The **NEW & IMPROVED** official low gpa thread...

[nopoint]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I had a very rough start freshman year and a mediocre sophomore year, ended up getting a lot of C's. Got C's in Bio 1/2, Chem 1/2, Orgo 1/2, Chem Lab, and in a writing class. Was very depressed, but it was totally my fault as I didn't go to class and didn't really study.

Junior year, I got serious and really became interested in medicine. I ended up doing well in my upper level bio courses (got A's) and have a strong upward trend going for me.

At the end of junior year, I'll have a cGPA of 3.25 and a sGPA of 3.0. I don't plan on applying this cycle as my GPA is too low. Another 30 or so credits A's during senior year will bring my cGPA up to 3.45, sGPA ~3.2ish. Is this still low?

I plan on applying to both MD and DO programs. Should I apply at the end of senior year or do a post-bacc program or a SMP?

Have not taken MCATs yet.

 

[drizzt3117]

Can any one tell me a little about going away to a SUNY for post bacc classes? I am at hunter taking classes al la carte. I was considering going away to a SUNY and was just curious if its an option with my horrible GPA. 2.1
Would I have to apply for a second degree, with the intention of not keeping it in order to board. Can I be an informal post bacc and board.
I would much rather walk to class several times a day and be around other students, rather then travel 3 hours total on the train. I also could take more classes and bring up my GPA alot faster. I am kind of old thou.

To be honest, it's going to be difficult really to be considered by any time of medical school, perhaps even the Caribbean unless you raise that GPA up to 2.5. You're going to have to ask yourself whether it's worth it.

 

[drizzt3117]

I had a very rough start freshman year and a mediocre sophomore year, ended up getting a lot of C's. Got C's in Bio 1/2, Chem 1/2, Orgo 1/2, Chem Lab, and in a writing class. Was very depressed, but it was totally my fault as I didn't go to class and didn't really study.

Junior year, I got serious and really became interested in medicine. I ended up doing well in my upper level bio courses (got A's) and have a strong upward trend going for me.

At the end of junior year, I'll have a cGPA of 3.25 and a sGPA of 3.0. I don't plan on applying this cycle as my GPA is too low. Another 30 or so credits A's during senior year will bring my cGPA up to 3.45, sGPA ~3.2ish. Is this still low?

I plan on applying to both MD and DO programs. Should I apply at the end of senior year or do a post-bacc program or a SMP?

Have not taken MCATs yet.

Depends on your MCAT scores. If you score in the low/mid 30s, maybe a postbac, if not, probably SMP.

 

[Perrotfish]

I had a very rough start freshman year and a mediocre sophomore year, ended up getting a lot of C's. Got C's in Bio 1/2, Chem 1/2, Orgo 1/2, Chem Lab, and in a writing class. Was very depressed, but it was totally my fault as I didn't go to class and didn't really study.

Junior year, I got serious and really became interested in medicine. I ended up doing well in my upper level bio courses (got A's) and have a strong upward trend going for me.

At the end of junior year, I'll have a cGPA of 3.25 and a sGPA of 3.0. I don't plan on applying this cycle as my GPA is too low. Another 30 or so credits A's during senior year will bring my cGPA up to 3.45, sGPA ~3.2ish. Is this still low?

I plan on applying to both MD and DO programs. Should I apply at the end of senior year or do a post-bacc program or a SMP?

A 3.45 and a 3.2 BCPM is fine for DO schools if you have a good MCAT (30 or above), the cum is around their average and the BCPM is only slightly below. For allo those scores are rather low. Not 100% out of acceptance range but definitely in the range where you're not exactly going to be swimming in intervies unless you truely kill the MCAT. I guess the take home lesson is that, if $ is a factor, apply to your state schools and every DO school you could imagine going to before you start wasting money on other allopathic institutions. Also, because reinforcement never hurts, you need an EARLY, BROAD application.

Now the question of what to do during the year after you graduate is a little more complicated. Really it depends on your optimism and your financial situation, there's no definite answer. The risk averse, relatively low cost thing to do would be to pick up a second major, stay in school an extra year to get you GPA up even more, and that way if you don't get in this cycle you're very likely to get in on the next cycle. An SMP is more expensive, and slightly more risky in that if you screw up it has more of a negative impact on your application, but still definitely an option. If you're optimistic about your chances you could also try for a one year masters or an MPH, which would help you down the line, or even just work for money, but if you can't get in this cycle you probably won't get in the next one either.

G'luck, whatever you choose.

 

[DbDan]

Hey guys, I wrote way back about 6 months ago asking some pretty dumb questions but, since I graduated this past quarter and am currently working on studying for my MCATs I figured I would try to get some new advice.

So here's my story, again...

I started at UCLA as an electrical engineering major with an emphasis on biomedical engineering. I spent two years essentially screwing around with the "C's get degrees" engineering mentality and tanked my GPA. Unfortunately this also stuck me in the engineering physics, chemistry series at UCLA, which is much more difficult and competitive. After my first two years at school, my Cum was a 2.09 with a science GPA of 2.07, unfortunately, this is also when I took all of my gen chem, 2/3 physics classes, 2/4 life science classes and started my ochem.

My third year I realized it wasn't the engineering that interested me but the medical side of things. I realized I wanted to help people and wanted to go to medical school. A large portion of damage had obviously already been done to my GPA. I spent 2 more years and 2 quarters obtaining a degree in physiological science improving my Cum GPA to 2.76 and my Science GPA to a 2.75.

I am currently enrolled in Kaplan's MCAT program and planning on taking the MCAT on June 18th of this year. My diagnostic score (I know it doesn't matter much) was a 25 and I am aiming for mid 30's on the MCAT itself (I know that its difficult, I just have faith that my studying and review can net me a score that I know I am capable of). Since this is too late to enroll in SMPs for the upcoming year, I plan on working full/part-time in the year I am off and taking an unstructured postbac through UCI's extension program for the next year.

I have calculated that I would need 40 units of 4.0 science work to even get my science GPA to a 3.0 (using the allo style of adding on). I am in search of advice from the people here on SD, I am moving back in with my parents while working and going to UCI's extension program in hopes of saving money. However, one of the parts of this is that my parents are pressing me to apply this cycle to schools that I may be able to get into. My question is, would it be worth it for me to apply to DO/caribbean schools with these stats? IF I am able to get mid 30s on the MCAT (say 34+) would I have a shot at a DO/Carribean? Would I be able to over the next year to raise my GPA enough and have enough of an upward trend to have a shot at lower level allo schools? Also, would I be better off retaking all of the gen chem, etc. classes that I got Cs in at UCI and raising my GPA or would it be more beneficial to attempt to find upper division coursework that I could take and attempt to get As in those?

EDIT: Sorry, forgot to mention the 40 units needed are quarter units, not semester. If I were to take 10 units/quarter (2-3 classes) I would be able to complete this in a year and still possibly be able to work a large amount of hours.

 

[KiwiBruin]

Hey guys, I wrote way back about 6 months ago asking some pretty dumb questions but, since I graduated this past quarter and am currently working on studying for my MCATs I figured I would try to get some new advice.

So here's my story, again...

I started at UCLA as an electrical engineering major with an emphasis on biomedical engineering. I spent two years essentially screwing around with the "C's get degrees" engineering mentality and tanked my GPA. Unfortunately this also stuck me in the engineering physics, chemistry series at UCLA, which is much more difficult and competitive. After my first two years at school, my Cum was a 2.09 with a science GPA of 2.07, unfortunately, this is also when I took all of my gen chem, 2/3 physics classes, 2/4 life science classes and started my ochem.

My third year I realized it wasn't the engineering that interested me but the medical side of things. I realized I wanted to help people and wanted to go to medical school. A large portion of damage had obviously already been done to my GPA. I spent 2 more years and 2 quarters obtaining a degree in physiological science improving my Cum GPA to 2.76 and my Science GPA to a 2.75.

I am currently enrolled in Kaplan's MCAT program and planning on taking the MCAT on June 18th of this year. My diagnostic score (I know it doesn't matter much) was a 25 and I am aiming for mid 30's on the MCAT itself (I know that its difficult, I just have faith that my studying and review can net me a score that I know I am capable of). Since this is too late to enroll in SMPs for the upcoming year, I plan on working full/part-time in the year I am off and taking an unstructured postbac through UCI's extension program for the next year.

I have calculated that I would need 40 units of 4.0 science work to even get my science GPA to a 3.0 (using the allo style of adding on). I am in search of advice from the people here on SD, I am moving back in with my parents while working and going to UCI's extension program in hopes of saving money. However, one of the parts of this is that my parents are pressing me to apply this cycle to schools that I may be able to get into. My question is, would it be worth it for me to apply to DO/caribbean schools with these stats? IF I am able to get mid 30s on the MCAT (say 34+) would I have a shot at a DO/Carribean? Would I be able to over the next year to raise my GPA enough and have enough of an upward trend to have a shot at lower level allo schools? Also, would I be better off retaking all of the gen chem, etc. classes that I got Cs in at UCI and raising my GPA or would it be more beneficial to attempt to find upper division coursework that I could take and attempt to get As in those?

EDIT: Sorry, forgot to mention the 40 units needed are quarter units, not semester. If I were to take 10 units/quarter (2-3 classes) I would be able to complete this in a year and still possibly be able to work a large amount of hours.

I think you can easily get into the Carribean if you don't mind going there (assuming you get a MCAT score in the mid 20's+). Just that lot of people don't want to go there because there are cases of people not matching back to the states which means you wasted 4 years and lots and lots of debt. If you don't mind going D.O, I think you should retake the classes you did badly in. Especially the science ones since the D.O schools let you replace your newest grades of your old ones. I can't imagine you would want to retake your Engineering classes even if you did badly in those.

 

[BORNagainSTDENT]

To be honest, it's going to be difficult really to be considered by any time of medical school, perhaps even the Caribbean unless you raise that GPA up to 2.5. You're going to have to ask yourself whether it's worth it.

Well I just started my Pre Reqs, not sure if I made that clear.

 

[drizzt3117]

Well I just started my Pre Reqs, not sure if I made that clear.

Right, but how much are you going to be able to raise your GPA from 2.1? I remember you also posting that you were getting Cs in prereqs... that's not going to cut it.

 

[BORNagainSTDENT]

Right, but how much are you going to be able to raise your GPA from 2.1? I remember you also posting that you were getting Cs in prereqs... that's not going to cut it.

I appreciate the help and am just trying to understand the reality of my situation.
I have not gotten any C's in Pre Reqs(yet). I actually just started and am working on some tough personal issues before I really increase my course load. I do agree that increasing my GPA is going to be very hard, I'm not even sure how realistic it is.
I am not trying to refute anything you are saying, just looking for clarification. I have had a lot of personal issues and realize I really need to work on them before I could even consider being able to handle medical school. I am just trying to establish the best and most realistic avenue.
Should I be at an easier CUNY or should I continue working toward the harder certificate granting program at Hunter. I spend about 3 Hours a day traveling to hunter on the train(which I am willing to do), although It would be a lot easier to go to CSI and stay and study with all my books in my car on both school days and non school days, however I was under the impression Hunter would be significantly more respeceted. Would a School like SGU even care. I realize the Pre Reqs alone will take about 2 years full time plus volunteering etc.

 

[nopoint]

Thanks for the advice drizzt3117 and Perrotfish. I really appreciate it.

 

[Egg]

I would appreciate some guidance.

Short version:
Graduated; started weak with some C's to F's, finished strong with A's. OA GPA = 3.37; studying for MCAT currently, starting 1 year health volunteer commitment soon but lack of ECs/research experience. I want to apply summer '10. What can I do now?

Long version:
Freshman and sophomore year, I had a cum GPA of 3.3ish with an upward trend. Due to family problems, financial trouble, and issues with my maturity, I began to fail at some classes. My GPA dropped and I voluntarily quit college.

After some time, I re-entered a different university, and consistently got A/A-s for a 2.5 years. My overall GPA slowly rose back to 3.37 (from a 2.8 when I left) and my BCPM GPA at 3.23. Because I have so many units, I was forced to graduate last March. I feel like my GPA isn't moving anyway.

I'm studying for the MCAT right now. I'm starting a 1 year long volunteer commitment in health this summer, but I don't have much outside experience. My CV is pretty unimpressive.

I would like to apply to medical school summer 2010.

What else can I do during the year before I apply? What should I do while I'm applying and interviewing? More post-bacc classes? SMP?

Also, I've been having a hard time securing a research position during college. All the post-bacc research positions are competitive around here and require experience. Is lack of research a bad thing? Should I do a post-bacc during my gap year and more agressively look for research experience with professors?

 

[TyrKinase]

Egg: lack of research isn't a problem at all, unless you're applying to an NIH position. I wouldn't worry about that.

Depending on your time commitment to your volunteer activity, I would consider enrolling in a few more undergraduate level (upper division) classes to boost your GPA, even if it's just by a small amount. As a fellow high unit student, I realize that the overall number might not move much but you shouldn't underestimate the value of having another 5-10 As on your transcript.

You must make the MCAT your focus and do your best to do >30. If you are successful, I think you'll have a decent shot at medical school.

Are you aiming for MD schools or are you also open to the idea of attending an osteopathic medical school?

 

[Egg]

Egg: lack of research isn't a problem at all, unless you're applying to an NIH position. I wouldn't worry about that.

Depending on your time commitment to your volunteer activity, I would consider enrolling in a few more undergraduate level (upper division) classes to boost your GPA, even if it's just by a small amount. As a fellow high unit student, I realize that the overall number might not move much but you shouldn't underestimate the value of having another 5-10 As on your transcript.

You must make the MCAT your focus and do your best to do >30. If you are successful, I think you'll have a decent shot at medical school.

Are you aiming for MD schools or are you also open to the idea of attending an osteopathic medical school?

Thanks for the reply. As far as more classes, it may be a possibility, but the returns are pretty low. My GPA rises 0.01 for every 4 semester hour (6 quarter hour) class I ace (it won't move if I get an A-). I'm also broke.

Do you still think more classes are worth it? I don't know if I can support myself, volunteer, and ace a full-time courseload (without A-'s). I don't qualify for financial aid anymore b/c of my high number of credit hours.

I am currently registered for July's MCAT.

I will be applying to both MD and DO schools.

 

[MD44]

Hey everyone, thank god I found this board because I have been lost trying to figure out what to do. All my life I had this dream of being a doctor being pushed to the back of my brain because I never thought I was "smart" enough to do it. I just finished my undergrad and in the past 2 years I finally realized that I am smart and capable of anything, only I have a few things holding me back. I have a degree in Exercise Science, Minor in Biological Sciences and General Business. My final GPA is around a 2.91 (still a few things pending, might go up .1 or so but not much, also the final 4 semesters were all between a 3.0 and 3.3, while the first 4 were between 2.3 and 2.9). Not exactly sure on my science GPA but I'm assuming is fairly close. (cant see transcripts right now because university website is down). Anyways, I thought that my dreams of becoming a doctor were over until I started reading about people doing Post-bac work and SMP's. My question is, which one do i do? I have taken principals of biology, environmental biology, human anatomy and physiology, general chemistry 1, and statistics. I know those only fufill some of the pre-req's so my question is this, do go back to my undergrad university and just take the rest of the pre-reqs on my own? Do I do an SMP? Do I take the pre-req's at a community college? or Do I try to get in a post-bac program (pending if they let me in or not because I know some will only let you in with a GPA of over 3.0 and only 1 or 2 of the pre-req's already taken. I know its a long message here but any input would be great.
Thanks a lot

 

[Perrotfish]

Hey everyone, thank god I found this board because I have been lost trying to figure out what to do. All my life I had this dream of being a doctor being pushed to the back of my brain because I never thought I was "smart" enough to do it. I just finished my undergrad and in the past 2 years I finally realized that I am smart and capable of anything, only I have a few things holding me back. I have a degree in Exercise Science, Minor in Biological Sciences and General Business. My final GPA is around a 2.91 (still a few things pending, might go up .1 or so but not much, also the final 4 semesters were all between a 3.0 and 3.3, while the first 4 were between 2.3 and 2.9). Not exactly sure on my science GPA but I'm assuming is fairly close. (cant see transcripts right now because university website is down). Anyways, I thought that my dreams of becoming a doctor were over until I started reading about people doing Post-bac work and SMP's. My question is, which one do i do? I have taken principals of biology, environmental biology, human anatomy and physiology, general chemistry 1, and statistics. I know those only fufill some of the pre-req's so my question is this, do go back to my undergrad university and just take the rest of the pre-reqs on my own? Do I do an SMP? Do I take the pre-req's at a community college? or Do I try to get in a post-bac program (pending if they let me in or not because I know some will only let you in with a GPA of over 3.0 and only 1 or 2 of the pre-req's already taken. I know its a long message here but any input would be great.
Thanks a lot

Alright, this is a 3 step process:

Step 1: Get the Prereqs

For this, you can either do a formal post-bac program or just take the prereqs at your undergrad. With your GPA and no real work experience you're not likely to get into one of the highly respcted post-bac programs like Bryn Mawr (sp?) that really enhance your chance of getting into medical school. There are less competitive formal post-bac programs out there but as they don't really improve your chances vs. getting the same grades at your old Undergrad I fail to see the advantage in them unless you need a change of scenery. So my advice is go back to your undergrad, finish up the prereqs, and get your cumulative and BCPM to a 3.0 in the process by getting a 4.0 in all the prereq class you have left. Don't take the pre-reqs at a community college if you can avoid it. It will your suddenly getting a 4.0 seem less like you 'saw the light' and more like you switched to a school where most of the kids speak Spanish as their primary language.

Step 2: MCAT

Spend a full semester studying for this test, because your score is largely going to determine the level misery you're going to deal with when you have to...

Step 3: Improve your app.

This is where it gets complicated. You now have your prereqs, and MCAT score, and (we hope) a 3.0. Sadly a 3.0 is not good enough for almost any medical school. The average matriculant at MD schools has a 31 on the MCAT and a 3.6, while the average DO matriculant has a 27 and a 3.4. Wit a 3.0 you have a slim shot at DO schools and basically no shot at MD schools. So your options are

A) Do an SMP: This 1 year 'audition' for medical school will probably either make or break your app, regardless of the GPA you come in with.

B) Take more undergrad classes to improve your GPA: Slower, cheaper and more margin for error. A couple of years getting a 3.7 in undergrad might get your GPA up high enough for the ADCOMs to give you a shot

C) Retake ugrad classes you did badly in to improve your GPA. This is focused on DO schools, which only take your most recent grade in a class.

D) Run for the islands: The Caribbean will take people with fairly awful GPAs and MCATs. They will also happily fail you out again 2 weeks later, if you fail to make the grade. Or if you pass, you might still not match into a residency, which is even worse. So, are you feeling lucky?

Basically, the higher your MCAT, the more viable A is compared to B, B is compared to C, and C is compared to D. So if you get a 35 on the MCAT the SMP is your bet shot at medical, whereas if you tried your hardest and can't break a 25 your options are pretty much DO school (after retaking some courses) and the Caribbean.

Anyway, right now focus on the first step: finish your prereqs at a 4 year college and get straight As while doing so. Then check back in.

G'luck.

 

[dsan]

Dear all,

I will be graduating from a 4- year accredited university( Temple university) as Biology major with a BCPM gpa of 2.57 and a cum. gpa of 2.74. I am aware that these are not outstanding credentials but I still have passion in pursuing medicine. I have already applied to several post bac and masters programs. In the case that I don't get into a program, what are certain things that I can do to improve my chances of getting into a post bac program or masters program? Perhaps, doing research or working as a technician? any suggestions would be helpful.


Thank you,
dsan

 

[plausible]

Dear all,

I will be graduating from a 4- year accredited university( Temple university) as Biology major with a BCPM gpa of 2.57 and a cum. gpa of 2.74. I am aware that these are not outstanding credentials but I still have passion in pursuing medicine. I have already applied to several post bac and masters programs. In the case that I don't get into a program, what are certain things that I can do to improve my chances of getting into a post bac program or masters program? Perhaps, doing research or working as a technician? any suggestions would be helpful.


Thank you,
dsan

I had a 2.8 cumm when I graduated. You def. need to get your undergrad GPA up if you don't get into any post-bacs. I did a year informal upper div bio classes at temple (4.0) through continuing studies. Talk to N. Perez over at health advising... she told me about a clinical research opportunity over at Jefferson's emergency department.

In terms of doing research or being a tech. Do it if you feel you can really put some passion into it, otherwise you'll feel the monotony.

Good luck

 

[timothybkim]

hey guys! i am a Rutgers student finishing up 2nd year. I finished all the prereqs, but my GPA isnt looking too great. Its a 2.6
i am planning to retake my prereqs and raise the GPA. i had a rough start with college and im trying to get back on my feet. my EC is going well in my opinion. I am an EMT, had internships, shadowing, etc.
in your opinion, what course of action should i take? i hear a lot about SMPs and stuff, but do i still have a chance to go the traditional way and raise my GPA? i still have to take my MCATs. tell me what you guys think! thanks.

 

[zmacdon]

Loyola University Chicago, business degree with a 2.5 gpa. Liked drinking and didn't like what I was studying...a bad combination for and kind of productivity.

Since I've been taking my science courses and have a 4.0. Not only am I taking my pre reqs but also intending on doing botany, microbiology, and biochemistry. Hoping that plus volunteering, job shadowing, research, a high MCAT, and involvement in the arts will overshadow my abysmal performance. Worse comes to worse I’ll go to Ross University. At the end of the day I’ll still be able to practice medicine.

Thanks to everyone who has posted here, gives me optimism that I’ll be accepted.

 

[AlyssaLove87]

I've been reading over posts for a few weeks here as I try to begin figuring out the rest of my course to med school. I'm a 4th year at the University of Minnesota and am currently a double major in Child Psych and Political Science. I have at least 1 semester left here but could push it to 2 if needed. Long story short, undergrad has been a nightmare for me. I was one of those kids that never had to try in high school so they put me in college as a junior and then made me pick a major at 17 when I should have been a freshmen in college. Needless to say it was the complete wrong major and since then I have bounced around and switched majors multiple times, then combine that with major family issues, financial issues and a bout with depression after the death of a close friend i have roughly a 2.8 major GPA and around a 2.4 cumulative w/none of the pre-req sciences. The thing is I absolutely have no clue what I will do if I cannot be a doctor. I have thought long and hard and can come up with nothing. I know I need the pre-req's (and if someone could point out exactly what they are I'd appreciate it) and a major improvement in GPA but I'm not sure how to go about it. Like I said I could spend up to another year here at the U, and I don't really have anything below a C in my classes (except for beginning italian and I couldn't get an A in that if my life depended on it so re-taking is not an option). Should I spend the semester or year re-taking classes or should I take max credit loads trying to get my sciences in? After that what are the routes I could take, I know post-bacc or specialized masters, but what would you guys reccomend in my situation? I'm willing to do go to DO school if needed or move across the world (additionally I could use a major change of scenery). Thank you so much for your input!

 

[MadMnkey]

I can definitely understand what people on this thread are going through. My GPA steadily declined from freshmen year to senior year because i just kept taking more and more difficult classes. However, it's definitely possible to get into medical school with a few blemishes on your transcript. You just have make sure everything else is as strong as it can be. And definitely rock your interview. I definitely think my LORs and my interviews saved my butt and got me into an MD/PhD program. Good luck and just take it one step at a time! 🙂

 

[dsan]

Dear all,

I will be graduating in a week from Temple University with a B.S. in biology. I would like improve my academic credentials by taking classes. What is the process in taking informal classes.(Do I have to reapply to Temple in order to take the informal classes? Can I take informal classes at another university?)

Thank you,
dsan

 

[fried rice]

Hi, I'm new to this site and I figured I'd start things off by presenting my situation. I like to do so now and again on the internet because it's fairly anonymous and my situation is a source of embarrassment and worry for me; I find that typing everything out helps to keep things in perspective and allow my to better prioritize.

I'm currently a sophomore at Louisiana State University. When I entered college, I thought I was hot ****. I was a National Merit Scholar, I was one of the top students at my high school and I had always assumed (at least I'd been told) that college would be a better fit for me as far as a learning environment. I decided to major in Biochemistry, because I thought maybe if I decided I didn't want to be a physician, I would be interested in entering the pharmaceuticals industry.

Fast forward to the present, I'm currently sitting at a 2.87 GPA. After my first year in college, I had a 2.61 GPA, with an F in General Chemistry II. I've changed my major to Biological Sciences and there's a good chance I'll change again to Philosophy before I graduate. I've fallen far below my own expectations in each semester so far, and I'm probably headed for that same fate this semester. It's been a fitful struggle for me to develop the determination and study habits required for success in college; I've had a difficult time with any material that I don't find intuitive (Calculus and Inorganic/Organic Chemistry) as I fall miserably short in preparation for difficult exams. To this day, I often find myself reading forums such as this and worrying over my future plans when I should be focusing on impending schoolwork.

The good news is that I'm making a small bit of progress this semester. I've begun volunteering at a local hospital, and on top of my current campus job I've applied for a position at that hospital. I've willed myself to prepare a bit better for my more difficult classes this semester, and I find the other two classes to be very intuitive. Standardized tests have always been my strength, so I'm hopeful that with a fair amount of time spent practicing for the MCAT I'll be able to produce a competitive score eventually.

Well, update after this semester. I got 2 A's and a B to bring my GPA for the year up to a 3.5 and my cumulative GPA up to 3.01. It's a start, I guess. I'm at 57 hours and I expect to graduate in ~5 semesters so I'm hopeful that I can make some improvement by keeping this trend up.

Here's to success, gentlemen.

 

[l8tbloomer]

Hi,

I graduated last year with a B.S in biology. I'm taking the mcats in July and hopefully after assessing my scores I plan to apply to an SMP program. My question is, is it worth applying to a different college and taking classes over again and basically get a new gpa? I graduated with a low gpa and my friend moved back home and is basically retaking everything and repeating her undergrad years again. Is that beneficial? To just basically redo the last four years of your life to get a new gpa?

 

[DrMidlife]

Hi,

I graduated last year with a B.S in biology. I'm taking the mcats in July and hopefully after assessing my scores I plan to apply to an SMP program. My question is, is it worth applying to a different college and taking classes over again and basically get a new gpa? I graduated with a low gpa and my friend moved back home and is basically retaking everything and repeating her undergrad years again. Is that beneficial? To just basically redo the last four years of your life to get a new gpa?

This only works in Texas, and only for coursework that's over 10 years old, in that they'll let you start over, if you're a resident and you get the state's permission.

If "your friend" is thinking she doesn't have to submit her old messy transcript(s) when she applies to med school, she's setting herself up to get expelled (after taking on $100k to $200k in debt, most likely). Yes they have ways to find out.

In other words, there's no such thing as a "new" GPA. Everything gets averaged. You have to submit every college transcript you ever earned. Your undergrad GPA is pretty much maxed out after 6 years of undergrad, so do the math to see what more work at a 4.0 will do for you. Unfortunately, it won't do much, which is why so many of us here are doing SMPs.

Best of luck to you.

 

[l8tbloomer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by l8tbloomer
Hi,

I graduated last year with a B.S in biology. I'm taking the mcats in July and hopefully after assessing my scores I plan to apply to an SMP program. My question is, is it worth applying to a different college and taking classes over again and basically get a new gpa? I graduated with a low gpa and my friend moved back home and is basically retaking everything and repeating her undergrad years again. Is that beneficial? To just basically redo the last four years of your life to get a new gpa?

This only works in Texas, and only for coursework that's over 10 years old, in that they'll let you start over, if you're a resident and you get the state's permission.

If "your friend" is thinking she doesn't have to submit her old messy transcript(s) when she applies to med school, she's setting herself up to get expelled (after taking on $100k to $200k in debt, most likely). Yes they have ways to find out.

In other words, there's no such thing as a "new" GPA. Everything gets averaged. You have to submit every college transcript you ever earned. Your undergrad GPA is pretty much maxed out after 6 years of undergrad, so do the math to see what more work at a 4.0 will do for you. Unfortunately, it won't do much, which is why so many of us here are doing SMPs.

Best of luck to you.


thanks so much for a quick response!

 

[sdguy2008]

hi, i got my mcat score back today and im in a real funk. i need and would appreciate any advice about how i should go forward.

i applied 3 years ago with 2.65 cgpa, 2.55 sgpa and 23 mcat, rejected everywhere.

spent the last 3 years rebuilding. took 70 post bacc units (all upper division science courses at same place where i did undergrad), and finished with 3.7 gpa. now i have 2.99 gpa (cum an sci), and no more money, so that's as good as its going to get. took the 4/18 mcat and scored 10v, 10p, 8b (28Q). I am completely devastated. I was averaging 33-35 on all AAMCs, and I walked out of the test thinking I absolutely nailed biology. I scored 4 point lower than all my AAMC bio sections (just on that section alone!).

As far as EC's go, I think they are great. 1 co-author pub (medium impact), one first author pub submission with revisions (top journal). shadowing, underserved community volunteering, etc. I think great LOR's (although i havent read them).

What are the allo prospects? I signed up for a july test date...im so disappointed in myself, the mcat was so crucial for my application and i failed.

thanks for any help.

 

[PlasticWatch]

Hey guys

my AMCAS uGPA is 2.76
my AMCAS BCMP is 3.15

my AACOMAS uGPA is 3.0
my AACOMAS BCP is 3.67

my first MCAT is a 25M
my second is a 40M

I've racked over 190 hours and I don't think I can rack anymore. 😛

What are my chances? Thanks guys!

Do you think I should go for a SMP? I'm so lost!

 

[Perrotfish]

Hey guys

my AMCAS uGPA is 2.76
my AMCAS BCMP is 3.15

my AACOMAS uGPA is 3.0
my AACOMAS BCP is 3.67

my first MCAT is a 25M
my second is a 40M

I've racked over 190 hours and I don't think I can rack anymore. 😛

What are my chances? Thanks guys!

Do you think I should go for a SMP? I'm so lost!

Apply DO and your state allo schools, boadly and early. Go to med school, no other work required. Feel free to go to an SMP if you feel the need to fill the following year with something, or if your heart is set on allo (it would definitely strengthen your app), but otherwise I think you're good to go. Heck, with that MCAT score I think it might be worth throwing some allo schools into the mix for this appliction cyclee as well. That's really impressive.

 

[Perrotfish]

hi, i got my mcat score back today and im in a real funk. i need and would appreciate any advice about how i should go forward.

i applied 3 years ago with 2.65 cgpa, 2.55 sgpa and 23 mcat, rejected everywhere.

spent the last 3 years rebuilding. took 70 post bacc units (all upper division science courses at same place where i did undergrad), and finished with 3.7 gpa. now i have 2.99 gpa (cum an sci), and no more money, so that's as good as its going to get. took the 4/18 mcat and scored 10v, 10p, 8b (28Q). I am completely devastated. I was averaging 33-35 on all AAMCs, and I walked out of the test thinking I absolutely nailed biology. I scored 4 point lower than all my AAMC bio sections (just on that section alone!).

As far as EC's go, I think they are great. 1 co-author pub (medium impact), one first author pub submission with revisions (top journal). shadowing, underserved community volunteering, etc. I think great LOR's (although i havent read them).

What are the allo prospects? I signed up for a july test date...im so disappointed in myself, the mcat was so crucial for my application and i failed.

thanks for any help.

MAYBE DO would work, but for allo I'd guess you're screwed without an SMP. It's not even really the MCAT (though it didn't help), it's the fact you have a sub 3.0 GPA. If you're really completely out of money, I'd say apply early and broadly to DO and hope for the best. If you get a better MCAT score update your apps with iit.

 

[PlasticWatch]

Apply DO and your state allo schools, boadly and early. Go to med school, no other work required. Feel free to go to an SMP if you feel the need to fill the following year with something, or if your heart is set on allo (it would definitely strengthen your app), but otherwise I think you're good to go. Heck, with that MCAT score I think it might be worth throwing some allo schools into the mix for this appliction cyclee as well. That's really impressive.

PerrotFish: You really think I have a chance with my state allo? I mean my cumgpa is only a 2.76 with a sci of 3.15. I don't think there's a way I can compete against those with a 3.6 and up. It took me a loooong time to get to where I am and I don't think I can take any more rejections. haha None the less, thank you so very much for your advice! 😀

 

[Perrotfish]

PerrotFish: You really think I have a chance with my state allo? I mean my cumgpa is only a 2.76 with a sci of 3.15. I don't think there's a way I can compete against those with a 3.6 and up. It took me a loooong time to get to where I am and I don't think I can take any more rejections. haha None the less, thank you so very much for your advice!

I don't think you have a very good chance without an SMP. However a 40 is just so high I feel like it might be worth taking a chance. With scores like yours it's tough to tell: no one really knows how you'll do because there aren't enough people that have been through the same situation for any sort of pattern to have become apparent.

Also you will be getting rejected from the majority of the schools you apply to. Even perfect applicants get rejected to the majority of the schools they apply to in this process. That's just how this system works.

And finally, I'm not on an ADCOM or a professional premedical advisor, so feel free to take whatever I'm saying with a grain of salt.

In any event, G'luck.

 

[PlasticWatch]

I don't think you have a very good chance without an SMP. However a 40 is just so high I feel like it might be worth taking a chance. With scores like yours it's tough to tell: no one really knows how you'll do because there aren't enough people that have been through the same situation for any sort of pattern to have become apparent.

Also you will be getting rejected from the majority of the schools you apply to. Even perfect applicants get rejected to the majority of the schools they apply to in this process. That's just how this system works.

And finally, I'm not on an ADCOM or a professional premedical advisor, so feel free to take whatever I'm saying with a grain of salt.

In any event, G'luck.

Thanks again! So I guess I have a much better shot at a DO school than a MD school, right?

 

[starseeker]

Hey guys

my AMCAS uGPA is 2.76
my AMCAS BCMP is 3.15

my AACOMAS uGPA is 3.0
my AACOMAS BCP is 3.67

my first MCAT is a 25M
my second is a 40M

I've racked over 190 hours and I don't think I can rack anymore. 😛

What are my chances? Thanks guys!

Do you think I should go for a SMP? I'm so lost!

The 40 is so high I would take the chance on applying and see. But like an above poster said I would apply broadly. The sub 3.0 overall may hurt you but you are over 3.0 with your BCPM. They may take into consideration your most recent grades and not look so harshly at the earlier ones. That's how it was for me although I didn't have a sub 3.0 (it was a 3.0 exactly).

 

[DrJohnDorian]

As of right now, I plan on going to Georgetown's SMP.
My stats are:

BCPM: 3.29
AO: 3.35 (Upward trend)
MCAT: 11/8/Q/11 = 30Q (thinking about retaking since the "magic number" doesn't seem so magical anymore)

I only interviewed/got waitlisted at Wayne State even though I only applied to three medical schools (Michigan and Michigan State being the other two). Is the SMP path the right thing to do?

Thank you for your opinions!

 

[mic2377]

It would be nice to have a 32-34. 30 just isn't that great now, and the #'s just keep going up!

For your GPA, the SMP is the right thing to do. I am headed to an SMP starting this Aug, at U-Cinn. It is going to be grueling but exciting.

Which one will you be considering? I liked the G-town one, but the size of the program is alot bigger, and it is too $$$ for a poor dude like me.

 

[TyrKinase]

my first MCAT is a 25M
my second is a 40M

Once upon a time I was pretty fired up about my +4 on my second MCAT, but I've got nothing on a +15. It's like you added an entire section to your test, and aced it.

Any tips you'd like to share for the re-takers out there?

 

[PlasticWatch]

Once upon a time I was pretty fired up about my +4 on my second MCAT, but I've got nothing on a +15. It's like you added an entire section to your test, and aced it.

Any tips you'd like to share for the re-takers out there?

I really don't have any tips. My 25M was written back in 01/2007 and did a half ass job because I really wasn't that determined to become a physician. Granted that I did study for the exam, but the quality of study back in 2007 was horrid.

Fast forward a year (2008) and working a 9-6 job has made me realize that I absolutely hate my field more than I did back in 07 and along with a few relatives that past away really lit a fire.

Anywho, I strictly used the ExamKracker material and followed the 10 wks study guide (Twice). Finished it the first time around and did it again to make sure I got my stuff down cold. I would study from 8pm-10pm each night after work and 11am-5pm on the weekends.

I also constantly repeated a quote by Henry Van **** as well as taping printouts of that quote all over my room. The quote goes "Some succeed because they're destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to."

I hope that really helps! Feel free to ask me any questions. I just really hope I am given the chance to become a physician despite my total fsuk up of my past.

 

[apat12]

Right now I'm inbetween my sophomore and junior years of college, and I've decided to make a very committed effort to get into med school. Problem is my last two years were horrible gradewise. I realized early on I hated my major and felt trapped, I didn't know what I wanted to do (although I had always wanted to be a doctor, I was scared of all the work) so I stuck with it for two years as I fell into a deep depression, stopped taking my ADHD medicine, and basically hit rock bottom. My last semester was horrible, I had lost all motivation because there was no light at the end of the tunnel, I got Cs and Ds and my cGPA sits at an embarrassing 2.1. It wasn't even that the classes were hard, I was just too messed up to go to class/study.

So I've decided to start over. I left my old university and switched my major to biochemistry. I'm taking the intro classes at a community college (which unfortunately includes some med school prereqs) over this summer, fall, and spring, then transferring to Maryland or UMBC, where I expect to graduate from in 4 years or so. I did the math and found that the best I could get my GPA up to in 120 credits was a 3.2 (if I got an A+ in every class), and even though I know that I can do it (I've never been so motivated in my life), realistically it's a stretch. So if I can get it up to a 3.0, do very well on the MCAT, do I have a chance to get into an SMP for a MD school, or will Adcoms forever be put off by my two years of academic hell? It includes several Fs, Ds, and Ws. I know its way down the road, but before I embark on 4-6+ years of academic insanity I'd like to know if it will all be worth it.

 

[MDwhatitis]

I just finished with a 3.177. I am planning on taking the MCAT this summer. I got into a masters program for neuroscience and behavior and hope to do that for the next one year.
I wont be able to do post-baccs, SMPs, any of those GPA boosters. But I still want to get into a decent Medical school.
What should I do?

 

[hung]

kill the mcat.

 

[MDwhatitis]

thanks. Hope im able to this summer !

 

[yuki98]

Hi everyone! I hope this is the right thread to post this...but here we go...

After about 9 months of volunteering at a hospital, I decided I want to be premed after much thought.

I am in incoming 4th year at UCSD. I started off as a Human Biology major, but recently changed to a Dance major. However, when I was a Human Biology major, I did not have the intentions of applying to medical school.

Unfortunately, I didn't do so well in my science classes at the time (time-consuming extracurriculars, financial difficulties, inefficient study habits, testing anxiety, etc.). I consequently took most of the premed classes b/c of my previous biology major...I just have ochem lab, bio lab, bild 2, & the last ochem class to take to complete premed requirements.

I know....how ironic now that I'm a non-science major, I become premed.
I'm going to complete my classes by winter quarter of my 5th year (so I'll be spending an extra 1.5 years at UCSD).

I'm just wondering what type of post-bacc. program I should consider? Enhancement program? Career-changer program? Should I take the MCAT after post-bacc.?

Also, I've heard post-bacc. programs don't accept very many people. I suppose that's understandable, because they want students that are motivated and are likely to succeed.

*sigh* I'm worried to say the least
------------------------------------------------------------------
P.S. Yes, I would consider a DO school...in fact I just applied specifically for a DO physician mentor. I might also consider Int'l Med Schools

 

[DrMidlife]

I'm just wondering what type of post-bacc. program I should consider? Enhancement program? Career-changer program? Should I take the MCAT after post-bacc.?

What's your cumulative overall GPA? Cumulative science GPA?

 

[yuki98]

I was waiting for my grades for spring quarter to come out....but it's going to take another week I think.

Currently, my total GPA is 2.726.
my science GPA is 2.149 🙁 . I have yet to retake ochem.

I know my total GPA can go up with dance classes & 2 leftover GE's. The science GPA....well, I need to retake a class, and I have 3 more Premed classes to take so I could boost it up a bit.

I had a really hard time figuring out how to study for the classes. Looking back, I should've found a tutor for some of those classes...and there were times when I just didn't allocate enough time to study the material (I made the mistake of getting caught up in EC's). I could've done better.

Anyway, I'm kicking myself right now, but I just want a second chance ! Hopefully it's not too late...

I've heard that DO schools take your best grade in calculating the GPA instead of averaging out your grades. Is this true? And what about for post-bac. programs?

 

[Perrotfish]

I've heard that DO schools take your best grade in calculating the GPA instead of averaging out your grades. Is this true? And what about for post-bac. programs?

DO schools use only your most recent grade in a class. If you retake a C and get an A they'll only use the A. If you retake a C and get an F they'll only use the F.

Formal post-bac programs that are worth anything generally do not take students with grades as low as yours or students who have completed as many of the premedical requirements as you have. Your best bet at this point is probably to stay in school and either

1) retake classes aiming for a DO schools

or

2) take new classes, picking up another major and aiming for an SMP.

To get into DO school plain on having at least a 3.2 (cumulative and science) with grade replacement. For an SMP you'd want a 3.0 (cumulative and science) without grade replacement.

Finally you could just finish the prereqs, take the MCAT, and run for the Caribbean, which is definitely the fastest way through medical school. However there's a very good chance that you will be among the unhappy majority of Caribbean matriculants who either do not graduate or, even worse, do not get a residency.

Obviously any of these paths involves figuring out what it was that went wrong with your GPA in the first place. Why do you think you had so many problems studying for these classes?

 

[Tiger18]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking a lot lately on these forums for a few years but never posted anything. Now I'm in need of some advice from everyone if anyone is kind enough to help.

I've just recently graduated from UCI with a cum gpa of 2.2 and a bio gpa of 2.3. I know my gpa is very horrible and I don't have any excuse for it. I have to reevaluate myself and fix my study habits. I know it sounds like a joke, but my dream is to go to med school and become a doctor one day.

As of now, I'm planning on taking classes at a nearby state university as an open student. I don't know how long or how many units it wil take but I want to raise my undergrad gpa to a 3.0 (hopefully). When my gpa is around that area, I then plan on taking the MCATS and idealy do well on them. If all goes well I would hope to apply and get into a SMP after that.

What do you guys think I should do? Should I give up on being a doctor and find another profession to do? My moral has been extremely low for the past few years and I've been depressed for awhole as well.

Thanks for reading my post everyone
-T

 

[yuki98]

Your best bet at this point is probably to stay in school and either

1) retake classes aiming for a DO schools

or

2) take new classes, picking up another major and aiming for an SMP.

To get into DO school plain on having at least a 3.2 (cumulative and science) with grade replacement. For an SMP you'd want a 3.0 (cumulative and science) without grade replacement.

Thank you for replying!
Say I go for Option #1, I'm assuming I'd have to retake those premed classes at another institution such as community college (since it is cheaper)? I think the university wouldn't let a student stay for more than 5 years. It appears that my chances of getting into a post-bac. program is slim to none, but would retaking classes at a JC weigh much at DO schools?

 

[yadave]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking a lot lately on these forums for a few years but never posted anything. Now I'm in need of some advice from everyone if anyone is kind enough to help.

I've just recently graduated from UCI with a cum gpa of 2.2 and a bio gpa of 2.3. I know my gpa is very horrible and I don't have any excuse for it. I have to reevaluate myself and fix my study habits. I know it sounds like a joke, but my dream is to go to med school and become a doctor one day.

As of now, I'm planning on taking classes at a nearby state university as an open student. I don't know how long or how many units it wil take but I want to raise my undergrad gpa to a 3.0 (hopefully). When my gpa is around that area, I then plan on taking the MCATS and idealy do well on them. If all goes well I would hope to apply and get into a SMP after that.

What do you guys think I should do? Should I give up on being a doctor and find another profession to do? My moral has been extremely low for the past few years and I've been depressed for awhole as well.

Thanks for reading my post everyone
-T

my story is very similar to yours. you're gonna be fine. just take more classes and show that you can get your act together and can ace classes. I also had a low (and still do) gpa such as yours but with 3 quarters of consecutive 4.0s I have found myself feeling a lot more hopeful now about a SMP and medical school. Just stay in school and find a study method that works best for you. I also have clinical depression and anxiety and I empathize with you about how difficult it becomes to study and do your best with a problem such as that. However, do what you need to do to get your mental state back to normal (whether that's via therapy, anti depressants, etc.) and give it your best shot. Get as close to a 3.0 as you can and go the SMP route. If you approach it right, you will surprise yourself with how well you can do. Best of luck to you.👍 🙂

 

[yuki98]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking a lot lately on these forums for a few years but never posted anything. Now I'm in need of some advice from everyone if anyone is kind enough to help.

I've just recently graduated from UCI with a cum gpa of 2.2 and a bio gpa of 2.3. I know my gpa is very horrible and I don't have any excuse for it. I have to reevaluate myself and fix my study habits. I know it sounds like a joke, but my dream is to go to med school and become a doctor one day.

As of now, I'm planning on taking classes at a nearby state university as an open student. I don't know how long or how many units it wil take but I want to raise my undergrad gpa to a 3.0 (hopefully). When my gpa is around that area, I then plan on taking the MCATS and idealy do well on them. If all goes well I would hope to apply and get into a SMP after that.

What do you guys think I should do? Should I give up on being a doctor and find another profession to do? My moral has been extremely low for the past few years and I've been depressed for awhole as well.

Thanks for reading my post everyone
-T

Don't give up if it's what you really want to do! Where there's a will there's a way (I know, it's cliche, but bear with me). I wish you the best of luck. If you've experienced anything similar to what I have, you've probably heard discouragement from other premed student, maybe even from a premed advisor. Basically, I feel your pain 🙁...I've gone through 2 quarter-life crises re-evaluating my future plans. I suppose I should thank the haters, otherwise I wouldn't have learned to listen to myself.

You're planning on taking classes at a state university? Why did you decide that rather than a JC?