Starting Pre-Med with 2.2GPA

[Xenogan]

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Hello,

I am 30 years old and a Network Engineer. I currently make over $100,000 but decided I want to give it all up to become a doctor. However, I have encountered one major obstacle... I have a previous Associates degree (80 hours) which a GPA of 2.2.
In order to get even close to competitive (3.2 GPA) for my medical school application I will need to get a 4.0 in all semesters through my new undergrad program.. This will be hard, that is 3-4 years of perfect grades.
Is there any way I can start clean? I finished my Associates in February 2011.
If I cannot start clean, is there any other suggestions on what I might do? I am definitely going to try either way, I just don't want to go through 4 years of school just to be denied by Medical Schools for having a low GPA.

 

[premedmommyx2]

A lot of times, schools will look at improvement. So if you can go back to school (years later, at that) and maintain a really good GPA, that will help. Also, if you can do well on the MCAT, I wouldn't worry too much. Most schools have a holistic view, so if you do those two things, write well and have good ECs, youll be fine 🙂

 

[rufflev]

The only fresh start program I am aware of is Texas's Academic Fresh Start; however, you need to have earned a bachelor's degree as one of the requirements.

If you do well in school (maintain an upward trend and raise your c/sGPA > 3.0) and on the MCAT (~508 for all DO and >510 for some MD) you'll have a fair shot. There's a thread on this forum for those whose GPA is < 3.0 and I'd suggest looking into that if you need support, guidance, etc. Best of luck!

 

[Xenogan]

Thank you both for the messages. I will just go as best I can in school and hope that it is enough.

 

[Robin-jay]

Thank you both for the messages. I will just go as best I can in school and hope that it is enough.

You do know that this path you have now chosen with me 3-4 years of GPA repair, MCAT studying, etc.

Then you have 4 years of medical school.

So, by the time you are in year 9 of your path, you will be starting residency making 50k a year to work 80 hours a week.

I'd say you won't start practicing until about 10-12 years from now. Assuming everything goes smoothly...

If its your passion, go for it.

At this point, it won't make you more financially set than what you're already doing now, so you better be passionate about what you're doing.

 

[astrostellar]

Aside from establishing residency in Texas and applying to Texas med schools (which is not something I was willing to do), there is no way to start clean. I'm in the same boat.

I always wanted to do medicine, and couldn't get my sh#t together enough to do it. So, I drowned from basically 2009-2012, having almost 0 success.

In 2015 I started up again with a 2.10 overall GPA, 0.69 sGPA, and 100 semester hours already completed. So, now my As count for less because I have so many credits, and I have a REALLY long road ahead of me. But if it's any consolation, I am *right* there with you! By my calculations, it will be basically impossible for me to get over a 3.3c, even with years of work @ a 4.0.

FWIW I'm currently up to a 2.41 cGPA, 2.2 sGPA and rising after this semester is over (hopefully to a 2.5c/2.5s!)

I believe in you!