<p>Okay so my HS grades aren't that great, but that's because education wasn't really my first priority .. and I've matured from that stage. </p>
<p>(I'm a junior in high school right now)</p>
<p>My GPA's currently a 2.7, i was wondering if I go to SDSU for pre-med and work super hard there for a very good GPA, would I get into somewhere competitive like UCSF?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, hard work doesn't guarantee medical school acceptance at all, much less to the most selective program in California. Just go give it your best shot.</p>
<p>would I get into somewhere competitive like UCSF?</p>
<p>LOL. Seriously. Probably not, but go for it...</p>
<p>To put it in perspective, a ton of people enter college as premeds. Many drop out after they can't handle general chemistry or general biology. A lot more drop out when then can't handle organic chemistry or physics. Those that survive that gauntlet take the MCAT.</p>
<p>Of those that take the MCAT, about 20% will go on to medical school. 80% will either get a score so low that they don't bother applying, or they won't get in to a single school to which they apply. Of those students who remain, approximately 4% will be at a top-five-selectivity medical school.</p>
<p>So take it one step at a time. Go to an undergraduate school where you're going to learn a lot. Get good grades there, one semester at a time.</p>
<p>Beautiful way to put it. The point is do your best, go for it, but realize that UCSF is quite a high mark so don't set your actual expectations that high...</p>
<p>Also realize not going to UCSF doesn't end your dreams at all. I can't stress enough that any medical school in the US prepares you to enter any residency you can get into. BDM's advice couldn't be much better though. Fortunately for you, med schools don't look at high school GPA's at all. Do your best in college, and good luck.</p>
<p>Another insightful post by chaz. When it comes down to it, not going to a top MD school will not limit you too greatly when it comes to a career as an allopathic doctor. IMO don't worry about the ratings or prestige, just worry about getting into A medical school and ensuring it is affordable and in a location in which you would be happy. Best of luck deeptin09 with beginning your premed endeavors :)</p>
<p>Yeah -- these two above are right, but they might even be thinking too far ahead. Just sign up for the premed courses and focus on doing well in them. Or not even that -- just focus on learning the material really well for that day. Just take it one day at a time.</p>