Bad GE average

[Protoman2050]

I've got a bad GE average of 2.95 (I was terribly bored at Cerritos College, and I guess I wasn't mature enough to start classes at 16, right after earning my CHSPE certificate), and I haven't started my pre-med courses yet, b/c I'd like to take those at university. All my profs have told me that grades tend to improve when you start on your major, as you get more interested and focused, based on their experiences of their UG education. I'm currently at Orange Coast College, and I'll be taking the cardiovascular technology course of study, so that I can have a nice job while I'm earning my ** and completing my pre-medical requirements.

Questions:

1. What should I major in, a biological science?
2. Will getting LORs from the invasive cardiologist and cardiac surgeon I've shadowed be helpful?
3. Will having a job as an echocardiographer be helpful?

I hope to apply to Meherry, Sackler, St George's University, American University of the Carribean, and American University of Antigua. I want to become an interventional cardiologist.

I thank you in advance for your advice.

[tegraphile]

1. Pick a major that you enjoy and can accel in. This does not have to be a biological science, since most schools do not put a heavy emphasis on your major, just your GPA.

2. LORs are always important. You'll want to have letters from people you've shadowed and also from your instructors. Get to know your professors so that they have a reason to write you a strong letter.

3. Can't answer this one since I don't know much about it. Check the US Department of Labor to see job forecasts and salary for different careers.

Good luck.

[jameslynton]

Several things:
1. Working while doing school and your pre-med pre-reqs very bad Idea
always!!!!
Students under estimate the effort it takes to earn A's in pre-reqs
This path leads to failure - based on 5 years of giving pre-med advise and
hearing the reasons students don't get in medical school - most worked or
had learning issues.
2. Don't be concerned about what to do after medical school - get in first!
3. Get tutors - many programs have them - use them.
4. Major in something you like very much and will help your reading skills

Talk and get feedback from successful medical school students and qualified faculty members at your school.

[Protoman2050]

Several things:
1. Working while doing school and your pre-med pre-reqs very bad Idea
always!!!!
Students under estimate the effort it takes to earn A's in pre-reqs
This path leads to failure - based on 5 years of giving pre-med advise and
hearing the reasons students don't get in medical school - most worked or
had learning issues.
2. Don't be concerned about what to do after medical school - get in first!
3. Get tutors - many programs have them - use them.
4. Major in something you like very much and will help your reading skills

Talk and get feedback from successful medical school students and qualified faculty members at your school.

Actually, I have EXTREMELY good reading skills (was tested by neuropsychologist). My disability is more in transcribing...I transcribe very slowly, so I can't really take good notes. Other than that, I'm great at school. But my note-taking makes me suffer.

My problem is really this: I am BORED with my GEs. Everyone I know says your grades really improve when you start on what you're interested in.

I kind of have to work, b/c I need a way to support myself. Seriously. I do not want to have a huge UG debt in addition to med school debt. I want to keep UG loans as small as possible.

I plan on completing my UG degree over a slightly longer period of time, like 3-4 years (instead of the two years I normally would have), so I can work, and have more time to study.

Also, I'm an excellent standardized test taker. Don't MCAT scores carry more weight than GPA?

[Protoman2050]

1. Pick a major that you enjoy and can accel in. This does not have to be a biological science, since most schools do not put a heavy emphasis on your major, just your GPA.

2. LORs are always important. You'll want to have letters from people you've shadowed and also from your instructors. Get to know your professors so that they have a reason to write you a strong letter.

3. Can't answer this one since I don't know much about it. Check the US Department of Labor to see job forecasts and salary for different careers.

Good luck.

Responses:

1. I know, but biosci interests me, along with philosophy. Maybe I should do that.
2. I'll make sure of that. If I can shadow this UCLA clinical professor, that'd be great wouldn't it?
3. Echocardiography will increase, and you can make about $50,000/year.

Thanks!

[jameslynton]

Actually, I have EXTREMELY good reading skills (was tested by neuropsychologist). My disability is more in transcribing...I transcribe very slowly, so I can't really take good notes. Other than that, I'm great at school. But my note-taking makes me suffer.

My problem is really this: I am BORED with my GEs. Everyone I know says your grades really improve when you start on what you're interested in.

I kind of have to work, b/c I need a way to support myself. Seriously. I do not want to have a huge UG debt in addition to med school debt. I want to keep UG loans as small as possible.

I plan on completing my UG degree over a slightly longer period of time, like 3-4 years (instead of the two years I normally would have), so I can work, and have more time to study.

Also, I'm an excellent standardized test taker. Don't MCAT scores carry more weight than GPA?If you wish to go to medical school a high GPA is a major pre-req. It opens doors and says you are serious.

The MCAT is not your normal standardized test. You may have several misconceptions about school, work, grades and the MCAT in getting into medical school. I would suggest you consult with a good pre med adviser.