I am hoping for some solid advice. Here is my story:
Went to a liberal arts school to play basketball
freshman year GPA(1st then 2nd semester)=3.0,2.78
sophomore year=3.2,3.3
junior year=3.35,3.71
senior year=3.2,3.69(at the beginning of my senior year was working as a phleb 2-3 days a week from 4-8am)
Science gpa=3.17, non-science=3.47, cum=3.1(according to AACOMAS) I have a 3.31cum from my undergrad at the lib arts school.
graduated in 2010
I minored in literary studies because I love to read and write. I have courses in microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, conservation bio, and (at the end of my senior year) was selected to participate in a cadaver dissection as an undergrad. Only 6 people were chosen. I got an A in the class! 
After the dissection class, I took a couple of classes from a state school (develop psych and precalc), and then this spring took a research class (from undergrad school) got an A.
As far a shadowing experience, I have shadowed 2 MD’s and a DO. I have worked in the lab as a phlebotomist, and since then have transferred to a different department where I am on the CPR team and work fairly closely with cardio docs. I also have my CNA. Volunteer work: local small non-profit that works with people infected with HIV.
During college, my sophomore year, a DO found that the right side of my little brothers heart was enlarged. This past year he had open heart surgery to fix an anomalous upper right pulmonary vein. It is a major reason why I am choosing to pursue my dream of becoming a physician.
I grew up in a very rural area; my father is a dentist. Because I idolize my father, I paid close attention to how he dealt with patients. I also am aware and have some insight about the lifestyle that a care provider has if he/she chooses to live and treat patients in a rural area.
I did not choose to pursue a DO/MD degree until the end of my sophomore year. The only medical advisor at my school picks favorites. I lacked guidance and therefore missed out on many important preparatory steps. She was giving advice to her favorites on good places to shadow, great intern possibilities, classes they should be taking…etc. I only received harsh words and discouragement.
I know the reality of my situation. And I also am aware of the average GPA of accepted students. I made mistakes as a freshman
My question to you is:
Looking at all of my “stuff” is it a good idea to apply this year, or should I wait one more year and do a missions or work in a 3rd world country? (I have a close family friend who does a ton of work and can get me a job/internship). Or should I continue to work and pick up some more volunteer stuff around where I live and apply next year? I know that I need to make my application strong so I have a good chance at getting interviews. What do you think? Do I have a good shot this year? What about post baccs, or SMP’s? Has anyone been accepted to one of those with grades like mine? Or should I wait…again.
P.s. I live in a state with no medical school. I can move and try to get into a masters program at a state school here…only thing is I want to be somewhat interested in the masters that I choose. They don’t have a ton of options. And I would prefer to do a SMP or something like it.
Moving out of state wouldn’t be ideal unless I was accepted to a SMP at a school that has a med school. Reason is that to qualify for WWAMI and WICHE I need to be in those states.
Hi
From my perspective I think you have a lot going for you. Your grades are OK (could be better) but there is an upward trend. You’ve got shadowing done, clinical experience covered, you’ve volunteer but don’t mention how long you have done that (typical minimum I heard at last year’s conference was 250 hours - adcom’s are looking for commitment to service so better to be over a longer period than a lot in a short period). Also while a 3rd world mission won’t hurt your application, it is not required.
All that being said, you didn’t mention 2 things that I think will determine whether you apply this year or next.
- have you got all the prereqs (intro bio, gen chem, organic chem, physics - some schools require genetics, english, math etc)? You mentioned some of the upper level biology courses you have but if you don’t have all the prereqs or can’t get them done by matriculation, then this year might not be right.
- have you taken the MCAT and what was score? No way around this one.
If these are covered, then I don’t see why you wouldn’t apply this year. I think you’d have a good shot at getting into a DO school provided your personal statement and letters of recommendation are strong.
Just my thoughts.
Anyone else?
Lynda
I have taken gen chem, gen bio, orgo I and II, genetics, evolution, biochem, a & p, physics I & II, public health, and a bunch of literature classes. Also some psych and other randoms like a religion class. Thats the amazing thing about a liberal arts school!
And yes, MCAT taken. No scores yet. However, considering my computer froze and I was there for almost 7 hours, I have this gut feeling I will be taking it again.
Thanks for your input! I very much appreciate it!