So I am making this new thread because my credentials aren't as shiny as some of the other people with similar titles. I approached college freshman year rather immaturely and put myself into a GPA pit finishing my freshman year with a 2.7 GPA. I am still in the process of turning things around and I'd like some advice on what I can do for the next year and after graduation to gain acceptance into medical school. My biggest problem is I am no genius I am just driven and work hard. Therefore after turning the corner my GPAs have only been average a 3.75, 3.3, 3.25 respectively for each semester following my freshman year. I would like to believe I have turned a corner but my freshman year still holds me back. Here are my credentials:
I am a Junior at the University of Pittsburgh studying Psychology and taking Pre-Med Requirements.
sGPA- 3.0
cGPA- 3.25
Clinical experience- 200 hours volunteering in ER and ASU
Volunteering general- Volunteering this summer 8 hours a week tutoring under privileged kids.
Research- Preparing a research paper for submission in May 2013 as first author, working on review article as first author to submit in September 2013. The research is on Sleep.
Work Experience- 5 years lifeguarding, working around 20 hours per week
Leadership- President of The Finer Things Club: a student organization that celebrates art, literature and music with over 70 members.
I have three full semesters and two summer semesters left until I graduate. I am currently taking Organic Chemistry 2, Physics 1. The classes I have left for pre-med requirements are Physics 2, Orgo lab 2, and Bio lab 2. I also plan to take Biochem and Neuroscience.
What can I do in the upcoming years to 1) ace the MCAT to make up for my GPA, 2)make a shining applicant in all other areas? Also, any advice on when to take the MCAT in my case. Take a year off after graduation and Study or try to study during my senior year and take them over the summer? Thanks so much for anyone who replies I know there are a lot of questions here! Medical school is my goal and I plan to do whatever it takes and work however long it takes to make myself a worthy applicant.
I am a Junior at the University of Pittsburgh studying Psychology and taking Pre-Med Requirements.
sGPA- 3.0
cGPA- 3.25
Clinical experience- 200 hours volunteering in ER and ASU
Volunteering general- Volunteering this summer 8 hours a week tutoring under privileged kids.
Research- Preparing a research paper for submission in May 2013 as first author, working on review article as first author to submit in September 2013. The research is on Sleep.
Work Experience- 5 years lifeguarding, working around 20 hours per week
Leadership- President of The Finer Things Club: a student organization that celebrates art, literature and music with over 70 members.
I have three full semesters and two summer semesters left until I graduate. I am currently taking Organic Chemistry 2, Physics 1. The classes I have left for pre-med requirements are Physics 2, Orgo lab 2, and Bio lab 2. I also plan to take Biochem and Neuroscience.
What can I do in the upcoming years to 1) ace the MCAT to make up for my GPA, 2)make a shining applicant in all other areas? Also, any advice on when to take the MCAT in my case. Take a year off after graduation and Study or try to study during my senior year and take them over the summer? Thanks so much for anyone who replies I know there are a lot of questions here! Medical school is my goal and I plan to do whatever it takes and work however long it takes to make myself a worthy applicant.