Unsure if this is what I want… struggling to keep a 3.0 GPA

[startrek123]

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I’m a 25 year old in a postbac premed program. Before this summer, when I took Organic Chemistry and failed, I had a 3.7 GPA in my program. After failing I now have a 2.77. I’m currently taking Statistics, Cellular Biology, and retaking Organic Chemistry. After these classes I will have about 25 to 30— probably 3 semesters— of classes left. I’m concerned firstly about even being able to get my GPA above a 3.4 at the end of my program.

On my first exams for Cell Bio and Orgo this semester I made 70s. I’m studying more now and trying to get the fundamentals and I have two tutoring sessions with peer tutors set up for Orgo before exam 2, which for both classes is on October 14th.

I’m also concerned about the stress of all of this and how MUCH of a risk it is. I knew that all going in but I’m scared because even IF I end with a 3.6 GPA and make a 520 on my MCAT (I’m a little less concerned about my MCAT than my GPA), there’s only a 5 - 10% chance of me getting in… I know we’re all in this position but I’ve been upset and worried about it, especially in light of my struggles in Cell Bio and Ochem.

I’ve considered nursing school as an option. I love the flexibility it would give, and the job security and the sooner paycheck. I also feel there’s a little less risk in terms of how many excellent medical school applicants get outright denied. None of this obviously is to diminish nursing school or nursing. I know nursing would be very difficult and I’d have some growth to do with my patience and interpersonal skills.

 

[Faha]

You are way underestimating your chances. With 30 new DO schools and 30 new MD schools opening or having opened in the time frame from 2016 to 2028, there are many more 1st year positions available. If your GPA is at least 3.2 and your MCAT at least 500 you could receive interviews at some DO schools. Higher GPAs and MCAT and you could receive MD interviews

 

[esob]

The bigger concern would be if you weren't terrified of the process. Having a healthy level of reality-check is the sort of motivation you will need throughout the process, from undergrad through residency. If you really want to be a doctor, you will have to get comfortable with uncertainty. As a former Ochem tutor who was terrible at Ochem when I started, my two cents is just to keep doing problems over and over. I failed my first couple of quizzes and ended up w/ 100 on the midterm because it motivated me to work like I hadn't worked before.