<p>So last year (junior year) I took an AP Bio class and fell in love with biology. Literally I loved studying it and drawing diagrams of different human systems, cell organelles etc. I passed the AP Test with a 4 unfortunately, I wanted a 5 (I didn't have the class for about a month before I took the test), Got As in both parts of the class. </p>
<p>The point is, I am really interested in the subject and I want to go to medical school, but during my sophomore year I received a few Ds, (I am so ashamed)....I really changed junior year and received really high 4.0+ gpas all last year (in AP/honors classes). I have developed goals and I am motivated now, but I know I am not going to get into a great undergrad school. </p>
<p>If I work really hard at an ok undergrad school (cal state, lower UCs) can I still make it into a top med school?
Is there any advice on what I should do now to repair my past and help me prepare for med school?</p>
<p>I want to learn early because I do not want to make any mistakes like I did in high school.</p>
<p>Regardless of where you go you can get into any medical school if you have the right stuff. Your high school grades will not be a factor in getting into medical schools.</p>
<p>Medical schools aren’t going to look at your high school records. So, yes if you get into an ok/good undergrad you still can get into a medical school.</p>
<p>The UC medical schools are some of the tougher medical schools to get into. So when you are in college, study hard, get good grades, rock the MCAT, get to know your professor (for good LORs), and get involved (volunteering(clinical and non-clinical), research (esp. if you aim for a top med school), shadowing, and other non-pre-med ECs can always help.</p>
<p>Have fun though. Don’t be a total pre-med gunner.</p>
<p>Just work hard. As far as top med schools, though, they don’t really exist (“top” in what? research? clinical training? – of course, there are tiers in some sense but the OP need not worry about that at this pt – medicine isn’t law). Yes, some have a degree of pedigree but don’t be worried about top-ranked med schools, as getting into a med school (any med school) is far harder than getting into any UG. Go wherever you are able and will be successful for UG. From there, ace your classes (avg med school matriculant had a 3.66 GPA last year), get involved in ECs, have fun in college, etc. Keep things on track, and you’ll be a viable applicant for med school.</p>