What should I do? Low GPA for first 2.5 years

[EnergyDrink]

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I graduated with a BS in Microbiology in 2009. My last 1.5 years I had a 3.7GPA in 400-level science courses. However, I'm plagued with a 2.89 cGPA and roughly the same sGPA due to a very low performance my first 2.5 years. I have no excuses; just laziness at the time - not going to class, studying, etc. I fully take on the responsibility of that mindset, but if I could do it over, I would.

Since I had an upward trend, as well as stellar GRE scores, I was able to get into an M.S. program for Microbiology/Immunology. I'm succeeding in that currently. I should be a minor author by the end of the summer, and perhaps submitting as a main author in the fall. The program is at a medical school with one of the more sought-after post-bacc programs. Several of my courses are with the post-bacc students.

MCAT is 34

ECs are solid; 6 years of community service + 2 years teaching math and science to children with learning disabilities

I understand the best way to improve my chances is to raise my uGPA. I looked into retaking some courses to get my GPA up at my undergrad. My undergraduate institution, where I am not a student anymore, does not erase previous grades; it simply adds on (C then A = B). Going back to my to my undergrad is nearly out of the question, geographically speaking.

So my question is, is there any other way to increase my undergraduate GPA since my undergraduate school doesn't replace grades? If I took the courses somewhere else, can I replace them on the application? What do you consider to be my best option into getting into an M.D. program?

 

[Catalystik]

AMCAS, the main MD application service does not allow for grade replacement, even if the undergrad institution practices it. You are expected to report all grades earned, and all of them are factored into your application GPA. AACOMAS, the DO med school application service, does allow for grade replacement, and only counts the most recent grade provided the credit hours are the same or greater. This need not be done at the same school.

To improve chances of getting into an MD program, you might:

1) Take one year of postbac undergrad classes, including prerequisites you flubbed as well as new coursework, earning a 4.0, which would increase your uGPA to > 3.0. With your strong MCAT score and 1.5 years of previous excellent undergrad coursework, you might get some attention if yo apply.

2) Once your cGPA is over 3.0, you could apply to an SMP, earn excellent grades, and override your uGPA.

3) You might try to ferret out the few med schools that consider grad-level BCPM, find out what their cutoffs are for uGPA, and get some feedback from their admissions office to see if it is worth applying as you are. I'd start with an admissions counselor at the school where you are currently and get their feedback.

 

[EnergyDrink]

Thanks a lot Catalystik; it's really appreciated

 

[Catalystik]

For option #3, here is a starting point. If you discover more, please add to the thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=10664952&highlight=matriculant#post10664952

 

[UbuntuGM]

You've been tremendously helpful over the past year for me. I'm curious what your credentials are, if you don't mind me inquiring. What undergrad? med school? Specialty? Where are you at in your academic/vocational career now? Family? Children? How do you find the time to review so many redundant WAMC posts?

 

[Catalystik]

@UbuntuGM: Good time management.

See my public profile.

 

[EnergyDrink]

For option #3, here is a starting point. If you discover more, please add to the thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=10664952&highlight=matriculant#post10664952

Catalystik, you may be the patron saint of medical admissions.

I was thinking about applying to my undergraduate university, despite a very low chance of admission. Should I not do this and wait until I have a post-bacc/SMP under my belt? In your opinion, does it look better to be a 2nd cycle applicant if you've done some more coursework over that year?

 

[aSagacious]

I was thinking about applying to my undergraduate university, despite a very low chance of admission. Should I not do this and wait until I have a post-bacc/SMP under my belt? In your opinion, does it look better to be a 2nd cycle applicant if you've done some more coursework over that year?

With a 2.89 cGPA and sGPA, you will have an exceedingly poor chance of admission this cycle (despite your good MCAT score). It would certainly be wise to hold off until after your post-bac/SMP.

 

[Catalystik]

I was thinking about applying to my undergraduate university, despite a very low chance of admission. Should I not do this and wait until I have a post-bacc/SMP under my belt?

In your opinion, does it look better to be a 2nd cycle applicant if you've done some more coursework over that year?

I would wait.

If one is a reapplicant, one is expected to have made substantial improvement in the application, which for you would include ECs and stats.