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

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[insomniac88]

Hey! I'm new here but have a question about post baccs? My cumulative undergrad GPA is currently a 2.89 --science (although non are the prereqs for medical school) GPA is 2.8. I am looking into post bacc programs nationwide, however, most of them require a 3.0 for acceptance.
I have great extracurriculars/work experience in the medical field and a lot of volunteer experience.
Does anyone know of a post bacc that I could get into?

 

[postbac2010]

Hello Student Doctor Community,

I am 24 years old and currently have a 3.30 GPA in liberal arts with a focus on English Lit., and am two semesters away from graduation (I was in a serious accident in early 2006 and had to withdraw from school for almost three years because of my injuries). I made the Dean's List during the Summer semester and plan on making it at the end of this Fall semester as well as the Spring semester. Even if I do excel in my classes until graduation at the end of Spring 2010, it's not possible to raise my GPA to higher than 3.5.

My GPA is not bad, but is certainly not competitive either, and I'd really like to gain acceptance into a post-bac program such as is offered at Harvard, Cornell or Bryn Mawr. I am volunteering at the local hospital and have glowing recommendation letters from both professors and close connections currently in the medical field.

My question is for anyone on the admissions side of things on this message board, or anyone who has been in a similar situation:

Is it possible to gain admission to top-tier post-bac programs such as the ones I've listed, with a GPA less than 3.8?

Any insight would be very helpful and much appreciated! I've read through many of the stories already posted, and have found some of the personal success stories to be very inspirational!

Thanks!

 

[postbac2010]

3.0 is generally the required but I'd say at least 60 credits of a strong upper trend. I'd advise possibly if you can handle it, Harvard Extension program because UPenn Special Sciences might be a bit more competitive to get into. My advice would probably be do 1-2 years of strong postbac and if you still need it then do an SMP, assuming you get that MCAT score.

Hi gujuDoc,

In your reply to shouldvestudied, you suggested applying to Harvard's extension program over UPenn Special Sciences, because UPenn is more difficult to gain acceptance to. Do you have firsthand knowledge? I'm curious because I'm applying to Harvard's extension program at the end of the Spring 2010 semester, and I'd love to know anything about that program that you'd be willing to share.

Thanks!

 

[Perrotfish]

Not because your MCAT but because your GPA and its not like you've tried other routes first. SMP is last resort so yes postbac is the way to go.

There is WAY too much irrational fear of SMP programs on these boards. I think if that poster (or really almost any poster) is capable of getting acceepted into a good SMP program they should go and take their shot of getting into medical school, and they should find out if they can get in to those SMPs by applying to all the good programs available every single year. There are very good odds that their gamble will be successful (most of these programs have 80%+ success rates), and if not at least they've only wasted a year and they can move on with their lives.

I think too many people on this board overestimate the endurance of your average premed. A lot of the advice I've seen tends to be along the lines of 'the safe thing to do is just to go back to school for 3-4 years and get your GPA up, then do a year of research, spend a semester on the MCAT, spend a year applying, and you're in!'. The truth is that most people can't be premeds into their mid 30s. Sooner or later life catches up with them, they have to spend more and more time just maintining themselves (working, family, dealing with the mounting depression associated with being a 10th year undergrad) and their grades fall, and by the time they finally realize that they're not premed anymore they're burried in debt and almost a decade behind their peers in their careers and personal lives.

My advice is, if it would take you more than two years to rehab your GPA doing a postbac, nut up and take your shot with an SMP. And SMP is only a year long so you can give it everything you've got and see if you really have what it takes to make this work. If the SMP ruins your application (again) then at least you can have some closure and can look into other careers. And if it works you can start medical school in a year or two rather than in a friggin decade. This career isn't worth waiting a decade for.

 

[spazZin22]

Hello everyone…I really need some advice pleeaseee
I am in my senior yr of college majoring in Microbiology. I transferred from a CC fall of 08 and will not graduate until Dec 2010 or I can wait until Spring 2011.

My &#8216;overall GPA' is a 2.7 and I am currently on academic probation because my current &#8216;university GPA' is like a 1.7 >_< My science GPA is a probably around a 2.5 v_v. This is my last semester to make or break my college status. So far I am doing well in all of my classes&#8230;except for Orgo 2.

I took Orgo 1(A) last year at a CC & my school required me to complete the 2nd part there. I pretty much took a year off from it, so now I am very lost and just not grasping the concepts.
I am really thinking of dropping it and just retaking both 1 & 2 at my university instead. The only problem is that it will be my 5th /6th withdrawal in my entire college career. At the same time, I don't want to risk getting a D or slim chance C&#8230;..

I am really considering doing an SMP&#8230;.I wanted to take the MCAT in April, but given my Orgo predicament&#8230;.I think it would be wise to push it back. I am thinking of taking the GRE instead and using that score for the time being?

What do you think I should do at this point?
Will SMP's look down because I have had so many W's?

**Mix of 4 D's, 3 C's, and 1 F within 4yrs&#8230;mainly from math courses but a few sciences inc**
Sry for this being so long!

 

[RogueUnicorn]

quite frankly, from what i've seen, if you don't do well in SMP you pretty much deserve it. i'm with perrotfish on this one. 2+ years is too much.

 

[Perrotfish]

So that also makes it a huge gamble esp. because an SMP alone isn't going to get you a good job if you don't get into med school.

These are things people don't seem to think about when they say just do an SMP. But they are things that do make a huge deal.
But that's just how I feel. Feel free to disagree with me as you have done.

From a strictly financial standpoint the SMP just flat out wins: While these programs can cost up to 60K and that sounds like a lot I think you're not factoring in the opportunity cost of losing several years of your future career. If you do a 3 year postbac (at a conservative 20K) vs a 1 year SMP (at a very liberal 60K) it might look like you're gaining 40k, but really you're losing 2 years of paid salary. Even if you end up working as a cashier at Walmart those 2 years covers the cost. If you get into medical school, or if you fail out but move on to a highly paid white collar career, the years you lose could be worth millions. An SMP is a gamble compared to just quitting and moving on with your career, but compared to a multi year postbac it's a sound financial plan.

The other point that you're making, that you can screw up a post bac and still have a second chance, I do understand and I guess this part is a matter of opinion. For me, though the SMP/post bac IS the second chance, and if you manage to screw up yet again I think it's good that you can look at it as an end point and start planning another career. As I said earlier one of the things I like about SMPs is that they provide closure.

I have a few premed friends that graduated from my college that are currently in 'forever premed' mode: always trying to take a few more classes around their (underpaid premedical research position) work schedule, never really improving their GPA but managing to destroy their chances of advancing either their careers or personal lives because of all the time and money they're spending on this. They're like those 40 year olds that still think their band is going to make it big because no one had the heart to tell them that they're tone deaf. The nice thing about the SMP is that you can give it your all and then, if you're in the unlucky 20%, move on with your friggin life. It's the American Idol of medicine: you get an audition and, one way or another, you get very definitive feedbacck.

 

[Perrotfish]

Hello everyone&#8230;I really need some advice pleeaseee
I am in my senior yr of college majoring in Microbiology. I transferred from a CC fall of 08 and will not graduate until Dec 2010 or I can wait until Spring 2011.

My &#8216;overall GPA' is a 2.7 and I am currently on academic probation because my current &#8216;university GPA' is like a 1.7 >_< My science GPA is a probably around a 2.5 v_v. This is my last semester to make or break my college status. So far I am doing well in all of my classes&#8230;except for Orgo 2.

I took Orgo 1(A) last year at a CC & my school required me to complete the 2nd part there. I pretty much took a year off from it, so now I am very lost and just not grasping the concepts.
I am really thinking of dropping it and just retaking both 1 & 2 at my university instead. The only problem is that it will be my 5th /6th withdrawal in my entire college career. At the same time, I don't want to risk getting a D or slim chance C&#8230;..

I am really considering doing an SMP&#8230;.I wanted to take the MCAT in April, but given my Orgo predicament&#8230;.I think it would be wise to push it back. I am thinking of taking the GRE instead and using that score for the time being?

What do you think I should do at this point?
Will SMP's look down because I have had so many W's?

**Mix of 4 D's, 3 C's, and 1 F within 4yrs&#8230;mainly from math courses but a few sciences inc**
Sry for this being so long!

A W is always better than a D and is normally better than a C.

Don't worry about SMPs quite yet. The first question you need to address is why you're having the problems to start with. These problems aren't in you're distant past, you're having them right now. If you can't master basic undergraduate sciences at a university (not CC) level you don't WANT to go to and SMP/medical school, any more than you want to be in the Indy 500 if you don't know how to drive. Do you have any idea why the premed classes are giving you so much trouble? I have no idea whether you need a study skills course, therapy, or perscription medication to improve these grades, but you need to figure out how to learn before you start throwing time and money at rehabing your application.

 

[nali1]

I'm junior at a state university in OH with a 2.7 cGPA and 2.5 sGPA, I'll have all my pre-med classes done next semester. So, I decided to change my major to Ex. Phys. from Biology so I can relieve some pressure off of my self in order to do better in the pre-med classes that I'm planning on retaking and to boost by GPA in general. I have yet to take the MCAT but plan on it in the spring.

My question is: What would be an Ideal GPA/MCAT to shoot for in order to by competitive for D.O admissions right after undergrad. Also what about an SMP or post bacc program..specifically direct linkage (WF, UC)?
My extra curriculars will be good at the time of my application, but I know those mean nothing with a piss poor GPA.
Also, would be being Indian have any negative effect on the application process since we are well represented in medicine as opposed to URM's?

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[klmnop]

Hi, I was wondering if someone could help me with my decision as to which type of Post-Bacc program is best suited for me.

2009 BSc in Anatomy & Cell Biology at McGill University
3.31 GPA, 3.2 sGPA
2009 MCAT 30Q

Volunteer Exp. = Hospital + Free Clinic
Work Exp. = Sterilization in Hospital (2 summers)
Research Exp. = Research assistant (1 year)
Leadership Exp. = Multiple Fraternity Executive Positions
Shadowing Exp. = Internist + Pediatrician

Applying to medical school right now, completed applications considerably late so I'm hoping for a miracle.

The coursework at McGill was challenging, however with a more focused effort I know I could have handled it better. As it is, in the event I don't get in, which option is best for me to become a better candidate, 1) a 'True' SMP with Med-Course integration, or 2) a non-med SMP, or 3) the basic Post-Bacc designed to boost GPA or replace undergrad

I am from Michigan so based on http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=640302 the only close to home is the Wayne State BMS non-True SMP. Assuming finances and location are not an issue, which style of program is best suited to help me get into medical school and if possible which programs would you recommend.

I am drawn to the idea of taking 1st year medical courses, but I'd like to know if I have a better chance improving my application with a non-med SMP or even a simple post-bacc

Thank you all in advance.

 

[Canabanana]

hey Klmnop this is the fourth time you have posted the same information asking for advice. people have replied to your threads in the past, you know you can go back an read them right?

 

[klmnop]

hey Klmnop this is the fourth time you have posted the same information asking for advice. people have replied to your threads in the past, you know you can go back an read them right?

2nd time, fist two were looking for advice while i was still in school and before I applied to med

the last two times were about post-bacc options, and i copied it to this thread because i got no help from the last one

i apologize for double-posting but i read through this thread and drmidlife and gujudoc have been very generous with their advice regarding post-bacc's and i just wanted some input from people who know

we're all here for the same reason

 

[klmnop]

short version. My vote would be an SMP because you are at that point where that seems like it might make a bigger difference then a generalized postbac.

thank you gujudoc
if anyone else has any input it would be most appreciated

 

[nali1]

Could some one scroll up, read my previous reply and shoot some advice at me.. I don't want to be called out for re-posting!! 😀

 

[coat0023]

I'm junior at a state university in OH with a 2.7 cGPA and 2.5 sGPA, other stuff and then....
Also, would be being Indian have any negative effect on the application process since we are well represented in medicine as opposed to URM's?

Thanks ahead of time!

Unless you pull that 2.7 to a 3.0 and that 2.5 to a 2.9 in one year (not possible) I think you will have some problems with even getting into the really good SMP's. I would suggest doing a year or maybe two and get to about a 3.0 or better if possible and then get a 30+ on the MCAT. I think this would be the best way to get into a DO school.

Or maybe you could try a DO school type SMP at PCOM or wherever, I am not too familiar with those.

And being Indian won't hurt your chances but it won't necessarily help you either.

 

[jasminealove]

So here goes....I will keep it plain & simple.

I entered my grades into AACOMS today to see what my science GPA would be & here goes.....

My science GPA is a 1.56 & my overall is a 2.62

I already know that there are in no way in shape for med school so I need some advice from anyone willing to take the time to give it on what steps would be more beneficial for me.

So what would that be?!?!?

• Post bacc programs (even though unfortunately for me most of the ones I have seen (& I have reasearched a lot of them) have higher requirements than my gpa meets (even ones for grade enhancers :-/)
• Masters Degree
• Secondary Degree program (preferably one where I retake all the pre'req's like a bio degree?)....b/c honestly most of my pre'req's are C's or below
• Informal Post bacc

I have never taken the MCAT (practice or otherwise) so I just ordered some study materials today....thinking that they will be useful in not only preping but for those pre'reqs as well.....

Advice is much needed & will be very appreciated!!!
Thank you sall so much!

 

[coat0023]

1.56 science GPA

Ok, so here is the thing. With this science GPA, approximately a D+ I believe, that means that you probably don't have all the required C-, or C grades for some schools, for your pre-reqs. And on looking back you posted that you do have grades less than C. MOST schools want you to have the pre-reqs at C's or greater so you really have no other option but to retake these.

Since you have already completed most of the pre-reqs that eliminates several of the formal post-bacc programs which say you can't over a certain amount of them done.

I would say if you spent 3 semesters or so retaking all of the science courses that you got a C+ or less in and then applied ONLY to DO schools you would be ok. That would be about twelve courses which could definitely repair that GPA provided you get B's or above. Obviously A's would be MUCH better. You would also want to get a 26+ (preferably 30+) on the MCAT.

Specific programs I am not so sure about but what I said seems like a good start for you.

Edit: Start shadowing a DO and getting some volunteer experience too while you wait to start back up with school.

 

[jasminealove]

Ok, so here is the thing.

Thank you so much! I def appreciate you responding. I am going to do everything I need to do to reach my goals!!!

A thought though. I have NO problem going to a DO school. I just wonder about getting matched for MD residency's... then again what am I thinking....I will cross that bridge WHEN I get there.....focus now is on getting in & doing well in med school!!!!

 

[WT87]

Wow, it's great seeing other people in similar predicaments. I just discovered this forum, and I'm looking for some advice as well. Here goes:

- 2.84 GPA cum. with 39 attempted credits at UCD.
- Started out as a CC transfer with 3.8 GPA
- No MCAT yet; definitely not ready to take it.

I would like to get into a post-bacc program, but those require a min. gpa of 3.0. I basically have 2 quarters to a 1 yr to raise my GPA to a 3.0. However, if any of you could advise me about other options I would greatly appreciate the help.

Ideally, I'd like to get into a post-bacc and then get into a California med school, but I don't even know if that's possible. 🙁

 

[AfricanDoc]

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone could tell what my chances and/or options are for post-baccalaureate program. My cGPA is 2.65 and my sciGPA is definitely lower (due to working fulltime, depression, and dyslexic). I have a BA, graduated spring '09. I haven't taken the MCAT but will in March or sooner. I'm a URM (Black and from very low-socieconomic background).
I would like to be able to start Fall '09. What should I do to improve my chances for medical school?
Thanks

 

[UTman7777]

.

 

[Xcited392]

I just turned 26

I have a oGPA =2.72 and sGPA=2.83.

B.S. Mechanical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin

Not taken MCAT yet

Training to be an EMT right now and planning to volunteer at Hospitals and Hospices until I apply to Medical School.

I am looking for advice on what Post-Baccalaureate School I should go to to boost my GPA. Whichever I choose I can knock it out in a yeah because I have done my Physics and my English already.

I am hoping to go to a Post-Bacc School with linkages to med schools so I can skip the glide year. Is that possible for me? I have an SAT score of 1440. I really do not want to sit around waiting a year if I am able to get into a Med School.

Please advise me on the Post-Bacc schools I should go to. Right now I am considering this new program at UT of Dallas called Certificate in Biomedical.

Yes, the UT-Dallas post-bac could be a good choice--it's structured, seems to have good advisors, and an abundant number of classes. Plus, I think Dallas is a great place to live.

However, UTD isn't the only option. You could just enroll at any 4-year institution and take classes on your own.

Be aware that UTD is on a plus/minus grading system, which could be a plus or minus (no pun intended). I went to a +/- school and am doing a post-bac at a school without that system, and the A's I'm getting are really helping my GPA. But this could only be a minor issue...

Good Luck.

 

[abhavsar]

Hey all, Little lost and would appreciate some help.

I am currently a fourth year at UC-Irvine Psychology Major/Political Science Minor. This year I discovered my passion was medicine. Unfortunately I did poorly my second year at Undergrad but have been on an upward trend since then. I have not taken MCATS or any prerequisites for medical school and am hoping that Post Bacc is the right route for me. I currently have a 2.6 undergraduate cgpa. However like I said it is on an upward trend and the bulk of the difficult classes for my major are over and I have nothing but political science classes ahead of me. I anticipate I can by the end of this school year, raise my gpa to 2.8. My questions are the following.

1. Should I spend an extra year at my Undergrad? I can potentially raise my gpa over 3.0.

2. What are my chances of getting into a Post Bacc by applying now, or applying after I raise my gpa? (I am strongly looking into SF State because of it's location/have heard good things.)

3. Should I do a Formal or an Informal post bacc? (Not sure if I will be accepted into a formal one because I've heard it's highly competitive.)

4. Any recommendations on Post Bacc programs that would be good for me?

Thanks in advance!

 

[krazydesi]

cGPA: 3.40 currently
sGPA: 3.13
MCAT: 35R

so Im debating between SMP or post-bacc ... what do you guys think? I want to apply end of this year and I can get my gpa upto like a 3.46 about ... however since would remain relatively same ...

But I have time to increase a lot of my ecs and such

Ecs are as follows
-Dancer/Manager of PSU dance team where we went to nationals
100+ hours volunteering in ED and surgical center
-Shadowed pulmonlogist for 20 hours
-Shadowed a DO for 10 hours
-VP for standards of greek council
-VP for finance greek council
-VP for BMB society
-THON chair (fundraising event for kids with cancer) raised over $20k with my organization
-Independent THON fundraiser - Raised $5k so far by myself
-Volunteer abroad in Nicaragua - 2.5 weeks setting up basic health clinics

These are most of my ecs ... i have done other things like blood drives/nursing homes etc...


What do you think if I did post-bacc and just applied this coming year before starting post-bacc?

I mean I know I am taking my chances but if I do post-bacc and just talk only Science courses then I can probably get my science gpa upto 3.4-3.5 (since i havent taken that many science classes) if I didnt get in ... also maybe I can send update letters to universities after my first semester in post-bacc?

I was thinking on SUNY stonybrook post-bacc since its instate for me ...

Also final is it possible to complete a post-bacc in one year ? I am used to take 20+ credits because this semester I am taking 24 credits in science and engineering and im expecting a 3.95+ as a gpa .... thanks


i would do SMP as well but its expensive nad I come from a economically disadvantaged background.... just recently got my permanent residence so my family immigrated here...

 

[USB Stick]

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!

 

[Perrotfish]

Have you completed the prereqs yet or do you still need to do them?

cGPA: 3.40 currently
sGPA: 3.13
MCAT: 35R

so Im debating between SMP or post-bacc ... what do you guys think? I want to apply end of this year and I can get my gpa upto like a 3.46 about ... however since would remain relatively same ...

But I have time to increase a lot of my ecs and such

Ecs are as follows
-Dancer/Manager of PSU dance team where we went to nationals
100+ hours volunteering in ED and surgical center
-Shadowed pulmonlogist for 20 hours
-Shadowed a DO for 10 hours
-VP for standards of greek council
-VP for finance greek council
-VP for BMB society
-THON chair (fundraising event for kids with cancer) raised over $20k with my organization
-Independent THON fundraiser - Raised $5k so far by myself
-Volunteer abroad in Nicaragua - 2.5 weeks setting up basic health clinics

These are most of my ecs ... i have done other things like blood drives/nursing homes etc...


What do you think if I did post-bacc and just applied this coming year before starting post-bacc?

I mean I know I am taking my chances but if I do post-bacc and just talk only Science courses then I can probably get my science gpa upto 3.4-3.5 (since i havent taken that many science classes) if I didnt get in ... also maybe I can send update letters to universities after my first semester in post-bacc?

I was thinking on SUNY stonybrook post-bacc since its instate for me ...

Also final is it possible to complete a post-bacc in one year ? I am used to take 20+ credits because this semester I am taking 24 credits in science and engineering and im expecting a 3.95+ as a gpa .... thanks


i would do SMP as well but its expensive nad I come from a economically disadvantaged background.... just recently got my permanent residence so my family immigrated here...

 

[krazydesi]

I have completed all the pre-reqs but didnt do the greatest on them ... should have paid more attention to school. I mean i haven't really gotten C's in them besides one Biol class and two physics classes ... but still I think repeating them would bring up my sGPA a lot ...or even taking higher level courses...

 

[john415]

Hey guys, I'm finishing my ugrad with a liberal arts major in May but I've decided that medicine is really what I want to do. During my undergrad I've taken 2 bio classes, 1 geology class, 1 astronomy class (twice) and a chemistry class. These were all during my first few years in ugrad and didn't really do well in them because I didn't really know what I wanted to do at the time and had no motivation. My cum GPA is 3.2 and my science gpa is 2.05 (23 science credits). I guess my question is should I even bother trying or is my gpa too ruined to recover? Would any postbacc accept me? How long would I have to take classes for until I'd have a high enough gpa for med school?


For my science classes I got
Cell Bio: C-
Cell Bio lab: B
Biology:B
Chemistry: D
Chem Lab: B+

other sciences
Astronomy: F
Astronomy (retaken): B
Geology: B

 

[gunito]

This thread has been a godsend. Ive been looking high and low for information about a low gpa and getting into med school. I graduated in may of 2009 a BS in psychology...here are my stats

cGPA: 2.34
sGPA: probably about the same
Ive yet to take the MCAT.

My second to last semester i realized my passion to work with the brain but it was a little too late. Prior to that, i just spent my time drinking and hanging out, with no regard for school. Now after discovering my passion and and a change of motives, i feel more that prepared to tackle the task ahead of me. Ive considered neuropsychology, but i believe neurology is the best bet based on my interest. Anyway, Ive been looking for a job since ive graduated with no success, which may be a blessing in disguise, and ive planned to go back to school since july. Im going back to complete my pre reqs and repeat some classes since i plan on going the DO route. Im in the process of finding a few physicians to shadow and im looking into volunteer work. Id like to do an SMP at LECOM or NSUCOM since ive read that they feed into their DO schools. I cant wait to get back to school and get things rolling. Any advice is more than welcome!

 

[deleted248403]

Gunito - If you havent done the pre-reqs then you should be looking for a post-bac. You can always take these classes on your own at your local 4-yr college. To get into most SMPs you need a GPA of above 3.0, which you are a long long way away from. You may need to do another bachelors degree.
I think the avg GPA for a DO student is 3.45 (off top of my head) which mean you are over 1.1 from the avg student that gets into DO school. And probably 0.5-0.75 from the avg foreign med student. You've got a long road ahead of you

 

[dapmp91]

My cumulative GPA is 3.03 and science GPA is around a 2.85-2.99. Its pretty sad. I suffered from some personal problems,and I went to a therapist for that. I have gotten better, but now my grades are depressing me. I have taken the MCAT and gotten a 20 on it 9V 6P 5B. I am looking at SMPs and traditional masters. The SMPS I'm looking for are DO school oriented, like PCOM and AZCOM. I know if I get one more chance, I would proof that that I could do well in science classes.

 

[gunito]

Gunito - If you havent done the pre-reqs then you should be looking for a post-bac. You can always take these classes on your own at your local 4-yr college. To get into most SMPs you need a GPA of above 3.0, which you are a long long way away from. You may need to do another bachelors degree.
I think the avg GPA for a DO student is 3.45 (off top of my head) which mean you are over 1.1 from the avg student that gets into DO school. And probably 0.5-0.75 from the avg foreign med student. You've got a long road ahead of you

Thanks for the advice. I start school next month, and i consider it a post bac. I probably will end up with a second degree since i need to do so much work. I think its probably best to have a really firm understanding of the sciences, which is why getting a degree makes sense. Im excited to take classes that im interested in and actually devote time and energy to doing really well. I thought some SMPs had lower GPA requirements. I do have a long road, but ill get there step by step.

EDIT: So i just calculated my cGPA: 2.29 and BCMP: 1.56...
I honestly feel a little down and skeptical as to if i should still do it, although i really want to. DO schools replace older grades with newer ones correct? I know i can do better and get As. So a second degree should get me in the position to enter a SMP? Help, im feeling flabbergassed.

 

[chucktown]

I've got a question about SMPs and upward gpa trend. I'm applying to med schools in June (and probably SMPs in Dec./Jan) with ~3.28 GPA and ~3.25 BCPM. I've got a pretty good upward trend (2.0, 3.3, 3.7) but now 1st semester senior year I'm looking at a 3.25 for the semester. Will med schools/SMPs look at it as just a bad semester or will it negate my upward trend to this point?

 

[deleted248403]

Gunito - With a sciGPA of 1.56, I'm going to be honest and say you should consider another career path. People will yell at me for shooting down dreams and crap, but you are a D/C- science student. Not sure thats a receipe for success in medicine. Sorry.

Chucktown - its a "bad" semester, but you've also got a 2.0 in there somewhere. It will be another red flag. Not sure its truly application destroying but if you don't have a good spring it'll hurt your apps.

 

[invisiblegator]

my current overall is around a 3.1gpa.
my current UF overall is a 2.54
my science is around a 2.4

Im 20 right now and will be finishing up this summer. Ill be applying to barrys biomed program and hoping i get in. my biggest dilemma is the whole finishing up in summer and starting in the fall while finding some time to take my DATs
I dont want to start in the spring because they dont offer the 1 year program then.
any recommendations for me guys?

 

[invisiblegator]

i had a 3.7 at miami dade and had taken no science courses there. ive only taken science courses at uf

 

[gunito]

Gunito - With a sciGPA of 1.56, I'm going to be honest and say you should consider another career path. People will yell at me for shooting down dreams and crap, but you are a D/C- science student. Not sure thats a receipe for success in medicine. Sorry.

I was a D/C- student when I would spent a minimal amount of time on my work. The only way I could have done less was to have not studied at all. Even though I graduated 8 months ago, I feel like I've matured tremendously; in addition, I have a direction that I want go in, I realize the importance of doing well, and with my small amount of time in the real world, I've come to realize what it is that I want to do in life. I was focused on partying and all that bs. I thought it was more important to work on myself and overcoming being shy and quiet, which I think I accomplished. The only thing I want to do is work with the brain, and I know I can do well in whatever science class I take if I take the time to study. I know that I definitely have the aptitude to succeed. I got a B in BIO I and the lab, which proves I can do well as long as I try, which I didn't for that class. Motivation is always helpful.

 

[deleted248403]

You may have matured but you've got some massive baggage with grades, that you may never shake - regardless of the story you have

 

[Isoprop]

Okay guys, I'm finally going to tell my story. Maybe someone will care? Who knows.

3 years ago
GPA: 2.84
BCPM: 2.68

Gotten D's & F's some in upper-division biology classes. I had already quit school and was working dead-end jobs. I decided that I needed to go back to school and get my **** together.

The last 3 years, my GPA has been 3.99. Now my GPAs are:
MD GPA: 3.37
MD BCPM: 3.23

DO GPA: 3.43
DO BCPM: 3.30

Crunching the numbers, every 4 semester credit hour class raises my GPA 0.009

Took the MCAT - 37.

Now, I'm volunteering 10 hours per week, teaching, and am looking to get a full-time research job + shadowing. Probably going to apply to Toledo's SMP next April.

I'm nervous.

 

[Isoprop]

Thanks for the feedback. I did a lot of non-clinical volunteering (teaching). I also did some clinical (hospital volunteering) but nothing to write home about. I only got serious about it recently. I worked a lot though (tutoring, cashiering, that sort of stuff) to pay for tuition and bills. Since I have so many credit hours, my federal aid was always in jeopardy and I was in a hurry to graduate before I was cut off.

I never pinned down that medicine was for me until recently. I worked my butt off because I knew I wanted to do something health-related like pharm, nursing, PA, etc. But it was only last year that I made a definite decision towards medicine.

I'm seriously thinking of applying to Toledo SMP this April/May and apply for med school in June. If I don't get into Toledo, I'll just work/shadow/volunteer more. Right now, I'm working on my CV, PS, getting LORs, and putting together a list of med schools using MDapps and the MSAR.

 

[deleted248403]

Ok it would have been one thing if you were starting with above 2. something but starting at 1.56 is not good unless you are willing to spend 3 years in a postbac i.e. do another whole degree with 4.0 to bring your situation out of hell. SMP is out. Postbac is out. Applying DO is out until at least 3-4 years from now when you've retaken your prereqs and done 3 years of higher level classes and gotten a strong MCAT. I know someone who once was in this situation but he did those exact things to bring himself out of it and got in. But he took 2 years in Navy and 3 years getting close to 4.0 and 37 on his MCAT. 90+ credit hours.

Agreed with this

You are 3-5 yrs away from being remotely competitive for a US med school

 

[Isoprop]

OK sounds like you have a good plan there. So for the gap year, you'll be in an SMP (at least presumably- don't worry I just knocked on wood for you haha). That's good- working and getting clinical experience wouldn't be a bad idea either I think, but if for whatever reason you aren't admitted into med school (wood, again), the SMP still keeps you right along that path. Great plan.
I feel like I will be doing something similar to what you did- my plan is to go to Harvard Extension or UPenn Special Sciences and re-take some of the prereqs and take some upper division sciences to boost my cumulative and BCPM GPAs, and also get better prepared for the MCAT than I was when I took it the first time. This will probably take 2 years or so, and then I'll apply to medical school. And of course, I plan on making sure EVERYTHING goes well.

So let me just say right now, Isoprop, it's really nice to see someone out there who carried out and succeeded in a plan that is similar to mine, even if our scenarios (not to mention other specificities) might differ somewhat. It makes me feel much more confident and less in the dark. Keep me and everyone else updated on your plans so we can all see how we can be successful.

And to all the low GPAers out there- Heck, isn't it nice to see a different kind of post than just "my gpa is bad, my mcat score sucks, i hate my life, somebody tell me what i should do"? If there are people out there who had low GPAs and are currently carrying out their repair plans or have already successfully done so, this thread is for YOU too! Post your story so we can all see firsthand how it's done, or at least get a breath of fresh air, gosh!! I know for sure that WHEN I am in that position, I will definitely do that.

Thanks Isoprop, and all the best to you and everyone else on this board.
-Fish87

Thanks for the vote of confidence. Good luck to you too.

I agree with the advice given to you. You will be fine. Schools that accept people who've made mistakes will accept you. i.e. apply broadly and to state schools not just Toledo but the other Ohio schools as well as other midwest schools in St. Louis, Chicago, and East coast schools and you will have a chance somewhere. 37 and 3 years or even 2 of high close to 4.0 and above 3.0 in everything gives a chance to get in somewhere and definitely shoe in to any SMP for the most part. Cinnatti is in Ohio too isn't it??? UCincy's SMP is also a place worth applying to. They are a very up and coming SMP which is fast gaining reputation amongst SMPs following Gtown and BU's programs.
I'd apply broadly both to medical schools and to a few SMPs at least just as a back up. Good luck.

Heyyy guju. I will likely apply to UCinci also but I probably won't be complete until May, which is pretty late for Cinci. Will also try Georgetown, but Toledo remains my top choice (main for the outstanding tuition).

Yeah I will be applying broadly to medical school, but only a few SMPs. Thanks for the advice.

 

[gunito]

Agreed with this

You are 3-5 yrs away from being remotely competitive for a US med school

And that's something I'm absolutely willing to do. DO schools accept the newer grade, which would help me out considerably, would it not? I understand your cynicism, but it's still POSSIBLE for me to do this. I know my GPA is low and that I probably have to do another bachelors, that's what I'm doing. 90+ credits is something that I'm FULLY willing to do. I know it will be hard and take some time, but I have no problem with that.

 

[Isoprop]

Just to bump, this thread should always be on the first page.

 

[MisterJ4729]

Graduated UMD 2007 in Biology
uGPA:2.02
sGPA:1.98


Retaking a couple premed prereqs,then higher level bio courses at night. I plan on taking the MCAT in a year as well as applying to a Masters Program in Cell and Molecular Biology. Hopefully with my upward trend, some schools will give me a good look. I have 3 years research experience and am currently working in an IVF lab. I deal with patients on a daily basis. What would everyone recommend as far as a approaching my post bacc adventure? Retake ALL pre reqs..then some upper levels and then go forth with the MCAT and masters?

 

[deleted248403]

Considering you have 120+ credit hrs of 2.02 GPA work, then you'll need 3-4 years before you are even competitive. You may consider doing a second bachelors degree and then an SMP.

1-yr of retaking the pre-reqs isnt going to help your situation. If you are only taking classes at night, then you'll be looking at 6-7yrs before you are competitive. You'll need 60-70+ credits before you have a shot.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

Graduated UMD 2007 in Biology
uGPA:2.02
sGPA:1.98


Retaking a couple premed prereqs,then higher level bio courses at night. I plan on taking the MCAT in a year as well as applying to a Masters Program in Cell and Molecular Biology. Hopefully with my upward trend, some schools will give me a good look. I have 3 years research experience and am currently working in an IVF lab. I deal with patients on a daily basis. What would everyone recommend as far as a approaching my post bacc adventure? Retake ALL pre reqs..then some upper levels and then go forth with the MCAT and masters?

hope you're aiming for DO.

 

[Andres Ponce]

.

 

[deleted248403]

Good story Andres. It def can be done. But keep in mind, the OP probably has double (at least) the number of credits you have if they have graduated already.

Lot harder to shift 120 credits of 2.02 than 51...

But you right, it can be done in many years of stellar work.