#Help with Medical Journey

5 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

slate raptor
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I graduated college in December 2021. Long story short, I was not in a good state of mind and I definitely did not do well with my classes (GPA :2.85). Obviously, medical schools would laugh at that GPA (as would I). I know a post-bacc program would probably do some good for me (it's just so expensive!). My current stats are
Newborn Hearing Screener: 450.32 hours (started in March 2022) - in a hospital
Medical Scribe: 679 hours (started in May 2022)
ED Department Volunteer: 124 hours (started in September 2022) - in a different hospital
I was going to do the MCAT in May but I decided against it (rightfully so because I don't want to waste a chance)
Overall, I was trying to see what would be the best path to take. I'm afraid to sign up for post-bacc because I don't feel like I'm even competitive enough for that! I always feel like I'm lacking something in my application.

How would one go about getting a medical mentor? Since I'm out of college, I don't even know where to being? How does anyone even start paying for medical school? Does everyone have a financial advisor for it? Can I boost my GPA a little more before post-bacc?

I've always wanted to be a doctor and I know it won't be easy but at the moment, I just need some guidance.

slate raptor
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First off, thank you for giving me constructive criticism and advice. My major was Biology ( i did pretty well in those classes: A's and B's). What really screwed with me were the chemistry and physics classes (C's, D's and one F). Granted, I could've tried harder in others and I thought I was (studying, going to office hours, meeting with others to study). Obviously didn't work for me though! I could've been more resilient and done better. There were certain interactions there (over time) that made me feel as if that school was not the right fit for me. I got so tired of it but I didn't want/couldn't leave because at that point my GPA was going down. Plus, i thought i would've looked like a "quitter" if I went to another school. As for my activities since graduation, the hours are low because those are both part time jobs. I figured that they would help me at least get into a post bacc program. Although, I do love both my jobs and don't want to give them up at the moment.

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Honestly I was thinking about being a PA for a while before trying to dive back into med school but that seems like a crazy idea too!

primal timber
# slate raptor I graduated college in December 2021. Long story short, I was not in a good stat...

Sub 3.0 is low enough to get screened at MD. Idk how it works in DO land. SMPs also usually want you near that cutoff, though there are some specific programs that don't, because their intent is to get you into medical school and that's typically the bare minimum at a lot of MD programs. You'll also prob need to take the MCAT, many request it to see you can take exams and are at least somewhat ready for the journey, so do your research for SMP MCAT reqs. If you do go the SMP route, consider taking additional classes at the undergrad level to raise your GPA to that cutoff.** (See above suggestion about Goro's Guide**.) Can be avoided if your SMP is a direct connect to med school. As in the top percentile of their class have a good shot of getting into their associated program. Those are few/far between and still expected to perform well in the interview, even with the excellent SMP performance. PA => DO is a thing, pretty sure it was LECOM that has a bridge program. Again, idk about DO land but LECOM is known for those types of programs. It's not impossible but you need to be clear becoming a physician is what you really want as there are other less intensive routes to becoming a provider. I say that not to dissuade you, but because it'll be a heavy front investment on your end. (SMP + Potentially a post Bacc + MCAT + EC buffing = likely 2-3 yrs until application is ready for submission) Though it will definitely be worth it if that is your goal.

primal timber