Where to go from here...

[Clarus]

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So I recently finished a post-bacc program and didn't do so well due to circumstances my first semester and I wasn't able to keep my GPA were it needed to be for the program. I ended up with a cGPA 2.58. I recently graduated undergrad last year with two science degrees in BS. My undergrad sGPA was a 2.6 and cGPA was 3.18. I've shadowed at least one MD, DO, and DPM. I have 3 recommendations from university professors in math, psychology, and English. I have participated in numerous volunteering activities at the hospital (70+ hours) and been apart of collegiate clubs for a long time (2-4 for 3+ years or longer). I took the MCAT twice, first time was 2014 where I got a 23 and second time was last year where I got a 494.

Honestly, I'm not sure what to do or where to go at this point. I worked really hard trying to push my GPA up my second semester and it was a challenged. During that time, I decided maybe I wanted to do DPM as a back up. I applied to all of the schools and got interview invitations 6 of them as well. I interviewed at one so far but not considering on doing the others because I'm reconsidering my plans for DPM and if I even really want to do it.

I was considering doing a masters program at LECOM or possibly just scratch medicine entirely and start studying for the DATs or the like. Start a fresh in something else that would peak my interest. In general, I just feel burned out, but I know I need to get the work done. I can't just sit around waiting for things to happen but I know I need a little rest.

Anyone of suggestions, thoughts, comments, concerns? I really need some guidance right now. All my life has been devoted towards doing medicine but now I'm just not sure if that's what I really want to do. I'm only in my early 20's but I know I'm not getting any younger. I just don't want to waste any more time.

Thanks.

 

[kelminak]

I think bombing the post-bac with your stats is lethal for medicine. I think you're right to look into a different career path. DPM is a good career. You're involved in medicine, get to do some surgeries, and overall might be the best option if you get into one of these schools. If you didn't get through a post-bacc, I don't think switching to dentistry is a good idea at all.

DPM or find a completely new path to take outside of medicine IMO.

 

[Brorthopedic]

Dentistry isn't a joke, the DAT is a difficult test and the schools now tend to have a decently high GPA average. I wouldn't recommend that path unless you really love dentistry, because you're already burned out. If you want to do medicine, stick with PDM. They make decent money, perform surgeries and is honestly a respectable field.

 

[cabinbuilder]

I think you are done. LECOM's post-back program is the same material as the medical school only watered down ( I did both). It's the same questions and same professors. If you cannot succeed in their post-bac I don't see how you would pass medical school.

 

[Shotapp]

Should have done grade replacement...but that's too late now so your journey towards medicine is pretty much over. Dentistry is just as hard like medicine to get into so don't waste your time. I suggest you do some soul searching and find something else that is fulfilling.

 

[edgerock24]

Not that I recommend it, but I think your only option left is the Caribbean.

 

[deleted763299]

So I recently finished a post-bacc program at LECOM and didn't do so well due to circumstances my first semester and I wasn't able to keep my GPA were it needed to be for the program. I ended up with a cGPA 2.58. I recently graduated undergrad last year with two science degrees in BS. My undergrad sGPA was a 2.6 and cGPA was 3.18.

I don't think your academic history is compatible with US medical school admission. I would be very cautious of seeking admission to some other health professional school, only because medicine was your original goal and I think you might always resent being a DPM, etc. I would seek fulfillment in another career type.

 

[j4pac]

Should have done grade replacement...but that's too late now so your journey towards medicine is pretty much over. Dentistry is just as hard like medicine to get into so don't waste your time. I suggest you do some soul searching and find something else that is fulfilling.

In hindsight...it would have been the best way to get into medical school. But busting in post-bach might be a blessing in disguise...the OP would have probably spend even more money and washed out of medical school. Not everyone was made for medical school....and that's ok. Now he/she can get on with his/her life.

 

[j4pac]

Not that I recommend it, but I think your only option left is the Caribbean.

Don't even throw the Caribbean out there. The OP absolutely will go into further debt and wash out. He/she is done with the medical route. It's time to move on.

 

[cabinbuilder]

If you are in your early 20's then you need to think about doing something else for 5 years. Get a job, travel. Re-invent yourself. Then go back if that if what you really want, to the post-bac again and do well, apply.

 

[Clarus]

What exactly is grade replacement? I've never heard of that before.

Honestly, I still am interested in healthcare. I don't see myself doing anything else other than that.

How come the Caribbean isn't a good option?

 

[Espressso]

What exactly is grade replacement? I've never heard of that before.

Honestly, I still am interested in healthcare. I don't see myself doing anything else other than that.

How come the Caribbean isn't a good option?

It's well known and documented that graduates from Caribbean medical schools have a much more difficult time matching in US residencies, even with stellar boards.
I would consider nursing school (then possibly going back to the medicine route, or podiatry, as the others have posted above.

 

[I'mJustCurious]

What exactly is grade replacement? I've never heard of that before.

Honestly, I still am interested in healthcare. I don't see myself doing anything else other than that.

How come the Caribbean isn't a good option?

Grade replacement is when you retake classes that you didn't get an A in and assuming you did better the second time around, it will replace it. C in Physics first try, A in Physics second try. When you plug in your gpa for DO schools it will be slightly higher because of this. To be honest I heard that it was way better to retake classes than doing a post bacc unless you know for sure you will do good.

 

[deleted763299]

How come the Caribbean isn't a good option?

Here is some information taken from an article in Academic Medicine to address specifically why the caribbean is a poor choice, abstract can be found here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26910896

• Carib schools are For-Profit institutions, that consistently admit students with lower undergrad GPAs and lower MCATs, and make huge profits at students' expense
  • A direct quote from the paper: "The DeVry Corporation is the owner of RUSM and AUC. From 2010 to 2011, DeVry’s total income rose by 18% to $1.9 billion. Its operating income from for-profit health care education rose by 21% to $111 million."
• US med schools have a 4 yr graduation rate between 90-95%, Carib schools have rates ranging from 50-80%
• Carib schools do not allow every student to sit for the USMLE (medical board exam), in an effort to inflate their board pass rate
• Carib schools are not accredited by the LCME (the governing body that accredits US med schools), and therefore are not subject to the same standards
• In the 2015 Residency Match, 53% of US citizen international medical graduates matched to a residency program. Compared to 94% of US-MD grads matched.

 

[DrMikeP]

Not that I recommend it, but I think your only option left is the Caribbean.

People often inaccurately assume Caribbean is easier. That is often a false assumption as many of the C schools will let almost anyone in who has money, but many also have a high rate of dismissal so they can keep their somewhat questionable and inflated stats on placements. Beyond that, with the residency placements growing more slowly than med school grads being produced Caribbean is going to become more and more challenging for US residencies. That said, you could always practice in the islands or South America. There are lots of reasons to avoid Caribbean med schools.

OP: If you can't do the postbac then it's likely time to consider another path. It's basically failing out of med school lite. You might find going the nursing/NP route very fulfilling. It's a lot easier than med school and you can do it in steps.. BSN-MSN/MPN- and even go for a DNP at some point.

 

[Espressso]

People often inaccurately assume Caribbean is easier. That is often a false assumption as many of the C schools will let almost anyone in who has money, but many also have a high rate of dismissal so they can keep their somewhat questionable and inflated stats on placements. Beyond that, with the residency placements growing more slowly than med school grads being produced Caribbean is going to become more and more challenging for US residencies. That said, you could always practice in the islands or South America. There are lots of reasons to avoid Caribbean med schools.

OP: If you can't do the postbac then it's likely time to consider another path. It's basically failing out of med school lite. You might find going the nursing/NP route very fulfilling. It's a lot easier than med school and you can do it in steps.. BSN-MSN/MPN- and even go for a DNP at some point.

And you get to stay inside the healthcare industry.

 

[j4pac]

What exactly is grade replacement? I've never heard of that before.

Honestly, I still am interested in healthcare. I don't see myself doing anything else other than that.

How come the Caribbean isn't a good option?

I don't want to come across rood, and if I do I apologize. That's not my intent.

What makes you think you can succeed in med school when you are scraping by in undergrad and post-bacc? You are the type of applicant that the Caribbean would accept and then take your money after you flunk out. You haven't shown capable of being successful in med school...so you should cut your loses. If you want to be involved in healthcare there are lots of ways to be involved outside of being a doc. I'm sorry that it didn't work out for you.

 

[deleted763299]

Honestly, I still am interested in healthcare. I don't see myself doing anything else other than that.

Other than nursing, which has been suggested, consider becoming an EMT or paramedic.

 

[DrPatriot]

What exactly is grade replacement? I've never heard of that before.

Honestly, I still am interested in healthcare. I don't see myself doing anything else other than that.

How come the Caribbean isn't a good option?

Ah, the good ole' I'm brand new here post.

 

[DoReMiFaSo]

OP, if you were to be self critical and introspective, what do you think are some of the reasons why you have consistently received grades that are a cut below the minimum required for med school?

Because unless you can figure out what the lingering problems are and how you can be better today versus yesterday, your med school path I'm afraid would be over, if it hasn't already been shut.

undergrad sGPA was a 2.6

I got a 23 and second time was last year where I got a 494.

I ended up with a cGPA 2.58

 

[Clarus]

I just want to make this clear, but I did not fail any of my classes, especially in the post bacc.

 

[Clarus]

My post-bacc GPA was a result of just a lot of different factors. My first semester was rough because I moved from living at home for the very first time in my life and had to readjust to a new living environment. The place I was living at was with a lot of students (5+) and it wasn't very hospitable. I ended up struggle in managing time and the coursework and trying to find a place to live within the span of 4 months. I ended up living in 4 different places and had to move, pack, unpack each time and deal with landlords and the like. My second semester, I picked up my grades but unfortunately they weren't good enough to what I wanted my overall GPA. I did better, but not the best I can do. I knew I could do better if I had the resources and stability prior to going into the program and that's what pains me. I AM capable but those other things were holding me back. Not to mention my horrible test taking ability, all of our exams were 3 hours long on average, with 4 classes of 9-10 credits, with mixed questions (no sections) and computerized as well, which was different than anything I was used to. Of course, I managed and got better as time went on but it wasn't soon enough.

 

[DrMikeP]

My post-bacc GPA was a result of just a lot of different factors. My first semester was rough because I moved from living at home for the very first time in my life and had to readjust to a new living environment. The place I was living at was with a lot of students (5+) and it wasn't very hospitable. I ended up struggle in managing time and the coursework and trying to find a place to live within the span of 4 months. I ended up living in 4 different places and had to move, pack, unpack each time and deal with landlords and the like. My second semester, I picked up my grades but unfortunately they weren't good enough to what I wanted my overall GPA. I did better, but not the best I can do. I knew I could do better if I had the resources and stability prior to going into the program and that's what pains me. I AM capable but those other things were holding me back. Not to mention my horrible test taking ability, all of our exams were 3 hours long on average, with 4 classes of 9-10 credits, with mixed questions (no sections) and computerized as well, which was different than anything I was used to. Of course, I managed and got better as time went on but it wasn't soon enough.

You can take this advice and have a hope in heck of med school in the future or ignore it and continue to beat your head on a wall and further ruin any possibility.

Just my opinion of course, but what I am reading is the posts of someone not ready for med school!! Failing a class or not doesn't matter, as not making the cut-off might as well be failing.

So, Step back from med school and get a job doing something else. Work 3-5 years (I promise you won't be too old by then). and enjoy life a little and grow up. During that time speak with a psychologist and figure out what the learning/studying/poor decision making problems are and FIX them. In 3-5 years from now, start over and take the core required science courses and make A's (in your case B's won't do). Shadow/Volunteer/missions work/serious get your hands dirty labor. Re-invent yourself and be able to show an understanding as to why you weren't successful before (why you need to speak with a pro). At that point 5-7yrs from now you will have matured. Just maybe JUST maybe if you still want to be a physician you might just find a medical school that will reward your re-invention.

Making no changes will result in more of the same.

Best of Luck

 

[mathnerd88]

My post-bacc GPA was a result of just a lot of different factors. My first semester was rough because I moved from living at home for the very first time in my life and had to readjust to a new living environment. The place I was living at was with a lot of students (5+) and it wasn't very hospitable. I ended up struggle in managing time and the coursework and trying to find a place to live within the span of 4 months. I ended up living in 4 different places and had to move, pack, unpack each time and deal with landlords and the like. My second semester, I picked up my grades but unfortunately they weren't good enough to what I wanted my overall GPA. I did better, but not the best I can do. I knew I could do better if I had the resources and stability prior to going into the program and that's what pains me. I AM capable but those other things were holding me back. Not to mention my horrible test taking ability, all of our exams were 3 hours long on average, with 4 classes of 9-10 credits, with mixed questions (no sections) and computerized as well, which was different than anything I was used to. Of course, I managed and got better as time went on but it wasn't soon enough.

I'm sorry but this sounds like a lot of excuses. If you weren't ready then, take some time off to be ready, and start over.

Sure, you can make excuses for your terrible postbacc GPA, but what about your undergrad GPA and your MCAT?

I'm not trying to criticize you, but as of right now, medicine is not in the cards for you. Maybe in a couple of years when you show that you are capable, get good grades and a good MCAT score, you'll have a shot into medical school. It will take a couple of years to get them to a good enough level to apply, but you can't make any more excuses and you can't be unprepared anymore.

It is time to be professional, to be mature, and work through your issues, and show that you can face challenges without falling apart. Own up to your personal issues, and move on from this!

 

[Shotapp]

My post-bacc GPA was a result of just a lot of different factors. My first semester was rough because I moved from living at home for the very first time in my life and had to readjust to a new living environment. The place I was living at was with a lot of students (5+) and it wasn't very hospitable. I ended up struggle in managing time and the coursework and trying to find a place to live within the span of 4 months. I ended up living in 4 different places and had to move, pack, unpack each time and deal with landlords and the like. My second semester, I picked up my grades but unfortunately they weren't good enough to what I wanted my overall GPA. I did better, but not the best I can do. I knew I could do better if I had the resources and stability prior to going into the program and that's what pains me. I AM capable but those other things were holding me back. Not to mention my horrible test taking ability, all of our exams were 3 hours long on average, with 4 classes of 9-10 credits, with mixed questions (no sections) and computerized as well, which was different than anything I was used to. Of course, I managed and got better as time went on but it wasn't soon enough.

Just as mathnerd88 said...excuses. OP you need to cut your loses and move on.

 

[Ho0v-man]

Please don't apply Caribbean. I know a guy who failed out who's now in a DO school. Said Carib was waaaaay tougher.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[FutureD0C17]

My post-bacc GPA was a result of just a lot of different factors. My first semester was rough because I moved from living at home for the very first time in my life and had to readjust to a new living environment. The place I was living at was with a lot of students (5+) and it wasn't very hospitable. I ended up struggle in managing time and the coursework and trying to find a place to live within the span of 4 months. I ended up living in 4 different places and had to move, pack, unpack each time and deal with landlords and the like. My second semester, I picked up my grades but unfortunately they weren't good enough to what I wanted my overall GPA. I did better, but not the best I can do. I knew I could do better if I had the resources and stability prior to going into the program and that's what pains me. I AM capable but those other things were holding me back. Not to mention my horrible test taking ability, all of our exams were 3 hours long on average, with 4 classes of 9-10 credits, with mixed questions (no sections) and computerized as well, which was different than anything I was used to. Of course, I managed and got better as time went on but it wasn't soon enough.

In addition to the thoughts that others have offered, the bolded is a major red flag. The exams are going to be rammed down your throat incessantly. Fail a couple and you're done. Fail step 1 and you're done. Think of the pressure and how much you'll hate yourself. Luckily for you, that isn't going to happen anytime soon unless the Caribbean takes you.

Honestly, science doesn't appear to be your thing. A 2.68 science undergrad combined with a 2.58 post bacc = the end of the road. The good thing is you figured it out early and have plenty of time to explore other options. GL

 

[costales]

Please don't apply Caribbean. I know a guy who failed out who's now in a DO school. Said Carib was waaaaay tougher.

What DO school is this? I don't know of any DO school that accepts med school dropouts (in fact, Bones was the exception that proved the rule).

 

[costales]

My post-bacc GPA was a result of just a lot of different factors. My first semester was rough because I moved from living at home for the very first time in my life and had to readjust to a new living environment. The place I was living at was with a lot of students (5+) and it wasn't very hospitable. I ended up struggle in managing time and the coursework and trying to find a place to live within the span of 4 months. I ended up living in 4 different places and had to move, pack, unpack each time and deal with landlords and the like. My second semester, I picked up my grades but unfortunately they weren't good enough to what I wanted my overall GPA. I did better, but not the best I can do. I knew I could do better if I had the resources and stability prior to going into the program and that's what pains me. I AM capable but those other things were holding me back. Not to mention my horrible test taking ability, all of our exams were 3 hours long on average, with 4 classes of 9-10 credits, with mixed questions (no sections) and computerized as well, which was different than anything I was used to. Of course, I managed and got better as time went on but it wasn't soon enough.

You are blaming everything but your restlessness and poor planning - two science degrees that added up to a 2.6 sGPA, and now a disastrous postbac. It is time to take a break and go to Plan B.

 

[Ho0v-man]

What DO school is this? I don't know of any DO school that accepts med school dropouts (in fact, Bones was the exception that proved the rule).

Answered in pm

Well I tried to pm and it failed. I'll do it tomorrow

 

[hsk013]

I was considering doing a masters program at LECOM or possibly just scratch medicine entirely and start studying for the DATs or the like.

This is just n = 1, but I have a friend who studied and took MCAT with me at the same time. He got 25 on MCAT and decided to study DAT for 3 months straight. He scored 24 on DAT and had a very successful cycle. He even interviewed at UCSF (got waitlisted, but I am sure if he were to apply to UCSF med school with 25 MCAT, he would've been rejected right off the bet). If you think you can pull it off, then maybe you should give it a shot.

 

[mathnerd88]

This is just n = 1, but I have a friend who studied and took MCAT with me at the same time. He got 25 on MCAT and decided to study DAT for 3 months straight. He scored 24 on DAT and had a very successful cycle. He even interviewed at UCSF (got waitlisted, but I am sure if he were to apply to UCSF med school with 25 MCAT, he would've been rejected right off the bet). If you think you can pull it off, then maybe you should give it a shot.

I think you forgot that his GPA is still way below average for dental schools...

 

[deleted763299]

My post-bacc GPA was a result of just a lot of different factors. My first semester was rough because I moved from living at home for the very first time in my life and had to readjust to a new living environment. The place I was living at was with a lot of students (5+) and it wasn't very hospitable. I ended up struggle in managing time and the coursework and trying to find a place to live within the span of 4 months. I ended up living in 4 different places and had to move, pack, unpack each time and deal with landlords and the like. My second semester, I picked up my grades but unfortunately they weren't good enough to what I wanted my overall GPA. I did better, but not the best I can do. I knew I could do better if I had the resources and stability prior to going into the program and that's what pains me. I AM capable but those other things were holding me back. Not to mention my horrible test taking ability, all of our exams were 3 hours long on average, with 4 classes of 9-10 credits, with mixed questions (no sections) and computerized as well, which was different than anything I was used to. Of course, I managed and got better as time went on but it wasn't soon enough.

Your excuses don't matter. What does matter is your academic performance, through which you have demonstrated that you are not medical school material. As an aside, this post also demonstrates a great deal of immaturity that will not serve you well in whatever future you choose.

The advice below from DrMikeP is probably the most insightful post in the thread. Take that advice and run with it if you are absolutely not to be deterred.

So, Step back from med school and get a job doing something else. Work 3-5 years (I promise you won't be too old by then). and enjoy life a little and grow up. During that time speak with a psychologist and figure out what the learning/studying/poor decision making problems are and FIX them. In 3-5 years from now, start over and take the core required science courses and make A's (in your case B's won't do). Shadow/Volunteer/missions work/serious get your hands dirty labor. Re-invent yourself and be able to show an understanding as to why you weren't successful before (why you need to speak with a pro). At that point 5-7yrs from now you will have matured. Just maybe JUST maybe if you still want to be a physician you might just find a medical school that will reward your re-invention.

Making no changes will result in more of the same.