What are my chances?

[Fun1nth3sun1]

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I am considering applying for this cycle and was wondering what my chances are. I have a massive upward trend since undergrad. Since I did so poorly in undergrad, I completed a Masters in Clinical laboratory Science and actually did pretty well. I started my masters three years after graduating undergrad.
Unfortunately, I had over 160 units of credits already in my undergrad, so my gpa did not go up much.

I am currently taking second semester of my Post-bacc (1-year second degree Bachelors Histotechnology).

Here are my stats so far:

cumulative undergrad GPA: 2.08
Graduate GPA: 3.8
Post-Bacc gpa: 3.9
I anticipate that my gpa will stay the same.
After completing rotations, I should have Overall GPA: 2.57 Science gpa: 2.54

For my undergrad gpa, gpa calculations show that first semester I had a 1.9 gpa, then 1.6, then 1.6 then 2.3 senior year...And it continues to go up from there..

MCAT: I am planning to take the MCAT by the end of the Spring and I am currently
averaging 510 on practice MCAT after studying 3-4 months straight.

ECs:

Work experience:

Past Experience as a Medical technologist in the lab (1000 hours)
Medical Technician experience (over 1500 hours)
Tutor: (over 300 hours)

Volunteer:
Hospital (200 hours)

Shadowed a DO (30 hours)

Though I am not considered an URM, my family immigrated to the US at a young age. So, I learned English at the age of 10.
I am also a First-generation College student in the U.S (My dad received the equivalent of a Bachelors in Canada)

 

[mc_bio19]

I am considering applying for this cycle and was wondering what my chances are. I have a massive upward trend since undergrad. Since I did so poorly in undergrad, I completed a Masters in Clinical laboratory Science and actually did pretty well. I started my masters three years after graduating undergrad.
Unfortunately, I had over 160 units of credits already in my undergrad, so my gpa did not go up much.

I am currently taking second semester of my Post-bacc (1-year second degree Bachelors Histotechnology).

Here are my stats so far:

cumulative undergrad GPA: 2.08
Graduate GPA: 3.8
Post-Bacc gpa: 3.9
I anticipate that my gpa will stay the same.
After completing rotations, I should have Overall GPA: 2.57 Science gpa: 2.54

For my undergrad gpa, gpa calculations show that first semester I had a 1.9 gpa, then 1.6, then 1.6 then 2.3 senior year...And it continues to go up from there..

MCAT: I am planning to take the MCAT by the end of the Spring and I am currently
averaging 510 on practice MCAT after studying 3-4 months straight.

ECs:

Work experience:

Past Experience as a Medical technologist in the lab (1000 hours)
Medical Technician experience (over 1500 hours)
Tutor: (over 300 hours)

Volunteer:
Hospital (200 hours)

Shadowed a DO (30 hours)

Though I am not considered an URM, my family immigrated to the US at a young age. So, I learned English at the age of 10.
I am also a First-generation College student in the U.S (My dad received the equivalent of a Bachelors in Canada)

Even with your awesome upward trend, I’m worried your overall undergrad gpa being under 3.0, or even 2.8 will hinder you in your application cycle. Many schools will simply screen you out. I think for better chances you still need to raise your undergrad gpa closer to 3.0. A high MCAT will help, but I really don’t know how Adcoms will look at your current overall undergrad gpa.

Hopefully some others will have more input, but kudos to you for working so hard post-grad! I wish you the best of luck!

 

[sab3156]

This is a very difficult situation. With a high enough MCAT, a DO school MAY be willing to consider you (due to an upward trend). But you may have to really destroy the MCAT... Some schools say that they have a minimum GPA but sometimes they overlook that with a high MCAT. Not sure how they will look at your GPA even with the upward trend, though, since it is well below 3.0.

@Goro

 

[el_duderino]

Go ahead and take the MCAT if you think you can get >510.

I think your chances for this cycle are effectively zero, though.

If you do well on the MCAT, you might want to consider an SMP or something. You're also the type who might ultimately reasonably decide to go to a Caribbean school.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

Even with your awesome upward trend, I’m worried your overall undergrad gpa being under 3.0, or even 2.8 will hinder you in your application cycle. Many schools will simply screen you out. I think for better chances you still need to raise your undergrad gpa closer to 3.0. A high MCAT will help, but I really don’t know how Adcoms will look at your current overall undergrad gpa.

Hopefully some others will have more input, but kudos to you for working so hard post-grad! I wish you the best of luck!

Thanks for your honesty! I am worried too but I have seen a case about someone getting in with under a 3.0 (2.75 gpa), but had a strong upward trend and high gpa in the last 1-2 years. I am also worried about the type of schools I should be applying to (ALL DO), but

Even with your awesome upward trend, I’m worried your overall undergrad gpa being under 3.0, or even 2.8 will hinder you in your application cycle. Many schools will simply screen you out. I think for better chances you still need to raise your undergrad gpa closer to 3.0. A high MCAT will help, but I really don’t know how Adcoms will look at your current overall undergrad gpa.

Hopefully some others will have more input, but kudos to you for working so hard post-grad! I wish you the best of luck!

Even with your awesome upward trend, I’m worried your overall undergrad gpa being under 3.0, or even 2.8 will hinder you in your application cycle. Many schools will simply screen you out. I think for better chances you still need to raise your undergrad gpa closer to 3.0. A high MCAT will help, but I really don’t know how Adcoms will look at your current overall undergrad gpa.

Hopefully some others will have more input, but kudos to you for working so hard post-grad! I wish you the best of luck!

Yes, I am worried to and I can see why. Its not common to see applicants with my stats and low overall GPA get in. I hope my Post-Bacc will be open to show Adcoms that I can handle medical school curriculum.

Thank you so much!

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

Go ahead and take the MCAT if you think you can get >510.

I think your chances for this cycle are effectively zero, though.

If you do well on the MCAT, you might want to consider an SMP or something. You're also the type who might ultimately reasonably decide to go to a Caribbean school.

Okay, I appreciate your honesty. Well, I know for sure my chances will be zero if I do not apply. I have put so much work into my Post-Bacc and would like to apply and... there is only one way to find out. I will be targeting newer/state schools.

I have considered Carribean schools and that is not an option for me.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

This is a very difficult situation. With a high enough MCAT, a DO school MAY be willing to consider you (due to an upward trend). But you may have to really destroy the MCAT... Some schools say that they have a minimum GPA but sometimes they overlook that with a high MCAT. Not sure how they will look at your GPA even with the upward trend, though, since it is well below 3.0.

@Goro

Yes, I agree. I will try to do well on the MCAT. Yes, I also thought that schools with no minimum gpa on their websites do not have a cutoff.

 

[Futurecareerinmedicine]

Its going to be really hard as others have stated. My recommendation would be to continue taking courses for the next year and then apply. If not, continue, reapply, and so on.

 

[GypsyHummus]

A high MCAT will make it possible to do an SMP, which is what they were designed for, High MCAT, low GPA students. A backdoor into the highly sought after medical school

unfortunately, undergrad GPA means a lot to medical schools, so a SMP might be your only chance.

 

[el_duderino]

Okay, I appreciate your honesty. Well, I know for sure my chances will be zero if I do not apply. I have put so much work into my Post-Bacc and would like to apply and... there is only one way to find out. I will be targeting newer/state schools.

I have considered Carribean schools and that is not an option for me.

Why not?

 

[Mr. Babe]

It honestly might be a no-go. I know many students who had horrific semesters like a 1.5, but to have 4 is pretty rough. You clearly had a long period of time where you were unfocused or didn't care about school. Whatever the reason, it's too bad that you figured things out so late in the game when the damage was already done.

 

[Skiiiiiing]

Okay, I appreciate your honesty. Well, I know for sure my chances will be zero if I do not apply. I have put so much work into my Post-Bacc and would like to apply and... there is only one way to find out. I will be targeting newer/state schools.

I have considered Carribean schools and that is not an option for me.

Caribs who do really well on the USMLE make it, especially in primary care.

I don't know how DO schools view that poor of an UG with that big of a resurrection.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

It honestly might be a no-go. I know many students who had horrific semesters like a 1.5, but to have 4 is pretty rough. You clearly had a long period of time where you were unfocused or didn't care about school. Whatever the reason, it's too bad that you figured things out so late in the game when the damage was already done.

Its not that I was unfocused or didn`t care. The sad part is I was actually struggling my freshmen year. I was not ready to go to school thousands of miles away from home. I would go to school at 6 am and frequently come back 6 pm. My first science class in undergrad was physics, which was calculus based. I took calculus based physics before even taking calculus, and I failed it. Retook it, and then failed it again! This was like 7-8 years ago..Freshmen year there was another science course I failed, the rest of my grades were B/C and a few As. Then I transferred back to a cummunity college closer to my family, got like a 3.34 my first semester, I actually was doing decent (got all As and Bs). Then as soon as I started overloading my course load with more then 3-4 science courses, it all went downhill from there. At one point at the community college I was taking 20 credits. I was so focused on trying to make up for lost time, that I ended up shooting myself in the foot by trying to graduate as soon as possible. My parents were also pressuring me to finish as soon as possible, and not to take too much time at the community college and to transfer to University since the education there is apparently better. I graduated community college with a 2.8. But unfortunately I did much worse my freshmen year. Once I transferred to a University I continued overloading my courses with at least 3 science courses. I would frequently have at least 2 exams a day and sometimes even 3 in hard sciences courses like Immunology, Virology, Organic Chem, Genetics, etc. Combine that with poor study skills, and thats how my GPA went downhill. I did not plan my schedule very well...Its just that by that time I had taken most General education courses already so I had to take full-time credits of hard-science in my Biology program in order to fullfill the needs for financial aid. I was a transfer student, so I could not afford to take only 1-2 sciences courses a semester. I frequently took 3-4 sciences courses at once instead.

Whatever the reason for my low GPA. This is not an excuse but instead I am taking responsibility for my actions.

 

[el_duderino]

Its not that I was unfocused or didn`t care. The sad part is I was actually struggling my freshmen year. I was not ready to go to school thousands of miles away from home. I would go to school at 6 am and frequently come back 6 pm. My first science class in undergrad was physics, which was calculus based. I took calculus based physics before even taking calculus, and I failed it. Retook it, and then failed it again! This was like 7-8 years ago..Freshmen year there was another science course I failed, the rest of my grades were B/C and a few As. Then I transferred back to a cummunity college closer to my family, got like a 3.34 my first semester, I actually was doing decent (got all As and Bs). Then as soon as I started overloading my course load with more then 3-4 science courses, it all went downhill from there. At one point at the community college I was taking 20 credits. I was so focused on trying to make up for lost time, that I ended up shooting myself in the foot by trying to graduate as soon as possible. My parents were also pressuring me to finish as soon as possible, and not to take too much time at the community college and to transfer to University since the education there is apparently better. I graduated community college with a 2.8. But unfortunately I did much worse my freshmen year. Once I transferred to a University I continued overloading my courses with at least 3 science courses. I would frequently have at least 2 exams a day and sometimes even 3 in hard sciences courses like Immunology, Virology, Organic Chem, Genetics, etc. Combine that with poor study skills, and thats how my GPA went downhill. I did not plan my schedule very well...Its just that by that time I had taken most General education courses already so I had to take full-time credits of hard-science in my Biology program in order to fullfill the needs for financial aid. I was a transfer student, so I could not afford to take only 1-2 sciences courses a semester. I frequently took 3-4 sciences courses at once instead.

Whatever the reason for my low GPA. This is not an excuse but instead I am taking responsibility for my actions.

After such a long and continuous series of poor decision-making, it's going to take more than a year of histotechnology to convince anyone you're ready for 7-10 years of medical school and postgraduate training. I suggest you focus your energy into getting into an SMP and don't donate thousands of dollars to the AAMC and medical schools just yet.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

Why not?

After such a long and continuous series of poor decision-making, it's going to take more than a year of histotechnology to convince anyone you're ready for 7-10 years of medical school and postgraduate training. I suggest you focus your energy into getting into an SMP and don't donate thousands of dollars to the AAMC and medical schools just yet.

I am really nervous about considering the SMP route, because I have heard its very risky and I do not want to permanently ruin my chances of ever going to medical school. Could I also continue taking DIY Post-Bacc courses ? I can see the benefits of doing well in an SMP can help a lot.

 

[el_duderino]

I am really nervous about considering the SMP route, because I have heard its very risky and I do not want to permanently ruin my chances of ever going to medical school. Could I also continue taking DIY Post-Bacc courses ? I can see the benefits of doing well in an SMP can help a lot.

Youre scared of an SMP but not medical school? Your anxieties aren't well calibrated.

If you're not ready to commit to and ace an SMP, you're not ready for the real thing.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

Youre scared of an SMP but not medical school? Your anxieties aren't well calibrated.

If you're not ready to commit to and ace an SMP, you're not ready for the real thing.

Well I thought most SMPs took courses equivalent to Medical school courses, and I know that getting a C for example in an SMP would be detrimental to the career in medicine. Whereas, if I got a C in Medical school, I would hope that they would not kick someone out of Medical school for one C...Its not taking the actual courses that worries me, its the fact that grades will be looked at much harder than an average Medical student if I am not mistaken? That`s what I thought.

 

[GTown]

Its not that I was unfocused or didn`t care. The sad part is I was actually struggling my freshmen year. I was not ready to go to school thousands of miles away from home. I would go to school at 6 am and frequently come back 6 pm. My first science class in undergrad was physics, which was calculus based. I took calculus based physics before even taking calculus, and I failed it. Retook it, and then failed it again! This was like 7-8 years ago..Freshmen year there was another science course I failed, the rest of my grades were B/C and a few As. Then I transferred back to a cummunity college closer to my family, got like a 3.34 my first semester, I actually was doing decent (got all As and Bs). Then as soon as I started overloading my course load with more then 3-4 science courses, it all went downhill from there. At one point at the community college I was taking 20 credits. I was so focused on trying to make up for lost time, that I ended up shooting myself in the foot by trying to graduate as soon as possible. My parents were also pressuring me to finish as soon as possible, and not to take too much time at the community college and to transfer to University since the education there is apparently better. I graduated community college with a 2.8. But unfortunately I did much worse my freshmen year. Once I transferred to a University I continued overloading my courses with at least 3 science courses. I would frequently have at least 2 exams a day and sometimes even 3 in hard sciences courses like Immunology, Virology, Organic Chem, Genetics, etc. Combine that with poor study skills, and thats how my GPA went downhill. I did not plan my schedule very well...Its just that by that time I had taken most General education courses already so I had to take full-time credits of hard-science in my Biology program in order to fullfill the needs for financial aid. I was a transfer student, so I could not afford to take only 1-2 sciences courses a semester. I frequently took 3-4 sciences courses at once instead.

Whatever the reason for my low GPA. This is not an excuse but instead I am taking responsibility for my actions.

I was in a similar-ish situation. I did really badly freshman year of college (my mom passed away), so I totally understand how difficult it is to handle family and school responsibilities. That said, don't waste your time or money on applying this cycle. You will be lucky to even get secondaries I think (where schools will actually look at them post-submittal). I'm reading that you had a lot of trouble handling multiple science courses at once, that could be a red-flag or a sign that perhaps medicine may not be the best course for you. Medical school is really rigorous, a heavy exam schedule and you will be hit with multiple big exams close together. Wondering if you've thought about that and this is something you still want to do. Additionally as others have suggested, a histotech masters is not going to show med schools you can handle the course work (which is what they'd be looking for in your app). I don't think a crazy strong MCAT would help either as your course trend tells a different story. A SMP would be the most prudent choice as it would allow you to take a heavier course load and hopefully do well to show medical schools that you are capable of learning the material and doing well. Save your application money this cycle and focus on what you can do to improve your application and your chances.

Caribbean may not be a bad choice for you, I know many people that have gone that route and succeeded (actually everyone I know that went to the Caribbean has done well). Again this would be a huge financial undertaking, and you have to be very certain you will be able to handle the course load. Most people that fail out of the Caribbean do so because they can't manage the course load. With strong board scores, even competitive specialties like anesthesia and rad are not uncommon for Caribbean grads.

I know it's not easy to be told your dream may be out of reach, but there are ways to rectify and get to where you'd like to be. It's probably going to be a longer road than you thought and may require sacrifices to do so. Don't just apply to apply, have a plan, have a schedule and stick to it.

 

[GTown]

Well I thought most SMPs took courses equivalent to Medical school courses, and I know that getting a C for example in an SMP would be detrimental to the career in medicine. Whereas, if I got a C in Medical school, I would hope that they would not kick someone out of Medical school for one C...Its not taking the actual courses that worries me, its the fact that grades will be looked at much harder than an average Medical student if I am not mistaken? That`s what I thought.

I just saw this post. You can't be scared of an SMP if you plan on medicine. Most med schools are pass/fail or honor/high pass/pass/fail. So you likely may not be getting a 'C' in a class in med school anyhow. My husband did bad in one of his classes first year but he aced all his others - so yes med schools will make allowances for people that are struggling and help you out, but if you've already struggling before you get in that's something completely different. If you're serious about medicine, you need to figure out what is keeping you from getting the grades you need to get in and then figure out how to get over that hump. If you don't think you could succeed in a SMP (why do you think you'll do badly?)then you likely won't be succeeding in medical school and I certainly wouldn't even recommend going to the Caribbean in that case.

Medicine is not easy even for those who get in easily or do everything exactly right to get in. I have several years of work/research experience in life sciences, did well in undergrad (barring freshman year) and grad school and it's not easy. My husband went right after college with straight A's and it wasn't easy for him either. It requires dedication, time management, prioritizing and a lot of sacrifice.

 

[GTown]

Well I thought most SMPs took courses equivalent to Medical school courses, and I know that getting a C for example in an SMP would be detrimental to the career in medicine. Whereas, if I got a C in Medical school, I would hope that they would not kick someone out of Medical school for one C...Its not taking the actual courses that worries me, its the fact that grades will be looked at much harder than an average Medical student if I am not mistaken? That`s what I thought.

Look into Rowan-SOMs grad program. I know people that have gotten in through their masters program and med school linkage.

Master's Biomedical Sciences- Rowan University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (post-baccalaureate)

Edit: I didn't realize they started the linkage recently. The person I know that got in did so before the linkage.

 

[En3rgy]

I am really nervous about considering the SMP route, because I have heard its very risky and I do not want to permanently ruin my chances of ever going to medical school. Could I also continue taking DIY Post-Bacc courses ? I can see the benefits of doing well in an SMP can help a lot.

How many more credits will it take (with all A's) to raise your cGPA and sGPA to 3.00? DIY Post-bac classes are cheaper and less stressful than an SMP. Improving your MCAT score is also cheaper and less stressful than an SMP.

An SMP should only be used as a last resort. If you don't feel you'll be able to succeed in an SMP at the moment, you may be better off honing your study skills and work ethic by taking more post-bac classes.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

I was in a similar-ish situation. I did really badly freshman year of college (my mom passed away), so I totally understand how difficult it is to handle family and school responsibilities. That said, don't waste your time or money on applying this cycle. You will be lucky to even get secondaries I think (where schools will actually look at them post-submittal). I'm reading that you had a lot of trouble handling multiple science courses at once, that could be a red-flag or a sign that perhaps medicine may not be the best course for you. Medical school is really rigorous, a heavy exam schedule and you will be hit with multiple big exams close together. Wondering if you've thought about that and this is something you still want to do. Additionally as others have suggested, a histotech masters is not going to show med schools you can handle the course work (which is what they'd be looking for in your app). I don't think a crazy strong MCAT would help either as your course trend tells a different story. A SMP would be the most prudent choice as it would allow you to take a heavier course load and hopefully do well to show medical schools that you are capable of learning the material and doing well. Save your application money this cycle and focus on what you can do to improve your application and your chances.

Caribbean may not be a bad choice for you, I know many people that have gone that route and succeeded (actually everyone I know that went to the Caribbean has done well). Again this would be a huge financial undertaking, and you have to be very certain you will be able to handle the course load. Most people that fail out of the Caribbean do so because they can't manage the course load. With strong board scores, even competitive specialties like anesthesia and rad are not uncommon for Caribbean grads.

I know it's not easy to be told your dream may be out of reach, but there are ways to rectify and get to where you'd like to be. It's probably going to be a longer road than you thought and may require sacrifices to do so. Don't just apply to apply, have a plan, have a schedule and stick to it.

Are you from NOVA ? 😀
I am sorry to hear that. Yes, I have thought about that and I am prepared to do whatever it takes.
The program I completed was not a Histotech masters, It was a second degree 1- year Bachelors degree where majority of the coursework was science based, and each semester was a full course load.

This is not something I just thought about recently. I have been planning this for over 3 years, since I first graduated undergrad. I applied to so many second degree-Bachelors program and finally found one that was willing to accept me based on some DIY Post bacc courses I did well in. I also completed both a Masters and a second degree Bachelors program (science based)..My plan was to apply after completing both of these programs with high grades. I also did this while also working part-time at a hospital as a Medical technician. So, it has not been easy and its been a long road already (3 years now). I think I have improved a lot since freshmen year.

Regarding the SMP, I am going to be open to different programs and apply but if I am not successful in applying I will continue taking DIY Post-bacc science courses in a full course-load. As I am waiting for a response , I will continue taking courses since I am not willing to waste any more time.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

Look into Rowan-SOMs grad program. I know people that have gotten in through their masters program and med school linkage.

Thanks for letting me know about this program. Its seem interesting, but I see its located in New Jersey. I am married and cannot necessarily move my family to New Jersey to complete it. But thank for letting me know about these programs. There are similar programs in my city.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

How many more credits will it take (with all A's) to raise your cGPA and sGPA to 3.00? DIY Post-bac classes are cheaper and less stressful than an SMP. Improving your MCAT score is also cheaper and less stressful than an SMP.

An SMP should only be used as a last resort. If you don't feel you'll be able to succeed in an SMP at the moment, you may be better off honing your study skills and work ethic by taking more post-bac classes.

To bring my cgpa (AMCAS) to exactly 3.0 will take 100 credits of As (25 science courses).
To bring my cgpa (AACOMAS) to exactly 3.0 will take 72 credits of As (18 science courses)

Yes, I agree regarding Post-bacc classes being cheaper and easier.

So, If I take 12 credits per semester, I can finish in 2 years.

If I take 16 credits per semester, I can finish Fall 2019.

Yes, after doing the above steps, then I will apply for an SMP if I am not successful. I definitely want to try this option first as it is the cheapest and easiest option. I dont think I even qualify for any SMP as most require 2.75 gpa or above and I will have to take Post-Bacc classes regardless.

 

[THEBACKANDFORTH]

To bring my cgpa (AMCAS) to exactly 3.0 will take 100 credits of As (25 science courses).
To bring my cgpa (AACOMAS) to exactly 3.0 will take 72 credits of As (18 science courses)

Yes, I agree regarding Post-bacc classes being cheaper and easier.

So, If I take 12 credits per semester, I can finish in 2 years.

If I take 16 credits per semester, I can finish Fall 2019.

Yes, after doing the above steps, then I will apply for an SMP if I am not successful. I definitely want to try this option first as it is the cheapest and easiest option. I dont think I even qualify for any SMP as most require 2.75 gpa or above and I will have to take Post-Bacc classes regardless.

I think this is pretty unrealistic. Getting all A’s is difficult, and certainly shouldn’t be counted on. You don’t even have straight A’s in your post bac or graduate work.

Knock out the mcat. Try to get into a SMP with linkage. Fold the cards if you don’t manage both.

 

[GypsyHummus]

Unfourtunantly, with your GPA it looks like you are going to have to go down the SMP route.

You are right to be afraid of an SMP, especially ones that take classes that the medical students do. I have several friends who went down this road, otherwise solid candidates who applied late in the cycle (3.4+ GPA, +/-2 500s on MCAT) and got absolutely wrecked by the fast pace of the SMP. The material of medical school is overwhelming, and there really isnt a way to prepare for it. Are you ready to study 10-12 hours a day on weekdays and 16 on the weekends? Thats what it takes to be successful. The ones that made it came from a heavy science background with high MCAT scores who had a huge upward trend and couldnt get out of their bad GPA.

I applaud your decision not to pursue the Caribbean, as the proposition gets riskier every year. the last thing you want is to be saddled with 250K of non discardable debt and no job prospects. I've seen too many people who got suckered into the ideal of "Doctor" and end up failing out. The ones that were successful were high scoring GPA people (3.8+ in undergrad) and for some reason failed the MCAT hardcore.

Have you thought about Podiatry? They are much more sympathetic to lower stats if you have other areas of your application to balance it out, i.e, they will take someone with a 2.7 GPA if they scored a 505 on the mcat. You still get to be a physician, and you can get a C in Podiatry school and not have it wreck your future. You get to be a surgeon.

I am really nervous about considering the SMP route, because I have heard its very risky and I do not want to permanently ruin my chances of ever going to medical school. Could I also continue taking DIY Post-Bacc courses ? I can see the benefits of doing well in an SMP can help a lot.

 

[GTown]

Thanks for letting me know about this program. Its seem interesting, but I see its located in New Jersey. I am married and cannot necessarily move my family to New Jersey to complete it. But thank for letting me know about these programs. There are similar programs in my city.

I'm not from NOVA. I do know the SMP programs in the DMV area (I did my grad work at Georgetown) and from what I remember it's going to be hard to get in to them with your current stats or even with a future upward trend after all these post-bac courses you plan on taking as of now.

I understand it's difficult to move around with a family, but you're going to have to make some sacrifices if you're serious about medical school. And your family will also have to understand that sacrifices will only continue to grow as you move forward hopefully. This sounds harsh I know but I'm trying to give you honest advice.

Practically repeating undergrad via post-bac courses as you currently have planned is unreasonable and frankly a little illogical. Your best stepping stone is an SMP program, preferably one with a linkage, and one that you have chances of being accepted in to (wherever it may be).

I understand you're afraid of doing poorly in an SMP but think of if this way:

1. You get in and you succeed, you get to hopefully become a doctor.
2. You get in and don't succeed, then likely medicine wasn't right for you and you found out sooner rather than later and can figure out a backup plan.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

I think this is pretty unrealistic. Getting all A’s is difficult, and certainly shouldn’t be counted on. You don’t even have straight A’s in your post bac or graduate work.

Knock out the mcat. Try to get into a SMP with linkage. Fold the cards if you don’t manage both.

Yes it does seem unrealistic. I want to try to get as close to 3.0 as possible. My goal is to get a high Post-Bacc gpa...I

Unfourtunantly, with your GPA it looks like you are going to have to go down the SMP route.

You are right to be afraid of an SMP, especially ones that take classes that the medical students do. I have several friends who went down this road, otherwise solid candidates who applied late in the cycle (3.4+ GPA, +/-2 500s on MCAT) and got absolutely wrecked by the fast pace of the SMP. The material of medical school is overwhelming, and there really isnt a way to prepare for it. The ones that made it came from a heavy science background with high MCAT scores who had a huge upward trend.

I applaud your decision not to pursue the Caribbean, as the proposition gets riskier every year. the last thing you want is to be saddled with 250K of non discardable debt and no job prospects.

Have you thought about Podiatry? They are much more sympathetic to lower stats if you have other areas of your application to balance it out, i.e, they will take someone with a 2.7 GPA if they scored a 505 on the mcat. You still get to be a physician, and you can get a C in Podiatry school and not have it wreck your future.

No I have not thought about Podiatry, but I will definitely look into it. Yes, I agree I am sure its hard enough as it is being a regular medical student but having to add the stress of knowing that you have to ace it or else...really worries me.

 

[En3rgy]

Have you thought about Podiatry? They are much more sympathetic to lower stats if you have other areas of your application to balance it out, i.e, they will take someone with a 2.7 GPA if they scored a 505 on the mcat. You still get to be a physician, and you can get a C in Podiatry school and not have it wreck your future.

1. Coast through undergrad and come out with a low GPA.
2. Study hard for the MCAT for a couple of months.
3. Apply to podiatry school.
4. Matriculate.
5. Work hard during podiatry school.
6. Work hard during podatric residency.
7. Officially a Podiatrist.
8. Excellent job security. Six figure salary. Make a difference in the lives of patients.

Seems like a sweet alternative if MD/DO is no longer an option.

Why aren't there more people applying to Podiatry school?!

 

[GypsyHummus]

The other element you have to weigh out is, If you do the SMP and fail, there are no marketable skills you gathered.

No I have not thought about Podiatry, but I will definitely look into it. Yes, I agree I am sure its hard enough as it is being a regular medical student but having to add the stress of knowing that you have to ace it or else...really worries me.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

I'm not from NOVA. I do know the SMP programs in the DMV area (I did my grad work at Georgetown) and from what I remember it's going to be hard to get in to them with your current stats or even with a future upward trend after all these post-bac courses you plan on taking as of now.

I understand it's difficult to move around with a family, but you're going to have to make some sacrifices if you're serious about medical school. And your family will also have to understand that sacrifices will only continue to grow as you move forward hopefully. This sounds harsh I know but I'm trying to give you honest advice.

Practically repeating undergrad via post-bac courses as you currently have planned is unreasonable and frankly a little illogical. Your best stepping stone is an SMP program, preferably one with a linkage, and one that you have chances of being accepted in to (wherever it may be).

I understand you're afraid of doing poorly in an SMP but think of if this way:

1. You get in and you succeed, you get to hopefully become a doctor.
2. You get in and don't succeed, then likely medicine wasn't right for you and you found out sooner rather than later and can figure out a backup plan.

I thought SMP programs had a minimum GPA requirement so usually that requirement is at least 2.75 or sometimes even 3.0. I am sure SMPs are also competitive so just fulfilling the minimum requirement does not mean I would get accepted so...I would have to take DIY courses regardless to bring up my gpa.

I was planning on retake prereqs I got below a C but taking new Post-Bacc classes.

If I got an acceptance in other state, I would definitely move, but not for an SMP when there are SMPs in my city I could be applying to as well.

 

[ClinPathDO]

I am considering applying for this cycle and was wondering what my chances are. I have a massive upward trend since undergrad. Since I did so poorly in undergrad, I completed a Masters in Clinical laboratory Science and actually did pretty well. I started my masters three years after graduating undergrad.
Unfortunately, I had over 160 units of credits already in my undergrad, so my gpa did not go up much.

I am currently taking second semester of my Post-bacc (1-year second degree Bachelors Histotechnology).

Here are my stats so far:

cumulative undergrad GPA: 2.08
Graduate GPA: 3.8
Post-Bacc gpa: 3.9
I anticipate that my gpa will stay the same.
After completing rotations, I should have Overall GPA: 2.57 Science gpa: 2.54

For my undergrad gpa, gpa calculations show that first semester I had a 1.9 gpa, then 1.6, then 1.6 then 2.3 senior year...And it continues to go up from there..

MCAT: I am planning to take the MCAT by the end of the Spring and I am currently
averaging 510 on practice MCAT after studying 3-4 months straight.

ECs:

Work experience:

Past Experience as a Medical technologist in the lab (1000 hours)
Medical Technician experience (over 1500 hours)
Tutor: (over 300 hours)

Volunteer:
Hospital (200 hours)

Shadowed a DO (30 hours)

Though I am not considered an URM, my family immigrated to the US at a young age. So, I learned English at the age of 10.
I am also a First-generation College student in the U.S (My dad received the equivalent of a Bachelors in Canada)

If your coursework is over ten years old you can consider moving to Texas, they have a fresh start program.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

If your coursework is over ten years old you can consider moving to Texas, they have a fresh start program.

Yes, I have heard about this. I would consider it if other options did not work out. I live in Texas, but unfortunately it has only been 3-4 years.
I can`t imagine waiting 6 more years though. I have heard of some people starting the new bachelors early and then taking the last course after the 10 year mark to qualify. I am not sure how that works though.

 

[Fun1nth3sun1]

The other element you have to weigh out is, If you do the SMP and fail, there are no marketable skills you gathered.

Yes I wonder if in this case, my stats would not be competitive at all. If I had any chances of getting into a different program than my chances would be 0 for other professions like nursing, PA, ets?

 

[GypsyHummus]

Couple reasons.

1) I think the biggest reason is Ego. It takes a certain type of humility to serve others and work exclusively with the foot. You think about the doctor shows on television, people are led to believe a life of interesting cases, tons of money, and hot nurses await them. In reality, medicine is a job just like anything else; a really cool job where you get to make a difference in people's lives. Podiatry can offer that. I mean, you get to help people walk again, that is pretty sweet!

Some people go into medicine for prestige. Podiatry does not offer that. You dont get fake impress points at family weddings by telling reletives you dont really like that you are a podiatrist.

a subpoint of this is specializing right away. While Pods get a great mix of ortho, derm, primary care, and radiology, if someone wants to be a cardiologist, Podiatry cant provide that for them (although there are fellowships in vascular research for Podiatry).

2) Ew Feet. Never really understood this one as there are plenty of other areas of the body that are more smelly and more gross than the lower extremities. Bowel release anyone?

3) Lack of knowlage. People simply dont know the privileges and responsibilities pods have. Some people think that all pods do is clip toenails and trim calluses, with the occasional bunion. While this may have been true in the past, now that every pod has to do 3 years of a Podiatric medicine and Surgical residency, most pods are doing forefoot, rearfoot and ankle surgery. Shattered Pillons? Pods now can legally do that. Total ankle replacements? Pods can do that now. Hammertoes? Bread and butter. Warts? Yup.

Its the equivalent of people thinking that primary care docs just do cold and cough cases. That is certianly part of the job, but a PCP does a lot more than that.

1. Coast through undergrad and come out with a low GPA.
2. Study hard for the MCAT for a couple of months.
3. Apply to podiatry school.
4. Matriculate.
5. Work hard during podiatry school.
6. Work hard during podatric residency.
7. Officially a Podiatrist.
8. Excellent job security. Six figure salary. Make a difference in the lives of patients.

Seems like a sweet alternative if MD/DO is no longer an option.

Why aren't there more people applying to Podiatry school?!

 

[GypsyHummus]

Lets say you were to get a 2.7 in the SMP. I think the only thing you could do after would be nursing and maybe pharmacy.

If I were you, I'd seriously consider Podiatry, if your MCAT score comes back 500+ and can stand feet (pun intended).

Either that or look into Optometry or Dentistry. Though dentistry is gonna be hard to swing with that GPA.

Yes I wonder if in this case, my stats would not be competitive at all. If I had any chances of getting into a different program than my chances would be 0 for other professions like nursing, PA, ets?

 

[GTown]

Couple reasons.

1) I think the biggest reason is Ego. It takes a certain type of humility to serve others and work exclusively with the foot. You think about the doctor shows on television, people are led to believe a life of interesting cases, tons of money, and hot nurses await them. In reality, medicine is a job just like anything else; a really cool job where you get to make a difference in people's lives. Podiatry can offer that. I mean, you get to help people walk again, that is pretty sweet!

Some people go into medicine for prestige. Podiatry does not offer that. You dont get fake impress points at family weddings by telling reletives you dont really like that you are a podiatrist.

a subpoint of this is specializing right away. While Pods get a great mix of ortho, derm, primary care, and radiology, if someone wants to be a cardiologist, Podiatry cant provide that for them (although there are fellowships in vascular research for Podiatry).

2) Ew Feet. Never really understood this one as there are plenty of other areas of the body that are more smelly and more gross than the lower extremities. Bowl release anyone?

3) Lack of knowlage. People simply dont know the privileges and responsibilities pods have. Some people think that all pods do is clip toenails and trim calluses, with the occasional bunion. While this may have been true in the past, now that every pod has to do 3 years of a Podiatric medicine and Surgical residency, most pods are doing forefoot, rearfoot and ankle surgery. Shattered Pillons? Pods now can legally do that. Total ankle replacements? Pods can do that now. Hammertoes? Bread and butter. Warts? Yup.

Its the equivalent of people thinking that primary care docs just do cold and cough cases. That is certianly part of the job, but a PCP does a lot more than that.

As someone with terrible flat feet, my podiatrist was a life saver! I still have flat feet, but not as bad as when I was a kid.

 

[GypsyHummus]

Do you feel like it has helped with your posture/back pain you might have had?

As someone with terrible flat feet, my podiatrist was a life saver! I still have flat feet, but not as bad as when I was a kid.

 

[ClinPathDO]

1. Coast through undergrad and come out with a low GPA.
2. Study hard for the MCAT for a couple of months.
3. Apply to podiatry school.
4. Matriculate.
5. Work hard during podiatry school.
6. Work hard during podatric residency.
7. Officially a Podiatrist.
8. Excellent job security. Six figure salary. Make a difference in the lives of patients.

Seems like a sweet alternative if MD/DO is no longer an option.

Why aren't there more people applying to Podiatry school?!

Because not everyone wants to be a podiatrist.

 

[GTown]

Do you feel like it has helped with your posture/back pain you might have had?

I wish I'd been more consistent with my treatment. From the age of from when I can remember to 12 I had consustent orthotic treatment. As an adult, I actually have constant ankle pain and really bad back when I'm on my feet too long, I've sort of just accepted it as my normal (not good I know). However I also don't wear the correct shoes to help me protonate properly. As a future physician you'd think I'd be more concerned about my own issues - I guess doctors do make the worst patients

 

[ClinPathDO]

Yes, I have heard about this. I would consider it if other options did not work out. I live in Texas, but unfortunately it has only been 3-4 years.
I can`t imagine waiting 6 more years though. I have heard of some people starting the new bachelors early and then taking the last course after the 10 year mark to qualify. I am not sure how that works

Yes, I have heard about this. I would consider it if other options did not work out. I live in Texas, but unfortunately it has only been 3-4 years.
I can`t imagine waiting 6 more years though. I have heard of some people starting the new bachelors early and then taking the last course after the 10 year mark to qualify. I am not sure how that works though.

Then I would recommend to continue with taking postbac classes and upper level coursework it will help you with medical school. I took a ton of physiology, molecular and biochemistry and it helped immensely. I also agree about finding an SMP hopefully one with a linkage.

 

[GTown]

As someone with terrible flat feet, my podiatrist was a life saver! I still have flat feet, but not as bad as when I was a kid.

Treatment did give me an arch, whereas before I had none. So I'm better off than I would have been otherwise. It's my fault for not keeping up. My little brother is seeing a pod - not for flat feet but for pigeon toes. As you can see my parents have utilized podiatry to its full extent. Not sure if pigeon toes can be 'fixed'? But my dad is concerned with him starting sports with it.