<p>I am currently a "to-be senior" and I have been interested in the medical field for quite some time. The thing is, I screwed up, majorly. Let me explain. </p>
<p>Now, when I first started off in high school, I did pretty well, with a 4.2 GPA. But when sophomore year came, I went into major clinical depression. Whether you believe this is an "excuse" or not, it was a total game changer for me. It dropped my GPA and class rank greatly. Junior year, it slowed down a bit and I was diagnosed with mild depression and I did attempted some work. Now, my accumulative GPA stands a 3.57. I also took the ACT and got a 22 Composite score. Not good. At all. </p>
<p>Enough of that, it is now summer and I must accept my GPA and where it stands. I'll admit, I am really disappointed in myself for going into depression; but it lasted 2 years for various reasons and I have to start applying to colleges very soon. The thing is, I don't know if I can even get in anywhere with a good or decent reputation as both a university and a place known for having a strong biology program so I can get a decent "Pre-Med" education. </p>
<p>I know I have to start the application process around August, and I'm not a good candidate. But, would you guys be so kind to help me formulate a list of colleges/universities that have a good to decent reputation and is quite popular for their Pre-Medical studies which fits my criteria? </p>
<p>I know you can update your application process by turning in transcripts and such things after the first semester of your senior year in high school. I believe I am out of depression for the most part and am feeling quite well mentally, so I will try my best to maintain a 3.8+ GPA and I will have to study for the ACT and SAT in order to get a decent score. </p>
<p>For those of you who actually read all of this and are willing to help me, I cannot explain in words how much it would mean and be helpful to me. </p>
<p>My understanding is that you went from a 4.2/4.0 to a 3.5/4.0 which isn’t bad at all.
and even if you had a 2.8 or something. Your undergrad schools means little to nothing as long as you keep up gpa wise to other applicants for med school.
The only thing i’ve heard to go against that is that doing pre med work at a Community College is looked down upon. but there are ALOT of “easy” universities to get into. and it doesn’t seem to me that you would have any trouble getting into those</p>
<p>I appreciate the encouragement. I’ve been using Cappex as a kind of “standpoint” to see where I am at, and I am not doing so well. Community colleges are an absolute no, I don’t hate them, it’s just I’d rather not go to one.
I am mainly looking at universities/colleges in the east coast. With the exceptions of California and Illinois. I just can’t seem to find any and was looking for assistance.
Here’s my list that I have:
Boston U., UI Champaign, Penn State (although the incident is making me paranoid…lol), and Stony Brook U. I believe I have a 50/50 shot with these schools.
Thank you though once again.</p>
<p>I think your state flagship would be an excellent option. They will prepare you very well for medical school and you will not leave with as much debt as you would have accrued going to a private school (assuming you are unable to win lots of merit money at private schools). Assuming you pull your standardized test scores up to the ranges your state flagship accepts, you should be golden there. Since many public schools are on a rolling admissions basis, you could apply there soon and have results this fall/winter.</p>
<p>Are you from Illinois? If you’re 100% sure you want to do pre-med, the most solid advice is to go to the school that is the cheapest and meets all your needs. Pretty much any university offers the classes needed for pre-med, and the easier the university means the higher your GPA. </p>
<p>You will almost definitely have to take out huge loans for medical school so you definitely don’t want to be in debt from undergrad. Understanding your financial situation will allow others to help you choose schools that might be better choices than just the normal state uni.</p>
<p>I’m from Illinois but I am currently living in Ohio. And I really do wish to go out of state. I feel it would be best for me regardless of cost. Cost is not a major issue, just getting in is. Although I would prefer Universities that are under $40,000 a year. Like, Boston U. is an interest to me. Thank you guys, are there any other specific U’s you could recommend?</p>
<p>Yes, I have read this already. But I’m just trying to make a list of what schools I would have a good chance of getting accepted to based on my GPA and test scores. Thank you though.</p>