on your grades and figure out what you would need to change to start doing better. I would continue taking your pre-reqs just don't take too many at the same time until you become a stronger student and know you can make good grades in them. Also luckily grades aren't the only important factor for getting into medical school. Make an awesome MCAT score and be sure to have a lot of volunteer hours and leadership experience. If your gpa isn't quite competitive enough for allo then don't hesitate to apply for osteo schools. They have some great programs and you can still match into an allopathic residency.

 

[Pwny]

Thanks for all your input. I've decided to just stick with the etox major and put off the neuroscience minor since I would only be putting myself through a strained undergrad with the official minor.

Doing a post-bacc is still at the back of my mind. The thing is I also want to do some volunteer work outside of the country before medical school, so I'm not sure how to factor all that in... perhaps I'll wait before applying.

Last but not least, when does one seriously begin considering doing a post-bacc to improve their academic record, or what are the big flashing neon indicators for most who do end up doing it? I guess this can be different for many people depending on what the post-bacc is for, but if anyone has gone through this or has known someone who has, that'd be helpful.

 

[scapermoya]

the major you take almost does not matter at all. go for a major you are actually interested in slash allows you to do well in prereqs. don't aim for 'medical' majors if that's not your bag.

at my university, the major with the highest acceptance rate to medical school is philosophy. go figure.

 

[NickNaylor]

I think most people consider doing a post-bacc only when they cross that bridge (i.e., they've received no acceptances after going through one application cycle). It's great that you're planning ahead, but I'd still encourage you to apply when the times comes. It would suck to spend that extra time when you really didn't need to, and you can't say with certainty that you won't get in everywhere, especially if you stay on top of your business in the remaining quarters.

Best of luck.

 

[Pwny]

I think most people consider doing a post-bacc only when they cross that bridge (i.e., they've received no acceptances after going through one application cycle). It's great that you're planning ahead, but I'd still encourage you to apply when the times comes. It would suck to spend that extra time when you really didn't need to, and you can't say with certainty that you won't get in everywhere, especially if you stay on top of your business in the remaining quarters.

Best of luck.

I see, many thanks for the clarification.

Scapermoya- I do enjoy toxicology and neuroscience. Originally, I planned to be a straight-edge biosci major, but being an etox major gives me an opportunity to explore a wide variety of my interests. Its flexibility makes it a perfect fit. 😀