Hello everyone,
I plan to apply for D.O. school in next May (2009). I just finished 3rd year bio from a state university, and i still have about 17 semester unit of upper div classes left... such as ochem, biochem, advance cell bio. I have an overall GPA of 3.20 n i'm worry if it'll go down if i cram all those bios in 2 semesters.
I havent start studying for the MCAT yet, but I'm planning to take a MCAT class this winter. I'm not sure if I am doing things in right order... i need some guidance.
thx
I assume you need the biochem for your major, is that right? It will be difficult to do those three courses in your last year, but it can be done.
If the biochem. or advanced cell bio is not required by your degree I would consider taking one of them during your gap year. I took physics during my gap year and I still received "conditional acceptances." This means, as long as you pass those classes prior to matriculation, you're fine.
Honestly though, if your study habits are anything like mine then I would clear your schedule of superfluous activities (within reason) and focus on those last few courses. You're in the home stretch and you don't want to drag your GPA lower, so be sure to do well. Good luck!
I also just finished junior year and I plan to apply at the beginning of next summer.
I've started studying for the mcat this summer. Don't know yet if I'll take it by the end of the summer, but I'll definitely put in as much studying as I can because I wont have nearly as much time to study during the year.
On a related note, what do they want from applicants during the gap year? I have absolutely no interest in doing a special masters or post-bac. My plan is to be working, hopefully for a pharmaceutical company, and I guess I'll probably continue the hospital volunteer work as much as possible. Is that enough?
I don't think your interim year activities matter all that much. They will likely ask you about it during your interviews and it would be nice to have something useful to report to them such as volunteering, coursework, research, etc. I would definitely shy away from doing a post-bac or masters if it's just to kill time during your year off. If you think your GPA or MCAT needs a boost, then that's another story.
I would recommend getting a job that earns a little money and will afford you some time to relax before beginning medical school. Keep in mind, that if you aren't accepted this upcoming cycle, then what you did with that gap year will weigh more when you have to reapply. The plan you mentioned above sounds good to me.
