I'm on a second bachelors - how much will the first drag me down?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impact of a previous low GPA from an English Literature degree on future medical school applications after pursuing a second bachelor's degree in engineering. The original poster has improved their academic performance, achieving a GPA of 3.7 in their current program, while their first degree had a GPA of 2.8. Admissions to medical schools are competitive, often favoring applicants with GPAs closer to 4.0 and strong extracurriculars. The relevance of the first degree is minimal as long as the applicant demonstrates excellence in their current studies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of GPA calculation and its significance in academic applications
  • Familiarity with medical school admission requirements
  • Knowledge of relevant undergraduate programs such as biomedical engineering or biology
  • Awareness of the importance of extracurricular activities in college admissions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research medical school admission statistics and GPA requirements
  • Explore the role of extracurricular activities in strengthening medical school applications
  • Investigate undergraduate programs that align with medical school prerequisites
  • Learn about effective application strategies for competitive medical schools
USEFUL FOR

Students considering a transition to medical or dental school, academic advisors, and individuals interested in understanding the implications of previous academic performance on future educational opportunities.

vjk2
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I'm on a second bachelors -- how much will the first drag me down?

I did very badly at my first shot at college. It took me 5 years to barely graduate with an english literature degree. I hated life in college, but I especially hated life after college.

In that time I went up to Physics 2 and Calc 3 and passed with C's. I withdrew from Chem after missing an exam due to my disorganization.

Now I'm back in school in an engineering program. Bachelors.

I'm doing pretty well. I'm taking Chem and am on track to get an A. I'm retaking Calculus 3 and am on track to get an A. The other classes I have are A's from the looks of it. I may even be able to make the deans list, which would be pretty awesome.

So here's the thing. I'm not really feeling the engineering classes right now. I'm enjoying Chem the most. I'm continuing with Chem 2 next semester even though I don't have to so I can keep my options open.

If say, I wanted to pursue dental or medical school, how much would my previous 5 years of misery weigh against me? If say my first pathetic BA was like a 2.8, but my GPA in the second BS is like a 3.7
 
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vjk2 said:
If say, I wanted to pursue dental or medical school, how much would my previous 5 years of misery weigh against me? If say my first pathetic BA was like a 2.8, but my GPA in the second BS is like a 3.7

It will depend on how competitve the med school is. The only real shoe-ins for most med schools are a 4.0 gpa and respectable extracurriculars. Below that, your admission will depend on the crop of students that year and your application letter and references.

I have a friend with a 3.6 GPA, it took him 2 years of applying to med schools all over the place before he was accepted by one. Not sure if your english lit degree with help or hurt, my guess is neither as long as you have an excellent GPA in you applicable degree. For most med schools, a degree in biomedical engineering, biology, or related will be your best bet.
 

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