<p>Sorry if this isn't the right forum to put this in, but I figured you guys would know better than the ones on the general can I get in forum.</p>
<p>Here's my situation</p>
<p>I'm about to go into my sophomore year at University of Dayton. I was an engineering major, but barely got a 3.0. I dropped engineering because I can't pay for the school and don't want to worry about losing my scholarship every semester. Anyways, I'm in between majors right now, and I'd love to go to med school, but is my GPA too low to raise?</p>
<p>My plans for the next semester are taking basic business courses (I still don't know what I want my major to be, just as long as it's not pre-med, because if I don't get in, then what) and a basic bio course and organic chemistry with a lab. I feel I can get my accumulative GPA to a 3.4 this year with the easier classes. Either way, I'm seeing med school as my main goal, with some sort of business degree as a backup. Unfortunately, because I'm switching to business, an easier major, is that going to be looked down upon?</p>
<p>Jeez I'm stressed... Someone help me out, please.</p>
<p>Thanks
-Branden</p>
<p>I think you still have a very good chance. Both my folks are MD's, so I'm a little informed, about which I speak. Just demonstrate consistency, and determination. Med. schools want some diversity in terms of chosen majors. Business is quite respectable. Take a deep breath and be true to yourself.</p>
<p>Do what you like. If you like bio or chem, major in the field. If you don't get into med school, that's fine. Law school or getting your MBA are always options, among many others.</p>
<p>Just do what you like.</p>
<p>yeah, just do what u like to do....u will definitely have a job for that!
if u don't feel compell to be a doctor, then getting into a med school would be tough! But still, u never know! And u r still in ur sopho year in which case, u've more time to explore! do so, and njoy college! ;)</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses, I'm gonna make sure though that I don't party as much this year. I'm aiming for straight A's, though O Chem could be a toughie, do you guys have anything I can look at on the internet this week as a sort of primer for organic chemistry.</p>
<p>I would suggest MCAT review books. They will be a start to orgo.</p>
<p>Also, for those of you telling me to do what I like, I hated engineering and all the calc that went with it. I finished Calc 1 and 2, I don't need to take Calc 3, do I? God I hated that trig crap. I'm trying to figure out what I like, I just went w/ egr cuz I was good at math. The only thing I could see myself having passion for at the moment is something in the medical field.</p>
<p>How do you know you want to be a doctor? How can you be sure? Before you go through all this trouble (or while you're going through it), make sure you get some clinical experience; shadow a doctor or something.</p>
<p>As for math, there are only a handful of schools that require you to take up to Calc II. Most just want one or two semesters of college math. A few require statistics. So the best way to have all your bases covered would be Calc I and II (which you've already got done) and statistics.</p>
<p>Also, I wouldn't suggest MCAT review books... I can't say I'm all that familiar with them, but I'm guessing that not only do they *review<a href="ie%20assume%20you%20already%20took%20the%20course">/I</a> but I assume they also focus specifically only on what you'd find on the MCAT. Here's a thread on SDN that's got all sorts of great links and resources for Orgo: <a href="http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=408740%5B/url%5D">http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=408740</a></p>
<p>As for a business degree, I don't think it should make a difference (one of the "pre-med forum vets" can answer that with more certainty). It might actually be very useful should you end up getting into med school and eventually starting a private practice.</p>
<p>Chances are impossible without an MCAT score.</p>
<p>there's no such major as "pre-med"...</p>
<p>Also, had a friend in a worse situation than yours... pre-med counselor told him he still had a fighting chance</p>
<p>Well, uh, thanks dukeguy, but I'm only a sophomore, I'm expecting to graduate in 3 and a half years. So, that gives me what, two years til I take the MCAT?</p>
<p>Then we can't answer the "Can I get" question until two years from now. I don't mean to be short with you, but the question in the thread's title is simply not answerable.</p>
<p>Well, then I guess I'm asking, with my GPA this low (3.0), should I even bother trying. And I guess the answer is yes.</p>
<p>I would certainly discourage anyone with a GPA of 3.0 to be optimistic about chances for med school. The reality is that the odds are against that unless the student has something very very very remarkable in the rest of the application. Having said that, you still have the opportunity to raise your score. Keep in mind that:</p>
<p>"State schools usually reject applicants with a GPA or Science GPA of below 3.0"</p>
<p>"Private schools ( which are the most flexible ) usually reject applicants with a GPA below 3.5 ( Science of 3.3 )"</p>
<p>You need to really ace the MCAT (at least an 11 average ) and have more than solid ECs. Do not take the MCAT more than once.</p>
<p>Even though I'm only entering my sophomore year? I don't expect to graduate with a 3.0</p>
<p>Yes, but MB: He's only finished his freshman year. His GPA at time of application could end up being anywhere from 1.33 to 3.67.</p>
<p>Also, I tested into an honors English course that, at UD, counts for 2 semesters of a regular English class. Am I going to have to take another semester of English?</p>
<p>Maybe you should talk to your advisor at school? Or check the med schools you are interested in requirements? Having just dropped one of mine off at st louis med school, I can tell you that if you struggled your first year at school ( yes a 3.0 IS struggling for med school), you might be better served looking elsewhere career wise. </p>
<p>It's not to say you couldn't do it, but realize you are competing against alot of people for very few slots. You're going in against people whom pulled 4.0 or dam close to it first year( and every year after). It's a horse race and only a few come in on the money. You've put yourself at the back of the pack out of the gate. Can you honestly pass the group and place?</p>
<p>If you really do want to go into medicine, do it. Work your ass off and get that GPA up. If it is not high enough after Junior year, you might want to take a year off so senior grades count. Additionally, you could always do an SMP or Post-bac to bring your GPA up before applying...</p>
<p>It's simply too early to start making backup plans, contingency plans, etc. etc. It's too early to tell him that he can do it if he works hard; it's too early to tell him he can't. It's simply too early.</p>