suckygpasucky

What is SOPHAS exactly doing when it's "verifying" and why does it take 4-6 weeks? Seriously.

No advice to ask. I recently submitted my SOPHAS application and I'm feeling some anxiety about it. I just need to let things out. It's a boring tale really. I picked the wrong major but stuck with it even though I didn't love what I was learning. But now that I've found something I do love, I'm being haunted by this GPA. I highlighted the few good things of my academic profile in my applications -- decent GRE score, went to a top 25 university, publications, volunteer and teaching experience -- ..... .........but I can't help but feel held back by my less than spectacular GPA. /rant&sobstory

Thanks for your response. I had a moment of panic. I know I am more than capable of pulling a competitive GRE score; however, having a low GPA is a discouraging factor in my overall application. If you don't mind, may I ask what kind of experience/extra curricular you had when you applied to Cal? Thanks for the spark of hope.

I really want to get into an MPH program. After some self-reflection and work with cancer survivors, I realized that it's what I want to do. Problem is I have an absolute crap GPA. Absolute crap. Abysmal to the point that I'm embarrassed of it. I don't even have a good reason for it. As an undergrad, I thought I would enjoy studying molecular stuff but turns out I hate it! But I couldn't afford to switch majors since it would have meant staying behind an extra year....so I stuck with my major, which included all of pre-med req classes. Basically, I don't even have a good reason for having a bad GPA. I just sucked as an undergrad. So yeah...brace yourself for the astonishing crappiness of my stats. School: UC Berkeley GPA: 2.8 cumulative -- I got all As in my major's upper divisions if that accounts for anything (probably not...), it was all the chemistry and physics that killed me Major: Molecular Toxicology Experience two teaching stints, half year each, one at a low-income elementary school, the second as a student teacher at Cal 6 months as a hospital volunteer 1 year of research at a cardiology lab that's working on a nationwide epidemiological study for cardiovascular disease; I have one publication so far as a co-author 1 year as a committee member for a local branch of the American Cancer Society; so far helped organized one Relay for Life and leading the organization for a second event; fundraising and raising awareness for cancer research Potential LOR a top cardiologist from my research lab program coordinator at the American Cancer Society branch this doctor I'm shadowing for; MD, PhD. I have yet to take the GRE but I've been scoring above 160 on quant. and verbal on my practice tests. Overall I'm really frustrated right now. I want this so freaking bad but my cruddy GPA currently is a giant thorn in my side. What are my chances? Should I even bother? I know I don't stand a chance at the top schools, like Columbia (sadly my dream school since, like, birth) or my Alma mater. But what can I do so I can stand a chance at lower tier programs? God...I'm really kicking my ass for screwing up as an undergrad. This really came to bite me in the ass.