<p>so i know that there have been countless threads about getting a bad GPA your first semester and i know most recommend doing better next semester (which i plan to do) and making the most out of your summer. </p>
<p>i ended up with a 3.1 gpa this semester (science gpa is 2.5). i wound up not studying enough and that coupled with being at a top 10 school means the academics were a lot for me to handle. i understand how to get grades up but im not sure what to do this summer. </p>
<p>my GPA is obviously extremely low for any research programs (which is what i would want to do) so what other ways can i maybe get involved in research (i have past research experience at UCSF) </p>
<p>if research is out of the question what other things would you recommend to improve my chances of getting into med school (i hope to shadow but i want to do something else besides that).</p>
<p>thanks!</p>
<p>Research programs are for the most part not designed for rising sophomores. Strong preference at these programs is usually given to upperclassmen so the likelihood of you landing one these positions was poor to start with.</p>
<p>If you want to do research this summer, your best opportunity will be at your own college.</p>
<p>Summer is a great time to do some or all of the following:</p>
<p>1) shadow physicians
2) get involved in clinical or non-clinical volunteering
3) paid employment of any kind </p>
<p>Working any kind of public contact job can actually provide you with valuable skills that will be useful to you in the future (How to deal with a boss, how to deal with difficult individuals, how to work effectively as part of a team, interpersonal communication skills, and indirectly time management and money management.)</p>
<p>thanks WayOutWestMom! </p>
<p>im planning to apply to research at my home institution/email professors there asking about research. if not, i have done previous research and i might continue that project (although i have already done that for two summers so i would prefer to research in a different field and maybe stick with that if i like it)</p>