What should I do? 3.42cGPA, 3.24sGPA no MCAT yet

[Member071191]

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Hi

I need some advice on what I should do to become a better applicant for MD. I am a BCMB major, junior year, I just have one class to take to get my degree. Unfortunately my GPA is atrocious. I screwed up from the beginning getting 3.5 gpa my first semester, but it got worse. I ended up with Cs in Orgo I and II, genetics, biochem I. The rest of the science courses are either Bs mostly or A. I have made all A's in nonscience courses (some A-). I don't think I will apply this cycle as a 3.24sGPA won't get me in anywhere.

However, I do want to apply next summer (2014). I have 2 options, possibly:

1. Double major with microbiology. Pre-req Courses from BCMB can be used for micro in my school so all I have to take is about 18 hrs to get degrees in BCMB and Micro. I was thinking of taking 9hrs in the fall and 9 hrs in the spring, while working part time as CNA. I will take the MCAT this summer (2013), as well a CNA course (4 weeks). If I make all A's in the science courses I will have a 3.36sGPA (not likely considering my past grades, most likely will be 3.30sGPA).

2. Spend next year (4th year) with full course loads (16hrs each semester w/ science courses). To do this I will probably tack on Chemistry minor and just take a few Physics courses as electives (I miss physics). Of course, I won't be working any jobs. (This option will be difficult as my scholarship will be running out in the fall, but whatever gets me into med.school).


I am not sure which is better,whether having a job as CNA or focusing on more science courses. To me it does not matter, I enjoy biological sciences tremendously whether its BCMB or micro I have an insatiable desire to learn all there is to know about life (even it means learning for the rest of my life). Many of you will ask why not pursue Phd forget medicine, but I have a desire for medicine and helping people as well. I did not enjoy my major very much while taking the pre-med pre-reqs (also pre-reqs for these majors). It was only last semester that I figured out that medicine was the only thing I wanted to do and I can't imagine doing anything else. From my first 2 BCMB upper division courses, Biochem I and Advanced. Cell Biology, I fell in love with the biological sciences and I don't get bored anymore I feel excitement going to my lecture classes now. I did not have this experience with Orgo and the lower level biology courses. Starting to volunteer at the hospital last semester made me realize that my purpose is medicine and I don't have a desire to do anything else.

Currently, I have a little over 200 hrs volunteering in ER/Trauma dept. Planning on shadowing in the next few months. Started research this semester (BCMB) and hoping to continue this at low levels throughout the summer and next year.

I don't care about where I go to school, I am not planning on specializing, as I just want to be a general physician as that's all I need to complete my future goals.
.
Sorry, about the long post, but any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[sinombre]

Hi

I need some advice on what I should do to become a better applicant for MD. I am a BCMB major, junior year, I just have one class to take to get my degree. Unfortunately my GPA is atrocious. I screwed up from the beginning getting 3.5 gpa my first semester, but it got worse. I ended up with Cs in Orgo I and II, genetics, biochem I. The rest of the science courses are either Bs mostly or A. I have made all A's in nonscience courses (some A-). I don't think I will apply this cycle as a 3.24sGPA won't get me in anywhere.

However, I do want to apply next summer (2014). I have 2 options, possibly:

1. Double major with microbiology. Pre-req Courses from BCMB can be used for micro in my school so all I have to take is about 18 hrs to get degrees in BCMB and Micro. I was thinking of taking 9hrs in the fall and 9 hrs in the spring, while working part time as CNA. I will take the MCAT this summer (2013), as well a CNA course (4 weeks). If I make all A's in the science courses I will have a 3.36sGPA (not likely considering my past grades, most likely will be 3.30sGPA).

2. Spend next year (4th year) with full course loads (16hrs each semester w/ science courses). To do this I will probably tack on Chemistry minor and just take a few Physics courses as electives (I miss physics). Of course, I won't be working any jobs. (This option will be difficult as my scholarship will be running out in the fall, but whatever gets me into med.school).


I am not sure which is better,whether having a job as CNA or focusing on more science courses. To me it does not matter, I enjoy biological sciences tremendously whether its BCMB or micro I have an insatiable desire to learn all there is to know about life (even it means learning for the rest of my life). Many of you will ask why not pursue Phd forget medicine, but I have a desire for medicine and helping people as well. I did not enjoy my major very much while taking the pre-med pre-reqs (also pre-reqs for these majors). It was only last semester that I figured out that medicine was the only thing I wanted to do and I can't imagine doing anything else. From my first 2 BCMB upper division courses, Biochem I and Advanced. Cell Biology, I fell in love with the biological sciences and I don't get bored anymore I feel excitement going to my lecture classes now. I did not have this experience with Orgo and the lower level biology courses. Starting to volunteer at the hospital last semester made me realize that my purpose is medicine and I don't have a desire to do anything else.

Currently, I have a little over 200 hrs volunteering in ER/Trauma dept. Planning on shadowing in the next few months. Started research this semester (BCMB) and hoping to continue this at low levels throughout the summer and next year.

I don't care about where I go to school, I am not planning on specializing, as I just want to be a general physician as that's all I need to complete my future goals.
.
Sorry, about the long post, but any advice is greatly appreciated.

You need to focus on boosting your GPA above all else. It doesn't matter what ECs you have with a GPA that low. You should calculate how high you might be able to boost it by taking on another major/taking more science classes, and then go from there.

 

[Mt Kilimanjaro]

Hi

I need some advice on what I should do to become a better applicant for MD. I am a BCMB major, junior year, I just have one class to take to get my degree. Unfortunately my GPA is atrocious. I screwed up from the beginning getting 3.5 gpa my first semester, but it got worse. I ended up with Cs in Orgo I and II, genetics, biochem I. The rest of the science courses are either Bs mostly or A. I have made all A's in nonscience courses (some A-). I don't think I will apply this cycle as a 3.24sGPA won't get me in anywhere.

However, I do want to apply next summer (2014). I have 2 options, possibly:

1. Double major with microbiology. Pre-req Courses from BCMB can be used for micro in my school so all I have to take is about 18 hrs to get degrees in BCMB and Micro. I was thinking of taking 9hrs in the fall and 9 hrs in the spring, while working part time as CNA. I will take the MCAT this summer (2013), as well a CNA course (4 weeks). If I make all A's in the science courses I will have a 3.36sGPA (not likely considering my past grades, most likely will be 3.30sGPA).

2. Spend next year (4th year) with full course loads (16hrs each semester w/ science courses). To do this I will probably tack on Chemistry minor and just take a few Physics courses as electives (I miss physics). Of course, I won't be working any jobs. (This option will be difficult as my scholarship will be running out in the fall, but whatever gets me into med.school).


I am not sure which is better,whether having a job as CNA or focusing on more science courses. To me it does not matter, I enjoy biological sciences tremendously whether its BCMB or micro I have an insatiable desire to learn all there is to know about life (even it means learning for the rest of my life). Many of you will ask why not pursue Phd forget medicine, but I have a desire for medicine and helping people as well. I did not enjoy my major very much while taking the pre-med pre-reqs (also pre-reqs for these majors). It was only last semester that I figured out that medicine was the only thing I wanted to do and I can't imagine doing anything else. From my first 2 BCMB upper division courses, Biochem I and Advanced. Cell Biology, I fell in love with the biological sciences and I don't get bored anymore I feel excitement going to my lecture classes now. I did not have this experience with Orgo and the lower level biology courses. Starting to volunteer at the hospital last semester made me realize that my purpose is medicine and I don't have a desire to do anything else.

Currently, I have a little over 200 hrs volunteering in ER/Trauma dept. Planning on shadowing in the next few months. Started research this semester (BCMB) and hoping to continue this at low levels throughout the summer and next year.

I don't care about where I go to school, I am not planning on specializing, as I just want to be a general physician as that's all I need to complete my future goals.
.
Sorry, about the long post, but any advice is greatly appreciated.

Unless you are joining the military and want to be a GMO forever, you have to pick a specialty.

Get a copy of MSAR to compare your GPA to averages. I think you could get accepted to DO schools with those numbers and a decent MCAT score. I think you'd have trouble at most MD schools.

 

[Member071191]

I don't think I could raise it that much anymore I am currently at about 107 hrs. If I want to raise my cGPA I will probably do a psychology major but I have to take about 49 hours make all A's and my gpa will be 3.6, this will not change my sGPA and my sGPA won't go up due to all the nonscience courses. However, if I try to increase sGPA I will have to take 30 hours of all science courses to get a 3.45 gpa, of course my cGPA will go up a little bit but I am not very confident that I can make A's in all those science courses, it is very difficult in Upper Division courses.

Should I consider retaking Organic chemistry?

 

[mwall003]

Hi

I need some advice on what I should do to become a better applicant for MD. I am a BCMB major, junior year, I just have one class to take to get my degree. Unfortunately my GPA is atrocious. I screwed up from the beginning getting 3.5 gpa my first semester, but it got worse. I ended up with Cs in Orgo I and II, genetics, biochem I. The rest of the science courses are either Bs mostly or A. I have made all A's in nonscience courses (some A-). I don't think I will apply this cycle as a 3.24sGPA won't get me in anywhere.

However, I do want to apply next summer (2014). I have 2 options, possibly:

1. Double major with microbiology. Pre-req Courses from BCMB can be used for micro in my school so all I have to take is about 18 hrs to get degrees in BCMB and Micro. I was thinking of taking 9hrs in the fall and 9 hrs in the spring, while working part time as CNA. I will take the MCAT this summer (2013), as well a CNA course (4 weeks). If I make all A's in the science courses I will have a 3.36sGPA (not likely considering my past grades, most likely will be 3.30sGPA).

2. Spend next year (4th year) with full course loads (16hrs each semester w/ science courses). To do this I will probably tack on Chemistry minor and just take a few Physics courses as electives (I miss physics). Of course, I won't be working any jobs. (This option will be difficult as my scholarship will be running out in the fall, but whatever gets me into med.school).


I am not sure which is better,whether having a job as CNA or focusing on more science courses. To me it does not matter, I enjoy biological sciences tremendously whether its BCMB or micro I have an insatiable desire to learn all there is to know about life (even it means learning for the rest of my life). Many of you will ask why not pursue Phd forget medicine, but I have a desire for medicine and helping people as well. I did not enjoy my major very much while taking the pre-med pre-reqs (also pre-reqs for these majors). It was only last semester that I figured out that medicine was the only thing I wanted to do and I can't imagine doing anything else. From my first 2 BCMB upper division courses, Biochem I and Advanced. Cell Biology, I fell in love with the biological sciences and I don't get bored anymore I feel excitement going to my lecture classes now. I did not have this experience with Orgo and the lower level biology courses. Starting to volunteer at the hospital last semester made me realize that my purpose is medicine and I don't have a desire to do anything else.

Currently, I have a little over 200 hrs volunteering in ER/Trauma dept. Planning on shadowing in the next few months. Started research this semester (BCMB) and hoping to continue this at low levels throughout the summer and next year.

I don't care about where I go to school, I am not planning on specializing, as I just want to be a general physician as that's all I need to complete my future goals.
.
Sorry, about the long post, but any advice is greatly appreciated.

Consider a post-bac program or a certificate program at a Medical School.

 

[BABSstudent]

I don't think I could raise it that much anymore I am currently at about 107 hrs. If I want to raise my cGPA I will probably do a psychology major but I have to take about 49 hours make all A's and my gpa will be 3.6, this will not change my sGPA and my sGPA won't go up due to all the nonscience courses. However, if I try to increase sGPA I will have to take 30 hours of all science courses to get a 3.45 gpa, of course my cGPA will go up a little bit but I am not very confident that I can make A's in all those science courses, it is very difficult in Upper Division courses.

Should I consider retaking Organic chemistry?

How badly do you want to be a physician? If you really put in the effort, do you think you could do 12 credits of science classes per semester along with a few "fun" classes to bring your credit load to about 16-18 credits for one semester and then about 13 credits the next?

Your low GPA will cause an uphill battle so work on improving that. The reason why I only say take 13 credits the following semester is to study your butt off for the MCAT. Getting a high score (30+) can prove you are ready for medical school and bring up your LizzyM score.

Once you are applying, you will have to explain why/how you got multiple Cs in the prereq courses for medical school. That's why I almost suggest doing a SMP and then rocking it and taking the MCAT after.

 

[sector9]

Moving to WAMC

 

[BKN89]

Hi

I need some advice on what I should do to become a better applicant for MD. I am a BCMB major, junior year, I just have one class to take to get my degree. Unfortunately my GPA is atrocious. I screwed up from the beginning getting 3.5 gpa my first semester, but it got worse. I ended up with Cs in Orgo I and II, genetics, biochem I. The rest of the science courses are either Bs mostly or A. I have made all A's in nonscience courses (some A-). I don't think I will apply this cycle as a 3.24sGPA won't get me in anywhere.

However, I do want to apply next summer (2014). I have 2 options, possibly:

1. Double major with microbiology. Pre-req Courses from BCMB can be used for micro in my school so all I have to take is about 18 hrs to get degrees in BCMB and Micro. I was thinking of taking 9hrs in the fall and 9 hrs in the spring, while working part time as CNA. I will take the MCAT this summer (2013), as well a CNA course (4 weeks). If I make all A's in the science courses I will have a 3.36sGPA (not likely considering my past grades, most likely will be 3.30sGPA).

2. Spend next year (4th year) with full course loads (16hrs each semester w/ science courses). To do this I will probably tack on Chemistry minor and just take a few Physics courses as electives (I miss physics). Of course, I won't be working any jobs. (This option will be difficult as my scholarship will be running out in the fall, but whatever gets me into med.school).


I am not sure which is better,whether having a job as CNA or focusing on more science courses. To me it does not matter, I enjoy biological sciences tremendously whether its BCMB or micro I have an insatiable desire to learn all there is to know about life (even it means learning for the rest of my life). Many of you will ask why not pursue Phd forget medicine, but I have a desire for medicine and helping people as well. I did not enjoy my major very much while taking the pre-med pre-reqs (also pre-reqs for these majors). It was only last semester that I figured out that medicine was the only thing I wanted to do and I can't imagine doing anything else. From my first 2 BCMB upper division courses, Biochem I and Advanced. Cell Biology, I fell in love with the biological sciences and I don't get bored anymore I feel excitement going to my lecture classes now. I did not have this experience with Orgo and the lower level biology courses. Starting to volunteer at the hospital last semester made me realize that my purpose is medicine and I don't have a desire to do anything else.

Currently, I have a little over 200 hrs volunteering in ER/Trauma dept. Planning on shadowing in the next few months. Started research this semester (BCMB) and hoping to continue this at low levels throughout the summer and next year.

I don't care about where I go to school, I am not planning on specializing, as I just want to be a general physician as that's all I need to complete my future goals.
.
Sorry, about the long post, but any advice is greatly appreciated.

If money is an issue, go with #1. However, if you can stomach loans or find some other source of income, I strongly recommend dropping the CNA work and focusing full time on your GPA - You have enough clinical ECs (200+ hrs) that you won't really need to CNA experience. The CNA job will not greatly increase your chances at landing an interview, whereas your GPA will significantly improve your profile.

Shadowing is fine, but scale back on the clinical ECs if it enables you to focus more on studying. Research is a good idea as well, as long as it doesn't tank your GPA. You have to shoot for those As now.

Your priority should be GPA > Shadowing/Research >>> clinical

I would hold off on applications unless you're pretty content to be a DO. You would definitely face an uphill battle with MD schools. This summer is a good time for the MCAT - get it out of the way before you start next school year, as you'll want to focus a lot on your grades.

Before you start studying for the MCAT, do as much research as you can regarding strategies and books and schedules. Study like you're trying to make a 40...hopefully you can score in the low-mid 30 range, which will vastly improve your chances at MD schools. Good luck!

 

[Goro]

Assuming you can get a decent MCAT score, you're fine for DO programs right now. re-taking your C grade courses will do wonders for your AACOMAS application thanks to the grade replacement policy.

If you're dead set on MD, then a SMP is called for, preferably one given by a medical school. That's your your back door route, provided you do well.

Hi

I need some advice on what I should do to become a better applicant for MD. I am a BCMB major, junior year, I just have one class to take to get my degree. Unfortunately my GPA is atrocious. I screwed up from the beginning getting 3.5 gpa my first semester, but it got worse. I ended up with Cs in Orgo I and II, genetics, biochem I. The rest of the science courses are either Bs mostly or A. I have made all A's in nonscience courses (some A-). I don't think I will apply this cycle as a 3.24sGPA won't get me in anywhere.

However, I do want to apply next summer (2014). I have 2 options, possibly:

1. Double major with microbiology. Pre-req Courses from BCMB can be used for micro in my school so all I have to take is about 18 hrs to get degrees in BCMB and Micro. I was thinking of taking 9hrs in the fall and 9 hrs in the spring, while working part time as CNA. I will take the MCAT this summer (2013), as well a CNA course (4 weeks). If I make all A's in the science courses I will have a 3.36sGPA (not likely considering my past grades, most likely will be 3.30sGPA).

2. Spend next year (4th year) with full course loads (16hrs each semester w/ science courses). To do this I will probably tack on Chemistry minor and just take a few Physics courses as electives (I miss physics). Of course, I won't be working any jobs. (This option will be difficult as my scholarship will be running out in the fall, but whatever gets me into med.school).


I am not sure which is better,whether having a job as CNA or focusing on more science courses. To me it does not matter, I enjoy biological sciences tremendously whether its BCMB or micro I have an insatiable desire to learn all there is to know about life (even it means learning for the rest of my life). Many of you will ask why not pursue Phd forget medicine, but I have a desire for medicine and helping people as well. I did not enjoy my major very much while taking the pre-med pre-reqs (also pre-reqs for these majors). It was only last semester that I figured out that medicine was the only thing I wanted to do and I can't imagine doing anything else. From my first 2 BCMB upper division courses, Biochem I and Advanced. Cell Biology, I fell in love with the biological sciences and I don't get bored anymore I feel excitement going to my lecture classes now. I did not have this experience with Orgo and the lower level biology courses. Starting to volunteer at the hospital last semester made me realize that my purpose is medicine and I don't have a desire to do anything else.

Currently, I have a little over 200 hrs volunteering in ER/Trauma dept. Planning on shadowing in the next few months. Started research this semester (BCMB) and hoping to continue this at low levels throughout the summer and next year.

I don't care about where I go to school, I am not planning on specializing, as I just want to be a general physician as that's all I need to complete my future goals.
.
Sorry, about the long post, but any advice is greatly appreciated.