I Didn’t Do Well in Undergrad. Now What?

“I didn’t do well in undergrad. Now what?” This is a question I receive quite often from pre-med students. Allow me to just start by saying all is not lost. Not in the least! I did not do well in my undergrad science courses either. Part grade deflation, part me not knowing how to best study for college courses. For those who do not know, I had a VERY non-traditional path toward becoming an MD. I have run the full gamut when it comes to pre-med application amplification options. As always, I want to serve as a resource for others. So before you solidify your next step, I want you to consider:

Have I taken all of the medical school prerequisite courses? Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry (I have flashbacks just typing it out lol), Physics, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, etc. Know the required prereqs for the schools that have garnered your interest. Usually they fall within the above list. If you have taken these classes and scored lower than a C in any one, you may consider retaking it. A post-baccalaureate program (post-bac) can help. There are post-bacs that are structured—like Georgetown, Drexel, University of Chicago—that allow you to retake undergrad courses and upper level science courses all the while increasing your science GPA. Some of the structured programs offer mentorship, faculty support, MCAT prep, and the opportunity to matriculate into their med school pending your academic performance. These programs do come with a tuition expense, but are definitely worth the investment.

If you have difficulty getting accepted into formal post-bacs and/or you want to save funds, you can create your own post-bac (non-structured). How? By enrolling at a local university and signing up for the courses you know you need to take and/or retake. When formal post-bacs would not accept me, this is the option I chose and I am so glad I did. No one stops your show! I enrolled at what was then Southern Polytechnic State University (now an extension of Kennesaw State University) and signed up for my courses. I needed to retake Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II and take (I didn’t even bother at my undergrad institution lol) Physics I and II. I actually took Physics I and II at the same time. I know. But I was on a MISSION.

All in all, post-bacs (formal or not) are great options for career changers and students who have prereqs to take and/or retake.

Have I completed all my prereqs with a C or better, but still need to increase my science GPA and MCAT? You may consider a Masters program. If you are going to spend additional time in school, I say get that degree for your troubles! A Masters is Science program is extremely helpful in this way. I highly recommend a two year program that allows medical schools to see an Extended period of time during which you perform and perform Well. Schools love to see a finished product. Two years really does assist with that feat. Masters of Science programs offer upper level science coursework that not only enhances your science GPA, but also allows you to demonstrate your ability to master some of the same information you will see in your first year of medical school. Additionally, seeing that information in depth and on a daily basis is amazing preparation for the MCAT.

I completed a Masters of Science in Biomedical Sciences at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine GA Campus after I finished my makeshift post-bac. Why? Because I still needed additional coursework to raise my science GPA and because I needed to improve my MCAT score. I knew I would knock out two birds with one stone with an MS degree program. And that is exactly what I did. I decided to complete the two years (students were given an option to complete 1 year for a certificate or 2 years for a degree). I took my time and kept right along my non-traditional journey. I did 3 months of MCAT dedicated study the summer after my first year and took the MCAT at the end of that summer. My score improved by 6 points which was pretty significant on the old scale!! My work, enhanced science GPA, and increased MCAT score were finally enough to get me into medical school. I’m just so glad I did the work and never gave up. Again, a Masters in Science is a wonderful option to improve your application if you have already taken those undergrad prereqs! Some programs—like the one I attended—offer a medical school interview based on your performance. These programs are also amazing opportunities to network! Get those letters of recommendation y’all! This program really did help make my application! Not only did I have another (I completed an MPH first) degree under my belt, but I also had precursors to the science classes I would see in med school, regained my confidence, learned more about how to study, and earned letters of recommendation from fresh eyes with a fresh perspective on my potential. Take the extra time and invest in your future.

And if for some reason none of this works, understand we are all on God’s timing. It does not always feel good, but if you are Faithful to the end, So Is He. I’m a witness. Sometimes you are not doing anything wrong. For many, it truly is a matter of timing. BELIEVE your time will come and keep working on your application in the interim. How?

• Email admissions directors of a few schools to audit your application prior to the start of application season. They may offer more insight into what exactly you can improve.

• Once you have applied, update the admissions director with any new grades, new research, new publications, new designations, new honors and awards. Yes, every single time you have an application update, email it in. That’s how I ended up getting into the school I wanted to attend. Persistence. Annoyance? Ha!

• Work on your test-taking skills (meet with a test-taking strategist at your school or local to your city) so you are prepared for future in-house and board exams

• Network! Reach out to a local physician in the specialty of your interest and request a meeting to discuss shadowing opportunities.

• Build your resumé! Reach out to faculty (even from your former school) and ask if there is a research project with which you can assist. Be sure to inquire about publication opportunities before starting.

• Whatever you do, don’t you dare give up!

There you have it! Options for those who are not quite ready to apply to medical school out of undergrad. I applied to medical school twice. I took the MCAT 3 times. I never quit. And I hope you don’t either. If you experience career difficulty, that is not an indication to change your dream. Change your approach. It may take longer, but when all is said and done, you will have your dream. I am rooting for each and every one of You! Go into the new year watering and nourishing your own trajectory. No comparisons to anyone else. Here if you have questions!

xx,

Photos by Tina Smith