So I'm a CC student, that had originally attended CSU Long Beach, but got let go due to academic disqualification. I'm the student that breezed through high school, but didn't really care about grades or SAT scores (1410 - old SAT). I had around a 3.8 until the middle of junior year, when I reclused into myself (depression) and failed just about all my courses 2nd semester junior year and 1st semester senior year (my last semester wasn't marvelous either..I just did enough to get c's and was lost in thought most of the time.) Honestly, in hindsight, I should have taken a gap year to find myself...but I didn't. My gpa at CSULB is complete dirt (below a 2.0). My gpa at my CC is close to a 4.0 and I hope to transfer to a UC in another year.
Now, for my question, should I major in a science to prove to medical schools that I have the ability to excel academically in a more rigorous setting? All my actual pre-med reqs will be completed at the CC level before I transfer. On the other hand, will minoring in biology and taking a few more upper level science courses be enough?
(As a side note, the last couple years haven't been a total lost. Academically, sure, yes. Outside of that, I was deeply involved on my school campus, especially student government. This, in turn, evolved into a passion for community organizing. I've also been working +30 hours a week since I started CC. I hope to eventually be able to apply to programs such as PRIME at UCSF, so that I can work with the urban poor/underpriveledged. I feel that my passion is evident. Now I need to be able to prove my academic ability.)
Are there any other recommendations that could aid me in demonstrating to medical schools that I can do well in a rigorous environment? I understand I have to be realistic, nonetheless my top choice is still UCSF (and other similar programs).
Now, for my question, should I major in a science to prove to medical schools that I have the ability to excel academically in a more rigorous setting? All my actual pre-med reqs will be completed at the CC level before I transfer. On the other hand, will minoring in biology and taking a few more upper level science courses be enough?
(As a side note, the last couple years haven't been a total lost. Academically, sure, yes. Outside of that, I was deeply involved on my school campus, especially student government. This, in turn, evolved into a passion for community organizing. I've also been working +30 hours a week since I started CC. I hope to eventually be able to apply to programs such as PRIME at UCSF, so that I can work with the urban poor/underpriveledged. I feel that my passion is evident. Now I need to be able to prove my academic ability.)
Are there any other recommendations that could aid me in demonstrating to medical schools that I can do well in a rigorous environment? I understand I have to be realistic, nonetheless my top choice is still UCSF (and other similar programs).
