Low GPA Can I Still Apply to Post Bac Programs?

Hi! I am considering a post bac program, but my GPA is a 2.6. I had personal complications during my college career. Some post bac programs require even a higher GPA. Should I even consider/bother going to medical school? I know for a fact that I can do extremely well. in preparing for it. Also, if I can't get in a post bac program, can I take classes at a local University?
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Jason's Reply:

Initially, you need to decide if you want to be a doctor in the first place, because I sense some hesitation with the fact you're not sure if you should consider going to medical school or not. Although, this most likely stems from concerns surrounding your GPA.

Don't let personal complications from your undergraduate career prevent you from pursuing medicine. There are some post baccalaureate programs geared specifically towards people who find themselves in a situation such as yours. These are called the Academic Record-Enhancer post bac programs.

These post bac programs are for students who need another chance to show they can perform at a level required for admission to medical school. Additionally, it will help you to gauge whether medicine is something you truly want to do as well. These post baccalaureate programs can be at two levels: Master program or simply Academic Record Enhancer. If you feel you can perform well now that your personal issues have been resolved I would encourage you to go the Master level route.

I encourage you to go the Master route because you will have already completed many or most of your premed requirements and this is where medical schools would like to see you go on your next step to getting admitted.

Before going any farther you're going to have an uphill battle with an undergrad GPA of 2.6 and wanting to get into medical school and even for post bac programs. Here's the steps you need to take to give yourself a fighting chance with post bac admissions committee members.

You show the persistence medical schools are looking for and I think you should definitely go for it, especially after acknowledging you are confident you can do extremely well.

If you are concerned about your numbers preventing you from getting into a post baccalaureate program you'll want to check out my ebooklet, "How to Get Into a Post Bac with a Low GPA" you can learn more here.

In the ebooklet you're going to discover a solid plan of action you can follow, how the AdComs are going to view your application and tactical advice you can implement immediately to get you closer to your dream of becoming a doctor.

Obviously, with subpar numbers it's going to be a lot harder but you can still get into a post bac program, do well and finally get into medical school.

Good Luck,

Comments for Low GPA Can I Still Apply to Post Bac Programs?

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Apr 25, 2022
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Help in getting into a postbacc program
by: Anonymous

HI I got my bachelor's degree in decemeber of 2021 and my GPA was a 2.8 trying to to get some research experience too but Really want to improve my gpa enough where I can save my chances of getting into med school and I know that Post bacc programs do help with raising GPA but it's very competitive do you know which ones are less competitive and accepts lower GPA?

DOCTORPREMED RESPONSE:
You would want to check out my Post Bac Guidebook for Getting into Medical School where I share everything you need to know about post bac programs and there's a section specifically for applicants like yourself who need to improve your credentials to be competitive for medical school.

This guidebook would be an absolute gamechanger for you especially the section on Academic Record-Enhancer programs along with Special Master Programs (SMP).

Be sure to reach out on the contact page if you need more assistance.

Mar 03, 2021
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2.7 gpa currently In senior year HELP PLZ!
by: Anonymous

Hi Jason,

I am currently a senior in undergrad. I currently have a 2.7 GPA and I am in my spring semester. Unfortunately, my GPA took a fall my freshman and sophomore year of college because of extreme circumstances but I am working hard and fighting to bring it up to a 3.0 by the end of the semester. What post bacc programs would you recommend? Would you even recommend that I do a post bacc program? Do you think I stand a chance of getting in? If possible, I’d really love to start my program in the summer or fall of 2021. I’m really confused on what to do because I’m graduating in less than 3 months and I’m so lost. Please help.

Jan 09, 2021
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I'm confused
by: Anonymous

Hello,

I plan on graduation december 2021 and I'm 100% sure I will be able to reach the 3.0 mark or more by then (my current is a 2.5) but I don't know if I should do the academic enhancer post bacc because my science gpa is rougly a 2.5 or less. I've gotten a C in most of my science courses by my psych courses have been better (Psych major). However I'm told that med school average out repeated, passed and also post bacc courses of the same class (so if I got a 'D' in chem, then repeated and got a C in undergrad but passed with a B in post bacc my average may be a C still) Or should I do the masters post bacc which, correct me if i'm wrong, will improve my science GPA. However I was told that I will have a science undergrad GPA and a graduate science GPA by then. So what option do you think I should go for, the academic enhancer or the masters? The idea of the med school looking at my undergrad GPA science grades haunts me but I just want to know which is the best type of post bacc to help me get a better chance.

Dec 23, 2020
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2.3 GPA
by: Anonymous

I’m graduating next semester with an undergraduate gpa of 2.3 and I’m only taking three courses and Idk if I would be able to improve it or what to do following this. I really need this because I want to pursue a career and be successful but dealing with life situations and family problems really caused me to just focus on graduating and not even pay attention to the GPA.

Jul 16, 2019
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Low GPA
by: Jay

Hello, I have an undergraduate GPA of about a 2.3, I have a B.S. but in Speech Pathology not in Biology. I need to take all of the pre-reqs for med school which is good because it will allow me to raise my GPA, but I can't find a post-bacc program that will allow someone with such a low GPA. My undergraduate career was crazy, my Dad was diagnosed with cancer and my parents filed for divorce a week after I left for school. I had to work full-time as well. With all of the stress and honestly some plain old immaturity, I only focused on graduating and not my GPA. I currently work as a Neurophysiology Technologist in a major hospital and have tons of strong letters of recommendation from both surgeons and physicians. I graduated in 2014 so I've been out for awhile, although last year I took Algebra since I tested out in high school and received an A. Any suggestions on what I should do? I'm not ready to give up yet, this is something that I really want, and I feel like there is a way to get there.

Apr 02, 2019
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2.8 GPA
by: Anonymous

Hi
I want to pursue medicine; however, I graduated undergrad with the GPA of 2.78 (overall GPA in undergrad w/o community college classes that I took during summer as undergrad student). I should also mention that my undergrad GPA if combined with classes that I took in summer during my undergrad years is 2.84. During my undergrad years, I was going through some personal problems as well as family issues. After graduation, I took one year off to find myself again while also taking one or two science classes in community college (on top of work post-graduation) on the side to keep myself productive. After all the classes that I took (which are not that much), my GPA has become roughly around 2.9 I'm aware that is not good enough for medical school and I need to get into Post-Bac or a Master program to make a significant change with my GPA. I am opened to all criticism and suggestions that you can give me to do better. I'm also willing to discuss further with you via email. I hope to hear back from you soon.

Best regards,


Mar 19, 2019
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2.9 GPA
by: Anonymous

Hey Jason,

I graduated from my undergraduate college in 2018 with a 2.89 GPA. I am taking 2 science classes which I am certain will boost my GPA to 2.9. During my undergrad I wasn't certain if I wanted to pursue medical field, but after working as a chief scribe/scribe for almost a year I realize I enjoy medical field. I am concerned I do not have sufficient GPA to get into a post bacc program. I really need to get into a post bacc program, if I want to get into a medical school. Do you think I can get into a post bacc program? and if not how can I increase my chances of getting into one

Jul 09, 2018
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2.58 gpa
by: Antoine

Hello Jason,
I graduated from a university with a degree in business management. After receiving my degree and after plenty of time had passed, I realized what my calling is in life and that is to help people. There isn't a better way to do that than to be a doctor. I come from a poor background and I'm the only person in my family to go to college so I'm no stranger to hard work and dedication. Honestly, I chose business because I wasn't really sure what I wanted to be and business seemed like the most general and logical degree to pursue. However, I've had a lot of time to reflect on my life and personal issues in my life helped me come to the realization that I really want to be a doctor. My gpa is only a 2.58 because I didn't apply myself the way that I know I should and could have. It's hard being the only person in your family to go to college because you have no close examples to go by and no one to emphasize the importance of a high gpa. However, I'm much more mature and aware at this point in my life and I know I have what it takes to go through rigorous coursework necessary to get into and complete medical school. I need to know is it best to go back to school and get a major in biology and do extremely well in those classes, or is it best to try and get into a good post baccalaureate program?

JASON's REPLY:
You will certainly need to improve your GPA unfortunately being immature in undergrad will not be a good way to discuss your GPA.

You have to take responsibility for the fact you did not apply yourself in undergrad because medicine demands a lot and lives are at stake so medical schools are going to want people who can handle a rigorous academic curriculum.

In your case as a business major, it would be my guess you did not take the premed courses.

If this is the case you should enroll in a post baccalaureate program as a career-changer.

However, your current GPA will be problematic as most programs will want applicants to have at least a 3.0 GPA.

You may need to take additional courses outside of the sciences to improve your GPA and then apply to a post baccalaureate.

Just know you have an uphill battle to climb and it will take a significant amount of work but it is not impossible with the right mindset and motivation.

Mar 07, 2018
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2.5 GPA
by: mars

So during my undergrad years I wasn't interested in pursuing medical school even though I was a bio major. It's been a year since I graduated and personal experiences have made me interested in the medical field. However, my GPA is too low for even post-bacc programs. My plan is to re-take my lower division sciences (such as physical and lower-div biology/chemistry) so I can increase my GPA enough to be able to apply to post-bacc programs (most of which require a minimum GPA of 2.7-2.9). Would retaking lower division classes at a CC be acceptable? I don't want to retake them then realize they don't help my GPA or my chances of getting accepted into a post-bacc.

JASON'S RESPONSE
Send me a personal email on my contact page and I can help you out more.

Jan 27, 2018
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3.148 GPA
by: Anonymous

Hello, I am trying to get into medical school, currently my gpa is 3.148 i hope to improve my gpa. I am a bio major and have around 100 credits i have possibly around 40 more to take and have calculated the highest gpa to be around 3.3 -3.4 , mostly getting A's. I am volunteering but only have around 60 hours but plan to finish at 200 or even more. What are my chances of getting into medical school with a 3.3 or 3.4 , i been wanting to be a doctor since the age of five.

JASON'S RESPONSE
Thanks for your inquiry and good to see you are very committed to becoming a doctor.

Send me a message on my contact page.

Jan 24, 2018
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What to do with a 2.3 GPA
by: Anonymous

Dear Jason,

I am a senior and this is my last semester as an undergraduate in Biology. I have taken all my pre med requirements. I attended community college my first year and got a 3.5 GPA. My second year, I attended a 4 year institution and struggled. Now my GPA is at a 2.3. I am Pre med and Biology. I am also taking a gap year. I am not sure if it is worth it taking the MCAT (I am so bad at taking test) and just apply to a post bacc med program. My GPA should go higher by the end of the semester. I really do want to follow the medicine pathway. I have accomplished 150 hours of shadowing, done research with Human Sciences, and traveled to a third world country to medically assist natives. I do have the extracurricular activities, just not the high GPA. Should I apply to post bacc med programs? Take MCAT?

Thanks!

JASON'S RESPONSE
Thanks for your inquiry. Send me a message on my contact page and I can help you plan out the best next steps so you can get where you need to be.

Aug 22, 2017
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Do I have a decent shot at top Post-Bacs?
by: Anonymous

Dear Jason,

Hi, I could really use your perspective. I am at the stage of my life where I am strongly considering returning to the medical field, and I feel very confident in this transition. I abandoned premed early on in my college career and went on to double major in Political Science/ Area Studies in addition to receiving two M.A. degrees (one from UChicago and the other from Columbia). My undergraduate GPA is above 3.8, and I have extensive research experience and stellar extracurriculars. Do you think I have a decent shot at getting into a top Post-Bac program? Are these top programs very difficult to get into? Might my Social Science and graduate background hurt me, as it could confuse those reviewing my application? I am ready to invest my time into preparing myself for medical school, as I am eager to integrate my social science research background to pursue medical research.

JASON'S Response

That's great you want to pursue a career in medicine and it's never too late to switch careers.

Send me a message on the contact page and I can get you started on your journey to becoming a Doctor!

Feb 23, 2017
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Low gpa
by: Anonymous

Hi Jason,

I am an international student with a GPA of 3.25. I did not do well in the first two years of college due to the loss of an important family member. However, my GPA has been improving ever since, with recent semesters' GPA of 3.7 and 3.8. I have been volunteering in a hospital for 2 years, and I am an undergraduate research associate in a lab. Do you think that I can get into a decent post-bac program with my GPA? Is it much harder for international student to get into a post-bac program compared to US citizens?

JASON'S RESPONSE
The threshold for many post bac programs is a GPA of 3.0 so you have the numbers. Plus you have a positive trend in your GPA which will help tremendously especially how high it is.

Each program will have different admissions standards as to how they view international students.

Dec 27, 2016
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Pre med post bacc Career changer question
by: Anonymous

Hello,

I graduated in 2013 with a degree in political science with a higher ed cumulative of 3.025 mostly due to A-'s and B+'s, but did not receive any C's, D's or F's. I have worked since graduation and paid off student loans and finally feel able to go back to school to pursue medicine. The closest pre med post bacc's to me are Loyola Marymount, Cal state fullerton, Chapman, and Scripps. I have no research or volunteer experience yet. I'm currently am enrolled in the two necessary pre-reqs (Intro to Chem and Calculus) which would be starting in two week, but I also received a job offer to be a Medial scribe for a local hospital that would not allow me the time to take the pre req courses.

Basically, I was hoping you could suggest what is the better route to take currently to improve my chances. Should I A) Not take the two pre req courses, scribe for a year to gain experience, and wait till next year to apply to a pre med post bacc program? or B) Politely decline the medical scribe offer, Take Chem, calculus, volunteer at local hospital and apply for pre med post bacc's this year to seek acceptance for fall 17' ?

JASON'S RESPONSE:
I'm excited that you're pursuing medicine that's terrific.

Yes, it seems like you're in a bit of a bind and not sure what is the best route for you to choose.

I could easily suggest XYZ but not knowing more about your background that wouldn't be beneficial to helping you reach your longterm goals which is actually to get into medical school.

Right now I'm thinking option C is going to be better for you. Send me a message on my contact page so I can give you a more detailed and accurate response.

Jan 05, 2015
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low gpa
by: Anonymous

Hi there,

I have already graduated undergrad and I graduated with a pretty low gpa: 2.4. My science GPA was under that.
This was due to a lot of financial and family strain at the time I was in college.

However, my research background and extracurriculars have always been strong.

I was wondering what you thought my best options were for going forward. Thanks

JASON'S RESPONSE

Please use my contact page for individual requests.

Sep 23, 2014
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low GPA need enhancement program
by: Anonymous

Hi I have a low GPA as well. About 3.0. I have taken most of the pre med requisites excluding biochem. I want to apply to a post bach program to improve my GPA but a lot of programs are career changer based. Do you recommend applying to them anyway?

Jason's Response

If you have a low GPA and have already taken most of your premed requirements in most cases you will not be eligible for career-changer programs.

Your best option is to enroll in a graduate level or Master program to improve your credentials for medical school.

This is very good because when you take graduate level courses it is not calculated with your undergrad GPA so the medical schools will see and entirely new set of grades. Also by doing well in your coursework it will show medical school admissions officers you can handle the workload required for success in medical school.

Go ahead and take a look at my post bac programs and especially the ebook, Post-Bac Guidebook for Getting Into Medical School definitely will answer many of your questions and then some.

Jan 02, 2013
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LOW GPA post-bach
by: Anonymous

My GPA is very low right now at a 2.456 i have a year and a half left to go. My GPA has been low because i have been going through some family problems throughout my college years and I didn't really know what i wanted to do yet and ended up doing really bad in science classes. I am now in a much stable environment,My major is currently Health and Nutrition sciences and and i haven't gotten any grades lower than a B- in courses for my major. If i were to boost my GPA to a 2.7 would i be able to get into a Post-bach program in my college?

JASON'S RESPONSE:

Please request individual advising services through my contact me page if you have a question that is on a personal nature such as your GPA and ability to get into a post-bac program, because your grade trend matters, along with your course of study, where you are enrolled and how many science courses you have already taken.

May 25, 2012
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Low GPA
by: Anonymous

I have an extremely low science GPA of 2.2
I'm also transferring from Bio Sci major to Public Health Science (which almost identical curriculum) due to my low GPA. I have two more year to complete the program. I was considering post-bacc programs, but I was told anything below 3.0 is not possible. I searched on the AAMC website for some schools in California. I have found the lowest so far needs a 2.5, which I'm not sure if it's possible by the time I graduate even with straight A's from now on. However, I'm worried that even if there's post-bacc programs with low requirements. Will these programs be not as good in helping you to get into medical school? Also, should I even bother taking the MCAT? I'm also considering graduate schools, but they seem to have same problem with GPA requirement. I'm at the point where both master and post bacc programs are impossible.

JASON'S Response:
I'm sorry to hear you're having a lot of difficulty with your academics especially in the sciences and you're not sure if there are alternative paths to get you where you need to be.

There are a significant number of variables at play in your question and the best way for me to help you would be to contact me for personalized advising where I can learn more about your background and address each issue raised. Please visit my Advising Services page or Contact Me page because you do have options available to you.

Jun 23, 2011
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How to Get Into Master/Post Bac Program with Low GPA
by: Anonymous

Im currently in the same situation as the low gpa student as an undergrad however my passion to be in the medical field is very strong. My question is which Masters Program would want a student with a low gpa like mine. Yes I can graduate with a Biology degree with the gpa of a 2.8 but what Masters programs will want someone like me with that low of a gpa? Most of the science related Masters programs or even Science/medical related post bac programs require a 3.0 or above. Do you know have any suggestions?

JASON's Response:

If you have a 2.8 GPA you should be able to find a Master/post bac program that is willing to accept you. It may be harder and not the ideal situation but you will need to contact the programs that you are interested in and see if they have a hard cutoff on the GPA and/or if they would even consider your application.

Please realize that most Master/post bac programs realize you are using the program as a stepping stone for medical school so they can be lenient in the admission standards to some extent. Your overall application will be closely reviewed, what comments you provide in your essay, and mostly likely the school you attended will be considered as well. Schools simply want applicants who realize their previous academic performance was not where it should have been, but now you are fully invested to becoming a doctor and you will not take your second chance opportunity lightly.

In short, determine which Master/post bac programs are of interest to you, review their admission criteria and contact the schools to determine if you should apply. I think you may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.

Especially, if you have not graduated already...having an upward trend in your GPA will really help you for not only Master/post bac programs but medical school as well.

Good Luck,

~Jason

Oct 01, 2010
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Doctorate in Music Performance But Thinking Medical School
by: Anonymous

I have a DM, Doctor in Music. My GPA was 3.8 in graduate school. In 2010,I scored GRE 55 in math, and 25 in English. If I score MCAT higher than 28, would the medical school accept my application? All my chemistry, physics, biology and health education were done in high school. I had 3 computer courses in graduate school, 7 computer courses in college,3 math courses in college, and 3 economics in college. Would the medical school admit me?

Jason's Response: You will need to take the required premedical courses of: general chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, and physics with their associated labs at the college/university level to be eligible for medical school admission.

One route which I would suggest would be to enroll in a post bac program for career-changers, where you can complete the above courses in approximately 1 to 2 years on average.

https://www.doctorpremed.com/post-baccalaureate.html





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