What would you do if you were me? A sad story...

[plsfoldthx]

Spent 5 years in college at UCSD. Majored in biochemistry Did a quarter of BS/MS program there and then left the program after winter quarter 2009 because I didn't like the research and I was only allowed to take three classes in 2 years. Got a B for a quarter in the lab and left.

Thing is, my grades show a downward trend due to health related issues which led to stress/anxiety issues which dissuaded me from wanting to study as it caused me stress (really). ie my prereqs and the early upper div classes I took had decent grades... but my mental health deteriorated rapidly and I played poker heavily for a couple years while in school to take my mind off of it while telling myself I was being productive. (yes i made money... please dont say but how much did u lose... i didnt)...

Since then, I did some volunteering, took anatomy and retook cell biology in the summer... got a C and a A- respectively. Right now in the fall I am taking neurophysiology and developmental biology through UCLA extension... I might be getting a B and a C... worst case scenario two Cs... My study habits are improving slowly, but these extension classes are different... way way WAAAAAY more work i had to write a 10 page single paged research paper, a 6 page research paper, a 6 page take home final, on top of 2 in-class finals ... all within the last 2 weeks... never had anything like that at ucsd... especially for 2 classes... i spent all my time working on the papers... didnt manage my time well and yea...

I want to take MCATs in January or March and apply to SMPs for next year. I just want to get into a structured program with a structured curriculum that I can just focus on without thinking all the time if it will be good for med school. What should I do? Should I do that? Will I even get in? My grades do not seem to be improving I know, but I am slowly making changes in my work habits and slowly getting my rhythym back that helped me to do well in my earlier coursework... do I have to wait another year to show improvement and wait to apply to SMPs in 2011? Ugh...

These are my grades in no particular order... not including some later grades... my GPA should be able the same if not a little lower.. retakes were averaged in.

Total Science GPA: ~3.0... Overall GPA about the same
Bio/Lab BILD 1 – The Cell – A, 4
BILD 2 – Multicellular Life – B+, 3.3
Physics

Phys1A/Lab – A/A-, 3.85
Phys1B/Lab – B/B+, 3.15
Phys1C/Lab – A-/B, 3.35
Chemistry/Lab – general and organic
Chem6A – A-, 3.7
Chem6B – B, 3
Chem6C – A-, 3.7
Chem6BL (Gen. Chem. Lab) – B, 3
Ochem
Chem140A – A, 4
Chem140B – B+, 3.3
Chem140C – B+, 3.3
Chem143A (Org. Chem. Lab) – A-, 3.7
Others – 16 total – 43.7
BICD 100 (Genetics) – B, 3
BIPN 100 (Mammalian Physiology I) – B+, 3.3
BIBC 100 (Structural Biochem) – B, 3
BIBC 102 (Metabolic Biochem) – A, 4
BIPN 102 (Mammalian Physiology II) – C, 2
BIBC 130 (Marine Biochemistry) – A-, 3.7
BIBC 103 (Biochemical techniques) – B+, 3.3
BIMM 100 (Molecular Bio) – D/B, 2 (retake)

BIMM 120 (Bacteriology) – B-, 2.7
BIPN 142 (Systems Neurobiology) – C, 2
BICD 110 (Cell Bio) – C, 2
BICD 140 (Immunology) – D/B, 2 (retake)

BIPN 140 (Cellular Neurobiology) – B-, 2.7
BICD 120 (Fundamentals of Plant Bio) – C+, 2.3
BICD 150 (Immunology) – B, 3
BIMM 118 (Pharmacology) – B-, 2.7
Endocrinology - C

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[GProtein]

You're better off than some people who have GPAs in the 2.0-2.5 range.

You're stats are similar to mine: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=8911727&postcount=1


Apply to SMP/SMP-like options. If you apply early you should get in. If you haven't taken the MCAT, some do take the GRE.

The UCs are also known to be pretty tough schools also.

If you have the finances and time you should like into summer medical school classes before starting and SMP/SMP like option. The least expensive option I found was

http://www.unmc.edu/summerschool

 

[plsfoldthx]

At least you show an upward trend in your most recent grades... I have none of that... I got an A- in cell bio retake... whoop dee doo

I guess my question is how important do you think it is for me especially to show some preliminary improvement before I start to apply?

 

[Xcited392]

I agree with GProtein--your stats are better than some. Looks like you've taken a lot of upper-science electives, so the advice of taking more science classes to boost your GPA probably wouldn't apply to you. Rock the MCAT and do an SMP.

 

[wannabesrgn]

I had to skim through your story as I don't have much time to post, but I wanted to warn you to make sure you are prepared to do well in an SMP before you do it. It is unbelievably rigorous. Much more rigorous than any other program out there, including medical school. It is medical school with the extra stress of wondering if you will get in. It is possible to do well in the program with hard work, however, it seems like you have a downward trend that hasn't been corrected, if I'm not mistaken. I would recommend you figure out what you're doing wrong and how to not do that and succeed in some classes before starting an SMP. If you mess up in an SMP your chances of getting into a domestic school are pretty slim.

Not to scare you. You are nowhere near a lost cause. I just want to give you a warning since you said stress is a reason you weren't studying. An SMP has a significant amount of stress involved. So just take those things into consideration. You can definitely get back on track and successfully get to medical school. Again, I highly recommend identifying the problem and correcting it before you start an SMP. Good luck!

 

[plsfoldthx]

I had to skim through your story as I don't have much time to post, but I wanted to warn you to make sure you are prepared to do well in an SMP before you do it. It is unbelievably rigorous. Much more rigorous than any other program out there, including medical school. It is medical school with the extra stress of wondering if you will get in. It is possible to do well in the program with hard work, however, it seems like you have a downward trend that hasn't been corrected, if I'm not mistaken. I would recommend you figure out what you're doing wrong and how to not do that and succeed in some classes before starting an SMP. If you mess up in an SMP your chances of getting into a domestic school are pretty slim.

Not to scare you. You are nowhere near a lost cause. I just want to give you a warning since you said stress is a reason you weren't studying. An SMP has a significant amount of stress involved. So just take those things into consideration. You can definitely get back on track and successfully get to medical school. Again, I highly recommend identifying the problem and correcting it before you start an SMP. Good luck!

I appreciate your comment and I have considered this in depth. I FINALLY saw a shrink beginning this summer and my anxiety has lessened TREMENDOUSLY thanks to medication and I think with smart study habits and planning I can manage. I know study habits don't change overnight but I really feel since the summer I feel my habits are picking up pace and I think by this spring I can be even better than where I started.

It turns out I got an A- in my neurophysiology class. OMGWTFBBQ... I never ever thought I could get an A in that class, but I did it with an 89.8! Grades for developmental biology is not up... although I don't feel very confident about that one... that professor was EVIL!!!!