AACOMAS has decided to change it's stance on repeated coursework. Prior to 2017, a student had the opportunity of replacing a poor grade by simply retaking the same class. Many non-traditional students, like myself, were banking on this policy in our hopes to become physicians. Everybody won't have a perfect college career. Many people start college and fail college. Thats exactly what happened to me. I started at a local community college. Though I had the aptitude to learn I had no desire or focus to commit myself to my studies. I failed out of my first semester and had to work menial jobs until I understood how I wanted to best contribute myself to society. Now returning to my studies this past fall with the hopes of becoming a doctor I am surprised that even after retaking and excelling in those first semester courses that my initial grades from 2012 will still be held against me. Many of my counterparts have spent thousands of dollars in post baccalaureate premedical programs. With this new policy, students who enrolled in such programs to replace past grades will have their chances of becoming physicians significantly lowered. I don't think that's fair. There is no being on this earth that is infinitely wise. I think this is an error on AACOMAS judgement. People should have the chance to redeem themselves. Everybody makes mistakes, even doctors. This new policy hopes to make DO more competitive. Though in the hopes to draw higher GPAs many of us just as competent students are casted aside because we do not fit a spotless near perfect pre-med student facade. Please, Dr. Stephen C. Shannon and your esteemed faculty members rethink your new stance on repeated coursework.

Thank You,

Della Mbaacha