Thinking about giving up with my current stats. Is my chances just not there anymore?

[AestheticGod]

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So far i've just had my worst two semesters ever. I'm literally failing both my classes (beginner level science courses taken last semester). I think i have some sort of learning problem when it comes to memorization type courses. I took hard upper level chemistry courses (inorganic, physical, ect) and i didn't do near this bad.
I'm not sure exactly what happened or where i went wrong...but both of these classes, i'll be getting a D/F in it and most likely C's in my labs. I'm not sure how or why i'm failing so badly in this summer semester and my spring semester (grades were OKAY at best, but i did do good in my calc 1 class). As far as i'm told, failing one class is extremely bad. Failing 2+ is just out of the question and it's over.

So far here's my extremely poor stats:
Overall GPA: 3.1
SGPA: 2.9
Year: Senior year (approximately 6-8 classes left until i graduate)
MCAT: Have not taken it yet.


This is so depressing...

 

[mathnerd88]

Well, I would retake those classes you did poorly in. Which classes did you fail in?

 

[AestheticGod]

Well, I would retake those classes you did poorly in. Which classes did you fail in?

But what good would retaking do if I failed classes, besides boosting my GPA? Won't they see that as huge negative and make them want to deny me just based on that?
And it was Bio 1 and Genetics 1.

 

[mathnerd88]

But what good would retaking do if I failed classes, besides boosting my GPA? Won't they see that as huge negative and make them want to deny me just based on that?
And it was Bio 1 and Genetics 1.

No, many schools don't care. They don't have time to comb through your app like that. You just need to get your GPA to a good level. You're talking about DO schools, not MD schools.

BTW, genetics doesn't really require much memorization. Biology does, however.

 

[AestheticGod]

No, many schools don't care. They don't have time to comb through your app like that. You just need to get your GPA to a good level. You're talking about DO schools, not MD schools.

BTW, genetics doesn't really require much memorization. Biology does, however.

Interesting, i figured DO was just like MD, except less strict requirements only for grades and MCAT. Do you recommend me just retaking all my failed classees (and possibly C classes) to boost my GPA?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when you do grade replacement for MD, they don't replace your previous grade and isntead they average both grades when calculating your overall GPA, right?

When you do grade replacement for DO, they replace the previous grade with your new grade and consider that only when calculating your overall GPA, right?

 

[mathnerd88]

Interesting, i figured DO was just like MD, except less strict requirements only for grades and MCAT. Do you recommend me just retaking all my failed classees (and possibly C classes) to boost my GPA?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when you do grade replacement for MD, they don't replace your previous grade and isntead they average both grades when calculating your overall GPA, right?

When you do grade replacement for DO, they replace the previous grade with your new grade and consider that only when calculating your overall GPA, right?

Yes, you are correct. Be careful though because I know of one DO school that would take retakes as a red flag. (BCOM)

 

[oOKawaiiOo]

BTW, genetics doesn't really require much memorization. Biology does, however.

Uhhhhhh I dont know. I thought Genetic required it. Thus, probably why OP is on the brinks of failing both.

If you want to become a physician, Osteopathic route may be in your favor with grade replacement. Take a few gap years to improve on your GPAs and study for the new MCAT. Eliminate your distractions. STAY MOTIVATED. Its your future.

Change up the way you study.

1) Draw it out
2) Teach the topic to someone
3) STUDY early before exams/tests
4) You can do this.

 

[TUVIX]

So far i've just had my worst two semesters ever. I'm literally failing both my classes (beginner level science courses taken last semester). I think i have some sort of learning problem when it comes to memorization type courses. I took hard upper level chemistry courses (inorganic, physical, ect) and i didn't do near this bad.
I'm not sure exactly what happened or where i went wrong...but both of these classes, i'll be getting a D/F in it and most likely C's in my labs. I'm not sure how or why i'm failing so badly in this summer semester and my spring semester (grades were OKAY at best, but i did do good in my calc 1 class). As far as i'm told, failing one class is extremely bad. Failing 2+ is just out of the question and it's over.

So far here's my extremely poor stats:
Overall GPA: 3.1
SGPA: 2.9
Year: Senior year (approximately 6-8 classes left until i graduate)
MCAT: Have not taken it yet.


This is so depressing...

It's not at all too late for you. If you turn it around with your last 6-8 classes, maybe retake a few, and do well on the MCAT I don't see why you couldn't keep going with this. If you are willing to take a year or two off and do an SMP or get more clinical experience then you are in even better shape.

 

[Giovanotto]

No, many schools don't care. They don't have time to comb through your app like that. You just need to get your GPA to a good level. You're talking about DO schools, not MD schools.

BTW, genetics doesn't really require much memorization. Biology does, however.

I see this answer a lot on SDN and so I want to ask a follow up question: Do we not have an advantage for doing it right the first time around and not needing retakes?

 

[mathnerd88]

I see this answer a lot on SDN and so I want to ask a follow up question: Do we not have an advantage for doing it right the first time around and not needing retakes?

I would say probably yes if you're just comparing everything else equal. Again, your MCAT score will give the complete picture.

Someone with a 3.8 GPA and a 20 MCAT will maybe make an adcom suspicious whether what kind of courses the applicant has been taking, or the difficulty level of the classes. If I were an adcom, that's how I would think.

 

[Mad Jack]

Interesting, i figured DO was just like MD, except less strict requirements only for grades and MCAT. Do you recommend me just retaking all my failed classees (and possibly C classes) to boost my GPA?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when you do grade replacement for MD, they don't replace your previous grade and isntead they average both grades when calculating your overall GPA, right?

When you do grade replacement for DO, they replace the previous grade with your new grade and consider that only when calculating your overall GPA, right?

Retake all failed classes, get a B or better, and you're fine. That's why grade replacement exists.

 

[Mad Jack]

I see this answer a lot on SDN and so I want to ask a follow up question: Do we not have an advantage for doing it right the first time around and not needing retakes?

It's better to do well the first time, obviously. If you're comparing two similar candidate and one retook three classes, the one without the retakes will likely take the spot. But very rarely is it that simple- candidates are often quite different, requiring a look at the whole candidate, not just something as simple as retakes versus no retakes.

 

[Goro]

OP, you need to do several things:

1) seek out your school's education or learning center for help with your learning style, test taking etc.
2) seek out your school's counseling center, because I sense that something else is going with you.
3) Retake all F/D/C science coursework, and let AACOMAS' grade replacement policy do it's thing. Does wonders for the old GPA.

So far i've just had my worst two semesters ever. I'm literally failing both my classes (beginner level science courses taken last semester). I think i have some sort of learning problem when it comes to memorization type courses. I took hard upper level chemistry courses (inorganic, physical, ect) and i didn't do near this bad.

Nope, the beauty of the osteopathic schools is that they believe in reinvention. If they had the attitude that you describe below, their class sizes would be ~25.
Keep in mind that admissions is not a zero sum game. OP (after GPA repair) and someone who did well all the way through college would both be admitted.

I see this answer a lot on SDN and so I want to ask a follow up question: Do we not have an advantage for doing it right the first time around and not needing retakes?

We'd also think that the applicant has major league trouble with standardized exams. Not good for med students at all!

Someone with a 3.8 GPA and a 20 MCAT will maybe make an adcom suspicious whether what kind of courses the applicant has been taking, or the difficulty level of the classes. If I were an adcom, that's how I would think.

[/QUOTE]

 

[darkeon]

Yes, you are correct. Be careful though because I know of one DO school that would take retakes as a red flag. (BCOM)

if you're referring to the poster from the BCOM thread, I would say that it was a combination of all those retakes AND the end result of getting a 3.23 sci BUT 3.0 cgpa. I might take a guess and say that that poster's grades are probably filled with many B's so a semester of upper level science was recommended for her (and her (SMP?) offer). I don't think BCOM can be picky with just retakes alone, although we'll have to see as more ppl post their outcomes.

 

[mathnerd88]

if you're referring to the poster from the BCOM thread, I would say that it was a combination of all those retakes AND the end result of getting a 3.23 sci BUT 3.0 cgpa. I might take a guess and say that that poster's grades are probably filled with many B's so a semester of upper level science was recommended for her (and her (SMP?) offer). I don't think BCOM can be picky with just retakes alone, although we'll have to see as more ppl post their outcomes.

Yeah, what makes this difficult is how many applicants have really good stats and EC's?

DO schools are definitely getting more competitive now, and I'm sure every single aspect of the applicant is being considered.

 

[NontradCA]

if you're referring to the poster from the BCOM thread, I would say that it was a combination of all those retakes AND the end result of getting a 3.23 sci BUT 3.0 cgpa. I might take a guess and say that that poster's grades are probably filled with many B's so a semester of upper level science was recommended for her (and her (SMP?) offer). I don't think BCOM can be picky with just retakes alone, although we'll have to see as more ppl post their outcomes.

Isn't BCOM the school that has the Dean who opposes med school expansion?

But OP: take the advice given here (wouldn't worry about applying to BCOM. You can do better) and retake the classes you got C or lower in. Do well on your MCAT.

 

[BlueFlag17]

Hey there,
Just wanted to say never give up hope! If you really want to become a doctor there is always a way to get to that goal. Yes your recent classwork may not put you in good standing but do your best these last couple classes and finish strong.

Now given that, it would still seem very unlikely that MD's will consider you [GPA and classwork] and also unlikely that DO's would look at you as well. However, for someone in your situation I would recommend maybe looking into the Rosalind Franklin BMS program...This program while it has many faults which I won't go into here will give you probably the best chance at matriculating into and MD school if that is your wish. Your profile academically if you have a solid MCAT score will get you into that program and at that point everything is a clean slate for you. All you have to do is push yourself for that year of classes and if you do well enough you will be accepted into their medical school regardless of classes failed in undergrad, etc. While it may seem a bit shady haha why not take use of the resource if you can? If you have more quetions about the program feel free to ask or PM me

 

[AestheticGod]

OP, you need to do several things:

1) seek out your school's education or learning center for help with your learning style, test taking etc.
2) seek out your school's counseling center, because I sense that something else is going with you.
3) Retake all F/D/C science coursework, and let AACOMAS' grade replacement policy do it's thing. Does wonders for the old GPA.






Nope, the beauty of the osteopathic schools is that they believe in reinvention. If they had the attitude that you describe below, their class sizes would be ~25.
Keep in mind that admissions is not a zero sum game. OP (after GPA repair) and someone who did well all the way through college would both be admitted.




We'd also think that the applicant has major league trouble with standardized exams. Not good for med students at all!

[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I honestly never thought that retaking would even help you, even with the grade replacement. I guess it's just different for DO and MD, because everyone says 'Get an F's and MD won't even look at you."

 

[AestheticGod]

OP, you need to do several things:

1) seek out your school's education or learning center for help with your learning style, test taking etc.
2) seek out your school's counseling center, because I sense that something else is going with you.
3) Retake all F/D/C science coursework, and let AACOMAS' grade replacement policy do it's thing. Does wonders for the old GPA.

[/QUOTE]

Thanks, i'll definitely look into all those! Maybe i can possibly get some research or clinical experience to boost my application even more, but i definitely know the GPA needs to be improved dramatically. I think it's time i go down to the learning help center and get some tips on how to study for materials that require a lot of memorization. I've never went down there because I felt embarrassed, but i think it's time i do it. I don't have trouble with LEARNING since I do very well with materials such as math, physics, and chemistry...but when it comes to biology, genetics, physiology, ect...i have an extremely hard amount of time since I'm trying to memorize almost every single line in the book and every answer choice seems correct.

 

[Goro]

There's a key mistake right there. Mere memorization is not learning, being able to apply is. And trying to learn everything means you'll end up learning nothing.


i have an extremely hard amount of time since I'm trying to memorize almost every single line in the book and every answer choice seems correct.[/QUOTE]

 

[Cogitate]

You need to rethink your life plan. Medical school is basically Bio I x 1,000,000. If you have any trouble with science classes, let alone nearly failing, you seriously need to rethink your career plans. You should not be asking "can I still get into med school?" but rather asking yourself "would I actually do well?"

Unless you have amazing ECs or research or URM or something, I'm sorry but you don't have a chance at MD DO. There are literally hoards of kids with higher stats than yours. Why would they accept you over a kid with strait As (and a few Bs) and great ECs?

My suggestion, if you still want to work in the medical field, would be to look into other programs like podiatry schools, physician assistant programs, being a nurse practitioner, etc. (although still, those classes are Bio I x 10,000)

Finally, I think you need to do some self introspection. If you can't whip off an A in Bio I without even trying, how the hell do you expect to pass medical school? If you did poorly because you were depressed or had a death in the family or were deathly sick yourself, then I understand. But if you were giving 100% effort and still are failing two classes, medical school is not for you.

 

[NontradCA]

You need to rethink your life plan. Medical school is basically Bio I x 1,000,000. If you have any trouble with science classes, let alone nearly failing, you seriously need to rethink your career plans. You should not be asking "can I still get into med school?" but rather asking yourself "would I actually do well?"

Unless you have amazing ECs or research or URM or something, I'm sorry but you don't have a chance at MD DO. There are literally hoards of kids with higher stats than yours. Why would they accept you over a kid with strait As (and a few Bs) and great ECs?

My suggestion, if you still want to work in the medical field, would be to look into other programs like podiatry schools, physician assistant programs, being a nurse practitioner, etc. (although still, those classes are Bio I x 10,000)

Finally, I think you need to do some self introspection. If you can't whip off an A in Bio I without even trying, how the hell do you expect to pass medical school? If you did poorly because you were depressed or had a death in the family or were deathly sick yourself, then I understand. But if you were giving 100% effort and still are failing two classes, medical school is not for you.

Spoken like a true premed.

 

[Cogitate]

@NontradCA

 

[NontradCA]

:troll:

 

[AestheticGod]

:troll:

What part did i write that made you think I was trolling?

 

[AestheticGod]

Hey there,
Just wanted to say never give up hope! If you really want to become a doctor there is always a way to get to that goal. Yes your recent classwork may not put you in good standing but do your best these last couple classes and finish strong.

Now given that, it would still seem very unlikely that MD's will consider you [GPA and classwork] and also unlikely that DO's would look at you as well. However, for someone in your situation I would recommend maybe looking into the Rosalind Franklin BMS program...This program while it has many faults which I won't go into here will give you probably the best chance at matriculating into and MD school if that is your wish. Your profile academically if you have a solid MCAT score will get you into that program and at that point everything is a clean slate for you. All you have to do is push yourself for that year of classes and if you do well enough you will be accepted into their medical school regardless of classes failed in undergrad, etc. While it may seem a bit shady haha why not take use of the resource if you can? If you have more quetions about the program feel free to ask or PM me

Is that an SMP program?

 

[Cogitate]

@AestheticGod Why do you think med school classes are easier than Bio I?

 

[AestheticGod]

@AestheticGod Why do you think med school classes are easier than Bio I?

Because momma told so, and momma ain't ever wrong.

 

[Cogitate]

Because momma told so, and momma ain't ever wrong.

Denial is the first stage in coping with grief.