Did not get into Masters, need advice in my future plan

[dodohae]

Hello, I have just completed my fourth year in Molecular Genetics with a cGPA of 3.37. I had a dismal first year (2.67) but I have somewhat recovered my GPA next three years (3.49, 3.57, 3.8 in summer, 3.77, respectively). My dream goal when I entered the university is to go into medicine, but after the horrible first year I had, I knew that wasn't an option. Only viable choice at this point to have a chance at medical school is going for second undergraduate degree, but I am not ready for another 4 years of study that I feel is wasteful (Also unsure on what to do- I don't really have a passion in any pursuing other degree. Question here: is second undergrad always 4 years? Can it be still in science? if it can, wouldn't a lot of prerequisites overlap?) and I wanted to work/research as soon as possible. 

Now I am looking to go into research and although I am hesitant to say that I loved research, I did find the the experience in two labs that I had been in as an undergraduate interesting. I applied to three different departments in U of T (Laboratory medicine and pathobiology, molecular genetics, cell system biology) and I have been rejected by the latter two. I doubt I get into the LMP with my GPA. In upcoming fall/winter semester, I am going to take bunch of courses to boost up my gpa, and possibly take some prerequisites for occupational therapy/physiotherapy/nursing program. I am going to try my luck in masters program again, but I will definitely apply to the above three programs as a backup. 

But then now I realize that even becoming the physiotherapist is a tough road, when I saw that the mean accepted GPA was 3.75 GPA (whopping 1000 applicants!) I'll try to put up a 4.0 this semester and hopefully get in. Anyone have experience in the physiotherapy/occupational therapy program? I have heard quite the same thing from nursing applicants, where you need ~3.7 to have decent chance at getting accepted. I would like to hear from one of you what my chance is. I have over ~500 hours of volunteer experience working in wheelchair escort/ chemo clinic/ symptom screening/ critical care unit at Sunnybrook. Even if I was to get accepted into one of these programs, how is the job market for them? I know there are tons of openings for nursing (Another question for any nurses out there: Do RNs get to coordinate nurses to do bedside work rather than doing those themselves?) but was not sure for PT/OT. Also, If I was to do a degree in one of these, which program would be the most easiest to get good GPA in? (Just curious; I don't want to completely rule out medical school). 

Thanks for your advice!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[shikimate]

Michener institute at Toronto has a lab technologist program. I know someone who did it, I think it's 2 years. He found a job right away in GTA and within 2 years he was full time. Pays pretty decent and unionized job too. May be worth considering.

 

To be honest with your best year's GPA at 3.77 it's still iffy for med. You could ace the MCAT and have a shot at UWO or move to another province and gain some advantage that way etc. But still the odds are not good. I think you need an in depth look at your situation.

[erts]

There are many other schools where you can do an MSc in molecular biology related fields with a 3.3+ GPA. Have you considered doing your masters at some place besides U of T? I am not from Ontario so I don't remember all the admission requirements but I am fairly sure a 3.37 is high enough to gain entery into Uottawa or Western for an MSc.

[mollypercocet]

In your case I would not recommend a masters because it would not help boost that GPA.

I'd say do another undergrad this one will not be 4 years assuming you go into a program that has similar pre-reqs as your first. I'd say go into something that's more related to health if you're truly interested in medicine. This way you will be working on your GPA and if you no longer want to go into med you still have a career waiting for you in healthcare. It would also help your application as you would have more experience working with patients and I think that it would help you with the interview.

Keep in mind no one really cares about first year as many school drop your lowest year. Queen's and Dalhousie look at your last 2 years. UOttawa looks at your last 3 years. There is still hope!

Suggestions: Accelerated nursing (2 years), Respiratory therapist (3years), Diagnostic imaging(3years) etc.  

[ballsortahard]

On 7/1/2017 at 10:01 AM, mollypercocet said:

In your case I would not recommend a masters because it would not help boost that GPA.

I'd say do another undergrad this one will not be 4 years assuming you go into a program that has similar pre-reqs as your first. I'd say go into something that's more related to health if you're truly interested in medicine. This way you will be working on your GPA and if you no longer want to go into med you still have a career waiting for you in healthcare. It would also help your application as you would have more experience working with patients and I think that it would help you with the interview.

Keep in mind no one really cares about first year as many school drop your lowest year. Queen's and Dalhousie look at your last 2 years. UOttawa looks at your last 3 years. There is still hope!

Suggestions: Accelerated nursing (2 years), Respiratory therapist (3years), Diagnostic imaging(3years) etc.  

 my understanding was dal looks at all four years

[mollypercocet]

Just now, ballsortahard said:

 my understanding was dal looks at all four years

Nope! They have multiple options like last 2 years of undergrad, best 3 years (if you've graduated), I think if you do a masters its Masters GPA=1 year, 1 UG Senior year and 1UG (any) year.