What to DO next?

[TwoBits]

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Hi everyone,

I am a recent graduate from the University of Florida. I am currently enrolled at USF in a 1-year Masters in Medical Sciences program. I have a 3.85 GPA through last Fall and have started very well in my classes thus far this semester. I plan to finish the program this summer with a GPA above a 3.6. I plan to take an MCAT course in the Fall of this year; then take my MCAT in Jan of 2011. I want to apply during the summer of 2011 to start in the fall of 2012. I want to start preparing my track as of now so that I can have everything ready to apply early in the process.

My question is:

Should I retake some of my pre-med requirements since that is a very weak part of my application?

I earned a "C" in both Bio 1 and Orgo 2; a "C+" in Chem 2, Phys 2 and Orgo 1. My sGPA is 3.04 and my cGPA is 3.15. I have really improved my study skills and habits in the past 6 months since starting my masters. Also leaving a very enjoyable (but distracting) undergrad school has helped to say the least. I am very confident that I can do well if I retake these courses.

Also, if this were a good idea, where can I take these courses? I am originally from Ft. Lauderdale, FL so anything in that area would be best, however, my location is not limited to just that.

Information about me to help with the counseling:

No MCAT (GRE=1200 and SAT=1350)
-Had no intention to apply to med school during undergrad so i did not take it
Research
-2 yrs
Hospital Volunteering
-300+ hours
Physician Shadowing
-Only about 30 hrs
Highly Involved on UF campus during 4 years

*Please ask if you would like to know more.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and please re-direct my thread if I posted it in the wrong location. <--- I am new, SRY!

Any recommendations regarding my next step after I finish my masters this summer (besides taking the MCAT) would be greatly appreciated... I am open to all suggestions! Thanks again.

 

[Doc1988]

retaking classes can never hurt if you know you can do better in them. Obviously give yourself time to amply study for the MCAT. Also start working on a personal statement.

 

[GatorHater]

UF sucks.... that is all

 

[DitchDoc73]

UF sucks.... that is all

 

[Dr Skeptismo]

So with a 1 year masters, will you finish at the end of this semester? If so, why don't you just start studying for the MCAT this summer, and then take it in August. You could even retake one or two of your undergrad classes over the summer. That way if you do well on the MCAT, you could start the app process this year and then start med school in the fall of 2011 rather than 2012. You could also spend this summer and all of next year getting more clinical experience.

 

[TwoBits]

Dr. Skept - That would be ideal. But the program doesn't end until August. And I don't want to mix my MCAT studies with my final semester of the Master's.

However, does anyone know if Med Schools accept MCATs taken in Jan? I assumed the last one they would take would be from Sept. but I am not sure.

 

[IndianVercetti]

What to DO next?
Nice pun! lol

 

[TwoBits]

Elftown - Thanks for the link. It is very helpful.

Indian - lol... Glad you liked it.

 

[Morsetlis]

It's a special master's. Don't they have advisors and linkages for the program? I assume you took it with the goal of med school in mind.

 

[TwoBits]

Mort - Yeah. They gave me some pointers. However, USF is MD and I am also very interested in the DO pathway. They really can't help me much in that aspect. I have read that DO schools completely replace the GPA of courses that were retaken. If this is the case, I definitely want to retake some undergrad courses.

Can anyone provide me with some information on retaking undergrad courses to replace grades, if that still exists?

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Mort - Yeah. They gave me some pointers. However, USF is MD and I am also very interested in the DO pathway. They really can't help me much in that aspect. I have read that DO schools completely replace the GPA of courses that were retaken. If this is the case, I definitely want to retake some undergrad courses.

Can anyone provide me with some information on retaking undergrad courses to replace grades, if that still exists?

Check out the AACOM website. www.aacom.org

 

[Flapjacks]

Plus USF is garbage school. I went there.

 

[TwoBits]

So I have decided to retake some premed requirements. I am originally from south Florida so I would like to take them there. I have searched for programs, schools etc and have come up short with a good plan on WHERE to take the courses.

Any suggestions as to where I can take these classes? Anything in the state of Florida would be best. All ideas/suggestions/links are welcome... Thanks

 

[Flapjacks]

UCF is your best bet. USF is your cheapest (not tuition wise but cost of living in Tampa is cheaper than Orlando, Gainesville, Miami).

 

[TwoBits]

How about at a community college? Or would that not sit too well for the admissions committee?