I did not do well in my undergrad, but I want to do medical school; what can I do to enhance my record?

Question

I did not really care so much during my undergraduate career. I partied a lot and did not study so much. The sheer fact that I maintained a GPA higher than 3.0 is amazing based on my study habits. When I finally did start caring, it was too late--my GPA was already stuck in the lower 3's.

I have looked into Post-Bac programs, and I have also considered Master's degrees. In looking at Master's degrees, I am considering a degree in a science vs. a degree in education. Teaching on the high school level would be fun, but I still feel a calling to do medicine. I am wondering if getting a Master's in Education will at all help my shot at getting accepted into medical school.

I know that there are numerous ways to improve one's chances at getting into medical school, I just want to know if my way is a good one. If not, what should I do?

Answer 1

Have you considered doing a physician assistant program or a pharmacy program? Not only would the requirements be less stringent for those programs, but PAs and pharmacists spend time w/patients and help them w/their medical problems so you'd still have the satisfaction of helping people.

If you really, strongly feel that you should be a doctor though, go for it! Try to shadow some doctors and see what they do and don't do, which is a big plus for anyone looking to enter any profession. I'm a law student who doesn't have good grades but I got a great unpaid internship last summer where I actually got to help draft legal documents and listen to clients and other such things to see if I still want to be a lawyer. Consider spending a day or two w/your family doctor. And put this kind of experience on your med school application so schools can see how serious and determined you are to be a doctor. Even if they don't like your grades, they'll at least admire your determination.

Answer 2

My cousin started studying to be a doctor quite late, but he was able to do it. I think the important thing is to show desire. I'm not sure if education would be helpful in a medical career unless you wish to work at a medical school.

I think a science master would help you more, and if you spent some of your time volunteering for medical-related projects, and also getting internships in medical fields, that would help you out.

Maybe if you contacted the schools you want to go to directly, they could give you some better advice. A 3.0 GPA doesn't sound too bad, especially if you have other things later that show you are willing and energetic.

Answer 3

like you said, one good option is the post-bac program.
you could also try a masters degree in public health...those are 2 year programs. i'm currently getting my masters and know several people at school applying for med school. i dont know they undergraduate past but they are getting into schools.
getting a good mcat score is important. if you interview well, you just need to have good enough grades and mcat scores to get yourself an interview.
also, i know this sounds terrible, but don't aim too high. if you know you're not going to get into a top 10 med schools, don't apply there. apply to schools that accept people with your undergrad gpa and mcat scores. if take the mcat and arent happy with your scores, take it again before applying.
good luck!

Answer 4

Separate your technology GPA out of your universal GPA. in the adventure that your technology GPA is larger than 3.5, you have gotten a shot with an admission committee, presented your MCAT score is severe. in the adventure that your technology GPA isn't above 3.5 then you certainly could repeat the courses which will advance it. If I have been on your footwear, i does no longer take the MCAT yet. you are going to desire to get the utmost score available and a low GPA shows you haven't any longer mastered the fabric yet. as a substitute, take prepare MCAT exams. this might perceive your weaknesses as nicely as make you familiar with the forms of questions you will come across. Your worst case state of affairs is taking a submit-bacc application. it is not a undesirable place to be in, exceptionally on account which you at the instant are familiar with the fabric and you do no longer could overload with unrelated courses. in case you haven't any longer been doing volunteer artwork in a well-being care environment, you may get on it. The closer to can get to definitely affected person care, the greater effective. you apart from could get letters of advice from physicians. opposite to what many human beings think of, a LoR from an instructor does not carry lots weight--your grades tell that tale. terrific of luck!

Answer 5

Anything above 3.0 would do I think, just make up by doing very well on the entrance exam, or GRE. Get good letters of recomendation and write a very good essay.