I'm a 2nd year at UCB, currently with a sGPA of 2.5 and a cGPA of 3.1 (cGPA should be getting higher after this semester).
I haven't been doing too well in my pre-med classes...current grades:
General chem 1a: C
General chem 1a Lab: A
Organic chem 3a: C-
Organic chem 3a lab: A-
I am currently retaking organic chemistry 3a because I felt I was not able to learn it well enough the first time so I am hoping to do better this semester and then take the second part of organic chemistry in the summer.
I am also taking Physics - and I honestly am not doing very well (probably will end up with a C) so i am considering taking it for Pass/No Pass this semester and then retake it this summer (possibly) - is this a smart idea? Or would it be better to just get a D in the class and retake it so the new grade would replace my old one?
I am a science major, and UCB Is extremely difficult. I come from a very disadvantaged background. I am the first female in my entire family (extended family included) to go to college, and my dad is the only one who works in my family and is a taxi driver. My parents immigrated to the United states in the 80's, they only have high school degrees, and they were very unsupportive of my decision to go to college, but with the help of my brothers, I was able to attend UCB.
My EC's:
Teaching health workshops at local high schools in the Alameda county
Working at a Clinic (I am a trained healthcare worker)
Community service club (running for VP for next year)
Mentoring at a high school
I have had a lot of family problems that led to my poor grades, especially last semester with a close family friend passing away.
I know I would not make a strong candidate for med school if i apply straight, so what other options are available to me (if i start doing better in my science classes)?
Would I make a strong applicant for a post-bac at a UC?
or should I try to get an MPH?
thank you so much!
I haven't been doing too well in my pre-med classes...current grades:
General chem 1a: C
General chem 1a Lab: A
Organic chem 3a: C-
Organic chem 3a lab: A-
I am currently retaking organic chemistry 3a because I felt I was not able to learn it well enough the first time so I am hoping to do better this semester and then take the second part of organic chemistry in the summer.
I am also taking Physics - and I honestly am not doing very well (probably will end up with a C) so i am considering taking it for Pass/No Pass this semester and then retake it this summer (possibly) - is this a smart idea? Or would it be better to just get a D in the class and retake it so the new grade would replace my old one?
I am a science major, and UCB Is extremely difficult. I come from a very disadvantaged background. I am the first female in my entire family (extended family included) to go to college, and my dad is the only one who works in my family and is a taxi driver. My parents immigrated to the United states in the 80's, they only have high school degrees, and they were very unsupportive of my decision to go to college, but with the help of my brothers, I was able to attend UCB.
My EC's:
Teaching health workshops at local high schools in the Alameda county
Working at a Clinic (I am a trained healthcare worker)
Community service club (running for VP for next year)
Mentoring at a high school
I have had a lot of family problems that led to my poor grades, especially last semester with a close family friend passing away.
I know I would not make a strong candidate for med school if i apply straight, so what other options are available to me (if i start doing better in my science classes)?
Would I make a strong applicant for a post-bac at a UC?
or should I try to get an MPH?
thank you so much!