WAMC non-trad, transcript repair

[popppp]

Hi guys,

I'll try to keep this short. Posted previously about a year ago.

School: Pitt
Major: Neuroscience

I enrolled in 2 semesters at a university back in the fall of 2016 and spring of 2017. I was going through some pretty major issues at home. My first semester I had a 2.7. The next semester I left campus a week after the semester began and did not withdrawal from my classes so I failed my 4 classes. My school denied a request for a retroactive withdrawal but I plan to keep trying.

Long story short, I've done the math and I'll likely only graduate with around a 3.3ish (assuming I keep performing similarly) since grade replacement isn't a thing.

I re-enrolled in the spring of 2022 after getting my life in order. Since I have been back, I have averaged a 3.91 GPA with a 3.86 sGPA in 88 credits of classes with a higher GPA every semester. I have not taken the MCAT yet and have some shadowing/volunteer/research experience but will get much more this year.

How should I proceed (obviously assuming a stellar MCAT)? I plan on taking the MCAT in May. Should I even bother applying to any schools or just SMPs, etc. Any help would be great.

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[Faha]

Post your MCAT score here when available. Where is your state of residence ? What are the hours for your ECs?

 

[popppp]

Post your MCAT score here when available. Where is your state of residence ? What are the hours for your ECs?

Will do.

I live in PA.

I've done research at a hospital for 2 semesters now. About 30 hours so far shadowing surgeries. Only about 10 hours of hospice volunteering so far but plan on getting that way up this summer.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Previous

WAMC, trying for reinvention

Hi guys, I'll try to keep this short. School: Pitt Major: Neuroscience I enrolled in 2 semesters at a university back in the fall of 2016 and spring of 2017. I was going through some pretty major issues at home. My first semester I had a 2.7. The next semester I left campus a week after the...

forums.studentdoctor.net

 

[popppp]

Posted here before and received a ton of help. Ill try to keep this brief.

Lot of family issues freshman year, failed an entire semester as I left campus and didnt wd, failed some CC classes, then took 5 years off and have achieved around a 3.92 in 97 credits since I've went back to school. Currently sitting at only a 3.0 AMCAS GPA and will only like graduate with around a 3.2 next year. Taking the MCAT in a few weeks, scored 520 on my last practice exam a month ago (but I am confident I can increase this, at least slightly). AMCAS opens May 1st obviously.

Where the hell should I even bother applying? Just SMPs? I could use any help I can get! Advisors are not very helpful

Thanks a ton.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Make an actual WAMC on the sub forum at the top of the MD page. They'll give you a full list.

 

[popppp]

Make an actual WAMC on the sub forum at the top of the MD page. They'll give you a full list.

ok I will and ill delete this. thanks

 

[popppp]

Post your MCAT score here when available. Where is your state of residence ? What are the hours for your ECs?

I don't take the MCAT for a few weeks but I scored a 520 on my most recent practice test a bit over a month ago (but I am very confident I can increase this at least a bit). I'd wait to post my actual score but AMCAS opens May 1st. Any suggestions?

And to reiterate: ~40 hours shadowing surgeries, 2 semesters worth of research in a neurophysiology/neurology lab, ~15 hours hospice volunteering

 

[wysdoc]

@popppp how much have you added to your volunteer and extracurricular hours since your post in March?
If you apply this May without enough in this aspect of your application, you might not have a good cycle, and you won't know if it was due to your GPA or your low hours in activities.

 

[popppp]

@popppp how much have you added to your volunteer and extracurricular hours since your post in March?
If you apply this May without enough in this aspect of your application, you might not have a good cycle, and you won't know if it was due to your GPA or your low hours in activities.

Not much. Just around 5 hours shadowing and 5 hours of volunteer work. Been focusing mostly on MCAT studying and school work.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

I would delay til next cycle so you give yourself a decent chance with ECs. Get a full or part time clinical job and work a few hours a week at a soup kitchen and you'll be fine.

 

[Faha]

I don't take the MCAT for a few weeks but I scored a 520 on my most recent practice test a bit over a month ago (but I am very confident I can increase this at least a bit). I'd wait to post my actual score but AMCAS opens May 1st. Any suggestions?

And to reiterate: ~40 hours shadowing surgeries, 2 semesters worth of research in a neurophysiology/neurology lab, ~15 hours hospice volunteering

Your clinical volunteering hours are far too low to apply in May. You should have 150+ hours before applying. You also need 150+ hours of non clinical volunteering (homeless shelter, food bank, etc.).

 

[popppp]

Your clinical volunteering hours are far too low to apply in May. You should have 150+ hours before applying. You also need 150+ hours of non clinical volunteering (homeless shelter, food bank, etc.).

So would it be better to wait til next cycle or to apply to SMPs in May?

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Personally don't think you need a SMP with a smart school list. But def sit out one more cycle.

 

[wysdoc]

So would it be better to wait til next cycle or to apply to SMPs in May?

Apply to med schools next cycle with your strong upward trend and MCAT

 

[popppp]

Appreciate all the help guys. I guess I'll prob push back the MCAT til august or something then since I wont be applying this cycle.

 

[Faha]

So would it be better to wait til next cycle or to apply to SMPs in May?

Yes, you need another year to accumulate the needed clinical and non clinical hours. You could do either a SMP or a DIY post bacc at a local college where you take undergraduate level science courses in order to increase your sGPA.

 

[popppp]

Yes, you need another year to accumulate the needed clinical and non clinical hours. You could do either a SMP or a DIY post bacc at a local college where you take undergraduate level science courses in order to increase your sGPA.

Yep guess I will have to weigh my options this time next year. Gonna be hard to increase my uGPA much tho just mathematically which is why I was leaning towards SMP. Just hoping I get lucky and end up not needing the SMP but won't get my hopes up lol

 

[popppp]

Personally don't think you need a SMP with a smart school list. But def sit out one more cycle.

Would this include MD or you thinking just DO? Like is there any chance of MD if I wait another cycle you think?

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Would this include MD or you thinking just DO? Like is there any chance of MD if I wait another cycle you think?

I think so, esp at your state schools and low-mid tier places. Some schools are starting to look more at trend / last few years vs entire career academics. I'm also an applicant so don't take my word over the actual advisors here though.

 

[popppp]

I think so, esp at your state schools and low-mid tier places. Some schools are starting to look more at trend / last few years vs entire career academics. I'm also an applicant so don't take my word over the actual advisors here though.

appreciate the help regardless and good luck to you too man

 

[holdthemayo]

Yep guess I will have to weigh my options this time next year. Gonna be hard to increase my uGPA much tho just mathematically which is why I was leaning towards SMP. Just hoping I get lucky and end up not needing the SMP but won't get my hopes up lol

Don't do an SMP, you shouldn't need it. I had a similar story and stats and am an MD.

You've done a great job reinventing yourself. Rock the MCAT and apply wisely.

 

[popppp]

Apply to med schools next cycle with your strong upward trend and MCAT

scored 517. what would you recommend?

 

[popppp]

Post your MCAT score here when available. Where is your state of residence ? What are the hours for your ECs?

517. what would you recommend?

 

[Faha]

517. what would you recommend?

I suggest these schools when you apply in June 2025:
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Penn State
Commonwealth Geisinger
Pittsburgh
Vermont
UMass
Quinnipiac
Albany
New York Medical College
Hofstra
West Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth
Eastern Virginia
Wake Forest
NOVA MD
USF Morsani
Belmont
Alice Walton
Roseman
Tulane
TCU
Rosalind Franklin
Medical College Wisconsin
Western Michigan
Oakland Beaumont
Wayne State
Iowa
Indiana
Also apply to DO schools and include these:
Touro-NY
NYITCOM
PCOM
LECOM
MU-COM
DMU-COM
ATSU-KCOM
KCU-COM
CUSOM
WVSOM
AZCOM
CCOM
Work on your shadowing, clinical volunteering and non clinical volunteering hours before you submit your application.

 

[popppp]

I suggest these schools when you apply in June 2025:
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Penn State
Commonwealth Geisinger
Pittsburgh
Vermont
UMass
Quinnipiac
Albany
New York Medical College
Hofstra
West Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth
Eastern Virginia
Wake Forest
NOVA MD
USF Morsani
Belmont
Alice Walton
Roseman
Tulane
TCU
Rosalind Franklin
Medical College Wisconsin
Western Michigan
Oakland Beaumont
Wayne State
Iowa
Indiana
Also apply to DO schools and include these:
Touro-NY
NYITCOM
PCOM
LECOM
MU-COM
DMU-COM
ATSU-KCOM
KCU-COM
CUSOM
WVSOM
AZCOM
CCOM
Work on your shadowing, clinical volunteering and non clinical volunteering hours before you submit your application.

Just got a gig today which will enable me to rack up a ton of volunteer hours with a physician whose lab I work in. Also, I plan on greatly expanding my research with him.

Greatly appreciate all the help.

 

[popppp]

I suggest these schools when you apply in June 2025:
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Penn State
Commonwealth Geisinger
Pittsburgh
Vermont
UMass
Quinnipiac
Albany
New York Medical College
Hofstra
West Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth
Eastern Virginia
Wake Forest
NOVA MD
USF Morsani
Belmont
Alice Walton
Roseman
Tulane
TCU
Rosalind Franklin
Medical College Wisconsin
Western Michigan
Oakland Beaumont
Wayne State
Iowa
Indiana
Also apply to DO schools and include these:
Touro-NY
NYITCOM
PCOM
LECOM
MU-COM
DMU-COM
ATSU-KCOM
KCU-COM
CUSOM
WVSOM
AZCOM
CCOM
Work on your shadowing, clinical volunteering and non clinical volunteering hours before you submit your application.

also a real quick question, are these the ONLY schools you'd suggest applying to, or are you saying simply to include these?

 

[Faha]

also a real quick question, are these the ONLY schools you'd suggest applying to, or are you saying simply to include these?

These are the MD schools where you have reasonable chance for an interview so apply to all of them. You can add other schools that appeal to you.

 

[popppp]

These are the MD schools where you have reasonable chance for an interview so apply to all of them. You can add other schools that appeal to you.

sorry to bug you, got a question though.

the physician whose lab I've been working in says although I can likely get accepted to some MD school, that I should spend the spring semester (which I will be part-time) studying for and retaking the MCAT and aiming for a 520 (which I think I can get, especially being that my 517 was significantly lower than my practice exams). I was instead initially planning on conducting research and volunteering as much as possible.

Any thoughts as to how I should spend my time?

 

[wysdoc]

sorry to bug you, got a question though.

the physician whose lab I've been working in says although I can likely get accepted to some MD school, that I should spend the spring semester (which I will be part-time) studying for and retaking the MCAT and aiming for a 520 (which I think I can get, especially being that my 517 was significantly lower than my practice exams). I was instead initially planning on conducting research and volunteering as much as possible.

Any thoughts as to how I should spend my time?

That advice is ridiculous and you should just say "thanks I'll keep that in mind" and get in your volunteering time.

 

[popppp]

That advice is ridiculous and you should just say "thanks I'll keep that in mind" and get in your volunteering time.

kinda what i figured. thanks again.

 

[popppp]

also I just did the math and I'd only graduate with a 3.09 (assuming similar performance this semester and the spring) after factoring in the community college courses from 2017 as well unfortunately. I calculated it incorrectly initially. I assume this would affect my school list at least somewhat?

 

[Goro]

Hi guys,

I'll try to keep this short. Posted previously about a year ago.

School: Pitt
Major: Neuroscience

I enrolled in 2 semesters at a university back in the fall of 2016 and spring of 2017. I was going through some pretty major issues at home. My first semester I had a 2.7. The next semester I left campus a week after the semester began and did not withdrawal from my classes so I failed my 4 classes. My school denied a request for a retroactive withdrawal but I plan to keep trying.

Long story short, I've done the math and I'll likely only graduate with around a 3.3ish (assuming I keep performing similarly) since grade replacement isn't a thing.

I re-enrolled in the spring of 2022 after getting my life in order. Since I have been back, I have averaged a 3.91 GPA with a 3.86 sGPA in 88 credits of classes with a higher GPA every semester. I have not taken the MCAT yet and have some shadowing/volunteer/research experience but will get much more this year.

How should I proceed (obviously assuming a stellar MCAT)? I plan on taking the MCAT in May. Should I even bother applying to any schools or just SMPs, etc. Any help would be great.

You should take the MCAT only when you are 100% ready for it. You should apply when you have the best possible app. Med schools are not going anywhere.

 

[popppp]

You should take the MCAT only when you are 100% ready for it. You should apply when you have the best possible app. Med schools are not going anywhere.

hi Goro. I've already taken it and got a 517. glad I postponed a bit as suggested.

will only graduate with a 3.09 though most likely. any suggestions?

 

[Goro]

hi Goro. I've already taken it and got a 517. glad I postponed a bit as suggested.

will only graduate with a 3.09 though most likely. any suggestions?

It's not about the cGPA anymore, it's all about the you of now, who is NOT the you of then.

I suggest:
Columbia
Case
Vandy
Dartmouth
BU
Duke
Pitt
Mayo
Mt Sinai
Einstein (maybe)
Temple
UCSF
EVMS
Hofstra
Emory
Jefferson
U VM
Miami
Drexel
Albany
Tufts
NYMC
TCU
Your state schools
Rush
Loyola
Rosy Franklin
Tulane
Wake
MCW
SLU
Creighton
Wayne State
Netter
NovaMD
NYU.LI
Gtown
GWU
NOTE: as a reinventor, you need DO schools on your list. Any DO school. Include UNECOM if you’re from the NE, OSUCOM if you’re from the Plains states and PacNW if you’re from that region. I can't recommend LMU, SOMA, RVU, BCOM, ICOM and LUCOM, for different reasons. Avoid those new schools that haven't graduated a class yet, if possible.

 

[popppp]

It's not about the cGPA anymore, it's all about the you of now, who is NOT the you of then.

I suggest:
Columbia
Case
Vandy
Dartmouth
BU
Duke
Pitt
Mayo
Mt Sinai
Einstein (maybe)
Temple
UCSF
EVMS
Hofstra
Emory
Jefferson
U VM
Miami
Drexel
Albany
Tufts
NYMC
TCU
Your state schools
Rush
Loyola
Rosy Franklin
Tulane
Wake
MCW
SLU
Creighton
Wayne State
Netter
NovaMD
NYU.LI
Gtown
GWU
NOTE: as a reinventor, you need DO schools on your list. Any DO school. Include UNECOM if you’re from the NE, OSUCOM if you’re from the Plains states and PacNW if you’re from that region. I can't recommend LMU, SOMA, RVU, BCOM, ICOM and LUCOM, for different reasons. Avoid those new schools that haven't graduated a class yet, if possible.

got told by the physician whose lab I work in that i should apply to an SMP like asap and do that first. others here seemed to think his other advice for me was ****ty tho lol. do you think it's even worth applying to an SMP?

 

[Goro]

got told by the physician whose lab I work in that i should apply to an SMP like asap and do that first. others here seemed to think his other advice for me was ****ty tho lol. do you think it's even worth applying to an SMP?

This is why you can ignore the doctor's advice:

I re-enrolled in the spring of 2022 after getting my life in order. Since I have been back, I have averaged a 3.91 GPA with a 3.86 sGPA in 88 credits of classes with a higher GPA every semester.

 

[popppp]

This is why you can ignore the doctor's advice:

I re-enrolled in the spring of 2022 after getting my life in order. Since I have been back, I have averaged a 3.91 GPA with a 3.86 sGPA in 88 credits of classes with a higher GPA every semester.

hi goro, gonna be applying this cycle. real quick, forgot to mention I had some alcohol in my dorm in 2016 (which was actually my friends, not that I expect an adcom to believe that). our agreement was he paid the couple hundred dollar fine and i got the IA from the university.

i called Pitt and they said while it used to show up on my account, it is no longer there, and if a medical school were to call them, they would say they do not have any IAs on file for me. This is because it has been over 7 years. is it still worth mentioning on my apps that I've had an IA?

Edit: I have read quite a bit of threads on here. people seem to say we should report IAs regardless, although I spoke to someone from my university on the phone and she specifically stated multiple times not to report it. needless to say I am a bit confused lol

 

[Goro]

You are obligated to report the IA.

This is a nothing burger!

 

[popppp]

You are obligated to report the IA.

This is a nothing burger!

Hi Goro,

Quick question. Obviously the top tier schools in your list are a reach, but are you confident they're at least worth applying to? Will my 3.09 cGPA and 517 not get me screened out? In addition, obviously I will apply to my state MD schools, but does this include Penn? Their stats seem insanely high.

Also, I've been racking up some volunteer hours but want to plan ahead. How quickly do I need the 150/100 clinical/non-clinical hours? Obviously I know this is just a general guideline, but should I am to hit my goal for volunteer hours by beginning of June, or by August or something, etc?

Thanks a ton in advance as always.

 

[Goro]

You need those hours when you apply. Future hours were expected hours mean nothing.

The list of the schools I gave you reward reinvention so yes they will not screen you out just on the basis of your cgpa.

However U Penn can afford to ignore you.

 

[popppp]

You need those hours when you apply. Future hours were expected hours mean nothing.

The list of the schools I gave you reward reinvention so yes they will not screen you out just on the basis of your cgpa.

However U Penn can afford to ignore you.

Hi Goro,

Gonna be graduating with a 3.10

ECs: 50 hours shadowing (as of now), 300 hospice volunteer hours, only 20 hours at a food bank (so similar to what I figured I'd be applying with).

Had a question though. I am the sole author for a review paper and was wondering if/how much this would boost my app. Also, would you happen to know which journals I could/should target? Was thinking Cureus, but they want me to pay $400+ for an editing fee (but would prob be published quickly and would be searchable on PubMed). Other options seem to be either too prestigious as a sole author, or wouldn't be searchable on PubMed (despite being peer-reviewed, etc.).

In addition, my name is on another published paper, but I am not the primary author.

Any thoughts? Would that fee at Cureus be worth it? How do my ECs look for a reinvention applicant? Any adjustments to my school list, etc?

In addition, if I do not get accepted this cycle, what do you suggest I do? apply to SMPs? Post-bacc classes? etc.

Thanks a ton in advance as always.

 

[Goro]

As many of the schools that value reinvention are service loving, I don't think the publication will add that much to your cache.

 

[popppp]

As many of the schools that value reinvention are service loving, I don't think the publication will add that much to your cache.

Appreciate all the help as always.

Figured I'd mention I do have "ties" to ohio, as my mom relocated there after she got remarried years ago. Would that meaningfully affect the schools in OH i should apply to?

 

[Goro]

Appreciate all the help as always.

Figured I'd mention I do have "ties" to ohio, as my mom relocated there after she got remarried years ago. Would that meaningfully affect the schools in OH i should apply to?

That really doesn't count as a tie.

 

[popppp]

I suggest these schools when you apply in June 2025:
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Penn State
Commonwealth Geisinger
Pittsburgh
Vermont
UMass
Quinnipiac
Albany
New York Medical College
Hofstra
West Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth
Eastern Virginia
Wake Forest
NOVA MD
USF Morsani
Belmont
Alice Walton
Roseman
Tulane
TCU
Rosalind Franklin
Medical College Wisconsin
Western Michigan
Oakland Beaumont
Wayne State
Iowa
Indiana
Also apply to DO schools and include these:
Touro-NY
NYITCOM
PCOM
LECOM
MU-COM
DMU-COM
ATSU-KCOM
KCU-COM
CUSOM
WVSOM
AZCOM
CCOM
Work on your shadowing, clinical volunteering and non clinical volunteering hours before you submit your application.

What do you think of U of A Tucson or Keck over Morsani? Got ~44 schools rn and trying to make any adjustments. I assume you left them off for a reason, but Morsani's MSAR seems rough for me. im an FAP recipient and have 2 publications (1 co-author, 1 Cureus solo-author) if that matters at all.

Edit: also, used the calulator: 3.09 cGPA, 3.43 sGPA

 

[Faha]

What do you think of U of A Tucson or Keck over Morsani? Got ~44 schools rn and trying to make any adjustments. I assume you left them off for a reason, but Morsani's MSAR seems rough for me. im an FAP recipient and have 2 publications (1 co-author, 1 Cureus solo-author) if that matters at all.

Edit: also, used the calulator: 3.09 cGPA, 3.43 sGPA

Arizona (Tucson) admits few non residents with no connection to the state. USC Keck is even more competitive than USF Morsani.

 

[popppp]

That really doesn't count as a tie.

Hi Goro,

Last time I'll bug you this cycle. Appreciate all the help thus far obviously.

I have ~3.43 sGPA if that matters (I figured it'd be closer to my 3.1 cGPA). More importantly, I got a C in chem 1 back in 2016. TCU says they require a B- in all prereqs. How strict is this? Is it not worth applying?

 

[Goro]

Hi Goro,

Last time I'll bug you this cycle. Appreciate all the help thus far obviously.

I have ~3.43 sGPA if that matters (I figured it'd be closer to my 3.1 cGPA). More importantly, I got a C in chem 1 back in 2016. TCU says they require a B- in all prereqs. How strict is this? Is it not worth applying?

It's self-explanatory