Terrible GPA. Do I need postbac?

[DrWily]

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I'm not sure if he knows about grade replacement. He was a dermatologist MD so IDK how much h knows about DO schools.

I know it won't be a lot but around how much does an EMT make? (I'm guessing it's an hourly wage)

You can expect around $10/hr depending. The 911 company here pays $9 since they know they have tons of applicants. Some of the private ambulances pay up to $12-13

There is opportunity for overtime at all companies though.

 

[iceman132]

You can expect around $10/hr depending. The 911 company here pays $9 since they know they have tons of applicants. Some of the private ambulances pay up to $12-13

There is opportunity for overtime at all companies though.

That's actually a lot better then I was expecting.

Although, you live in San Diego so the hourly wage is probably a lot more then down here in the Bible belt 🙂.

 

[timaq]

If I don't get in I'll take some upper level science classes. I know this won't up my gpa as much as retaking (I may retake one) but I think it looks better. I've spoken to several advisers as well as the dean of admissions to my local school, William Carey. They are very impressed by you doing well in an upper level class, much more so than you retaking Bio 100 and getting an A. Give the admissions committee more credit. They will look into your application more than just the numbers, they'll want to see what classes you took. This is why I'm taking classes like Immunology and Parasitology this upcoming fall.

Iceman, do you live in the Bible belt? I'm from Louisiana and was just wondering. You will have a much higher chance of getting in if you apply to schools interested in regional based students. If you're interested at all in WCU COM I could hook you up with some contacts in the school, let me know.

 

[DrWily]

If I don't get in I'll take some upper level science classes. I know this won't up my gpa as much as retaking (I may retake one) but I think it looks better. I've spoken to several advisers as well as the dean of admissions to my local school, William Carey. They are very impressed by you doing well in an upper level class, much more so than you retaking Bio 100 and getting an A. Give the admissions committee more credit. They will look into your application more than just the numbers, they'll want to see what classes you took. This is why I'm taking classes like Immunology and Parasitology this upcoming fall.

Iceman, do you live in the Bible belt? I'm from Louisiana and was just wondering. You will have a much higher chance of getting in if you apply to schools interested in regional based students. If you're interested at all in WCU COM I could hook you up with some contacts in the school, let me know.

For a sub <3.0 gpa student, unless you have a 30+ MCAT, you should really look into retaking classes to up that GPA. They're not going to be interested in what classes you took if you don't meet their expected GPA/MCAT scores. See what Goro posted earlier in the thread, he/she's an AdCom. Why would anyone retake if they could just take upper div if it looks better? Because it shows commitment to making yourself the best candidate on paper. If anything, retake as many as you can, and take one or two upper divs to show that you can do it. Going back to classes that you did poorly on and acing them shows how dedicated you are to learning the material, and not just passing the class.

I'm not saying that what you are planning to do is wrong. It's a plan for YOU but may not work for anyone else. I'm a science major and have an excellent upward trend in my GPA. I've proven my ability to get A's in upper div classes, so what is holding me back is my lower div's. Retaking those would boost my GPA by a huge amount (.3 is significant).

 

[iceman132]

If I don't get in I'll take some upper level science classes. I know this won't up my gpa as much as retaking (I may retake one) but I think it looks better. I've spoken to several advisers as well as the dean of admissions to my local school, William Carey. They are very impressed by you doing well in an upper level class, much more so than you retaking Bio 100 and getting an A. Give the admissions committee more credit. They will look into your application more than just the numbers, they'll want to see what classes you took. This is why I'm taking classes like Immunology and Parasitology this upcoming fall.

Iceman, do you live in the Bible belt? I'm from Louisiana and was just wondering. You will have a much higher chance of getting in if you apply to schools interested in regional based students. If you're interested at all in WCU COM I could hook you up with some contacts in the school, let me know.

Yes, I would definitely be interested! I sent you a pm 🙂

 

[Goro]

Your improvement is a good sign. I submit that your pre-med advisor is wrong, though. By retaking those clases, and replacing poor grades with As or Bs, you raise your sGPA to the level that will make you eligible for interviews. Right now, you're NOT competetive, and even if your junior and senior GPS is 4.0, that current sGPA automatically triages you into the 'discard" pile.

If you do not wish to retake classes, then focus on those schools which have lower minimum cut-offs for sGPA.

I know the reasons I got B's or C's college and it's not because it was too intense. It was because I was immature and chasing girls/ working. When I wasn't doing that I was getting all A's and maybe one B taking 18 hours of classes. I have learned from my mistakes.

From what my pre-med adviser has told me it is pretty pointless to retake classes. The best thing they told me to do is take upper-level classes which are medical school related and do well in them. (Why repeat courses you got a C in when you can show the schools that you are getting A's in courses which are the type they will encounter in medical school)

 

[gmcguitar4]

grade replacement is your best strategy. I have a krap GPA as well and although taking upper level courses and doing well shows you have the capacity to understand the material, it all comes down to numbers. I am planning on retaking 4 courses and doing 3-4 upper level bio courses to mix it up. Also, don't pray for a good MCAT..Work for it! I took practice tests and studied until I was averaging a 35..ended up with a 33P. Started out with 24 on practice. It really is a lot of work and is going to continue to be stressful but if you want it you will do it.