Hello,
I wanted to introduce myself to OPM.
I started out pursuing a biology degree and ended up with a 2.6 GPA and a 2.1 BCPM.
Since then, I earned an MPH degree and a second bachelor’s degree at another school where I graduated with honors. I currently stand at a 3.0 BCPM and a 3.2 overall GPA these days. Do schools look at overall GPA trends? My low grades are almost 20 years old.
I’ve taken the MCAT several times without success…I took two exams in 2001 and 2002 and most recently last year. My scores ranged initially from a 19 (2001 and 2002) to a 25. I am currently in the process for applying for accommodations this year for a time extension due to my learning disabilities…and REALLY putting in an effort to study this year. I am not planning to mention the fact that I have learning disabilities because I am afraid of any stigma that would result from this disclosure. Would you agree that this is a good course of action?
I’m also considering a post-bacc program in Hawaii. This program is for disadvantaged applicants and they seem to have a preference of residents of Hawaii (unfortunately I am not) and wanted feedback on two questions…
- One question I am particularly concerned about is that they ask about family history in terms of income, occupation, etc for your parents and grandparents. I am not on speaking terms with one of my parents, and have not been in years. I am not sure how to convey this information professionally on this application.
- The other questions is regards to community service in in the South Pacific. I have tons of community service experience (and even won an award at my school for outstanding community service. BUT due to where I live, it was not specifically in Hawaii. How can I highlight my community service experience even though it was not in their preferred geographic location?
I would consider a post-bac program in my home state, but it was discontinued several years ago due to funding issues.
It’s great to be part of this online community! Thanks in advance of any advice you and provide.
Welcome to OPM!
Before I can give my opinion, I need some clarification on your need for accommodations due to your learning disabilities. Were you granted these accommodations in undergraduate/graduate school? If not, that’s a little shaky for me and I say this as a person WITH ADD.
Honors grades and a low MCAT = poor test taking abilities and a lack of comprehension of the material in IMHO. What have you done/are doing to address this? Retaking classes? Taking a prep course?
While the path ahead isn’t insurmountable (I did it myself), it’s going to require a LOT of self-reflection on your test taking skills. And because I’ve seen MCAT problems lead to flunking out of med school due to failing classes, not passing boards, and in one case, getting kicked OUT of residency, I would be remiss not to mention it now. I’m also not sure if talking about having accommodations is the right approach before other issues are addressed first such as test anxiety, study skills, MCAT test prep, test taking skills, ect.
I’ll concede that probably sounds like a hellava intro to OPM but hey, I’m one of the long time old timers on this board that believes in keeping it real first and foremost. But I’ll also be among those to celebrate your future success!
Welcome, fulla grace!!
Regarding the income info…that is more pertinent with younger applicants. It still is necessary for the FAFSA for some amount of time but I’m sure you are past that (I never get asked for it for the FAFSA but I know 30 year olds who do). You could probably just mention that you do not have that info because you have not lived with those family members for such a long time.
Do NOT take the MCAT again now, would be my first piece of advice. Not more than 3 times is usually the advice, which you have already done. So the next time should definately be the last time. If you are trying to get into a postbacc program to repeat and refresh your prereqs, do those courses and then take the MCAT at the END of postbac for applcation to med school, AFTER a prep course and addressing any test-taking issues. If you already have the prereqs and just need to retake MCAT to be able to apply to med school, devote your time till next spring prepping for the MCAT, shadowing, volunteering, and then applying to med school. If you are planning on the post-bac in order to make it into med school with a linked program, check out the statistics carefully - what do you have to do to make it into the med school, what percentage of the post-bacc students DO. It still is a very expensive road if you don’t actually need the courses.
Hope that’s somewhat helpful. Best wishes!!
Kate
Ok just want to be sure you didn’t calculate your 500+ level courses from the MPH into your accumulative GPA.
Thanks for all the advice. To Nontradpremed- I didn’t calculate my 500+ courses into my cumulative GPA.