What should I do?

[wes431]

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Overall GPA: 3.4
Science GPA: 3.1
Mcat: Taking it in Aug.

I did really bad my first two years. Made C's in both ochems and a C in cell bio. Then last two years, I was able to pull up my gpa.

EC:
100+ hrs shadowing 2 Cardiologists, Neurologist
400 hrs volunteering at hospital - 2 yrs, 4 hrs/wk
Worked at two physician clinics
Member of various school clubs/organizations
Volunteer for habitat for humanity
Volunteered at local Mission Center
Volunteer as a Big Brother to a 7 yr old
Excellent LORs from physicans I shadowed

I'm new to this idea of doing postbacc or special master program. I already know my gpa is low, so what's the best route that I should take? Would really appreciate any advice.

 

[xDreamer]

I actully have to kneel down and praise that godly GPA, upward trend, LOR and wonderful EC. You can probably get into a DO school given a good MCAT+personal statment(don't take my word for it).

Anyway,
If you really think you want to boost your application more, you should check out the SMP thread here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=346106

or other traditional master programs (check at : http://services.aamc.org/postbac/ )

UMDNJ is the only one I can think of right now that accepts a winter admission into their Master in Biomedical Science program...

If you're going to go for programs next fall, you should probably do an advance science formal/informal postbac to pull your GPA up while you wait.

Good luck.
*goes back to mourning*

 

[BirenJ]

With those grades and ECs, I would take a shot at med schools actually. Science GPA might be low but pick up a copy of MSAR and look up average GPAs that are close to yours, and apply.

I have the same stats as you (actually almost the same GPAs) but my lack of ECs is deferring me from applying to med schools straight away.

I guess you can still do an SMP to prove to yourself and the adcoms that you can handle med school even if you did subpar in ochem/cell bio.

 

[wes431]

Thanks for the comments and advice. Well I can't apply right now for med school even if I wanted to do. I don't have my LORs and personal statement ready yet and I haven't done the application. I'm sure by the time I get that stuff done, along with my mcat, it will be too late. So I'll probably be applying to med school for the 2009 year.

What is postbac? I read some articles on it. Is that just taking upper level classes to boost your gpa? And for SMP, I saw the list, but are there any good ones in Texas since that's where I live? How is a traditional masters program different than a special masters program?