The **NEW & IMPROVED** official low gpa thread...

[locale]

Great MCAT - do an SMP

Where do you suggest I apply? Is there a list I can look at? What are my odds of getting in given my erratic academic history.

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[deleted248403]

Where do you suggest I apply? Is there a list I can look at? What are my odds of getting in given my erratic academic history.

Apply wherever you want - best ones are ones that are at host medical schools, allow you to take medical schools, and where the med school is friendly to its SMP-students (or have a high placement elsewhere; for example there are at least 5 kids from Georgetown in my school).

There are lists and stuff floating around; have a look on your own - i'm not doing all your HW

Your great MCAT will get you a look from some places, and this business thing sounds interesting - so some schools will give you a look.

Don't let the MCAT expire!

 

[locale]

Apply wherever you want - best ones are ones that are at host medical schools, allow you to take medical schools, and where the med school is friendly to its SMP-students (or have a high placement elsewhere; for example there are at least 5 kids from Georgetown in my school).

There are lists and stuff floating around; have a look on your own - i'm not doing all your HW

Your great MCAT will get you a look from some places, and this business thing sounds interesting - so some schools will give you a look.

Don't let the MCAT expire!

Thanks for the response buddy. I appreciate it. Is there anything specific I should be looking to do to bolster my application to an SMP (besides finishing strong here)?

 

[aspire2014]

Thanks alot....I am definitely considering DO or doing a SMP but I guess time will tell.

 

[Devore]

Hey all, been doing some research lately and cannot decide between retaking prereqs or pursuing an smp. I've gotten a few C's ...however have already retaken two classes (got C's first time on both, improved to A after). Struggling to see whether retaking any more classes would raise red flags or not.

Here are my stats:
GPA: 3.1 (upward trend)
MCAT: 36
Extracurriculars are average...leadership in student orgs, hospital volunteering, research experience.

Would appreciate any feedback . I'm considering DO as well - since they have grade replacement, however, from an MD perspective alone, would you guys recommend going back to school for a year and retaking classes, or an SMP? Thanks!

 

[GorgeousBorges]

Hey all, been doing some research lately and cannot decide between retaking prereqs or pursuing an smp. I've gotten a few C's ...however have already retaken two classes (got C's first time on both, improved to A after). Struggling to see whether retaking any more classes would raise red flags or not.

Here are my stats:
GPA: 3.1 (upward trend)
MCAT: 36
Extracurriculars are average...leadership in student orgs, hospital volunteering, research experience.

Would appreciate any feedback . I'm considering DO as well - since they have grade replacement, however, from an MD perspective alone, would you guys recommend going back to school for a year and retaking classes, or an SMP? Thanks!

I think that for MD, you should definitely do an SMP. It would take a very long time for your cGPA to get into an acceptable range. You should be applying for SMPs NOW-if you have a burning desire to get in same-year, consider EVMS, Toledo, RFU and, to a lesser extent, University of Cincinnati. If you're planning to take a gap year between the SMP and medical school, consider BU or Tufts. If you think that you can be the valedictorian of the Georgetown SMP, consider Georgetown.

If you decide to go the route of raising your undergrad GPA by taking classes, don't just do retakes--take upper-level biology classes. However, again, that will take so long that your MCAT will likely have been expired by the time that you get your GPA to an acceptable level. I'd say do an SMP.

 

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[deleted423719]

Hi all,

cGPA: 3.14
sGPA: 3.28
MCAT (Jan 2011): 37 (14 BS, 11 VR, 12 PS)
EC's/Volunteer/Shadowing: About average
Research: None (but my computer science program focused on problem solving skills)
Graduation: May 2011
NY Resident

So I'm a non-trad (majored in computer science in CMU while doing premed courses) who applied this application cycle and I believe I'm about to get rejected from all of my MD schools. After graduating I've been working a full-time job as a software engineer (financial reasons and wanted to try it out since I had a degree anyways).

I've currently applied to some DO schools but I found out that it's basically near impossible to get into certain specialties (I know it was stupid for me to not check) and am now no longer sure I would go to a DO school even if I got in...

I'm kind of lost as to what I should do as my MCAT score will expire after the next application cycle.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[deleted248403]

Hi all,

cGPA: 3.14
sGPA: 3.28
MCAT (Jan 2011): 37 (14 BS, 11 VR, 12 PS)
EC's/Volunteer/Shadowing: About average
Research: None (but my computer science program focused on problem solving skills)
Graduation: May 2011
NY Resident

So I'm a non-trad (majored in computer science in CMU while doing premed courses) who applied this application cycle and I believe I'm about to get rejected from all of my MD schools. After graduating I've been working a full-time job as a software engineer (financial reasons and wanted to try it out since I had a degree anyways).

I've currently applied to some DO schools but I found out that it's basically near impossible to get into certain specialties (I know it was stupid for me to not check) and am now no longer sure I would go to a DO school even if I got in...

I'm kind of lost as to what I should do as my MCAT score will expire after the next application cycle.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

1) It was foolish to apply MD with a cGPA over 2 standard deviations below zero

2) you should be doing an SMP immediately. Get your apps out now, to start in Fall 2013, and maybe you can still use that MCAT score before it expires.

 

[deleted248403]

Hello all. I figured I'd reply here instead of making a new thread. Thanks to those who have provided this wealth of useful information.

GPA: 3.1
sGPA: 2.9
MCAT (Jan, 2013): 37 (13 BS/11 V/13 PS)
SAT (not sure if necessary): 2240

I started off with reasonably good grades in a competitive undergrad program, but my motivation and health wavered and I ended up barely graduating (B.A.) in 2011. I worked for about a year after that before I finally resolved to return to the M.D. track.

My plan is to take 2 semesters of upper-division biology courses at a college near home in order to bring up my sGPA into the acceptable range. One other thought: I have heard mixed things about the worth of SMP's, but it seems to me that there's no harm in applying (right now!) to those programs with a stated or de facto med school linkage on the off-chance that they accept me.

My EC's are nothing special. I'm working on it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Good plan - mixed things or not, you arent getting into an MD school without an SMP with those grades.

 

[deleted423719]

1) It was foolish to apply MD with a cGPA over 2 standard deviations below zero

2) you should be doing an SMP immediately. Get your apps out now, to start in Fall 2013, and maybe you can still use that MCAT score before it expires.

Thank you for the suggestions. But I was just wondering wouldn't medical schools not be able to see any change in grades if I apply right away? If they wait for my first semester grades wouldn't it practically be the same as applying to these schools at around december? I'm just worried that I will become a third time applicant if I rush things... Also do you have any suggestions for SMPs that would be a right fit for me? I'm kind of new to this whole idea of postbac.

Thanks again!

 

[TalkToMeGoose]

Thank you for the suggestions. But I was just wondering wouldn't medical schools not be able to see any change in grades if I apply right away? If they wait for my first semester grades wouldn't it practically be the same as applying to these schools at around december? I'm just worried that I will become a third time applicant if I rush things... Also do you have any suggestions for SMPs that would be a right fit for me? I'm kind of new to this whole idea of postbac.

Thanks again!

Hi davykim,

First off, excellent MCAT. That'll definitely help you get into an SMP or post-bac. If you're looking to boost your GPA, you might be able to do an independent post-bac at whatever college is closest to you. It's about half-way through the semester now, but you might be able to squeeze in some half-semester classes that start up in a few weeks or so and boost the GPA that way. Also, UPenn has a special sciences program that is intended for that purpose as well. Lastly, I know Temple has a post-bac too where you take classes with their medical students, and if you do well enough, you matriculate into their MD program. That MCAT is going to be your saving grace. Just improve the GPA and ECs, and you're set. Personally, I would find a way to boost the GPA (take classes somewhere), shadow a primary care physician (it might not be what you want to do, but it looks good to Adcoms. You have to play the game alittle...), make sure the rest of your app is impeccable (especially the PS), and apply this cycle before that MCAT expires.

Good luck.

 

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[deleted423719]

Hi davykim,

First off, excellent MCAT. That'll definitely help you get into an SMP or post-bac. If you're looking to boost your GPA, you might be able to do an independent post-bac at whatever college is closest to you. It's about half-way through the semester now, but you might be able to squeeze in some half-semester classes that start up in a few weeks or so and boost the GPA that way. Also, UPenn has a special sciences program that is intended for that purpose as well. Lastly, I know Temple has a post-bac too where you take classes with their medical students, and if you do well enough, you matriculate into their MD program. That MCAT is going to be your saving grace. Just improve the GPA and ECs, and you're set. Personally, I would find a way to boost the GPA (take classes somewhere), shadow a primary care physician (it might not be what you want to do, but it looks good to Adcoms. You have to play the game alittle...), make sure the rest of your app is impeccable (especially the PS), and apply this cycle before that MCAT expires.

Good luck.

Thanks for the suggestions TalkToMeGoose.

I live in NY and atm can't quit my full-time job till around May due to certain obligations so do you think taking like one or two night classes would still be enough? What type of courses should I take? I've done terrifically in all of my bio courses (I've only gotten a single B and everything else is A) and my orgo grades are A/B. Honestly, the two reasons my sGPA is so low is because I've gotten B's in my harder math courses that I had to take for Computer Science and because I didn't do too well in Gen Chem and its labs. Also I've just recently started shadowing a GI doctor is that fine or does it have to be a pcp?

Thanks again!

 

[DeucesHigh3]

Hello all. I figured I'd reply here instead of making a new thread. Thanks to those who have provided this wealth of useful information.

GPA: 3.1
sGPA: 2.9
MCAT (Jan, 2013): 37 (13 BS/11 V/13 PS)
SAT (not sure if necessary): 2240

I started off with reasonably good grades in a competitive undergrad program, but my motivation and health wavered and I ended up barely graduating (B.A.) in 2011. I worked for about a year after that before I finally resolved to return to the M.D. track.

My plan is to take 2 semesters of upper-division biology courses at a college near home in order to bring up my sGPA into the acceptable range. One other thought: I have heard mixed things about the worth of SMP's, but it seems to me that there's no harm in applying (right now!) to those programs with a stated or de facto med school linkage on the off-chance that they accept me.

My EC's are nothing special. I'm working on it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

This is pretty close to my exact situation, except that I did 3 semesters of upper-division bio instead of 2 to bring my GPA up a bit. No harm in applying to SMPs now, but some might want to see those new grades to prove you won't bomb out (especially if there was a downward trend). With a +3.0 GPA, good SMP performance, and good MCAT, you should be all right to apply either concurrently with the SMP, or the summer after.

 

[deleted248403]

Thanks for having a look. Just to be clear, do you think I'd be better served:

Do what deuce said

This is pretty close to my exact situation, except that I did 3 semesters of upper-division bio instead of 2 to bring my GPA up a bit. No harm in applying to SMPs now, but some might want to see those new grades to prove you won't bomb out (especially if there was a downward trend). With a +3.0 GPA, good SMP performance, and good MCAT, you should be all right to apply either concurrently with the SMP, or the summer after.

 

[deleted248403]

Thank you for the suggestions. But I was just wondering wouldn't medical schools not be able to see any change in grades if I apply right away? If they wait for my first semester grades wouldn't it practically be the same as applying to these schools at around december? I'm just worried that I will become a third time applicant if I rush things... Also do you have any suggestions for SMPs that would be a right fit for me? I'm kind of new to this whole idea of postbac.

Thanks again!

No to specific programs - figure out what you want. Just go somewhere you actually take med school classes - otherwise its just a fake SMP

You shouldn't have waited so long with that great MCAT to do an SMP - it might expire.

Applying to schools in December is a waste of time, but applying early - schools may wait to look at your app (esp the host institution you are doing your SMP at)

 

[deleted423719]

No to specific programs - figure out what you want. Just go somewhere you actually take med school classes - otherwise its just a fake SMP

You shouldn't have waited so long with that great MCAT to do an SMP - it might expire.

Applying to schools in December is a waste of time, but applying early - schools may wait to look at your app (esp the host institution you are doing your SMP at)

So just to be clear, once I reapply, I'm a reapplicant no matter what, right? I'm guessing there's no it's better to be a second time reapplicant vs third because I'm sure my chances aren't the best applying immediately even with the SMP.

Also what would I write for what has changed since last application?

Thanks again for the suggestions.

 

[TalkToMeGoose]

Personally, I'm of the opinion that anything helps, so taking some night classes at a well-respected university would benefit you. Just get that GPA up, and honestly, you're golden. And with regards to the primary care, I think you should do what interests you, and if GI interests you, pursue it. However, I was recently told by an Adcom member that medical schools are looking for more people who show interest in primary care (as apparently there's a need for it). Also, does it look better to shadow a specialist making money or someone in the trenches? It also is dependent on if you'd like to go to a research heavy school (where obviously, research will be a very important part of your app), but even so, Adcoms do like to see primary care.

Best of luck.

 

[deleted248403]

cGPA: 3.14
sGPA: 3.28
MCAT (Jan 2011): 37 (14 BS, 11 VR, 12 PS)

So just to be clear, once I reapply, I'm a reapplicant no matter what, right? I'm guessing there's no it's better to be a second time reapplicant vs third because I'm sure my chances aren't the best applying immediately even with the SMP.

Also what would I write for what has changed since last application?

1) Yes a reapplicant is always the same
2) Uh, write what has changed.... if nothin has changed, then nothing.... I would get hussling to get something different - another EC, more shadowing...a summer class before an SMP starts....

Personally, I'm of the opinion that anything helps, so taking some night classes at a well-respected university would benefit you. Just get that GPA up, and honestly, you're golden. And with regards to the primary care, I think you should do what interests you, and if GI interests you, pursue it. However, I was recently told by an Adcom member that medical schools are looking for more people who show interest in primary care (as apparently there's a need for it). Also, does it look better to shadow a specialist making money or someone in the trenches? It also is dependent on if you'd like to go to a research heavy school (where obviously, research will be a very important part of your app), but even so, Adcoms do like to see primary care.

The guy's cGPA is 3.14 - with a few classes it wont even break 3.2 - which is still 2 standard deviations below the average accepted MD student. That is not the way to go. He/She will be wasting her final shot for med school. If the person wants DO then that might be a better path.
In regard to your adcom story - school dependent. It doesn't matter whom you shadow - we want to know that you understand what you are getting into and have an appreciation for the road ahead. Primary care isn't important, shadowing is.

 

[deleted423719]

1) Yes a reapplicant is always the same
2) Uh, write what has changed.... if nothin has changed, then nothing.... I would get hussling to get something different - another EC, more shadowing...a summer class before an SMP starts....


The guy's cGPA is 3.14 - with a few classes it wont even break 3.2 - which is still 2 standard deviations below the average accepted MD student. That is not the way to go. He/She will be wasting her final shot for med school. If the person wants DO then that might be a better path.
In regard to your adcom story - school dependent. It doesn't matter whom you shadow - we want to know that you understand what you are getting into and have an appreciation for the road ahead. Primary care isn't important, shadowing is.

So would you say that I shouldn't even bother with the classes? (before SMP that is)

 

[deleted248403]

So would you say that I shouldn't even bother with the classes? (before SMP that is)

More As will never hurt, it will give you something to write about - but 1 or 2 As in upper level science classes is not going to get you into medical school at this point.
If you've got the $$$ and the time, do it - but if not, don't sweat it. It would just help round out your app

 

[DrMidlife]

However, I was recently told by an Adcom member that medical schools are looking for more people who show interest in primary care (as apparently there's a need for it).

I strongly suggest that if you are a med student, or trying to become a med student, that you need to put some time into comprehending:
a) why there's an apparent need for primary care physicians
b) and why med schools would appear to be interested in premeds interested in primary care

These issues are political kindergarten for med school applicants.

Best of luck to you.

 

[deleted248403]

These issues are political kindergarten for med school applicants.

 

[johnnyscans]

So, I'm two months out from my MCAT and two and a half months out from the end of my serious post-bacc work (as in the last grades that will be listed as complete on my AMCAS. I will be taking calculus I/II and potentially two more science courses next year (micro, immuno, pharma) during my application period.

The down-and-dirty. These will be my grades when my AMCAS is submitted.
Post-Bacc GPA: 3.84 (all science)
sGPA: 3.45
uGPA: 3.2
MCAT: TBD

Obviously, the big "what if?" here is my MCAT. FWIW, I'm a notoriously good standardized test taker and I am putting everything that I possibly into my prep. I am aiming for (and expect to) score high, but we all know the dangers of MCAT masturbation.

The "soft" facts
-I worked as a senior ocean lifeguard for 6+ summers. I was promoted and also chosen for a variety of special assignments. I ran our junior lifeguard program for 4 years.
-Worked for two years at a high-speed finance/IT gig in Washington, DC. I was promoted and chosen to lead and represent my department at a variety of initiatives.
-I have two years of part/full time volunteer research experience in a top-notch and well-regarded molecular/biochemical research lab. I have presented my original research and am working on two projects that should be publishable.
-I'm a physics teaching fellow for my post-bacc's physics class.
-150+ hours of shadowing and 150+ hours of clinical (with patient/family contact) volunteering
-Various non-clinical volunteering including raising money for various funds on charity rides
-Worked as bar security for my junior and senior years of college, plus some time after. While this, at the surface, may not seem relevant, I think there is something to be said about someone who is paid to remain calm, cool and collected in front of drunks and maniacs.

I should apply with excellent LORs from a variety of sources and have I confidence in my ability to write compelling personal statements and essays.

My Question(s):

-Obviously much of this hinges on my MCAT, so I'll start off with two questions.

-Although I don't like negative thinking, the MCAT has a way of destroying dreams. Although I will do everything in my power to ensure my success, I have to plan for the worse. If I bomb the MCAT, what should my plan be?

-Now, let's say I smoke the MCAT. What should my plan be?

As of now I'm planning on applying at close to June 1st as possible (much of my application is already written). I will apply to all instate medical schools, all neighboring state medical schools, all state medical schools that I have ties to, and all schools that are related to my letter writers.

My plan for my application year is as follows: Calculus I/II and potentially two other classes. Full-time job in my lab (which I was offered). Volunteering. Teaching.

Should I consider enrolling in additional courses and not taking the full-time research job? Would having additional grades to bolster my numbers upon matriculation be helpful? I think that I'm too late for SMPs this upcoming year (especially since my MCAT hasn't come back yet) so should I be applying to SMPS concurrently with my application incase things don't work out my way?

In short, what should I MAKE SURE I do during my application year to put me in the best spot possible to:
a) gain admittance to medical school
b) not lose an extra year if I don't receive an acceptance

Thank you.

 

[DrMidlife]

So, I'm two months out from my MCAT

Here's how I would game this.

1. Do MCAT prep like your career depends on it (which it does). Don't be a cheapskate, if you've held back from buying a tool that could help you. Dig deep. Don't "work" on stuff that's already working - kill yourself to get better at things you suck at. (hello, optics, my nemesis)

2. Get your AMCAS in a done state, with coursework submitted and transcripts ordered, so that you have a verified app by the time your MCAT score comes back. But don't actually apply to any schools yet. If the only way to get in line for verification is to submit with at least one school, pick a school you don't really care about.

3. Do not bet your app on an unknown MCAT score. Do not add your real schools until you know your score is going to help you.

4. Be ready with your school list and your range of acceptable values on the day your score is released. Gather some friends, light some candles, and submit to adult supervision to make you stick to your range. Have a social plan A and B to go out and do something either way it falls.

(5. If your MCAT comes back strong, submit with gusto, and make sure your summer calendar allows for you to get secondary apps done quickly with good brutal review from mean people.)

I vote yes on the research job, plus maybe one class per term. Taking more undergrad isn't going to make any difference - just get requirements done.

As for that range of acceptable values, I vote:
Yes, definitely: 32 and above
Crap! Angst and gnashing of teeth! Roll some dice and take some pepto bismol: 30-31
No, skip it: 29 and below

Best of luck to you.

 

[johnnyscans]

Here's how I would game this.

1. Do MCAT prep like your career depends on it (which it does). Don't be a cheapskate, if you've held back from buying a tool that could help you. Dig deep. Don't "work" on stuff that's already working - kill yourself to get better at things you suck at. (hello, optics, my nemesis)

2. Get your AMCAS in a done state, with coursework submitted and transcripts ordered, so that you have a verified app by the time your MCAT score comes back. But don't actually apply to any schools yet. If the only way to get in line for verification is to submit with at least one school, pick a school you don't really care about.

3. Do not bet your app on an unknown MCAT score. Do not add your real schools until you know your score is going to help you.

4. Be ready with your school list and your range of acceptable values on the day your score is released. Gather some friends, light some candles, and submit to adult supervision to make you stick to your range. Have a social plan A and B to go out and do something either way it falls.

(5. If your MCAT comes back strong, submit with gusto, and make sure your summer calendar allows for you to get secondary apps done quickly with good brutal review from mean people.)

I vote yes on the research job, plus maybe one class per term. Taking more undergrad isn't going to make any difference - just get requirements done.

As for that range of acceptable values, I vote:
Yes, definitely: 32 and above
Crap! Angst and gnashing of teeth! Roll some dice and take some pepto bismol: 30-31
No, skip it: 29 and below

Best of luck to you.

Dr. Midlife,

As always, your advice is both greatly appreciated and well-received.

Aside from following the SN2ED schedule to a T I'm doing extra verbal review in addition to teaching physics and taking anatomy/physiology (so my physiology is extremely fresh). MCAT is getting 2-3 hours a day (spread over 4 months). I am NOT taking this lightly, as I realize this will make or break my app. My goal is to have everything pre-written, transcripts ordered and everything ready to go on June 1st. I have also cleared out most of my summer to allow for fast turn-around of secondaries (if I do apply).

I'll keep this thread updated as things progress.

Thank you.

Edit: MCAT is April 27th, which means grades should be released prior to June 1st.

 

[Ryush]

I think that for MD, you should definitely do an SMP. It would take a very long time for your cGPA to get into an acceptable range. You should be applying for SMPs NOW-if you have a burning desire to get in same-year, consider EVMS, Toledo, RFU and, to a lesser extent, University of Cincinnati. If you're planning to take a gap year between the SMP and medical school, consider BU or Tufts. If you think that you can be the valedictorian of the Georgetown SMP, consider Georgetown.

If you decide to go the route of raising your undergrad GPA by taking classes, don't just do retakes--take upper-level biology classes. However, again, that will take so long that your MCAT will likely have been expired by the time that you get your GPA to an acceptable level. I'd say do an SMP.

Just wondering, but why would you suggest University of Cincinnati to a lesser extent? Is it generally harder to get in than the options you suggested before?

Thanks!

 

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[GorgeousBorges]

Just wondering, but why would you suggest University of Cincinnati to a lesser extent? Is it generally harder to get in than the options you suggested before?

Thanks!

I saw a post on SDN awhile back that said that the program director for University of Cincinnati SMP said the class had an average GPA/MCAT of 3.4/33. I believe that the stats for at least RFU and EVMS are considerably below that. I don't know anything about Toledo.

If you can get in, you should consider University of Cincinnati SMP for sure, actually. It's got a great same-year matriculation rate, as good as RFU or UToledo.

 

[DrMidlife]

FYI, a program with a lot of Californians is going to skew high on averages. Gtown and Cincinnati are about half Californians. EVMS is less than a third. Pros and cons with this.

 

[Ryush]

Ahh makes sense. Thanks for your thoughtful response.

 

[One Hip Guy]

So..I suppose I belong here, unfortunetly.

In 2008(freshman in high school) did a post-secondary option, my first year I took English 1101, received an A, and Computer App(B)

Did again junior year, A's and B's. Senior year, didn't take post secondary, started partying.

Entered college 2011.

First semester: B in Bio 1, WD from English 1102, Precalculus F, Gen Chem D.
Second Semester: Precalc F, English 1105 WD, Bio 2 WD, Statistics F
Third Semester: Complete withdraw(had to drop out because of family reasons)

Now I've almost completed my fourth semester and I finally matured and conquered my apathy. I'm doing great, and am expecting to get all A's...I just hope my stupidity and naivety won't hold me back from doing this.

GPA: 2.45 :/

 

[deleted248403]

So..I suppose I belong here, unfortunetly.

In 2008(freshman in high school) did a post-secondary option, my first year I took English 1101, received an A, and Computer App(B)

Did again junior year, A's and B's. Senior year, didn't take post secondary, started partying.

Entered college 2011.

First semester: B in Bio 1, WD from English 1102, Precalculus F, Gen Chem D.
Second Semester: Precalc F, English 1105 WD, Bio 2 WD, Statistics F
Third Semester: Complete withdraw(had to drop out because of family reasons)

Now I've almost completed my fourth semester and I finally matured and conquered my apathy. I'm doing great, and am expecting to get all A's...I just hope my stupidity and naivety won't hold me back from doing this.

Doing what?
Was there a question in there? Did you want something?

 

[One Hip Guy]

No, no question lol.

By doing this I meant going to college with the aspirations of becoming a doctor.

 

[Dr Turkelton]

Hey guys I would love some advice. Just got my first rejection to a post-bacc (dominican) and I'm starting to think I've been kidding my self about my chances getting in anywhere, as that is supposed to be one of the easier ones to get into. My gpa is ****, but I thought my performance this year and my MCAT score would give me a shot somewhere.

My stats now:

2.7 cgpa prior to this year
31 mcat
GPA for this year will be around a 3.8 which should bump cgpa to a 2.9

Do you guys think there is a point to keep applying or should I just spend a year taking classes by myself then apply to SMPs and postbaccs next year? The other places I was thinking about applying to were post baccs at places like LECOM, DMU or an SMP at Wayne State.

The deadline to request graduation is coming up soon so I have to decide if I want to stay here another year or graduate and move on with my life.

Thanks

 

[redbullnhockey]

Okay, so I started applying to some postbac programs (wee!), and just for kicks, I looked at the Harvard Extension program app. It wants applicants to calculate their nonscience and science GPAs, as well as their cumulative GPA.

First off, I earned an AA degree, then transferred to a 4-year state school. I didn't realize that my unofficial transcript from the state school didn't take my transfer classes into consideration in the cum GPA.

So, I calculated everything out just as the application outlined, and realized my cum GPA (everything from AA+BA totals, although not all of my AA courses transferred over) was lower than I thought. I'm under a 3.0, largely in part to my first two years of slacking off and being directionless.

science GPA: 1.99 (it's ok to point and laugh)
nonscience GPA: 3.06
cum GPA: 2.85 (I hope you're still pointing and laughing)

Now, I'm assuming I probably won't get into any sort of postbac program and hell, maybe I won't ever be able to do the doctor deal. I'm seriously lost right now. Should I just forget it? What do I do? I'm about to start a chem class and math class in a couple of weeks because I would need it for a certain postbac program, but I'm seriously thinking it doesn't even matter anymore.

Sorry if this was long and confusing. I'm totally willing to clarify if need be. Thanks for reading.

 

[common man]

science GPA: 1.99 (it's ok to point and laugh)

over how many credits of BCPM? how many credits of science classes at a 3.7 would you need to bring it up to a near a 3? these days the 3.0 is still hopelessly far off from averages of DO & MD schools - but it's a direction to look towards. maybe a strong trend will help you into SMP.

Should I just forget it?

if you're really interested in medicine, then hell no.

if I had to guess, you'd probably have to take upper level science classes for a couple of years and then do an SMP. i'd suggest applying for a second bachelors where you can get federal loans (avoid private loans) and you get to choose your classes. go to a local state school that is cheap and gives you flexibility in choosing your classes.

best advice I can give you is this...you've just been knocked out cold. don't get back into the ring until you are ready. worse thing that can happen is you rushing back in the ring to dig a deeper hole and lose money. really make sure you know why this time you'll do better. practice other study techniques. something's gotta change!

good luck!

 

[redbullnhockey]

over how many credits of BCPM? how many credits of science classes at a 3.7 would you need to bring it up to a near a 3?

That sparkling GPA was after 5 courses (3 during my community college years, 2 at state university). If I took the science courses at a community college, then I'd be looking at about 5 courses with 3.7 in each. That'd bring me right up to 3.0.

I wish I could go back and tell 19-year-old me to get her crap together. Back then, I would have killed to have had the determination I have now, but at the time, I didn't even know what I wanted. I guess that explains it. haha

I've thought about doing a second Bachelors... I was told it would be a waste of time and money, but honestly, everything you say makes sense.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[futdoc251989]

Hey guys I would love some advice. Just got my first rejection to a post-bacc (dominican) and I'm starting to think I've been kidding my self about my chances getting in anywhere, as that is supposed to be one of the easier ones to get into. My gpa is ****, but I thought my performance this year and my MCAT score would give me a shot somewhere.

My stats now:

2.7 cgpa prior to this year
31 mcat
GPA for this year will be around a 3.8 which should bump cgpa to a 2.9

Do you guys think there is a point to keep applying or should I just spend a year taking classes by myself then apply to SMPs and postbaccs next year? The other places I was thinking about applying to were post baccs at places like LECOM, DMU or an SMP at Wayne State.

The deadline to request graduation is coming up soon so I have to decide if I want to stay here another year or graduate and move on with my life.

Thanks

I'm shocked that Dominican rejected you. When did you apply?

 

[deleted248403]

GPA: 2.45 :/

No, no question lol.

By doing this I meant going to college with the aspirations of becoming a doctor.

Keep getting As if you want a shot. And then rock the MCAT

 

[deleted248403]

over how many credits of BCPM? how many credits of science classes at a 3.7 would you need to bring it up to a near a 3? these days the 3.0 is still hopelessly far off from averages of DO & MD schools - but it's a direction to look towards. maybe a strong trend will help you into SMP.

if you're really interested in medicine, then hell no.

if I had to guess, you'd probably have to take upper level science classes for a couple of years and then do an SMP. i'd suggest applying for a second bachelors where you can get federal loans (avoid private loans) and you get to choose your classes. go to a local state school that is cheap and gives you flexibility in choosing your classes.

best advice I can give you is this...you've just been knocked out cold. don't get back into the ring until you are ready. worse thing that can happen is you rushing back in the ring to dig a deeper hole and lose money. really make sure you know why this time you'll do better. practice other study techniques. something's gotta change!

Good advice overall except for the bolded part.

At some point, this game stops becoming a good idea, and the knee-jerk "always shoot for your dream" stuff is bullsh*t. This game is far too expensive, far too competitive and far too long to slog endless towards with no hope in hell. With the back-door to medicine through the Carib closing, you could literally take classes for 10 years trying to improve your grades and never get in. For this kid, he should keep trying as its only 5 science courses, but at some point - other career options might be more appropriate (i.e. sGPA of 1.99 with 30 science classes). Not everyone can be a doctor, thats just the reality.

That sparkling GPA was after 5 courses (3 during my community college years, 2 at state university). If I took the science courses at a community college, then I'd be looking at about 5 courses with 3.7 in each. That'd bring me right up to 3.0.

Community college science classes to save GPA and impress future adcoms is never the right approach. You need to take them at a 4-year - and if it takes 5 courses to get to a 3.7, then plan on taking a whole year of classes (8 science classes, 4 each semester) and then applying to an SMP

 

[deleted423719]

No to specific programs - figure out what you want. Just go somewhere you actually take med school classes - otherwise its just a fake SMP

You shouldn't have waited so long with that great MCAT to do an SMP - it might expire.

Applying to schools in December is a waste of time, but applying early - schools may wait to look at your app (esp the host institution you are doing your SMP at)

I've been looking at a lot of schools and as I'm from the NY area I'd like to stay around here (it would really shave the cost) but the only "real" SMP close would be NYMC and MAYBE UMDNJ (not sure if they accept people outside of NJ). So I was just wondering if schools like Columbia or Mt. Sinai would cut it at all. Also since I would be applying this coming cycle, I'm guessing it'll be of benefit for me to apply to SMPs with good linkages. I've heard good things about Georgetown's SMP but they don't seem to have any concrete linkages just linkages that are hinted at where as a school like Temple guarantees matriculation if you get over 3.5. In my case, would it be more beneficial for me to go through say Georgetown where there are a lot of "linkages" or a school like Temple or EVMS where it's a high linkage with their own medical school but not really other places?

Also what is a good number of programs to be applying to right now?

Thank you!

 

[justalittlestar]

Hey guys I would love some advice. Just got my first rejection to a post-bacc (dominican) and I'm starting to think I've been kidding my self about my chances getting in anywhere, as that is supposed to be one of the easier ones to get into. My gpa is ****, but I thought my performance this year and my MCAT score would give me a shot somewhere.

My stats now:

2.7 cgpa prior to this year
31 mcat
GPA for this year will be around a 3.8 which should bump cgpa to a 2.9

Do you guys think there is a point to keep applying or should I just spend a year taking classes by myself then apply to SMPs and postbaccs next year? The other places I was thinking about applying to were post baccs at places like LECOM, DMU or an SMP at Wayne State.

The deadline to request graduation is coming up soon so I have to decide if I want to stay here another year or graduate and move on with my life.

Thanks

You don't have the 2.9 yet, right? Maybe that's one of the reasons you were rejected.

Well I'm probably going to be applying to DO masters programs next year with similar stats (though I have yet to conquer the MCAT like you have. Nice score!) so I'll offer my two cents. I got a rejection from UPenn SSP, about a year and a half ago, it's a similar postbacc like the Dominican one you applied to but they're a lot more strict about their 3.0 cut-off. So I know how that feels . Just keep a positive attitude and keep applying.

My advice, if you're up to it, get your GPA up to that 2.9 or possibly even higher if you can then apply to the SMPs. With your MCAT I would think you have a shot at some program. Other than that, you could luckily hear back from some of the other programs you already applied to. I saw that you applied to PCOM's biomedical program and UMDNJ's masters program. LECOM is also a really good one to apply to as I think they have a linkage. I'm just guessing you're looking into osteopathic route. I don't know about the other two programs you mentioned DMU or Wayne State.

Sounds like you're on the right track you're just getting a little discouraged--if you really want it, stay with it. That's all I can say.

Good luck.

 

[plasmamorris]

Hey guys I would love some advice. Just got my first rejection to a post-bacc (dominican) and I'm starting to think I've been kidding my self about my chances getting in anywhere, as that is supposed to be one of the easier ones to get into. My gpa is ****, but I thought my performance this year and my MCAT score would give me a shot somewhere.

My stats now:

2.7 cgpa prior to this year
31 mcat
GPA for this year will be around a 3.8 which should bump cgpa to a 2.9

Do you guys think there is a point to keep applying or should I just spend a year taking classes by myself then apply to SMPs and postbaccs next year? The other places I was thinking about applying to were post baccs at places like LECOM, DMU or an SMP at Wayne State.

The deadline to request graduation is coming up soon so I have to decide if I want to stay here another year or graduate and move on with my life.

Thanks

Hang in there - I was in the same boat as you last year. Sub-3.0 GPA, an alright MCAT (30+) and getting rejected from SMPs. All of that can make you feel like you're not going to make it. You're at the end of a rough 4 years and you're just trying to get somewhere and hold onto something. I just wanted to chime in an say - keep pushing. Everything works out in the end, but you have to take the punches and keep moving to get there.

I applied on a whim to TCMC's MBS program, got in, got a 4.0 my first semester, have been in the program for 7 months now and was accepted into their med school about 3 weeks ago. There's hope - as long as you get into an SMP, it's not game over yet. One rejection doesn't mean they all will reject you. Admissions departments are weird. I was waitlisted at Cincinnati's program and was contacted by their admissions office saying that had I applied earlier I may have gotten a spot (even though they have a 3.0 GPA cutoff). Stranger things happen in this process. Hang tough and wait till the process is over. Meanwhile - check out TCMC's MBS program, it did awesome things for me.

 

[DrMidlife]

I've been looking at a lot of schools and as I'm from the NY area I'd like to stay around here (it would really shave the cost) but the only "real" SMP close would be NYMC and MAYBE UMDNJ (not sure if they accept people outside of NJ). So I was just wondering if schools like Columbia or Mt. Sinai would cut it at all. Also since I would be applying this coming cycle, I'm guessing it'll be of benefit for me to apply to SMPs with good linkages. I've heard good things about Georgetown's SMP but they don't seem to have any concrete linkages just linkages that are hinted at where as a school like Temple guarantees matriculation if you get over 3.5. In my case, would it be more beneficial for me to go through say Georgetown where there are a lot of "linkages" or a school like Temple or EVMS where it's a high linkage with their own medical school but not really other places?

Also what is a good number of programs to be applying to right now?

Thank you!

Your competition is willing to move across the country to get into the best SMP to maximize their chances of getting into the best US MD school. SMP applications opened six months ago and you'll now be applying for the waitlist at the good ones.

Get moving. Get your SMP apps done right now. If you can afford to apply to 10 programs, then that's a good number. Get your apps out immediately. While you're waiting to hear back, do research in this forum to learn from those who went before you. Whether you should apply MD in June (3 months away) is a major concern. (I vote no.) It can be a blessing or a curse to have great acceptance odds at the med school hosting the SMP (to the tune of an extra $150k in costs).

In summary:
1. apply to a bunch of SMPs right away
2. then figure out your strategy by doing a ton of reading here

Best of luck to you.

 

[Dr Turkelton]

I'm shocked that Dominican rejected you. When did you apply?

Sent in my app in January but I found out in February I had to get my transcript evaluated since it was Canadian so I was complete about 3 weeks ago.

You don't have the 2.9 yet, right? Maybe that's one of the reasons you were rejected.

Well I'm probably going to be applying to DO masters programs next year with similar stats (though I have yet to conquer the MCAT like you have. Nice score!) so I'll offer my two cents. I got a rejection from UPenn SSP, about a year and a half ago, it's a similar postbacc like the Dominican one you applied to but they're a lot more strict about their 3.0 cut-off. So I know how that feels . Just keep a positive attitude and keep applying.

My advice, if you're up to it, get your GPA up to that 2.9 or possibly even higher if you can then apply to the SMPs. With your MCAT I would think you have a shot at some program. Other than that, you could luckily hear back from some of the other programs you already applied to. I saw that you applied to PCOM's biomedical program and UMDNJ's masters program. LECOM is also a really good one to apply to as I think they have a linkage. I'm just guessing you're looking into osteopathic route. I don't know about the other two programs you mentioned DMU or Wayne State.

Sounds like you're on the right track you're just getting a little discouraged--if you really want it, stay with it. That's all I can say.

Good luck.

Thanks a lot for the support. Yeah my gpa is a 2.7 not counting this year so that is what is on my transcript, which is why I am wary to send out any more applications before this summer. I'm just gonna use this as motivation to get my grades as close to a 4.0 this year as possible. I definitely would love to go to a DO school so I'm going to apply broadly to post baccs this summer and hope I get in somewhere. Hope it works out for you too!

Hang in there - I was in the same boat as you last year. Sub-3.0 GPA, an alright MCAT (30+) and getting rejected from SMPs. All of that can make you feel like you're not going to make it. You're at the end of a rough 4 years and you're just trying to get somewhere and hold onto something. I just wanted to chime in an say - keep pushing. Everything works out in the end, but you have to take the punches and keep moving to get there.

I applied on a whim to TCMC's MBS program, got in, got a 4.0 my first semester, have been in the program for 7 months now and was accepted into their med school about 3 weeks ago. There's hope - as long as you get into an SMP, it's not game over yet. One rejection doesn't mean they all will reject you. Admissions departments are weird. I was waitlisted at Cincinnati's program and was contacted by their admissions office saying that had I applied earlier I may have gotten a spot (even though they have a 3.0 GPA cutoff). Stranger things happen in this process. Hang tough and wait till the process is over. Meanwhile - check out TCMC's MBS program, it did awesome things for me.

This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. That really is inspiring. Thank you so so much. I'm gonna use this rejection as a learning experience and keep on trucking and kill my upcoming finals. I haven't really looked at TCMC before this but it looks like an awesome program. I will definitely be applying to it this summer. Congrats on your med school acceptance!

 

[uncesleepy]

Hi everyone, looking for some feedback here on my chances to get into a SMP program next application cycle (i.e., this December - January for next years SMP programs starting in August).

Some basic statistics and facts:

1) Neuroscience major at top public university in US
2) uGPA: 2.83 sGPA: 2.79 including 28 credits of post-bacc work (GPA 3.94) over the course of the last year (uGPA, sGPA started at 2.53 and 2.41 respectively)
3) MCAT: 38O (14V, 12P, 12B)
4) Currently shadowing a radiologist (>100 hours)
5) ~250 clinical volunteer hours
6) After graduating college, I spent the first year working in corporate strategy for a respected big bank before beginning to pursue post-bacc work. I've now been away from school for 2 1/2 years.
7) Limited research experience, no publications
8) Great LOR's from a retired MD teaching at a top medical school and former employers, but only decent ones from professors (did not have a chance to reach out during post-bacc work).


Although I can spend another year to pull my uGPA and sGPA up to a 3.0, it will require an additional 32 credits (~8 classes) and I simply am running out of patience and resolve to follow through with this route. As a result, I am hoping that an SMP program such as UCincinnati or Georgetown will take a flyer on me as a high risk-high reward individual.

A couple of questions that hopefully somebody can help answer:
1) Are there circumstances under which top SMP programs are willing to overlook a 3.0 GPA requirement?
2) Assuming I won't be able to get into one of the top SMP programs, should I be willing to go to a mid-tier one?
3) What else can I do to be more competitive to get into a top SMP?


Thanks in advance.

 

[deleted423719]

Your competition is willing to move across the country to get into the best SMP to maximize their chances of getting into the best US MD school. SMP applications opened six months ago and you'll now be applying for the waitlist at the good ones.

Get moving. Get your SMP apps done right now. If you can afford to apply to 10 programs, then that's a good number. Get your apps out immediately. While you're waiting to hear back, do research in this forum to learn from those who went before you. Whether you should apply MD in June (3 months away) is a major concern. (I vote no.) It can be a blessing or a curse to have great acceptance odds at the med school hosting the SMP (to the tune of an extra $150k in costs).

In summary:
1. apply to a bunch of SMPs right away
2. then figure out your strategy by doing a ton of reading here

Best of luck to you.

Thanks for the advice DrMidlife. I'm fairly certain I should applying this coming June just because my MCAT score (37) will expire after this coming application cycle. Which is why I've been trying to figure out what kind of SMP would be best for me but I supposed I should just apply to a broad range and see where I get in first before making that decision. Would you recommend that I only apply to category 1 SMPs or category 2 "SMP's" as well?

 

[DrMidlife]

Thanks for the advice DrMidlife. I'm fairly certain I should applying this coming June just because my MCAT score (37) will expire after this coming application cycle. Which is why I've been trying to figure out what kind of SMP would be best for me but I supposed I should just apply to a broad range and see where I get in first before making that decision. Would you recommend that I only apply to category 1 SMPs or category 2 "SMP's" as well?

My GPA enhancement categories from 4 years ago? That "category 2" didn't include any SMPs.

Sorry to be blunt, but you need to learn faster. You're coming across as not giving a crap about going to med school except that you got a winning lottery ticket with that 37. Plenty of folks with 35+ MCAT scores never get into med school (as, um, you've seen).

If you're serious, then get off your butt and apply some of those problem solving skills. robflanker gave you the same advice I did, almost a month ago. Tick tock tick tock.

Best of luck to you.