Thinking about applying after a succesful post bac

[DOhopeful73]

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A little background information: I graduated from a university of california school with a degree in biological sciences 5 years ago. I managed a GPA of 2.6 (yikes I know). My MCAT is a 503(126/126/125/126) taken during May 2017. Since graduating I have accumulated ~5000 hours of clinical experience. I have ~300-400 volunteer hours in the ER and I helped a homeless association for a year time frame before starting my post bac. In summer 2017 i started a DIY-post bacc that is akin to an actual post bac offered at the same college. My post bac consists of only high upper division science courses that mimic a medical school curriculum

I have been very successful in my post bac. Classes are listed below and have been taken at my alma matter (University of California) where I initially did poorly during my undergrad years. I have amassed 43 units at a 4.0. Classes are listed below.

My question to you, am I on track for being a successful applicant this year? I asked goro for advice and he/she said I was looking strong. I just wanted other people's perspectives on this.

Summer 17
Immunology - A+


Spring 18
Cellular neuroscience A+
Human Neuroanatomy - A+


Summer 18
Intro to developmental bio - A+
Systems Neuroscience - A


Fall 18
General Biochemistry - A+
Neuropharmacology - A+
Parasitology - A


Winter 19
General biochemistry Part B - A
Human Genetics - A
Brain control of bodily functions - A

Spring 19
Cancer biology - TBD
Graduate level stem cell biology course - TBD


Thanks for your time. I appreciate any and all feedback.

 

[theITcrowd]

If Goro said you’re looking good then you’re looking good
Those grades will really help your cGPA and sGPA. Calculate where they stand now and you’ll be able to start forming school lists based off the numbers. You should have a decent shot at DO.

 

[BluMist]

You are definitely on the right track, agree with Goro.

What's your total cGPA/sGPA? Might need to take more classes to bring it >3.0
You might also consider retaking MCAT if you aiming for MD (I did read your username)

 

[DocJanItor]

The real question is what is your c/sGPA now? If either of them are still under 3.0 then you could still very likely be dead in the water for a majority of schools. Only 11% of matriculants to DO schools had an overall GPA of 3.2 or below last year. Your MCAT isn't particularly strong, but it's right on the average for DO applicants. The issue is that an average MCAT isn't going to boost you over the top when people are considering your grades. Your ECs are fantastic, however.

Depending on your GPA, you might consider retaking the MCAT. If you're rushed to apply this year, you could apply with what you have an update your app when you get your new score. Based upon your current academic performance you have a strong likelihood of improving. If you aren't rushed to apply this year, you may consider an SMP or structured post-bacc.

 

[Goro]

Wow. Talk about outstanding. Congrats. That is an impressive turnaround.

One question though: who is this @Goro everybody refrences around here? I feel like genuflecting and crossing myself everytime I see the name. We usually attend church on Sundays but we might consider worshipping at the church of Goro tomorrow if it'll help, provided he/she doesnt require any blood.

🤣

Hi IL1B...love the screen name!
Adcom member here at a DO school for almost 20 years

 

[SDeduN]

Hi! Firstly I agree IL 1B (lol about Goro), well done! Your hard work shows and I'm happy for you. Something to be proud of and grateful for on your journey.

As for moving on, I think you've definitely put together a compelling portfolio and I believe you're close to applying and striking that iron this year while it's getting hot. I particularly like that you started with 1 upper level course/semester and built up to 3 per semester. Let me tell you, many of those courses you selected will help you if/when you're in med school, hopefully it's "when." Finish strong then I would say consider retaking the MCAT following some dedicated practice. Not only do I think your MCAT may be becoming dated but I actually feel you can do better, especially after your DIY post-bac experience.

As an M1 at a US Med school (Non-US citizen as well; URM too, for full disclosure), I have a very similar story to you in many ways. Six years after my undergrad years, I'm Blessed to sit here almost at the end of a challenging/fascinating yet successful year 1 and I think you are on track for MD; I applied DO as well at the time. Aim for the skies with another MCAT, draft a personal statement speaking to your growth, get some good, supporting LORs, apply BROADLY and early-ish researching each potential school and stats yourself not being too picky but applying to schools you'd be happy to go to with any acceptance, prepare for any hopeful interviews (be calm, be respectful and be yourself), and lastly be patient/try not to panic and use the app year to gain continued clinical or even work experience. Happy to read any personal statement you write, if you want. Otherwise, best of Luck and keep going!

 

[DOhopeful73]

I just wanted to thank everyone for offering their advice. I really do appreciate it. These past few days have been busy. I just calculated out my GPA and its not looking to hot 🙁

I calculated my GPA total as it stands my cGPA is now a 2.87, sGPA is 2.81. At the end of the quarter i will have a 2.9cGPA and a 2.86 sGPA. If I wanted to bring my cGPA to a 3.0 it would take an additional 28 units of course work. I realized I really dug myself into a hole during my undergrad years. But if you look my current coursework it clearly shows a massive turnaround. Im still feeling like i should apply.

@BluMist @DocJanItor

 

[Dr.Gains]

I just wanted to thank everyone for offering their advice. I really do appreciate it. These past few days have been busy. I just calculated out my GPA and its not looking to hot 🙁

I calculated my GPA total as it stands my cGPA is now a 2.87, sGPA is 2.81. At the end of the quarter i will have a 2.9cGPA and a 2.86 sGPA. If I wanted to bring my cGPA to a 3.0 it would take an additional 28 units of course work. I realized I really dug myself into a hole during my undergrad years. But if you look my current coursework it clearly shows a massive turnaround. Im still feeling like i should apply.

@BluMist @DocJanItor

I think you're a perfect candidate for a reputable SMP program. Have you thought about applying to a couple of SMPs? BU, Tufts, EVMS, Gtown, VCU all come to mind.