I definitely hope my experience to getting accepted to an allopathic medical school inspires others who got off to a rough start in college, or are thinking about giving up... It was a hard path. It wasn't not easy. I didn't get much rest, I felt like giving up sometimes, and I cried sometimes (embarrassing maybe).
In the first year of college, I didn't know what I wanted to do as a freshman, but I kept on going hoping I would find something I am passionate about. After my first year, I ended up with:
-2.2 sGPA
-2.5 overall GPA
-Basically, mostly C's
-No activities, extracurricular, etc.
Afterwards, I went through a personal experience and decided to become a physician. I met people who said I should give up, that I did enough damage and focus my time on becoming a PhD in science related field, or focus on another major. I pushed through and kicked myself till I gave everything my best effort. As cliche as it may sound, there is no secret formula.
The hardship didn't end there. I faced huge difficulty on the MCAT when I wanted to take it and ended up with
-Composite: 24N (Verbal 6, Phys 8, Biol 10)
-Raised it to a 32R (10, 10, 12)
1- Raise your GPA, no sob stories or excuses: The interviewer (practicing physician) called me after my acceptance and said you have showed the committee more willpower and change than anyone we have ever seen. If curious, I ended up raising my GPA to a 3.79 (full load summer semesters, B- in only one course). Its easy to talk about your GPA problems with advisers, or talk to a friend who will make you feel better- BUT that won't change the effort or actual grades you earn unless you simply spend hours studying. Labor away in the library, no socializing during that time or facebook- just hardcore studying.
Yes, we all mess up; its not the end of the world. I scored the highest score on a biology exam after coming to the new semester because I wanted it more than anything.
2- Hit the MCAT hard- do whatever it takes: After my first MCAT, I felt like a complete failure. As I learned from the dean of admissions, although many students may have amazing activities, the aptitude to handle the rigorous medical program is a must (MCAT, GPA).
After finishing my junior year, I thought that since I was doing so great in classes, I could definitely score a 35 or something on the MCAT. It is a different type of test, it assesses how well you're "endurance" is, broad critical thinking, functioning under pressure, and most importantly ability to relate scientific thinking.
3- Get INVOLVED, not a fake non-leadership membership in your school's premedical club: I got involved with many hospitals and organizations. I volunteered at 3 different hospitals, helped out in community centers, etc. Do it because you never know what experience may actually have a profound impact on you. As bored as it may get restocking carts etc., it truly serves a purpose in my opinion.
4- Exercise the mentality: No matter what you do, you can always be better. I booked an appointment with a former admissions dean after all my "accomplishments", she simply grilled me and left me feeling worthless quite honestly.
Although I disagreed with her approach, it engraved in me that I can always be better no what how good I think I am (not just academically, or even medical school-related). She pushed me so hard, I took myself to another level. We waste hours on TV, facebook. Use that time to do great things- start a charity group for a cause you like!
5- Be HUMBLE: It doesn't matter if you get a 4.0 or think you're somehow guaranteed to become a med student, remember that there were 40,000+ student who applied last year. Positive modesty keeps things in check, it pushes you forward.
I really hasn't sunk in that I've actually been accepted into medical school. I realize it's only the beginning of a path, but I'm glad my effort has paid effort. I hope this inspires anyone who got off to a rough spot, or is simply going through a rough patch.
Never Give Up! Class of 2017!!