Trying hard for nothing? Need advice.

[do4357at]

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I'm a second year biochemistry student and my academics are going well. Mostly A's, few B's. I've completed 37 credits in my first year (including one summer) and I'm studying abroad and doing a field biology research project in the process. My current semester is all A's thus far. I'm planning to work on my ECs when I get back to the states, but I have one huge flaw that I overlooked!

I failed college my first attempt, but it appears worse on my academic record. As a junior in high school, I attended college as a full-time PSEO student....and I failed. Since high school credits coincided with college credits at the time, I decided to drop out of high school and get my GED rather than becoming a super-senior. I ended up working full-time my senior year and attempted college again for a semester, but failed again. I tried again in the summer (mostly out of pressure from the parents), and of course failed. So on my transcript, I have two semesters and a summer semester full of F's and W's. I never applied myself obviously, I would show up for the first few weeks and disappear. Work, friends, and other life dramas steered my focus away from school.

ANYWAY, 6 years later, I'm back in school shooting for the stars. I have set medical school as a goal for a long time and I just found out that med apps do not have "academic forgiveness" like I'm currently experiencing with my current attempt at college.

This is a little depressing. Even if there is a slim chance that I might be the one person to slip through the cracks, I want to be realistic. What are my options?

I've been equally interested in Vet school, as well as Pharmacy school. But will the apps for these schools be similar to med school? e.g. will my FULL academic history calculate into the GPA for admissions, which in turn would land me with a very poor GPA?

Would going to grad school and getting a masters change anything for med school apps other than more classes to average out the GPA? I don't think I'll take this route unless it pretty much guarantees a shot at med school.

PA school?

I guess I'm at the point where I need to re-evaluate and set new goals and I could use some help doing so. If it matters, Vet school is what I'm most interested aside from med school, I've been going back and forth between the two for awhile now.

Thank you for reading.

 

[ChE04]

DO schools will forgive your old scores provided you retake the classes that were failed. With multiple F's I would say this it your best shot.

As you say, MD schools will count all of your grades; an upward trend will work in your favor, though it won't fully counter an abysmal GPA.

 

[Etyan]

I'm a second year biochemistry student and my academics are going well. Mostly A's, few B's. I've completed 37 credits in my first year (including one summer) ...My current semester is all A's thus far.
... on my transcript, I have two semesters and a summer semester full of F's and W's. I never applied myself obviously, I would show up for the first few weeks and disappear. Work, friends, and other life dramas steered my focus away from school.

ANYWAY, 6 years later, I'm back in school shooting for the stars. I have set medical school as a goal for a long time and I just found out that med apps do not have "academic forgiveness" like I'm currently experiencing with my current attempt at college.

With one semester of F's and W's from 6 years ago, completing 3.5 years worth of undergrad with 4.0's is plenty to show MD/DO programs your academic abilities. A select few programs even do grade forgiveness for courses taken >10 years ago. By the time you finish your degree, you may be very close to that mark!

I've been equally interested in Vet school, as well as Pharmacy school.

... it is definitely necessary to figure out where you're most passionate about going before making the commitment to pursue medical school. It's a long road to get there, and a longer road still to becoming a practicing physician.

Would going to grad school and getting a masters change anything for med school apps other than more classes to average out the GPA? I don't think I'll take this route unless it pretty much guarantees a shot at med school.

There are a few postbacc/SMP programs that guarantee interviews if you excel in the program and have a good MCAT. These programs are rare and are extremely competitive to get into.

PA school?

Sure.

 

[do4357at]

I've had many sleepless nights thinking about my future and which direction I want to head; I can't picture a more rewarding experience than medical school. Before I give up and head down plan B, I've decided that I need to take a shot at the MCAT.

My goal for 2014 is to get some exposure in healthcare (work or volunteer). During the end of 2014, I will start studying for the MCAT which I'll take in the spring/summer of 2015.

I hope to keep you all updated, any advice will be appreciated!

 

[do4357at]

DO schools will forgive your old scores provided you retake the classes that were failed. With multiple F's I would say this it your best shot.

As you say, MD schools will count all of your grades; an upward trend will work in your favor, though it won't fully counter an abysmal GPA.

If it matters, I don't plan to retake my classes from my first attempt. I had no clue what I was doing and took random accounting classes, only because I happened to work at a bank =\

 

[DrMidlife]

...I will start studying for the MCAT which I'll take in the spring/summer of 2015...

You can't take the MCAT in the summer and also apply that summer, not if you want good results. You need your MCAT score in hand before you apply, and with GPA damage you need to apply early such as June 1. Take the MCAT by May at the latest if you want to do med school apps the same year.

And it's better to postpone the MCAT if you're not ready than to roll the dice. Take the MCAT once and once only.

Best of luck to you.

 

[theseeker4]

If it matters, I don't plan to retake my classes from my first attempt. I had no clue what I was doing and took random accounting classes, only because I happened to work at a bank =\

As long as you can get your total GPA up over 3.0, if you have a high sGPA and a good MCAT you will get some attention from both MD and DO schools. A lot of MD schools value recent strong coursework enough to overlook a poor initial showing. It won't be easy, and you won't be a shoo in for MD schools, but it is possible. Definitely look into DO schools whether or not you take advantage of grade replacement, as they are more forgiving. Also listen to drmidlife, you want your MCAT to be as high as possible even if it means an extra year before applying. Keep your grades up and good luck!

 

[do4357at]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll keep that in mind. Take the MCAT early 2015 then.

If I end up with a poor overall GPA, because of my past, what type of MCAT score should I shoot for? Obviously high as possible, but I was thinking 32+.
I don't see myself doing poorly these next two years. I think my sGPA could be 3.6-3.7 or higher. But still, a bit early to really say...

 

[Andross]

The MCAT changes significantly in 2015 if I am right. It will take significantly more studying. There will be no study material covering the new sections, so expect to do a lot of research.

A 32+ is hard to get, but if you work hard enough and learn about the exam from as many sources as possible, I am sure you can do it!

Good luck in your endeavours!