I just finished my junior year of college (majoring in Chemistry + Biology) with a 2.9 GPA and a 3.1 S. GPA, I have been on the Dean's list for that past year and a half. However, my grades from 2nd sem. freshmen yr and 1st sem. of sophomore yr is what's taking a toll on my GPA. My low GPA and a few W's are due to a combination of a medical illness and family issues. I couldn't do a complete withdrawal because financial aid would require me to be obtain a certain amount of credits per year (even if I was failing the classes). So, it was a choice between bad grades or being in debts.
I'm a first-generation applicant; neither one of my parents went to college, so I was greatly disadvantage in that sense. My family came to the US as refugees 6 years ago, I started my first year in High school here, and was able to graduate with a 3.9 GPA in under 3 years even though I had to overcome the language barrier. Both of my parents are janitors here, although they both had respectable jobs in my home country.
I've been volunteering since high school. I teach English to non-English speakers, and I also teach two other languages.
I have being doing research for two years now, and about to get my first paper published (2nd. author).
I only have a few months of clinical experience, and no leadership positions! :/
What should I do? Retake the MCAT and score in the 40+ and retake some courses? DO a special master? or Post-BAC? I'm also considering Teach for America for a year.
Any advice is appreciated! :)
I'm a first-generation applicant; neither one of my parents went to college, so I was greatly disadvantage in that sense. My family came to the US as refugees 6 years ago, I started my first year in High school here, and was able to graduate with a 3.9 GPA in under 3 years even though I had to overcome the language barrier. Both of my parents are janitors here, although they both had respectable jobs in my home country.
I've been volunteering since high school. I teach English to non-English speakers, and I also teach two other languages.
I have being doing research for two years now, and about to get my first paper published (2nd. author).
I only have a few months of clinical experience, and no leadership positions! :/
What should I do? Retake the MCAT and score in the 40+ and retake some courses? DO a special master? or Post-BAC? I'm also considering Teach for America for a year.
Any advice is appreciated! :)