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[USB Stick]

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Hi everyone,

Just an update. It's been little over a year since I wrote the post I quoted below and I just want to let everyone know that I just finished my 1st semester of my 1st year of medical school. Those are may have lost hope and want to give up... Don't! I did it and so can you! If you want it and want if bad. You keep going!! Keep on trucking and feel free to PM me if you have questions. Take care guys/gals!

Hi guys!

To those with low stats: Don't give up! Ever! If this is your dream and you're still breathing then you keep at ut. I graduated with a 2.55 cGPA and a 2.6 sGPA back in 2005 and it took me 4 years to get to where I'm at today with a 2.99 cGPA (3.00 if you want to round up 😉) and a 3.69 sGPA (3.70 rounding up heheh) after retaking classes I didn't do so hot in when I was an undergraduate. I'm applyed strictly to DO schools, though I haven't been acceptd into any of the schools yet, I have gone to two interviews and have two more to go. I also work full time, so it's pretty hard to find classes that my worked with my working schedule, but I managed because I want this bad... sooo f*#king bad. Anyways, dont' give up!

Apologize for any spelling mistakes, since i'm trying to write this msg without my boss catching me browsing the web. Take care and I wish for the best!

 

[crusty moto]

Hello SDN

Fantastic forum you've got here. Been lurking here for a while doing research on my situation and decided to post up and get a few final opinions. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Headlines, technical stuff:
-Florida (USF)
-Undergrad: 2.93 GPA; science: haven't yet determined it, but probably similar
-BA in Psychology
-1 year research (a few years ago)
-1 year working as EMT-B (still working)
-A couple LOR's can be attained, academic LOR's will come from future classes
-No MCAT

I did take some of the core classes (bio,gen chem, phys), but haven't taken organic or any upper level science classes. Those sciences were taken back in 2004, I graduated fall 2009. I also would have no problem doing research in the future to make the research date closer to application date. EC's will also be added in the future. It would appear that most post-bacc/SMP require at least 3.0 so I don't think that I would be competitive for most of them and the application deadline also seems to have either passed or is approaching rather quickly for most of them. This also brings up the other factor which is that I don't remember most of the sciences so I don't really have a solid base. Would re-taking the sciences at my local 4-year and maybe getting another BS be a logical next step, or would taking just the core sciences and a couple upper level like biochem be a better option? And obviously doing good on the MCAT too.

I'm thinking this will be the progression:

4-year Uni/post bacc->SMP->MD/DO


Questions? Comments? Radical thoughts?

 

[plee]

Hi,

So after a lot more research into what my options are, I have another blaring question in mind.

Background : cGPA = 2.97 and science GPA = 2.76.

I know I have to increase my GPA to at least a 3.0, so should I do that Spring quarter at a 4-year university informally, or should I do it through a post-bac program in the upcoming fall?

I also took the MCAT once and got a 23, but I am in the process of studying for it again and scheduled to take it in May.

I'm considering to apply this cycle to a couple of post-bac / SMP programs with my current GPA and new MCAT score (hopefully a lot better), but I'm a bit confused on what I should do.

My goal is to get into a medical school and I was wondering what would be the quickest/most-efficient process in doing so.

Some post-bacs / SMP programs that I am considering are:
Academic Record-Enhancers
UPenn
Drexel (DPMS) or (IMS)
Dusquesne University
NY Medical College
SFSU
Temple University
Virginia Commonwealth University


Masters/Advanced Programs
Loyola University
Robert Wood Johnson
Rosalind Franklin
Tufts University
Western University


Others
UCONN
RFU
EVMS
Cincinnati

This is a rough draft list and I will probably only apply to about 5 or 6 total, if this is the best route.

Thanks.

 

[deleted248403]

Forget UConn, and you are a long shot for UPenn.

You need an SMP, and might need an academic-enhancer to get into an SMP.

I think your May MCAT is too late for this current cycle, but you can call around and see who will accept a late MCAT. You are in a tough position cos you have a just-below the magic 3.0 cGPA for SMPs, and your 23 MCAT isn't helping convince anyone you just had a bad day.

If I were you, I would take 2 classes over the summer, 2-3 classes in the fall, and 2-3 in the Spring while working a job related to healthcare and beefing up your resume. In the fall, apply to SMPs for Fall 2012.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Nothing really to add to Plee, except that I think Rosalind Franklin is the same as RFU.

 

[plee]

thanks rob.

Do you think i should take those couple of classes through an official post-bac program or just unofficially through a nearby school? What classes would I be taking? Do i retake the lower-div classes or take new upper div courses??

 

[deleted248403]

thanks rob.

Do you think i should take those couple of classes through an official post-bac program or just unofficially through a nearby school? What classes would I be taking? Do i retake the lower-div classes or take new upper div courses??

Take them at a 4-yr univ (not a CC) wherever you want. I chose to go through a post-bac program partly because I wanted to move to a more urban environment, and i wanted to get a job at the many hospitals in my location. It wasn't the cheapest tutition but I justified it with the employment opportunities. So, if find somewhere you can get a good health-care related job, and take classes and thats perfect.

In terms of classes, absolutely repeat any of the pre-reqs you got a C+ or lower in. Not only will that help your DO GPA, but it will help refresh that material for the MCAT and help show MD school thats you can do the material - but that first time you took it, you were *insert adjective here*. You can also take some upper levels if you want, though if you got Cs in Bio, i wouldn't take immuno or something like that until you've re-done bio. But if your Cs were in chem, you could take like developmental bio or some other higher, more bio based sciences.

 

[ODoyle]

nvm.

 

[ODoyle]

dbl

 

[karataychop]

I am working towards realizing my goal of becoming a physician.

unfortunately had a lot of family and financial circumstances that affected my academic performance
My cumGPA: 2.55
Science GPA: 2.70
(but I only had the chance to complete about 1/2 of the pre-requisites)

At this point, I want to redo all my prereqs.. but would it be best to possibly attain a Master's degree in conjunction with my getting those prereqs done?
Or would it be okay to just do the post bacc.. if I can even get in?
I even entertained the idea of pursuing a second bachelor's degree in biology

I know it's going to be super tough, but I want this more than anything and now I'm willing and able to put the work in that's required. Thanks guys!

 

[MatchesMalone]

Hey,
Could really use some advice on my situation. Finished Ugrad a few years back, started a postbac after time off.
My bad grades were from about 8 years ago, mostly a B student thereafter.

Ugrad UC school (California) 158 semester units.

cGPA: 2.75 (AMCAS)
sGPA: 2.47 (AMCAS .. i know.. 😳)

Postbac work 40 Semester units
3.9 Gpa

Mcat 30 - possibly retaking

Good ECs. (lots of volunteering)

I'm not opposed to DO -- but is MD an option?
I'm not getting any younger and i've done a LOT of undergrad..

I would guess for MD it's an SMP or bust..main worry about DO is certain specialties down the line. Guess it wouldn't be a worry if I never got in anywhere...

I would appreciate any advice and input, especially from some of you regulars.

Thank you
-Matches.

 

[drizzt3117]

I think do/Carib is your best bet. Worry about getting into med school before you worry about specialties.

Hey,
Could really use some advice on my situation. Finished Ugrad a few years back, started a postbac after time off.
My bad grades were from about 8 years ago, mostly a B student thereafter.

Ugrad UC school (California) 158 semester units.

cGPA: 2.75 (AMCAS)
sGPA: 2.47 (AMCAS .. i know.. 😳)

Postbac work 40 Semester units
3.9 Gpa

Mcat 30 - possibly retaking

Good ECs. (lots of volunteering)

I'm not opposed to DO -- but is MD an option?
I'm not getting any younger and i've done a LOT of undergrad..

I would guess for MD it's an SMP or bust..main worry about DO is certain specialties down the line. Guess it wouldn't be a worry if I never got in anywhere...

I would appreciate any advice and input, especially from some of you regulars.

Thank you
-Matches.

 

[thes_hunter]

Hey,
Could really use some advice on my situation. Finished Ugrad a few years back, started a postbac after time off.
My bad grades were from about 8 years ago, mostly a B student thereafter.

Ugrad UC school (California) 158 semester units.

cGPA: 2.75 (AMCAS)
sGPA: 2.47 (AMCAS .. i know.. 😳)

Postbac work 40 Semester units
3.9 Gpa

Mcat 30 - possibly retaking

Good ECs. (lots of volunteering)

I'm not opposed to DO -- but is MD an option?
I'm not getting any younger and i've done a LOT of undergrad..

I would guess for MD it's an SMP or bust..main worry about DO is certain specialties down the line. Guess it wouldn't be a worry if I never got in anywhere...

I would appreciate any advice and input, especially from some of you regulars.

Thank you
-Matches.

Apply DO and MD, I got waitlisted 4 years before being accepted at my MD school of choice. I could very well likely be a DO resident by now!

There isn't the stigma that people on boards such as this lead you to believe. Sure, a minority of people may stigmatize you for being a DO, but a minority of people stigmatize people for a large variety of things. So what's one more thing?

You do have a good chance at an MD, but it may take you a couple cycles to get in. So, apply MD and DO and see what happens. If you really don't think you would be as happy as a DO, apply MD only for 1 year, and then apply MD, DO. Whatever, you'll do fine.

 

[EWO]

Hey fellow SDN-ers, I will try to be brief

Graduated 2008 with B.S in Bio from an HBCU. Low MCAT...

AAMC has my gpa at sci: 2.84 and cum 2.94 with 172.5 hrs....102.00 hours is SCIENCE....so major problem for me


I sent out about (15) letters to various med schools asking for constructive advice to improve my competititveness...lets face it I am not competititve now and was not competititve then...just the truth


I have posted about their responses...many saying improve the MCAT and do an SMP or do a basic science Masters

However, for the great smps...like Georgetown...etc..my MCAT prohibits that bc I do not meet their minimum...so I thought a D.I.Y. post-bacc would be better to make me meet the gpa minimums and work on the MCAT

However, I was accepted into the NIH-PREP program under MD/PhD guise for Fall 2010-Sp 2011 of which I will be completed with at the end of May of this year. (I did want to do MD-PhD with a PhD in nutritional sciences or genetics but with my advanced age I do not believe it would be beneficial)

Since doing clinical research this year and actively engaging with patients, I know this is definitely something I want to do and feel it is my calling

But, DrMidlife gave some great advice to me back when I posted awhile ago and it has stayed with me as well as a former advisor from my HBCU has contacted me and given some advice as well

Basically, here I am 25, no more closer to this goal at all due to my average grades at best in undergraduate, poor performance on the MCAT, and me not being able to make a solid plan/strategy to solidfy my goals due to the variance in advice (maybe too much advice is a bad thing...)

DrMidlife advice was to improve myself at the ugrad level...cross that 3.0 cutoff and work on the MCAT extensively...but let the SMP be the last option(I do lean more towards her advice...due to financial reasons). But what she also said that stayed with me was, she said, I could do this or just take a break....live life, work, experience life and work and come back to medicine in a couple of years with a refined and determined mindset and goal(paraphrasing here).

My former advisor at my HBCU alma mater, we didnt have a pre-med coordinator or program during my matriculation there; she knows my financial hurdles and advised me to work on the MCAT, and do a 2nd Degree BSN program

Before people flame her for this advice, and say nursing is not medicine or a stepping stone to medicine. or that I shouldnt be taking anyone's seat, etc ...she knows this, as she is a M.D. herself but she also knows my financial limitations

Finances: I have already incurred 60,000 in student loan debt from going to an out of state school my previous four years. Also, I am within 14,000 of reaching the maximum level for undergraduate subsidized/unsubsidized limit as well. So most people get on here and rag people who may want to do BSN, but I don't like to put my personal business out there, but my family is on the lower-economic strata and I am coming close to reaching the maximum loans and I do not know what else I can do that could possibly allow me to pay for my own classes or education at this time and point. I can not afford to be a burden to my family financially and they can not afford for me to as well

For me, the BSN option could potentially help me financially and allow me to continue to get clinical experience--beyond my current job--and also allow me to understand and work within the hiearchial system of medicine

What I thought to do, was to do the BSN but also be taking lower-and upper division sciences if not a full- double-major. One of the advisors from UCF, the fully-tuition funded new medical school in Florida, he advised me to do lower division as well because he said combined with my low MCAT and C average gpa.... it shows that I do not have a solid grasp of the sciences...which is correct...especially Physics and Chemistry...which are 2/3 of the MCAT

My only other option if I do not do the BSN, would be to declare a major at my current school and to take 60-70 hours of complete A's...(very challenging for a B-C average student) so that I can raise my cumulative and science gpa to a 3.3 which still is low compared to the 3.6-3.8 national average

Also, my former advisor from the HBCU, has formed a two-year articulation with a Carribean medical school but due to my hesitation on the Carribean...for residency reasons not quality of education....and my current financial limitations....you have to be financially-fit for those schools she said....I do not think this would be a good option for me but it is one she mentioned to me.

So, I would really appreciate if someone will look at the whole-part of my situation...the financial, academic, etc and give me some good advice or if you can put yourself in my shoes and imagine yourself in this situation

However, giving up is NOT an option for me.

I realize now, looking objectively at my situation that I have A LOT of mountains to climb..starting with learning the basics....the sciences....getting a better understanding and thinking conceptually...because this will help on the MCAT. I know this may be more of a 3yr stint instead of 2yrs and I may be looking at entering MD school at 28, instead of 26 or 27. Regardless, I just want a better plan that I can start to execute

Also, from being in research--clinical--I see how vastly important it is for me to beef up my quantitiative skills...statistics..etc. I have to read TONS of research articles and papers and have to do alot of quantitative things during clinic as well

So, I am rambling now, but really, please, if any of you can give me some great advice I would really appreciate that immensely!

Thanks

EWO

P.S. I mentioned MD quite a lot but have no whims or problems with applying to D.O. schools; I much rather apply to BOTH and broadly whenever I decide to apply

P.P.S. Also, I could do ASN instead of BSN and try to make the 2nd degree in a science-based degree such as neuroscience...so it does not have to be BSN for me totally

 

[RogueUnicorn]

i think your mentor is gently telling you to give up

 

[EWO]

i think your mentor is gently telling you to give up

Thats the vibe I was getting from her, she is a former advisor not a mentor though. For me, I just do not feel I am in that bleak of a situation where giving up on something I aspire to be is necessary....although I am 25, I do not feel like its something that I can not rectify in the next couple of years or so...and I am not idealistic at all...realistically I know the likelihood is slim, but really feel I can get in a decent med school with gpa repair, better MCAT and continued ECs...

 

[RogueUnicorn]

how long can you put your life on hold, though? i don't mean to be discouraging, but you are up to your eyeballs in debt, no real career to speak of, and no significant evidence to believe you can perform at the 4.0 level for 2-3 years. you said you graduated in 08, what have you been doing for the past 3 years?

 

[EWO]

how long can you put your life on hold, though? i don't mean to be discouraging, but you are up to your eyeballs in debt, no real career to speak of, and no significant evidence to believe you can perform at the 4.0 level for 2-3 years. you said you graduated in 08, what have you been doing for the past 3 years?

I have been working menial jobs...interning for I do not know how long. I do not find your comments discouraging because they are the same ones that I genuinely ask myself daily. The way that the advisor explained it was, to her, doing a BSN or ASN allows real healthcare experience and a "real" income...it would also allow me to see if I want to pursue medicine or if not I have a platform in nursing where I can further educate myself..NP or CRNA or etc; she does know that for the most part medicine is STILL my goal, I am probably frustrating a lot of people that would probably look at my situation and say, give it up, but I do not feel that way...I have not been convinced that it is "impossible"...challenging....very but "impossible" no.

Maybe if I had a gpa of 2.0 or 2.5 in science and cumulative; maybe I would just give up but even though the 2.94 and 2.84 are still in the 2's...I just believe I can pull it up...as I know time management and financial limitations were the reasons for my prior poor performance.

I realize that you do not win people over by "hypothetical" talk, that is why all I can do now is perform....I simply was just asking people if they could give me ideas about in what way I can plan this out so that it could more than likely show a future adcom member my improvement and competitiveness down the road

 

[deleted248403]

I would head to the Carib or DO; I think US MD is out of reach at this point.

I think a paramedic course would much more useful than a BSN at this point, but I still think Carib/DO is the way to go for you

I also concur with Bleargh - I think your advisor/mentor is suggesting different avenues that you might be better suited to

 

[EWO]

I would head to the Carib or DO; I think US MD is out of reach at this point.

I think a paramedic course would much more useful than a BSN at this point, but I still think Carib/DO is the way to go for you

I also concur with Bleargh - I think your advisor/mentor is suggesting different avenues that you might be better suited to

D.O. as well as my state school will be places that I apply to in the future, Carribbean is not an option though neither is another career...since there are D.O. schools(thank God) ...but they are getting more competitive as well.

Thanks for the advice. Yes my advisor was subliminally suggesting to do another career but I see many people on the non-trad forum who have done what I am trying to do at an even more advanced age and some with the same gpa or so

It is quite comical to me that no matter how many times I post on these forums I always get the "give it up lecture" but many people with same or worse academics get an encouraging rouse of advice...but either way I do not take this personal...I'm use to it...and thanks for your advice nevertheless

P.S. And I do not mean I need rosy advice or sugarcoating....but for Pete's sake, I only asked for ADVICE as to how I can come up with a strategic plan to improve my competitiveness...you would think I was posting in the pre-allo forum...smh....I can't win for losing with you people...but oh well 🙂

 

[deleted248403]

Just keep in my mind - the ppl in non-trad aren't indicative of the whole applicant pool. And there are plenty of people who don't get in that you never hear from again.

No-one comes back here to say that they were wrong and should have given up - 5 years and $100k+ in debt. The only ones who come back are the ones that make it

i'd scan the board for people in similar stats who have low post counts and follow their posts. you'll see thousands of low GPA in bad situations who don't make it but they just stop posting (sure, some might make it and move on, but I think a good fraction, don't make it and dont come back to swallow their pride)

 

[RogueUnicorn]

D.O. as well as my state school will be places that I apply to in the future, Carribbean is not an option though neither is another career...since there are D.O. schools(thank God) ...but they are getting more competitive as well.

Thanks for the advice. Yes my advisor was subliminally suggesting to do another career but I see many people on the non-trad forum who have done what I am trying to do at an even more advanced age and some with the same gpa or so

It is quite comical to me that no matter how many times I post on these forums I always get the "give it up lecture" but many people with same or worse academics get an encouraging rouse of advice...but either way I do not take this personal...I'm use to it...and thanks for your advice nevertheless

P.S. And I do not mean I need rosy advice or sugarcoating....but for Pete's sake, I only asked for ADVICE as to how I can come up with a strategic plan to improve my competitiveness...you would think I was posting in the pre-allo forum...smh....I can't win for losing with you people...but oh well 🙂

the problem is that you already essentially know your options, and limited us by saying you are pretty much tapped out on loans. to repair your ~175 credits of 2.94/2.84 to even barely above straight-to-trash levels (~3.1/3.0) will take you 2 years of full load at ~3.7 average. realistically, you might need 3 or even 4. AFTER that, you need to retake the MCAT and have to be at least average (25). if you successfully do this, assuming you are black (from the HBCU comment), you'll have about a 50% chance at med schools. the problem is, how will you pay for this?

a bsn/asn would completely useless if you would never consider abandoning medicine. the grading is arbitrary, it will not at all show you have grasped any science material, which is a primary concern for you, and statistically health science concentrators are among the least accepted applicants

 

[EWO]

the problem is that you already essentially know your options, and limited us by saying you are pretty much tapped out on loans. to repair your ~175 credits of 2.94/2.84 to even barely above straight-to-trash levels (~3.1/3.0) will take you 2 years of full load at ~3.7 average. realistically, you might need 3 or even 4. AFTER that, you need to retake the MCAT and have to be at least average (25). if you successfully do this, assuming you are black (from the HBCU comment), you'll have about a 50% chance at med schools. the problem is, how will you pay for this?

a bsn/asn would completely useless if you would never consider abandoning medicine. the grading is arbitrary, it will not at all show you have grasped any science material, which is a primary concern for you, and statistically health science concentrators are among the least accepted applicants

WOW @ the straight to trash 3.0 to 3.1 comment. I do not dab in negativity or scorn so I really do not have anything further to say nor do I wish in keep going back to back with this..but as I stated the ASN/BSN as well as carribbean was an OPTION that was suggested....never said I would be doing it

Additionally, my race/ethnicity plays no role...a 25 isnt going to get me anywhere so I would really appreciate if ppl of other "races" would drop the URM effect because there isn't any but thats not going to happen

Again thanks for your opinion anyway

 

[EWO]

Just keep in my mind - the ppl in non-trad aren't indicative of the whole applicant pool. And there are plenty of people who don't get in that you never hear from again.

No-one comes back here to say that they were wrong and should have given up - 5 years and $100k+ in debt. The only ones who come back are the ones that make it

i'd scan the board for people in similar stats who have low post counts and follow their posts. you'll see thousands of low GPA in bad situations who don't make it but they just stop posting (sure, some might make it and move on, but I think a good fraction, don't make it and dont come back to swallow their pride)

Its called having "tact" has nothing to do with the lower-ratio of non-trads and I have been perusing these boards...many forums since about 2009 or so....just noticing anytime I post I get the coldest, heartless comments...but as I said before I am use to this....

Yes, many people with my gpa do not make it, I am not some just out of college still idealistic type...maybe i should bold my words I know the likelihood of success after such poor performance is very challenging and for some impossible to recover from, however, knowing this, I was ONLY interested if some other people who may have been through similar situation could shed light on an avenue that I could perhaps take to become a better future applicant!

Sometimes I think some of you all just go straight into the "attack mode" and do not even read what people post. And God forbid if I do not squeam and say, "I agree, I should just give up"...then I am labeled as "prideful", "idealistic", etc

But enough of that, thanks for your opinion anyway

 

[RogueUnicorn]

WOW @ the straight to trash 3.0 to 3.1 comment. I do not dab in negativity or scorn so I really do not have anything further to say nor do I wish in keep going back to back with this..but as I stated the ASN/BSN as well as carribbean was an OPTION that was suggested....never said I would be doing it

Additionally, my race/ethnicity plays no role...a 25 isnt going to get me anywhere so I would really appreciate if ppl of other "races" would drop the URM effect because there isn't any but thats not going to happen

Again thanks for your opinion anyway

sorry, but it's just the truth, i'm not trying to be either scornful or negative, whether you like it or not. sub 3.0 doesn't make it past many schools' computer screens, i.e. straight to the trash.

re: urm issue, as a big proponent of AA and other such programs, it's plain impossible to ignore the statistical disparities. a 25 with a 3.1 will indeed get you somewhere half the time. educate yourself.

https://www.aamc.org/data/facts/app...mcat-gpa-grid-by-selected-race-ethnicity.html

 

[drizzt3117]

Additionally, my race/ethnicity plays no role...a 25 isnt going to get me anywhere so I would really appreciate if ppl of other "races" would drop the URM effect because there isn't any but thats not going to happen

Again thanks for your opinion anyway

If that were true, med schools wouldn't have totally separate admissions committees for URM students (they do).

 

[deleted248403]

EWO - as bleargh as pointed out, your situation is pretty dire and i'm not really sure what you are looking for.

Your mentor told you politely to give up, i've suggested going to the Carib/DO so you can fulfil your ambition, and you've indicated that more expensive schooling isn't really an option.

So I don't know how you ever expect to get into US MD with your current restrictions - hence my advice.

Either way - i'm done with offering you my thoughts. It's not attack mode or give up mode. You have put yourself in a pretty restrictive position through poor academic work, and with your financial limitations - I don't see much alternative. Good luck to you.

 

[EWO]

EWO - as bleargh as pointed out, your situation is pretty dire and i'm not really sure what you are looking for.

Your mentor told you politely to give up, i've suggested going to the Carib/DO so you can fulfil your ambition, and you've indicated that more expensive schooling isn't really an option.

So I don't know how you ever expect to get into US MD with your current restrictions - hence my advice.

Either way - i'm done with offering you my thoughts. It's not attack mode or give up mode. You have put yourself in a pretty restrictive position through poor academic work, and with your financial limitations - I don't see much alternative. Good luck to you.

Thats the point Rob, I never discounted anything but the Carib...if you go back in my post....so I have not discounted your advice, I was only speaking to the way....the manner...that people have come at me when I post on these forums...not specifically you. The only MD school I said I was applying to was my state (2) schools...thats it.....but in any regard like I said before thanks for your opinion and suggestions

 

[EWO]

If that were true, med schools wouldn't have totally separate admissions committees for URM students (they do).

Regardless if they have a separate committe, that doesnt give me any brownie points. Alot of ppl, not you, come on here and present the URM issue as if all we have to do is show up black and they hand us a med seat....simply not true and not trying to argue the URM issue just being honest, with less than 3% of physicians being black, and most of the 100+ med schools outside of the HBCU ones having probably 10 or prb less black people solidifies the fact that it is not as "easy" as some people try to put off

I am trying to become a better applicant point blank and stand by my statement that race will not do anything for me

 

[EWO]

sorry, but it's just the truth, i'm not trying to be either scornful or negative, whether you like it or not. sub 3.0 doesn't make it past many schools' computer screens, i.e. straight to the trash.

re: urm issue, as a big proponent of AA and other such programs, it's plain impossible to ignore the statistical disparities. a 25 with a 3.1 will indeed get you somewhere half the time. educate yourself.

https://www.aamc.org/data/facts/app...mcat-gpa-grid-by-selected-race-ethnicity.html

*Sighs*....look, no where did I say that a sub 3.0 or 3.1 still isnt on the lower end of gpa and could possible get screened out....I know this, I mean do people even read what people post or do they simply just see what they want to see?

I have already seen the "stats" that everyone love to show to show the "academic disparity..if u say" and that is used to argue a "meritocractic" system...its like beating a dead horse with some of you people

For me, trying to make myself a better candidate is my MAIN goal. You all have offered no hypothetical plan such as; "well DO is prb your best option, but being that they are getting more competitive as well you could increase your chances by doing: 1, 2, 3....etc"

Instead we have went post-by post--on how "dire" my situation is which is why I commented that it was quite funny to me how anytime and every time I post I get the sour-grapes-sorta answer as if I offended someone with my low stats? LOL

Either way, your opinion is noted! And I think a lot of people on here could benefit from educating themselves on having some "tact" when they communicate with someone.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

*Sighs*....look, no where did I say that a sub 3.0 or 3.1 still isnt on the lower end of gpa and could possible get screened out....I know this, I mean do people even read what people post or do they simply just see what they want to see?

I have already seen the "stats" that everyone love to show to show the "academic disparity..if u say" and that is used to argue a "meritocractic" system...its like beating a dead horse with some of you people

For me, trying to make myself a better candidate is my MAIN goal. You all have offered no hypothetical plan such as; "well DO is prb your best option, but being that they are getting more competitive as well you could increase your chances by doing: 1, 2, 3....etc"

Instead we have went post-by post--on how "dire" my situation is which is why I commented that it was quite funny to me how anytime and every time I post I get the sour-grapes-sorta answer as if I offended someone with my low stats? LOL

Either way, your opinion is noted! And I think a lot of people on here could benefit from educating themselves on having some "tact" when they communicate with someone.

likewise, your passive aggression is noted as well.

i laid out very specific things you need to do as well as a question of how your will pay for them, but then again, considering that you somehow made my post an argument for a "meritocratic" system in your mind, maybe you simply just see what they want to see?

 

[EWO]

likewise, your passive aggression is noted as well.

i laid out very specific things you need to do as well as a question of how your will pay for them, but then again, considering that you somehow made my post an argument for a "meritocratic" system in your mind, maybe you simply just see what they want to see?

LOL, here we go again...didnt make an argument for or against meritocractic system..simply said ppl on here present that table about AA's getting in with lower stats all the time as a platform for them saying we need a meritocratic system...never said you were one of them

I dont know your gender...female or male...though it doesnt matter, but hon, or dude, I am the most mild mannered as they come...no passive aggression anywhere

I did note that you "briefly" mentioned that I would probably have to do some semesters of ugrad to get to above sub-3.0 and you asked how would I pay for it then went on to disagree with the nursing idea.

Let this one be final and just own up to that perhaps we both misinterpreted each others post...I can admit a wrong...but mostly as I said just wanted someone to throw out some ideas as to what way could possibly be best to rectify my situation given the varied ideas I have been given

I was looking more for: 1) Do a D.I.Y get that gpa up to 3.0 or 3.3 if you can financially 2) Improve MCAT, and based off of these apply broadly D.O./M.D

Or maybe: Get gpa up to 3.0, do SMP, apply broadly, MCAT re-do of course, apply broadly

Or even: Go straight D.O., you have no hope at M.D😀....do re-takes and some upper level if u can and/or a D.O. post-bacc/SMP and apply D.O.

Or even: Do 2nd bachelors, do masters in basic science, re-do mcat, based on results apply or do SMP and then apply


Any of those scenarios I was expecting or similar but really wasnt expecting the barage of indirectness that was bestowed...but let bygones be bygones

Because I have heard so many different advice which all essentially is saying PROVE YOURSELF....I was simply looking for guidance as to what may be the BEST avenue for me to do that given some of my financial limitations

But being that I really didnt get much in that area....I will go quietly now and sit in the corner and gorge on food to calm my mind from realizing med school is not an option for me!?! <-----sarcasm for those who won't be able to notice! LOL

THNKS

EWO

 

[RogueUnicorn]

If you have finished gorging 😉 -

Option 1 for sure, and try to double-dip by retaking classes so it also counts for DO grade replacement. Do it for a year and don't think about the MCAT yet, and see how you do. I don't know where you are but hopefully you have a 4-year that will run you an affordable ~1K per class.

SMP and other master's programs are 100% the wrong way to go for you. Too much $$, too much risk

 

[EWO]

If you have finished gorging 😉 -

Option 1 for sure, and try to double-dip by retaking classes so it also counts for DO grade replacement. Do it for a year and don't think about the MCAT yet, and see how you do. I don't know where you are but hopefully you have a 4-year that will run you an affordable ~1K per class.

SMP and other master's programs are 100% the wrong way to go for you. Too much $$, too much risk

See, so easy to kiss and make up! LOL...Thanks, yes I believe option 1 is best as well Thanks Bleargh! 😀

 

[PerpetuallyIdle]

Need advice. Is it possible for me to get into a DO school with my stats, assuming I apply on the first day this summer? Should I still apply for an SMP or diversify my options and apply to both?

3.1 gpa 3.1 science gpa. Maybe 28 MCAT.

Massive improvement, changes, and additions during the fall semester- 3.7 science, 3.7 non-science, 1 C->3.5 overall.

Got great LORs from the science and non-science professors. Continued usual ECs, added a job and new ECs which will probably result in interesting interviews. Personal statement talks about the gpa problem and overcoming adversity along with stating that I can turn over a new leaf, which my fall grades have demonstrated.

Thought about taking more classes but a full semester of straight A's only gets me a 0.1 rise in GPA and grade forgiveness seems better.

Using grade forgiveness by retaking 3 classes and getting A's


Freshman science 3.5>3.65
Sophomore science 3.2>3.4
Overall prereqs/bcpm first 2 years borderline 3.4>3.55
3.2 overall/science for all 4 years

If I do all of that and retake biochem, then my 4 year BCPM/overall becomes 3.25. Alternatively, I could retake a few more classes from freshman and sophomore year but I would be swapping a B or B- out for an A.

 

[NukeMD]

deleted

 

[physcigirl27]

-

 

[rgbrooks]

Hello, I'm new to this site and would really appreciate some help regarding my GPA.

My freshman year of college didn't turn out quite the way I'd anticipated. After the death of my mother and grandmother, I had a hard time trying to support my siblings and balance school as well. I was 19 at the time, so needless to say, my life went from worrying about what my plans were Friday night to worrying about how to support a family mainly by myself.

The first semester I did poorly, with an overall 2.83 GPA, but the second semester I just cracked and received F's - leaving my GPA at a measly 1.21. Yeah, I realize that's horrendous, and I'm still beating myself up about it. Since then I have retaken every single class, and have a GPA of 3.8.

Since I am supporting a family, I contacted a program in Texas called JAMP, which basically helps students get into medical school. The employee told me that even if I retake classes, medical schools will take every single class attempted and average the GPA together (i.e. the failed class, plus the retaken grade in that class). If this is true my 3.8 GPA gets shot down to a 2.48.

Can anyone give me any information as to if this is true or not, or what I can do?

Seeing my relatives pass away really re-assured me that Medicine is what I was meant to do, and It crushes me to think that I don't stand a chance anymore. Especially since I recently took the MCAT and scored 12 PS, 13 VR, 12 B.

Just don't know what to do...

 

[geodude]

Hello all,

Brand new here. Just wanted to share my tale of woe as well as my lofty dreams of becoming a physician.

So here goes...

Kicked out of the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2001 after 5 years of consistent academic mediocrity/failure with a GPA of ~1.8. Almost all of the credit was non-science.

I will receive my BS in Computer Science from Park University this May with a 3.9 GPA. This puts my cGPA at around 2.7 or so.

I'm in the IT field now. I make pretty decent money but I don't like the work at all. I'm finishing my degree in CS only because I was already most of the way there from some credits I received when I was active duty in the Air Force. The only things that keep me where I am are the paycheck and the fact that I have very flexible hours. However, I've always been interested in medicine, but never acted on it. I have ZERO clinical volunteering experience, but I am trying to get that set up at a local hospital and at an Equine Therapy school.

So, I guess my questions are twofold:

1) I'm in my early 30's. I have about 9 years of professional experience under my belt, and I've just finished my BS with a high GPA. Are these factors going to be enough to offset my horrendous performance the first time around? *edit* Piggybacking on that - No MCAT yet. I've read that a 25ish MCAT is average, so given my crappy GPA I'm assuming I'm going to need to score a good bit higher than that, but I'm not sure how much higher. 32, 37, 40?

2) I know that volunteering is important not only for the med school application, but also (possibly even more so) for me to get an idea about whether or not I think I might actually enjoy a career in medicine. So I am eager to get started, but I'm also running out of time. So I want to know, realistically, how much should I be shooting for in terms of hours.

Thanks for your help.

geo

 

[MidAtlantic]

I just wanted to post my Low GPA story for those who are interested.
I graduated from Rutgers College of Engineering back in 1987 with a 2.8 GPA. I decided a few years ago, I decided to go to medical school. I tool the courses I was missing like Organic Chemistry, etc. with all As but that GPA wasn't going to move after 142 undergraduate credits. I posted a 31 on my MCAT. I applied to medical school in the US and only got 1 interview at Marshall where I was left on the waiting list. One school told me that I should do a year of research to raise my GPA. I didn't want to waste a year so I went with my backup plan. I also applied to Puerto Rican medical schools (SJB and UCC). I was accepted at both. I am just finishing up my 2nd year and since these schools are LCME accredited just like the US so I was able to apply back to the US as a normal transfer. I just received notice from VCU that I have been accepted at their INOVA campus for third year. It has been tough but I just thank God. This might be an avenue for those who want to get on with medical school. My Spanish was pretty rusty and I have struggled but it is doable. Best wishes all.

 

[Ducky8989]

Hi, I have just recently decided that I want to pursue a career in medicine. I am graduating this June from a top tier school (not ivy though) with a 3.1 overall undergrad GPA and a BA in liberal arts. I think I could have done better but I fell out of love with writing and with my major and lost a lot of motivation. I have not taken any science courses at all in undergrad and am waiting to hear back from several postbac programs.

Science was not my strongest subject in high school, and I am not realistically sure that I can get a 4.0 gpa in a science program... but I think realistically my postbac GPA could fall in the 3.5-3.6 range.

Would this, along with a decent MCAT score be enough to get in to medical school? I am not opposed to DO in fact I see it as a desirable option. I am also not opposed to going the FMG route, although it's obviously not preferable. I really feel certain right now that I want to become a doctor, but if even after working my ass off for 2-3 years in a postbac my chances are slim to none I would rather dodge the bullet and save some money.

 

[geodude]

So let me get this straight, you have a bad GPA in NON-SCI courses but strong GPA in Sci courses that were taken over I'm assuming 3-4 years????

If that's the case they will look at the later GPA and trends highly. You can always do 1 more year or so to bring it closer to 3.0 but the other option is to consider an SMP. it depends on how you do on MCAT. I believe if you are in IT chances are you could pull a high score as engineering people generally tend to do so historically.

Hi,

You are correct. Only a few SCI courses at UNCA but many (8) over the last 2 years since I've been going to Park. All of them A's with one exception - I got a B in Discrete Math in my very first semester. 👎

Hadn't looked at an SMP before, but I'm interested for sure. I'm moving to Ventura CA soon, so I'm going to have to look around and see if there's something in that area.

Thanks for the info. 🙂

geo

 

[geodude]

Hmm that should help your case a lot because BCPM is high despite lower ugrad. I would say kill the MCAT with a 35+ if you can and show strong commitment to medicine through volunteerism, shadowing, etc. Consider an SMP if you still feel you need it. I'd apply to schools like Wayne State that explicitly say they take more consideration into postbac GPA then previous work and dont just average the two. You should be ok if you apply smartly and do all this.

Well, I am going to have to take all BCP pre-reqs over the next 2 years. If I can come away from that with my MS in Something instead of just a bunch of post-bac work, then that's what I'd like to do. Obviously, duration of the program would be a factor. Either way, it's very encouraging, so thanks! 👍

Speaking of BCPM...

Here's a potentially silly question - do med schools generally treat Computer Science courses as "science" courses? I would think yes in some cases, e.g. data structures and algorithm design, which are essentially applied mathematics courses. Probably not in others: system architecture, networking topology, etc.

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience here.

 

[geodude]

Hmm depends on how you categorize it in the AMCAS and how amcas calculates it. if it is classified as biology, chemistry, physics, or math then it will no doubtedly be considered BCPM.

But sometimes when you categorize things in other categories that is not necessarily so. I remember categorizing something in health science and another class in natural science. those were not counted as BCPM. So its all on how you categorize it.

I just found this document. It lists all courses that fall under the BCMP heading. According to this document, CS courses are not classified as applied math. 🙁

https://www.aamc.org/students/download/181694/data/amcas_course_classification_guide.pdf

 

[OhioG]

3.31 cGPA and 27N MCAT (9/9/9). Applying to Toledo, Drexel, LECOM, PCOM and Cinci.

What are my chances. Be honest. Also where else should I apply?

 

[Kaustikos]

3.31 cGPA and 27N MCAT (9/9/9). Applying to Toledo, Drexel, LECOM, PCOM and Cinci.

What are my chances. Be honest. Also where else should I apply?

Are you talking about post-bacc programs or Med School? If it's the latter, you're going to fall on your face by only applying to those schools with those stats. I'd strongly recommend an SMP/Post-bacc and also retaking the MCAT if you have the chance. While you're at it, you need to read the MSAR and apply to more schools (especially DO). Your chances are low but not out. An SMP would definitely help, as well as applying to MORE schools early.

 

[Kaustikos]

I'm sure they were talking about SMPs considering which forum this is.

Everytime I assume...

 

[Kaustikos]

huh????

Surprised u are in the postbac forum though.

Yeah, I figured I'd give help/insight given that I did an SMP and can help out.

I assumed, incorrectly, he was talking about just applying to med school and not SMPs 😛

 

[Kaustikos]

Ah I see. That's cool. Never realized u did an SMP. Where did you do one at?

That's awesome that you had success. 🙂

IUPUI's SMP. I wrote my review and I figured I'd stick around and see if I could help given that I did one and can offer insight if people ask about Indiana's.

 

[PremedGirlCO]

Hi everyone, this is my first post🙂

My story: I graduated from CU Boulder with a BA in French, **overall GPA of 2.84.
I have since gone back to school, and begun taking all the prereqs. It has been three semesters with a current **science GPA of 4.0.

I am on track to finish a BS in biology in about one year, or it may be possible to begin a masters program in biology (which obviously would take longer than finishing a BS). I am really lacking in volunteer experience. I am a registered EMT, but have never actually worked as one (no job opportunities🙁 I currently "work" as a lab assistant at the CU medical school (it's more like volunteering, really). I have never taken the MCAT, because I have not finished the prereqs, and really do not feel ready yet. I anticipate taking some sort Kaplan class.

I am definitely planning on getting some real hands-on experience, but other than that area lacking, what do you all think about my grades situation? Wouldn't it be great if you could just erase a degree?! Would it matter if I retook the writing courses that I got B's in? (Because my 'core' classes from my first degree are being transferred for credit to my current college, and I am basically only taking math and science classes).

One last uh-oh: In my first degree, I got two D's (gross, I know) in stupid geology and the lab. Does this count as my "science" GPA?

I appreciate your guys' advice and opinions! I would love to hear from people in a similar situation. What are everyone's plans to 'fix' that bad first GPA? 😀