There are very few US MD schools, no matter what tier, that will take you with a 2.anything GPA. It can happen, but it's rare. And, it's a personal decision whether to choose DO or caribbean MD. I, as well as many other people on here, could have easily gotten into a DO school but would never want to go.

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AUC 5th Semester!!

If I were you I would not mention the exact grades that you received because they are already on the transcript. Just mention that your academic performance suffered because of extreme circumstances. Also the way you describe foreign medical schools makes it seem like they were your last choice. It is best to leave out the part about your foreign medical school research. Describe all the positive things you did inspite of the stress you went through. This shows that you are able to overcome difficult situations.

I can see this if ur a citizen or permanent resident. Being on a student Visa would require really competitive stats. Most schools only reserve VERY few seats for international students

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"Me fail english? That's unpossible" -R. Wiggum

Starting @ AUC
May 2008

If I were you, I would focus less on the "I know I have bad grades, but this is why I will make a good doctor" scheme and write something a little more interesting (a defining moment in your life, your research experience, a time when you endured and overcame hardships etc...).

You have to realize that the people on admissions committees get to read typical, boring "I have always wanted to be a doctor since conception" personal statements all the time - give them something worth remembering.

The people on the committee will know about your grades and can infer through your MCAT that you could have done better. I would save all GPA discussion for the interview.

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~Slaol

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WCU Biology '07
AUC May '08


"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little."
~Edmund Burke

Get Involved: PM me if interested
http://www.dagodalahera.org/
http://www.ivdn-africa.org/medical_programs.asp

They won't have to read the revised version because they read the first draft here first. I'm very sure some of them read these posts. I would.

Even if they don't recognize the second version of your personal statement, your stats are very distinct. They would know your original and may factor it in their decision.

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"Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore always carry a small snake."

Apparently, AUC's legal counsel reads these boards regularly, and I know some faculty that do. Not sure why none of them post though.

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AUC 5th Semester!!

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Read this story: This is america everything is possible in this great nation.
Hopkins Medicine Magazine - The Alfredo Story

I believe in telling people the truth, so I'm not going to flatter you here. I don't think you stand any chance at all with a 2.3 GPA-- unless perhaps some bottom tier Caribbean school accepts you-- but that is just not worth it at all, as it will strongly have a negative affect on your residency placement if you are fortunate enough to get one at all.

I'd say you need at least 30-40 units now of science units in which you need to get mostly A's. If you can get 3.8+ on those units, then you may have a shot-- perhaps even in the top 3 Caribbean. But you need to start taking those classes immediately-- since the the spring term is already underway, start this summer. So perhaps take upper level science classes over Summer 2008, Fall 2008, and Spring 2009-- then apply. Your MCAT score is great, but it is only valid for 3 years-- so quickly get on those classes-- so that you can apply within the timeframe. Also get the best grades in those classes, and make a good impression on the professors so you can get good recommendations. All the while continue your volunteer work in the hospital part-time... that way you can also say that you have a few years of experience in the hospital.

I just re-read your initial posts, and I was thinking that if you have done well in your Biochem major, with at least a few semesters of 3.6-4.0 work, then you may be in much better shape. But the overall GPA (factoring in the 2.3) should come out to at least 2.9-3.0 for you to have a real shot. Once you have these stats, then I'd recommend you apply to several Caribbean schools, trying to get into the top 3.

while you are definitely an underdog with your stats, if you are young (i am assuming), driven, and are above average intelligence, you can do anything. the key is to not give up. every step of the way people will tell you that you can't do this or that. just keep striving for your goals (in an intelligent way. have a plan!) and you will get there. ppl said the same things to me, and guess what. i made it to the other side (i.e. clinicals). they used the same excuses (too old, stats not good enough, etc, etc..). so bottom line, don't listen to the naysayers even though they may mean well. just be honest with yourself, have a plan of action, and just steer your life where you want it to go.

if you have specific questions just pm me

good luck
thealchemist

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No man has any special right because he belongs to any specific race; just by saying the word man, we have already said all the rights.