Concerned About Low Science GPA? Considering a Post-Bac Program?

How did Audrey justify her low GPA?

When Audrey was applying to medical school, she was concerned about her lower science GPA. Despite words of discouragement and doubt from friends, mentors, and faculty, she worked harder to bring her grade up and was determined to show an upward trend in her transcript as she took more challenging science courses. Her 4.0 GPA she earned in the post-bacc program gave her an opportunity to justify the low undergraduate GPA. She emphasized the importance of having an upward trend and showing commitment to learn from past experiences. 

How did she choose her specific post-bacc program?

Audrey knew she wanted to get a masters degree because she wanted her experience to be research focused. She wanted to have a backup plan in her career in case she did not get into medical school. As an international student, she was also limited to where she could apply. Some post-bacc programs have affiliation with medical schools and can offer guaranteed interviews. She also searched where students end up post graduation and what percentage of students get accepted into medical school. She kept those factors in mind when choosing her program. For those who need to retake undergraduate courses because of low GPA, Audrey advised them to retake those courses as an undergraduate because post-bacc programs can be costly. However, students have different financial needs, so she said each student should weigh the pros and cons for both options. 
 

Is it harder to be accepted into a post-bacc program with a lower GPA?

For post-bacc programs, GPA doesn't matter as much as it does for medical schools. However, it is important to convey to the programs through essays that you need and want to join the program for a meaningful purpose. 

Why did she choose UIC College of Medicine?

Audrey applied to all schools that accepted applications from international students. After interviewing with a few schools, she realized that her personal statement aligned with UIC’s mission statement the most. Its emphasis on community health, social justice, and service fit into Audrey’s experience in boths service and clinical areas. Now that she is a part of the student body, she witnesses so many students sharing the same values and participating in so many volunteer activities through the school. She emphasized the importance of tailoring essay responses to each school’s mission statement. 

Final words of advice from Audrey:

1. If you have the drive and the will to be in medicine upon self-reflection, it is totally possible. Don't be discouraged by people telling you no. I thought I couldn't do it, but I started reflecting and asking myself if this was the right place for me. Ask yourself, “Is it because the subjects are not interesting or too hard?” If you don't genuinely like biology, then think about why you want to go into medicine.
2. If you have good motivation and believe you can be a good physician, then don’t worry about peers going to medical school before you do. Everyone has their own timeline and pathway, so be focused on your own goals. Your goal is to be a physician, not to get into medical school. 
3. Applying is the hardest part, so hang in there!
4. Don’t be discouraged by rejection; there are plenty of other opportunities.
5. Make your applications stronger by telling the admissions what type of physician you want to be. Do you have experience with longitudinal patient care? Did you work with specific populations? How did they contribute to your motivation and passion into wanting to become a physician?

Thank you Audrey for sharing your experiences and giving great advice for current undergraduate students! We hope to see you soon for next Tuesdays with Gus post!

With care,

Gus

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Edited by Yubin Lee