Weak GPA

[chehabka]

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So my gpa was super weak, by the time I graduate this semester I'll probably have around a 2.8/2.9 with a few classes failed and retaken. My EC's outside of volunteering(I did not volunteer heavily) are pretty solid with positions in a fraternity and regular member of several clubs, even helped start a foundation for the Jimmy V organization. But like I said, my GPA stinks. I am wanting to get my masters to re-up my chances, since I never applied this past year. Would a masters in Pharmacology and Toxicology (if I can hopefully even get into the graduate school at my school) be sufficient for med schools? DO or MD? I am trying to ensure that after I finish this masters program I will be in med school or pharm school the following year. The stress of not making it makes me regret every day I ever slacked, went to the bar, partied, and had to deal with my family. Any insight would be great.

 

[Art3MiS]

You do know about the D.O. grade replace policy? Retake a few of the classes you got C's in and get your GPA up to a 3.3 or so, and get a 27+ on the MCAT and you should be okay. Retaking classes helps alot. When you replaced your F's with whatever you got the second time around, did you completely replace the F's or did you average? DO's completely replace while MDs average.

best of luck.

I'd probably do a post bacc before an SMP though. If you are thinking about doing the master's route, you should look for programs with linkages. If you're looking MD, Georgetown's SMP in Physiology is supposed to be good. I think NOVA has a MS program with a linkage if you do well. I heard TUN-COM does as well. You should check on those.

 

[ManBroDude]

I spent 4 semesters getting a 4.0 on retakes for 34 credits of science classes, bumping my science GPA up considerably. Like, a lot. I started out right where you were. Remember, schools tend to look at undergrad GPA more than grad school GPA (for reasons beyond this thread), so stick to retaking your C and under classes and you'll be in good shape in a year! Just remember to get a 3.7+ from here on out to prove to them/you you've got what it takes!

 

[chehabka]

I'm assuming the common courseload is what I'd want to focus on? Here are my grades on the major ones.

Chem I- 2.0 Chem I Lab - 3.5
Calculus I - 2.0
Chem II- 3.0 Chem II Lab - 3.5
Statistics for Scientists - 3.5
Organic I, II, And Lab - 4.0
Bio I-3.0 Bio I
Physics I - 3.0 Physics I Lab- 4.0
Bio II- 2.5
Physics II -2.5


I dn if these other classes matter but I took a year of Biochem (2.5, 1.5), semester of Microbio(3.0) & micro lab (1.5), semester of virology (4.0), taking anatomy, physio, and eukaryotic cell bio right now.

what should I retake/focus on to ensure a spot (hopefully). Looks like a hard year of fall, spring, summer classes.

 

[BenZq]

It's probably best to focus on the poorest grades first.

 

[UTsksk]

I'm assuming the common courseload is what I'd want to focus on? Here are my grades on the major ones.

Chem I- 2.0 Chem I Lab - 3.5
Calculus I - 2.0
Chem II- 3.0 Chem II Lab - 3.5
Statistics for Scientists - 3.5
Organic I, II, And Lab - 4.0
Bio I-3.0 Bio I
Physics I - 3.0 Physics I Lab- 4.0
Bio II- 2.5
Physics II -2.5


I dn if these other classes matter but I took a year of Biochem (2.5, 1.5), semester of Microbio(3.0) & micro lab (1.5), semester of virology (4.0), taking anatomy, physio, and eukaryotic cell bio right now.

what should I retake/focus on to ensure a spot (hopefully). Looks like a hard year of fall, spring, summer classes.

That might not need to be a priority since it's not part of the sgpa...if I were you, I'd start off with chem1, bio 2, phys 2 and then cal(maybe switch this is biochem because it seems you got like a C- or D+). See where that gets you and then make a decision whether to continue

 

[Iliketoytles]

That might not need to be a priority since it's not part of the sgpa...if I were you, I'd start off with chem1, bio 2, phys 2 and then cal(maybe switch this is biochem because it seems you got like a C- or D+). See where that gets you and then make a decision whether to continue

+1 to this. AACOMAS does not include math classes as part of your science GPA (AMCAS does, however). So focus on retaking your science classes and as ManBroDude suggested, try to get all A's on your retakes.

 

[chehabka]

really appreciate it fellas. I'm going to see if I can retake these at Wayne State since it's a lot closer and live at home. The first real test for me is sucking up my pride and going to classes with people who I know that might be a lot younger than me. Oh well. Got to do it now.

 

[chehabka]

or would that be a bad thing if I took those courses at a different school? I feel like its the only way I'll succeed

 

[BenZq]

Adcoms like to see that your willing to put in extra effort to improve your application, take those classes wherever you can and don't worry too much about having been to 2 schools.

 

[DocGodfather]

or would that be a bad thing if I took those courses at a different school? I feel like its the only way I'll succeed

I've taken college courses at five different schools, and from what I've heard, the only issue I'll have is making sure all my transcripts are submitted on time once I apply. Like Mandude said, take a year and retake some of those courses to bring up the GPA. You have to maintain a 3.75-4.0, so do the retakes when you're committed and ready. Handle it. 👍

 

[DrMediterranean]

You are getting some solid advice from these guys. It seems like your undergrad GPA isn't so bad that it cant be salvaged by retaking the classes you did weakest in, try to do what ManBroDude did. Although calc isn't part of your science GPA, it's still part of your cGPA... and it's still pretty low, I would retake it AFTER I retook all the other classes you did bad in.

I honestly think this is the best idea, as opposed to trying to do the grad stuff like Wayne's BMS program. Do everything you possibly can before doing a BMS program, it seems to be a tough last resort for some students that I know personally (although some have successfully matriculated into med schools through taking that route). I know some people who were in that situation where they had to just eat sh** and do it, I don't think you need to. Honestly, I had a great GPA 3.8+ and I don't know how I would do in that BMS program -- everyone I talk to says its rough, and you gotta rock it. If you are set on D.O. then this is the way to go, retake those undergrad classes. Whether it is a BMS program, or that Pharm/Toxicology program you mentioned, I think it is easy to underestimate how tough grad school can be (especially since you are trying to rock it with a 3.5+ GPA). Since you are in SE Michigan (you said you were local to wayne) you NEED to stop by MSUCOM admissions at the DMC. They are extremely friendly & helpful and will give you great advice for your specific situation on what they want from you to improve. I am pretty sure though that you will get the same advice that everyone told you on this thread. Good luck!!

 

[AFMD]

I agree! Masters is usually not the way to go for DO if your GPA is the problem. The answer is retakes.

 

[dreamweaver1988]

OP you have As in ochem I, II, and lab. In my experience, these classes are by far the hardest of the pre-med prerequisites, so you have a good foundation to work with. Rock the re-takes and you'll be fine.

 

[CopToEM]

Wanted to chime in before some troll pops in to tell you not to retake elsewhere. There's nothing wrong with state or community college. I did my first two years at community college and not a single school ever asked me about it. Nobody cares. Algebra based physics is algebra based physics and gen chem is gen chem... be it at UC Berkley or Southern Appalchia Community College.

Go with the cheaper option and never look back. If asked, cite monetary reasons (aka tell the truth) and be proud of what you've done. It will make you a more well rounded student having experienced the hardships you have.

 

[chehabka]

Thank you all! I am going to see an adviser at Wayne shortly. Probably will have to take a few of their pre-reqs( a full year of classes) to be eligible to graduate from there since I cut myself short from my other school when I started faltering. I hope this works out, been really stressed and down lately but I have no one to blame but the slacker in me. Here goes nothing

 

[CopToEM]

Thank you all! I am going to see an adviser at Wayne shortly. Probably will have to take a few of their pre-reqs( a full year of classes) to be eligible to graduate from there since I cut myself short from my other school when I started faltering. I hope this works out, been really stressed and down lately but I have no one to blame but the slacker in me. Here goes nothing

Hang in there! If the road was easy everyone would do it. It's not a race but a marathon - best advice anyone can ever give you.

 

[chehabka]

Just out of curiosity. I can't retake these classes til the fall. Would it make sense to apply before retaking the classes, aka this summer and just send them my semester grades after I retake? Or how should I go about doing this? I don't want to spend all the money to apply then get screwed.

 

[mishaS]

Just out of curiosity. I can't retake these classes til the fall. Would it make sense to apply before retaking the classes, aka this summer and just send them my semester grades after I retake? Or how should I go about doing this? I don't want to spend all the money to apply then get screwed.

I personally wouldn't. I will preface this by saying I'm ignorant of DO standards, but with your GPA I'd guess that you'd could be screened out of consideration outright. Again, I can't speak for DO, but I was under the impression that after two unsuccessful cycles made you look bad. Focus on beefing up your app.

If I'm wrong in what I've said, someone please correct me.

 

[chehabka]

I haven't even applied to DO school or Pharmacy school yet because I am waiting for a better resume to offer them.

 

[brianphu53]

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