undergrad advice needed

[remington9]

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[Chip N Sawbones]

Retake any prereq classes you got bad grades in. You'll need the knowledge from them for the MCAT, so retaking them will give you a double benefit. Other than those classes I wouldn't do any retakes yet. Do whatever you have to to get a 3.8 or better from now on. After a year or so of that you can decide whether you are ready to apply or if you need to do more retakes. You can always delay graduating for a semester or a year to do the retakes and give your AACOMAS GPA a big boost.

 

[medoc4]

I think you've got other problems...One does not let a gluten allergy totally annihilate 3 semesters of college.

 

[Geebeejay]

My entire life doctors could never figure out what was wrong with me. The main symptoms were constant fatigue, brain fog, very poor memory, inability to gain weight, and very poor immune function. About a year ago I did an elimination diet and am sure that I have a gluten intolerance. After being gluten free all of my symptoms are gone. Would a gluten intolerance be considered an extenuating circumstance? I realize that I will need to have a doctor confirm my diagnosis, so I have been eating gluten for the past month and am making an appointment with an internist tomorrow morning.

I've been out of university for 2 years. Was forced to withdraw 3 semesters of courses do to health issues. I've withdrawn 3 semesters. Have a few F's and a D. Current GPA is 2.4. Science GPA is 2.2, with an F in microbiology. Once I replace that F I have completed 51 out of 120 hours. The last semester I attended was fall 2011, which I withdrew.

I've decided that I'm going to complete my degree. I'm trying to figure out what would be the best thing to do. I could retake every course that I have received under a B in, about 22 hours worth, or I could just start up where I left off.

I have a friend who finished an undergrad engineering degree (which is harder than whatever your degree program is) with a gluten intolerance, and did just fine front to back. Methinks this will not fly as an excuse for poor grades.

 

[Benedictus123]

Yeah, I mean, I know there are always success stories about people with super low GPAs getting in to med school, but....

I'd put away the med school dream. For now, focus on graduating with the highest grades you can get, and look at realistic careers. Also, I echo the other sentiments on this thread that your issues are not just a food allergy, and I would hold off on saying that you're all better until you actually try going back to school.

 

[plumhill]

Yeah, I mean, I know there are always success stories about people with super low GPAs getting in to med school, but....

I'd put away the med school dream. For now, focus on graduating with the highest grades you can get, and look at realistic careers. Also, I echo the other sentiments on this thread that your issues are not just a food allergy, and I would hold off on saying that you're all better until you actually try going back to school.

I agree with others that this probably will not count as a legitimate excuse. I do not think that you should give up if you are 100% dedicated to practicing medicine.

Retake everything in which you got a C or lower, and then take as many upper-level science classes as you can to demonstrate your abilities in science classes. Take advantage of DO grade replacement and apply to every non-instate-preferring DO school you can. Though SDN is notoriously against it, do not push the idea of going to the Caribbean aside. Stick with the reputable ones and you'll be fine. Your MCAT needs to be rock-solid, and your ECs need to be above average.

So yes, you have a very, very uphill road in front of you, but if this is what you want, go for it.

 

[Benedictus123]

I agree with others that this probably will not count as a legitimate excuse. I do not think that you should give up if you are 100% dedicated to practicing medicine.

Fair enough. OP, never let go of your drreeeeeeaaaaammmssss!

Seriously, if medicine is your goal, it's not completely impossible. People make mistakes, get over them, and become successful at all sorts of things. But make a list of reasonable goals too!

 

[BuddyTheElf]

I agree with others that this probably will not count as a legitimate excuse. I do not think that you should give up if you are 100% dedicated to practicing medicine.

Retake everything in which you got a C or lower, and then take as many upper-level science classes as you can to demonstrate your abilities in science classes. Take advantage of DO grade replacement and apply to every non-instate-preferring DO school you can. Though SDN is notoriously against it, do not push the idea of going to the Caribbean aside. Stick with the reputable ones and you'll be fine. Your MCAT needs to be rock-solid, and your ECs need to be above average.

So yes, you have a very, very uphill road in front of you, but if this is what you want, go for it.

This. 👍
Good Luck OP. Get your head on straight and ace all classes from now on. Make sure your MCAT and ECs are solid, too.