r/PreMedInspiration

So I messed up in undergrad, 2.7 overall gpa and probably 2.3 science gpa. I had a lot going on mentally and just couldn’t do it. I now graduated and have been working post grad in marketing and realized how unfulfilled I am. I’m currently 24 and want to go back into healthcare and pursue my MD. I don’t want to start too late but am not sure what the process is from here. If I do a postbach that would at least take me until I’m 25 ish. From there I would have to do mcat prep and then apply so 26-27, and probs start med school at 27. Any thought or advice on what to do, as someone who’s working in marketing right now and wants to pivot?

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone had some advice or guidance of what to do in my situation. Basically I have been planning what to do this summer as a pre med all year, but basically everything fell through. I had a research internship for the summer but it wasn't funded so that was cancelled (I am set for research in the fall and spring though), I then signed up to get my EMT certification but I am on a waitlist for that so that will probably not happen. I then basically got in for volunteering at my local hospital for the summer, but it seems like they've ghosted me. I filled out everything and they said they'll input me into the system but I haven't heard back since. I am now basically stuck with NOTHING. The only thing I can do is shadowing diff doctors, but I can't spend all summer just shadowing (I was planning on shadowing regardless). Can't get an MA job bc everyone wants certifications. I'm really stuck and don't know what to do. I really need to get into med school with no gap year so I CANNOT waste this summer. Pls someone give me advice or suggestions on what to do this summer.

Hey everyone,

I am currently building my college list and focusing on premed and BS/MD programs. My goal is to come up with a solid, realistic balance of reach, target, and safety colleges.

If any current undergrads or fellow high school applicants have a spreadsheet or school list they previously used (or are using now), would you mind sharing it?

Alternatively, could you point me toward any reliable databases or resources that allow you to filter BS/MD programs or premed choices based on stats, acceptance rates, scholarships, fees etc..

Any general recommendations for the following would be incredibly appreciated:

• Schools with excellent premed advising and high medical school acceptance rates.
• "Hidden gem" BS/MD programs that fly under the radar but offer fantastic medical school guarantees.
• Undergraduate colleges with strong, built-in clinical or research partnerships.

Thank you so much for the help!

hi everyone! i’m looking for some advice as to whether or not i even have a chance at the med school route or if I should consider other options. i’ll start by saying that my undergrad GPA is awful (2.83) due to various reasons that have to do with the desire for wanting to even pursue this route. I understand that a decent amount of repair is needed to even be considered. my issue is that i’m not aware of all potential options for repair, so i’m wondering if somebody can give some insight and what the best option may be for me. thank you in advance!

Hi everyone. I’m looking for honest but constructive advice because I feel like I don’t really have anyone to talk to about this process.

I’m a Georgia resident and a first-generation premed/applicant. I’m currently an undergrad planning to graduate this summer. I’m interested in applying DO-heavy with maybe a few mission-fit MD schools, but I’m trying to figure out if applying this cycle makes sense or what do I need to do to strengthen my application first.

My current stats are:

• cGPA: 3.06
• sGPA/BCPM: about 2.0
• last 40 credits GPA: about 3.7+
• MCAT: 484 from my first attempt
• Retaking MCAT on 9/11

The biggest issue is that my early science grades are rough. During my first two years of undergrad, I was dealing with undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes. I was losing weight, dehydrated, exhausted, and not functioning like myself, but I didn’t know what was happening yet. I was eventually diagnosed, and since getting treatment and learning how to manage my health, my academic trend has been much stronger.

I know the diabetes story doesn’t erase the grades, and I’m not trying to use it as an excuse. I’m trying to figure out whether it can reasonably provide context, especially if my recent academic performance and MCAT retake in Sept. show that I’m in a different place now.

Outside of academics, I have strong leadership experience. I’ve been an RA and have a major leadership/training role at work where I train and mentor staff, build systems, and lead operations. I also have clinical exposure/shadowing experience and I’m working on strengthening that further.

Because I’m first-gen in this process, I’m also struggling with knowing what’s realistic, what schools actually screen for, and whether I should apply now or wait. I don’t want to waste money applying somewhere that won’t even review me, but I also don’t want to count myself out if there’s still a real path forward.

My questions are:

1. Is it worth applying to any schools before my new MCAT score comes back, or should I wait until the score is released?
2. For DO schools, would a strong MCAT improvement make me a realistic applicant despite the low science GPA?
3. Should I be looking at applying this cycle, or would a postbac/SMP be the smarter move?
4. How do schools usually view a major health issue like undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes when it clearly lines up with the weakest part of the transcript?
5. Are there specific types of schools I should focus on or avoid based on my stats?

I’m open to hard truths, but I’d really appreciate advice that’s actually actionable. I know my GPA situation is not ideal, but I’m trying to figure out the smartest path forward instead of giving up.

Looking for a different premed degree, I just completed my first year of college as a Bio major and honestly feel like I’ve learned nothing. I have no real interests in biology mainly just doing it for med school. Looking for alternatives that are good for other well paying careers incase med school doesn’t work out.

I would like to add that I was doing well in Biology (4.0 GPA). just not my passion

Single 31 y/o 5 yr NICU RN looking to pivot to MD/DO. Edu Hx: state university for BSN. Dropped out for health reasons 4th yr w/ 3.4 GPA. Transferred to another state university, had to retake all sciences, graduated w/ BSN w/ 3.3 GPA while working full time and starting/running a non-profit. In order to meet the pre reqs for med school I still need to take a handful of science classes. To meet these requirements, is a post bacc worth the price for potential link program benefit? or will state university classes with a strong MCAT suffice? Appreciative of any guidance, thank you in advance.

Hi,

I am feeling kind of sad with my GPA. I might have to retake ORGO and it was a hard semester for some reason. I put in a lot of effort constantly but it still did not turn out well. I think I will have a 3.4 or 3.5 gpa with science gpa around the same by the time I apply if I can get a lot of As. I have good ECs but need some more volunteering hours. I might have 2 publications by the submission time…but they could also both not end up ready by that time. I have research and will do clinical soon. I have 60 shadowing hours. I will start MCAT prep soon. I do advocacy as some volunteering and have a story to my ECs that show an area of medicine I have a lot of interest in. Any advice or encouragement? I know the standard post bacc or gap year will be suggested but something besides that.

since unis don't give a course spec, it's hard to know where to stop, especially when technically everything is fair game. but realistically for Year 1, how do you even know how much is enough? yes, eventually you have to know it all, but right now the question is where the line actually is because i can't learn it all

Hello everyone this is a piggyback from my previous post! Now I’ve included the whole app and just ripped a school list from admit.org to see y’all’s opinions! My main goal is to find a good school for match rates.

APPLICANT PROFILE
State of Residence: New York
Hometown: Queens, NY (K–12 NYC public schools)
Background: URM; Low SES; First-generation college student; Only member of family to graduate high school
Gap Year: Yes

ACADEMICS
Undergraduate Institution: T30 University
Major: Biochemistry (B.A.)
Cumulative GPA: 3.94
Science GPA: 4.00
MCAT: 515 (131/124/130/130)

Academic Distinctions:
- Magna Cum Laude
- Phi Beta Kappa (PBK)
- New York American Chemical Society Certificate of Excellence (Top 2 graduating seniors in Chemistry/Biochemistry)
- Dean’s List (multiple semesters)

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Clinical Research Assistant + Medical Assistant – Interventional Pain Management Practice
Duration: Full-time gap year
Hours: ~1200
- Supported daily clinical research operations
- Assisted with IRB protocols and regulatory compliance
- Coordinated longitudinal patient follow-up and outcomes tracking
- Maintained research databases and documentation
- Contributed to data analysis and study execution

Research Output:
- 2 National Posters (3rd & 5th author) – North American Neuromodulation Society
- 1 International Poster
- 1 Manuscript submitted for publication

Wet-Lab Research – Biochemistry Laboratory
Duration: Junior year
Hours: ~250
- Studied effects of dietary supplements on nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways
- Conducted molecular assays and statistical analysis
- No publication

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Medical Assistant (included in 1200 hours above)
- Performed urine toxicology screening
- Collected vital signs
- Prepared charts and assisted workflow
- Supported patient care continuity through documentation

Emergency Department Volunteer – Mount Sinai
Hours: ~310
- Provided bedside support to patients
- Assisted with patient transport
- Supported nursing and clinical staff
- Observed high-acuity emergency care delivery
- Mentored/shadowed new volunteers

NON-CLINICAL VOLUNTEERING

New York Cares – Volunteer
Hours: ~170
- Soup kitchens and food distribution
- Repacking produce for underserved communities
- Adaptive activities with children with disabilities
- Community service across NYC boroughs

New York Cares – Team Leader
Hours: ~200
- Led college access programming
- Coordinated volunteers for service projects
- Organized clothing distribution and food service
- Focused on underserved and homeless populations

TEACHING & MENTORSHIP

Phi Lambda Upsilon (Chemistry Honor Society)
Hours: ~40
- Led Organic Chemistry study sessions
- Mentored peers on research opportunities
- Provided academic advising and course guidance

PHYSICIAN SHADOWING
- Cardiac Anesthesiology: 40 hours
- Emergency Medicine / Urgent Care: 80 hours
Total: ~120 hours

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

SHPEP – Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons
- Summer Health Professions Education Program participant
- Received distinction in Abnormal Psychology

REACH
- Johns Hopkins
- UCSF
- Duke
- Columbia
- WashU St. Louis
- University of Michigan
- Mayo Clinic

TARGET
- Weill Cornell
- Icahn at Mount Sinai
- Albert Einstein
- University of Rochester
- Stony Brook
- University of Pittsburgh
- UChicago (Pritzker)
- Case Western Reserve
- Boston University
- USF (Morsani)
- Tufts

BASELINE
- Hofstra
- SUNY Downstate
- Buffalo (Jacobs)
- SUNY Upstate
- New York Medical College
- Albany Medical College
- Creighton
- Saint Louis University
- Hackensack Meridian
- Western Michigan
- University of Central Florida
- Georgetown
- University of Cincinnati
- Dartmouth (Geisel)
- Ohio State

Hello I am wanting some advice I am a current RN with hopes to enter medicine. My story is long I am learning as much as I can along the way. I am applying to University of MD SIE program (you just take sciences in the evening) with my current stats I believe I will receive admission. My goal is to take my core pre-med sciences and retake a&p 1&2 to boost my science GPA my current science GPA is 2.650 this is including two core sciences at a CC. I may also retake Microbiology & Statistics since I also got a C in both of those courses at my university. After I complete my courses at UMD I still want to enter another post bacc program (Masters)/SMP school. I am currently looking at Drexel Pathway to Medical School and then Old dominion university's M.S in biomedical sciences. Should I shoot for more competitive programs (NYU or GWU) after I complete my SIE courses ? or do you guys think I could get into Drexel and Old dominion (please suggest other school) with my current stats and I should just apply and go for it? I also plan on obtaining my BSN while taking my courses at UMD (I promise will will pace myself lol). I appreciate any and all advice you guys give to me! some other info about me is I come from lower socioeconomic background (luckily no kids) that's why I considered Drexel !

****Update*****

I was told not to waste time pursuing a BSN if I am going to be retaking my sciences I need to just focus on getting my grades in the courses!

while I may not get my BSN I will still want to work PRN to pay for school and most jobs require a BSN after a certain amount of time so that is something I will need to consider.

Okay so I’m working as a PCT right now, but it doesn’t feel like I’m getting significant patient interaction nor vital practice. I really want a hands on job as it’s what I’m passionate for. I’m ending my sophomore year and really need a job that can grant me clinical experience. It’s really tough out here especially in the DFW area. Does anyone have any advice? Some people say to volunteer and then network that way, but are there others? Let me know please I’m struggling.

Hi,

I am applying nontraditional hopefully this cycle for medical school. I took ochem 1 in college and failed, retook it and got a C in the class. I did not end up taking ochem 2 until now s few years out of school. I may have to retake ochem 2 because there was such a huge gap since I took ochem 1 to now. Will that look bad on applications? I have time to retake it because I am planning on taking the MCAT this august while preparing my application. Please only provide constructive or positive advice! I can't change this path so please be understanding. Thanks in advance!

I have a bachelors degree in biology. My GPA is 3.78, and I have a 500 MCAT (i’m taking it again next month, welcoming study suggestions!!) What should I do to increase my chances of getting into med school somewhere? I’ve also done abroad experiences while in undergrad. Thanks!!!

I graduated from college in 2023 (I’m almost 25). My original goal was to go to medical school. I started to study for the MCAT my junior year, but I was also doing a summer research program and couldn’t follow my strict study schedule. I also shadowed one foot and ankle surgeon and I felt like I heard more about his vacations and him playing video games on his peloton. I then postponed my goals. I have the grades and the coursework necessary. I also am a pretty determined student.

I have worked as a CNA since high school and have always loved patient care. I also worked in pharmaceuticals and biotech, which I didn’t like because I wanted to get back to working with patients. I eventually started working as a behavior technician with kids with autism and now a behavioral health technician at a psychiatric hospital. I just have always felt drawn to healthcare. I’m even taking nursing classes at a community college, but that isn’t calling my name.

I have been researching therapy, nursing, and even going to PA school. I would do therapy, but I would be drowning in debt with a low paying job. And if I do nurse or PA, I feel like medical school will always be in the back of my head.

Some of my hesitations I have around being a doctor are writing scripts all day long, which is what it looks like on the outside when working at the psych hospital, and lacking connections with patients because the high patient load and shorter time at the bedside. I do enjoy problem solving, and I would love the challenge of helping people with complex medical histories.

Overall I just want to feel connected with the people I work with, feel challenged in my day to day job. I don’t want to just write scripts.

Any advice would be so helpful. I feel like I’m having analysis paralysis.

After my sophomore year, my cGPA is a 3.44 and my sGPA is 3.29. I plan to take the MCAT in this following September, and hoping to score 515+. I have minimal hours right now for clinical, shadowing, and volunteering, but I graduate a semester early and am planning to take a gap year to fill these hours if needed.

With my stats, would I also have to consider taking a post-bacc to raise my GPA? I do want to go straight to medical school, but I feel like my GPA is holding me back and I am working on getting my hours.

Also, how long before a MCAT score expires since I want to take a gap year? I am taking it in September 2026 and plan to graduate December 2027. When should I apply if I should take a gap year without having my MCAT score expire.

I got to a hard rigor technical school and I am hoping for them to take this into account. My semesters don't typically have a positive trend, but I tend to do better in fall semesters than spring semesters. I intend to get A's in my remaining classes, and hopefully raise my cGPA to a 3.6. I've gotten 5 B's and 2 C's already and I am nervous that this can cost me getting into a good medical school.

What should I do for my stats if I want to go to medical school right after I graduate and is that possible?

I am taking

AP Bio

AP Calculus AB & BC

AP Physics C : Mech

And I already Have taken

AP Chem

AP Psychology

In College The required Pre Reqs for Pre med is

General Physics I and II, General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, General Biology I and II, Biochemistry.

The questions is I am taking AP Physics C : Mech and have the option to self study AP Physics E&M. Which makes the most sense that would cover the most of General Physics I and II. Taking E&M or taking Physics I while taking Physics C : Mech.

(Also do you guys have any other good APs that would benefit to self study)

Thank you, Fancyfail5851

If I want to apply for pre med (health science, science….) , I should do volunteer at hospitals during hs. I really need some one explain these requirements in Canada, I’m too confused.