Bad first two years... is it still possible?

[Whatitis]

Yes, I looked @ the "what are my chances" thread (and my apologies for posting this anyways!) but I wanted to hear actual feedback from people so I hope you don't mind!

 

I am currently attending U of T and doing a human biology major and psychology major, I should be graduating wth a Bsc with Honors by 2013.

My first two years have not gone too well (I only have myself to blame) but I am sure that I am capable of improving...

My first year GPA was 2.77

My second year GPA was 3.0 ~ 3.1

 

Extracuricculars:

@ my residence I participated in the mentorship program, orientation week leader, and even managed to become president for a house (3 floors) at my residence during my second year.

Since grade 11 (2008) I have been volunteering during my summer for roughly two weeks.

I have volunteered at Cambodia (teaching english to kids + adolescents in 2009)

Calcutta, India (Volunterred @ a housing facility for sick people run by the missionaries of Charity in 2008)

South Korea (a clinic run for those who cannot afford proper health care, 2010)

 

Other than that the only thing that may be beneficial towards medical school may be the fact that I participated in a Research Course (for credits) during my second year which involved organic chemistry and being able to teach it to younger students (grades 4 ~ 12)

 

My plans are to:

Raise my gpa (obviously)

Do well on MCATS (obviously)

and fill in some more volunteer hours + research hours

 

I know that my volunteering extends into my highschool years and was wondering if that makes them useless...

Anyways given the above information, do you think Its possible to get into medical school if I apply after I complete my 4th year? And if so, is there anything you would further recommend?

 

Also out of curiosity is it worth mentioning any highschool achievements?

 

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

- A student in distress............

[thehumanmacbook]

Yes it's possible. Just stick to your plan.

[Let'sGo1990]

Don't worry. I'm in a similar position as you. From what I've gathered, your best bet is to do well in your third and fourth year, kill the MCAT, beef up your ECs, and shoot for UWO (look at best 2 years) and Queens (look at last 2 years).

 

If that doesn't work out, I'd suggest doing a fifth year to try and improve your GPA + EC's again but this time shoot for UWO, Queens, and Ottawa (they look at your last 3 years, with the most recent year being worth the most, and the most furthest away of the 3 years being worth the least).

 

After that, if you're still determined on medical school, you can either shoot for a masters or another undergrad (this can be done in 2 years - I believe that credits from your first degree can transfer towards the completion of your next). There's a thread about doing a masters vs. second degree somewhere on the forums. I'd suggest checking that out if you'd like more information.

[rmorelan]

Don't worry. I'm in a similar position as you. From what I've gathered' date=' your best bet is to do well in your third and fourth year, kill the MCAT, beef up your ECs, and shoot for UWO (look at best 2 years) and Queens (look at last 2 years).

 

If that doesn't work out, I'd suggest doing a fifth year to try and improve your GPA + EC's again but this time shoot for UWO, Queens, and Ottawa (they look at your last 3 years, with the most recent year being worth the most, and the most furthest away of the 3 years being worth the least).

 

After that, if you're still determined on medical school, you can either shoot for a masters or another undergrad (this can be done in 2 years - I believe that credits from your first degree can transfer towards the completion of your next). There's a thread about doing a masters vs. second degree somewhere on the forums. I'd suggest checking that out if you'd like more information.[/quote']

 

Yup this is all correct!

 

It is possible but really, really, really nail down that GPA from this point on. You have to figure out why you are not getting the grades you want and fix it

[shikimate]

It is definitely still possible, just check my post in the UWO accepted section.

 

Your priority should be:

 

1) do extremely well in 3rd and 4th year, 2 years both 3.7 is bare minimum. This is a must, because your MCAT could be 44 and your EC could be off the moon but if your GPA is below 3.7 you'll be in serious trouble.

 

2) when you are sure your GPA is good, focus on MCAT, 11VR is key to UWO (judging from past 2 years, unless you are SWOMEN)

 

3) Once your GPA and MCAT are secure, start worrying about EC, research all that.

[Dr24]

Honestly the best suggestion would be to not stress yourself out and get all depressed by thinking soo far ahead. take it one day/week at a time. If you really want this to be your career, study harder than you ever have for the 2 years you have left. Study harder for the MCAT than anybody else. and keep working on ur EC. Stay positive, just remember you don't want to be reflecting back in 2 years and saying that you didn't give it your best shot. Give it your 100% and live up to your true potential.

 

Good luck

[notjk]

Yes, I looked @ the "what are my chances" thread (and my apologies for posting this anyways!) but I wanted to hear actual feedback from people so I hope you don't mind!

 

I am currently attending U of T and doing a human biology major and psychology major, I should be graduating wth a Bsc with Honors by 2013.

My first two years have not gone too well (I only have myself to blame) but I am sure that I am capable of improving...

My first year GPA was 2.77

My second year GPA was 3.0 ~ 3.1

 

Extracuricculars:

@ my residence I participated in the mentorship program, orientation week leader, and even managed to become president for a house (3 floors) at my residence during my second year.

Since grade 11 (2008) I have been volunteering during my summer for roughly two weeks.

I have volunteered at Cambodia (teaching english to kids + adolescents in 2009)

Calcutta, India (Volunterred @ a housing facility for sick people run by the missionaries of Charity in 2008)

South Korea (a clinic run for those who cannot afford proper health care, 2010)

 

Other than that the only thing that may be beneficial towards medical school may be the fact that I participated in a Research Course (for credits) during my second year which involved organic chemistry and being able to teach it to younger students (grades 4 ~ 12)

 

My plans are to:

Raise my gpa (obviously)

Do well on MCATS (obviously)

and fill in some more volunteer hours + research hours

 

I know that my volunteering extends into my highschool years and was wondering if that makes them useless...

Anyways given the above information, do you think Its possible to get into medical school if I apply after I complete my 4th year? And if so, is there anything you would further recommend?

 

Also out of curiosity is it worth mentioning any highschool achievements?

 

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

- A student in distress............

 

The best part of your post is your rationale! Keep up the good work! and good luck xD!

[Whatitis]

hmmm, I have one more question then, since it seems UWO or Queens is highly recommended, would this still be the case since I'm an Alberta resident?

[Let'sGo1990]

hmmm, I have one more question then, since it seems UWO or Queens is highly recommended, would this still be the case since I'm an Alberta resident?

 

I'd imagine you'd have to deal with a higher GPA and MCAT cutoff since you are OOP. It'd be better if another poster gave you more information about this and could confirm this. Regardless, the best/last two year policy will still work for you. You'll just have to work harder than some of the in province kids.

 

Try looking into some of the weighting policies of the universities in your province. I'd tell you, but I've only been paying attention to Ontario schools. Someone with more information will end up telling you more.

[<abstract>]

Just suck it up... and do your very best for these next two years. If you really want something you will succeed IF you do the work!

[rmorelan]

I'd imagine you'd have to deal with a higher GPA and MCAT cutoff since you are OOP. It'd be better if another poster gave you more information about this and could confirm this. Regardless' date=' the best/last two year policy will still work for you. You'll just have to work harder than some of the in province kids.

 

Try looking into some of the weighting policies of the universities in your province. I'd tell you, but I've only been paying attention to Ontario schools. Someone with more information will end up telling you more.[/quote']

 

Western doesn't have an OOP policy, and Queens actually prides itself as being a "National" medical school. Neither have higher OOP cut offs or other considerations. Western does have a regional bias in the form of SWOMEN but most of Ontario is in exactly the same boat as Alberta in terms of the application.

 

This is why Ontario residents actually have a disadvantage compared to the rest of the country

[apache]

you can do it, i believe in you

[doomed]

I have seen people overcome those difficulties stated above... but if you still don't believe that is is possible... then give your EVERYTHING in the next three years and be the first one to make it happen! You can do it! What is so astonishing about human body/mind is that it is use dependent... it get stronger with constant usage! so keep up the hard work and never give up... then I'm sure you will be looking at a brighter future! GOOD LUCK!

[doomed]

if you want one on one FREE consultations then contact these guys --> http://www.premed101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54271 (check out their blog)...

 

I personally know one of them and he is a SMART/great guy... who knows what he is doing... GOOD LUCK!

[kaitagsd]

Don't worry. I'm in a similar position as you. From what I've gathered' date=' your best bet is to do well in your third and fourth year, kill the MCAT, beef up your ECs, and shoot for UWO (look at best 2 years) and Queens (look at last 2 years).

 

If that doesn't work out, I'd suggest doing a fifth year to try and improve your GPA + EC's again but this time shoot for UWO, Queens, and Ottawa (they look at your last 3 years, with the most recent year being worth the most, and the most furthest away of the 3 years being worth the least).

 

After that, if you're still determined on medical school, you can either shoot for a masters or another undergrad (this can be done in 2 years - I believe that credits from your first degree can transfer towards the completion of your next). There's a thread about doing a masters vs. second degree somewhere on the forums. I'd suggest checking that out if you'd like more information.[/quote']

 

Interesting, I'm in the same shoes as OP, except my marks are a lot worse to begin with. I have never considered the Ottawa option (didn't even research about it), and since Queen's requires pre-reqs and I'm doing engineering, I thought my only chance would be UWO or else I'd have to go international!

[rmorelan]

Interesting, I'm in the same shoes as OP, except my marks are a lot worse to begin with. I have never considered the Ottawa option (didn't even research about it), and since Queen's requires pre-reqs and I'm doing engineering, I thought my only chance would be UWO or else I'd have to go international!

 

Do one more year of school and you likely can apply to both Ottawa and get the prereqs if you keep the GPA up. I have seen that quite a bit for the engineering types

[future_doc]

^ I agree with all - including the all important part in the 'edit'.

[apache]

just suck it up, put in two solid years at 3.8 plus, study hard for the mcat, and you've got a shot at queens/western, simple as that, it's absolutely possible!