typical "help pls" post

[bushido]

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First post like this on the forum, so here goes:

I graduated HS back in 2014, and went to college on a football scholarship. After one semester, my GPA was an abysmal 2.2. I went home for winter break, and decided I wasn't mature enough to handle college, so I dropped out and joined the military. Started school again this past January, and so far my GPA has gone up to a 3.2 after two semesters. As it stands, without taking a post bac, I'd be able to raise my GPA to a 3.6 if I got nothing but A's, but I'm worried about my past performance coming back to haunt me when I apply. How likely is it that a school takes one look at my transcript and tosses it because of that 2.3? I'm mainly looking to apply in-state when the time comes: UF, UM, NOVA, FIU, USF.

edit: during my time in the military, I recieved an award for

How big of a hole am I in currently?

 

[LizzyM]

No one will toss the application of a non-traditional applicant who had a 2.3 many years earlier but made a strong come-back. I'll also mention that some adcoms LOVE military veterans and will give you plenty of credit for service and leadership. Being able to list an award in your experience section will be the cherry on top. Keep working hard at your coursework and don't let the water under the bridge cause you to worry.

 

[Goro]

Agree 100% with my learned colleague, and many thanks, OP, for your service to our country.

 

[bushido]

@LizzyM @Goro thank you for the quick reply and your support!

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Med schools like to see a rising trend with GPA .I agree with the above. A solid Mcat would certainly help. Dont take it until you are ready. Good luck , best wishes and thank you for your service!

 

[Hirro]

Hey, I dropped out as well before returning. I had a 1.5 when I left. After going back, I got straight A's and brought my GPA to a 3.x. It has worked out extremely well. At first, I never brought up my GPA to others out of my own shame. Over time, I realized that's an obstacle I actively overcame and I need to be able to talk about it. My advice is to do what I did: if/when you interview, be open about your grade drop then subsequent rise. Talk about what you learned during your time in the military and how it has helped you become a better student. If you can actively talk about your situation, you are going to have plenty of doors open for you. This will not hold you back.

Definitely focus on the MCAT when the time comes and don't be afraid to take longer to apply just to ensure a good score. You probably already know this but it is better to wait and do well than rush and potentially mess up. It's hard to bounce back from a GPA like that so you want to ensure you're giving yourself the best chances possible. If you haven't already, add UCF to the list of schools you plan on applying to. Thanks for your service and good luck!

 

[bushido]

Thank you all for the great advice!