<p>I'm in a very difficult position in regards to eventually applying to medical school. I hoped to be pre-med during undergrad, but became very sick early on and opted to major in Literature instead. I didn't think it would be possible to deal with the sometimes severe, unmanaged pain and a harder course load. I also became depressed because of my condition. Because of the illness, which we assumed was chronic, I'm a junior with a 3.2 GPA at a top 10 university. I've received a few unexpected diagnoses and it's now very likely that I'll feel better by Senior year. If that's the case, I'd like to apply to post-bacc programs, but it seems like the admit rates for many of them are very low and my GPA certainly isn't going to help. I think it's safe to say that my sickness won't be good enough excuse. Many of them say that merely applicants need to have a GPA that is above 3.0, but I can't imagine that they'd accept students with lower GPAs when they have students with 3.5+ GPAs applying. I'm also a first generation college student and URM, but I assume that doesn't mean anything when you're applying to these programs.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any advice on the kinds of programs I might be accepted into? I'd ideally like to go to a smaller program with decent med school admit rates, but I realize that might be out of reach. I would appreciate any responses. If you think it's unrealistic, feel free to say that as well.</p>
<p>How small is small? 10 students? 25? 50?</p>
<p>Is financial aid a consideration? </p>
<p>Are you willing to relocate?</p>
<p>Do you want a full time or part-time program?</p>
<p>AMCAS has a searchable database of post-bacc programs. (You’ll choose career changer as the type.)</p>
<p>[Postbaccalaureate</a> Premedical Programs - Search](<a href=“http://services.aamc.org/postbac/]Postbaccalaureate”>http://services.aamc.org/postbac/)</p>
<p>If you follow the links to each program you’re interested in, you will find information about the program: how long it lasts, how many students it accepts and their matriculation rate into med school.</p>
<p>You will get some leeway in the admissions process if you can document your illness (and show it’s not going to be an issue during the post-bacc), as well as some for being an URM and first gen college student. But there are no guarantees.</p>
<p>Since it’s been a while since you’ve done any science or math coursework, you may want to consider taking a refresher class or two during senior year–maybe college algebra or a non-science major intro to bio/chem class. Be aware that ANY math or science courses you take (even those that won’t count towards med school admissions) WILL be included in your AMCAS science GPA. (IOW,don’t take them unless you’re sure you’ll do very well.)</p>
<p>3.2 and URM might be OK. do not rule out anything. Otherwise, 3.6+ is almost a must. Do not stress your illness too much though, say something different if there is a question about your GPA.</p>