<p>I had alot of personal issues in college and I graduated with an extremely low gpa (think 2.0 science, overall gpa just slightly higher). I didn't even consider med school. Now that I am eight years older (and much wiser), I know I could get A's if I took the science pre-requisites again. The MCAT also doesn't scare me. Is it still possible to complete a post-baccalaureate program and get into med school even if you did that badly as an undergrad?</p>
<p>There's a lot of very important information that you're missing, but I have to warn you that I suspect we'll be unable to provide you with an answer even after you've answered them.</p>
<p>As such, you will see that I've asked a lot of personal questions and can promise nothing in return. It's my hope that you will not feel obligated to answer them.</p>
<p>1.) What kind of medical schools are you hoping for?
2.) How unscared are you of the MCAT? Have you taken a practice test to get some idea of what your score would be?
3.) What might your GPA be after the post-bacc; that is, how much would you be able to raise it?
4.) Most importantly, what is your race?
5.) How have you spent the intervening years?
6.) Are you sure you want to enter medical school at roughly age 33? (Two years in post-bacc, one to apply, eight out of college.) [I have an aunt who entered at exactly that age and seems to love her career. The decision is certainly right for some people.]
7.) Why do you want to enter medicine?
8.) What is your home state?</p>
<p>Well Mike you certainly do have quite a few questions.
1. I'm interested in any accredited medical school that would accept me. Also, I'm considering PA programs.
2. I have reviewed an MCAT study guide but I haven't taken a full practice test. I need to do that.
3. I think I underestimated my GPA but even so, I'd only be able to get my GPA up to a 3.0 to a 3.2 if I got all A's in a 2 year post-bacc program.
4. I'm hispanic but don't see why that would be most important.
5. I've spent 4 years in the social services field. The other 4 were a wash.
6. Yes.
7. I've shadowed doctors before. I am interested in the diagnosis process I watch them engage in. I read about medical breakthroughs for fun.
8. CA
Marie.</p>
<p>1.) This is a big deal -- many kids will become picky about what kind of medical school to attend. Being open to a PA program is also a very smart move - more money than some doctors, more patient interaction than most doctors, and much less time spent training. Furthermore, DO programs have all options open to them that MD programs have -- from surgery to specialization to whatever you can think of. Kids are often irrationally picky about this as well. I would strongly suggest not going to the Caribbean, something that kids (astonishingly) tend not to be nearly picky enough about.</p>
<p>3.) I do think the psychological impact of seeing a GPA that starts with "2" is a big deal. If you could cross the 3.0 threshold, I think that would be important. Obviously, the higher the better.</p>
<p>4.) Because the numbers for medical school admissions vary hugely depending on your race. You'll notice that even among hispanics, some get large bonuses and some get very small ones.
<a href="http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/2006/mcatgparaceeth.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/2006/mcatgparaceeth.htm</a></p>
<p>Pay attention to the science GPA of matriculants. You can see that a 3.2 would begin to approach the average for Mexicans (3.36), and around half of students are admitted below the average. On the other hand, you'd be farther behind Cubans (3.43), for example. If you were an Asian kid (3.6), I'd consider you dead in the water.</p>
<p>5.) Again, this is one of those times where you'll need (eventually) to be more specific, because it's a big deal -- but you don't necessarily have to be specific with me, because I don't know how good or bad things would be. But be prepared to talk about this AT LENGTH in your interviews and essays. Both halves.</p>
<p>6.) Again, this can clearly be the right choice for some people. It will not stop any medical school from admitting you, but there may be some discussion of this in your interviews. It would be borderline illegal to do so, but you may find that it comes up anyway. I would, in that case, recommend ignoring the legality and answering truthfully.</p>
<p>7.) The reason I ask is not so that I can screen you; the reason for the question is that overwhelming desire for medicine can overcome weaker numbers. If you present a very compelling case, then you will be forgiven a great deal. I would say that at this point, the three things you listed would probably not buy you a lot of numerical points. That's okay. You have two years left to figure out why you want to do this.</p>
<p>8.) Unfortunately, that's the only answer you could possibly have given that will make me wince. CA is notoriously the state from which it is difficult to get into medical school. At the same time, some schools have more unpredictable algorithms than others, and some schools have particularly activist admissions policies, so they're particularly interested in underrepresented minorities with compelling life stories.</p>
<p>if you can get your gpa up to a 3.2, get a good MCAT score (30+) and may some more ECs like research and some volunteering/shadowing, id say you have a really good chance, especially because you're hispanic.</p>
<p>Well, now I have an idea how to proceed. Can't do much about being a California resident but I think I have compelling covered. Thanks to both of you for your input. Bluedevilmike, thank you for taking the time to write up such a detailed response. It's great to have the advice of people who know how it's done.</p>
<p>Well, now I have an idea how to proceed. I think I may at least have a chance now. Thanks to both of you for your input. Bluedevilmike, thank you for taking the time to write up such a detailed response. It's great to have the advice of people who know how it's done.</p>
<p>Well, now I have an idea how to proceed. Can't do much about being a California resident but I think I have compelling covered. Thanks to both of you for your input. Bluedevilmike, thank you for taking the time to write up such a detailed response. It's great to have the advice of people who know how it's done.</p>