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I'm a freshman at a university and my gpa isn't the best but i finally figured out what i want to do and thats to become a pediatrician. but i feel like i'm already behind. please help

#college #pediatrics #healthcare #doctor

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London Doyoung’s Answer

You're still a freshman, so you got several semesters to redeem your gpa.

To be a pediatrician, you'll need to go to medical school, and to go to med school,

1) Maintain the best gpa as you possibly can
2) publish research papers that is medically related with the professors at your school
3) volunteer - related to improving health outcomes, for kids
4) demonstrate leadership skills through having positions in organizations and being actively involved
5) study for MCAT and get a good score >510?
6) Have a good reason why you're doing this, because you'll be contributing a lot of time going to med school and being a doctor--it's a commitment
> Remember this passion and write a sincere, genuine essay why you want to be a pediatrician
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much ! miracle
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Yocelin’s Answer

Hi Miracle, that amazing that you want to become a pediatrician! Something that I tell freshman is to remember there is no rush.
We have all been told that we should finish college in a certain amount of years but there should be no rush, especially with something so important. University is already stressful enough, especially in the first year when you're dealing with the transition.
If you really want to get things done quicker, you can always check if you can take any summer courses, you want to keep in mind that summer courses might be shorter than a normal semester which means that tests and exams will be crammed into a short period of time along with all of the course material so try not to take too many.

If you are struggling with your classes and need some help with the material do not hesitate visiting the tutoring center, you can also reach out to a couple of people from that class and create a study group that gets together every week/month. I would also recommend visiting your professor during office hours, schedule a meeting if needed (check your syllabus), this will not only get them to help you understand anything you are struggling with but it will also get you some brownie points. When professors see that you are reaching out to them and asking them for help, they might be a little more lenient when it comes to grading.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! I utilized the tutoring center before the virus came... miracle
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Aicha’s Answer

Like the other people above me who have answered your questions have said it is not too late to redeem yourself. You have many semesters to improve your GPA, and also there is not a time limit or specific date that you need to graduate by. I would recommend just to start paying more attention in those classes that will help you in the actual field when you graduate, and get to know the people around you because that is a vital part. Get to know those people who are kind and don't mind helping you if you need the extra help or just get to know them in order to network. However, just because your GPA is low right now don't let that hinder you from thinking that you cant improve or do better. I have full faith that you can do better! Just sit down and look at what needs to be a priority and what does not. Think about what things you need to focus on in order to get to your goal. Also, make short term goals for yourself and don't get caught up on the big picture!
I hope this helps and I wish you good luck!
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Dan’s Answer

If that something you really want to do I would find other students with the same interest ands form a study group with them. Set up times for group studies and put time limits to them. I would do this often once a week wouldn’t be appropriate you would need a few days a week and even set up on a weekend . If you can find the right group and and stick to it you will see how much you will learn and retain. With you still being a freshman you have plenty of time to increase your GPA
Thank you comment icon Thank you ! Will do miracle
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Rachel’s Answer

Hi Miracle,

I am a surgeon in Texas, and I think that it is great that you want to pursue a career in medicine. No, it is not too late if you have a low GPA your freshman year. However, you need to redeem that GPA as quickly as possible. It must be a 3.5 and higher is better. If you need to retake a class that really brought your GPA down that is fine. I agree with above, you should get a tutor for classes you are struggling with. Also, you will need to score well on the MCAT when you take it in a couple of years. The road to becoming a physician is long (4 years college + 4 years med school + 3 years of pediatric residency), but if you are committed to this profession, it will provide a life time of fulfillment. Go for it!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! miracle
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Lauren’s Answer

It is never too late to chase after your dreams. If being a Pediatrician is what you aspire to be, then go for it!
One of the first steps that you should do is, go to your advisor, at your college, and ask them what courses and what major do you need to be in that will help you to achieve your goal. Come up with a game plan and follow it. You will need to know what courses to enroll in, when the courses are offered, and where they are offered.
Good luck on your quest!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much ! miracle
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Gloria’s Answer

It sounds like you might be holding yourself to the expectation that you will complete school in a fixed period of time. It took me 17 years to get my Bachelor's degree. I had five majors in that time. It took me a long time to determine what I wanted to be when I grew up. Now that you have a purpose and focus, I think that you are on your way. Your challenge now will be to figure out how to improve your GPA. And you may probably need to accept that you have taken courses already that you may no longer need. It can be difficult to realize that you have wasted time or money. It's okay. That is sometimes a part of the journey, learning through challenges. My one recommendation now would be to work with people whose studying skills you admire. Sometimes you can learn from others the skills that you need to be successful. These individuals can also hold you accountable. Good luck on your journey.
Thank you comment icon Wow! Thank you so much. miracle
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Richard’s Answer

If you don't complete college with the GPA to get you into medical school, consider a Postbaccalaureate Premedical Programs.

https://apps.aamc.org/postbac/#/index
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Irene’s Answer

I know this answer may not be exactly what you want to hear, but you can always retake courses and get better grades to bump up your GPA. I know many people who did that and are now in fellowship programs. No need to rush through college!
Thank you comment icon Thank You! miracle
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