****Moderator Edit: This thread is the new location for all WAMC and related questions. If you clicked on your threads link and it took you here go the last page in this thread and you will find your post there. Thanks, DoctorPardi
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Ok..here goes.

GPA: 3.47
Science: 3.3
MCAT: first time- 11B 8P 7V -> 26O (I had the comp glitch in january with the wrong questions being matched up with one of the verbal passages)
second time- 11B 14P 10V -> 35O

EC'S: Hand in Hand-we tutor refugee and underprivileged kids at a community
school
Volunteered at hospital one summer
Research lab one summer
Doing a lot of shadowing right now
Habitat for Humanity
Relay for Life
Dance Performance at a cultural show
(The last three are one time events so I don't know how much they count)

I'm trying to decide whether or not I should do Early Decision at Medical College of Georgia. I don't know how good my chances are with early decision and I know that if I don't get in through that then I'll be late in the regular decision process. If I do regular decision, these are the schools I'm planning on applying to:

UAB
USAB
UM
Emory
MCG
Mercer
Morehouse
Mayo
Brody
UNC Chapel
Wake Forest
Med U of SC

So what do you guys think? Are my chances of getting in better if I do early decision or regular? And if regular, is my list of schools ok?

hey,

you GPA looks fine... and your MCAT score is really good....why don't you call the admissions office and ask them? Some schools have a very competitive early decision program. Ask them what they think. They tend to be very honest about that part of the application process. If they think you have no chance then I think they will tell you not to apply early decision. Your MCAT score is above the average of many of the schools you are appyling to. Unless you heart is totally set on that one school... I would leave your options open...with such a good MCAT score you should do well if you submit your AMCAS now for regular consideration.

nice improvement.

I think you'll be in okay shape, whiterose. The BCPM GPA isn't anything to write home about but the MCAT sure is. Just be sure to have a good explanation for the GPA come interviews.

I can't comment much on your school list, because I didn't apply to most of them. For the ones I did:

Mayo- it's going to be a very uphill battle, as they tend to take folks with pretty high numbers.
Uof Miami- If UM refers to University of Miami, then don't bother applying (they have a firm 3.6 GPA minimum cut-off for OOS applicants).
MUSC- They take very few OOS students, and the few they do are usually MD/PhD applicants. I'd knock them off the list unless you have SC ties.

I'd avoid early decision like the plague unless you know your chances are very, very good for success. Timing is everything in this process. Don't hamper your application by applying late.

That sucks about the computer glitch. I can't believe they counted your first mcat score. I hope they at least added some notice to your first score so your schools know it wasn't your fault at all.

Also if you're applying early MCG I would add a few more schools to your list. Applying late can be a big hit as me and many of my friends learned this year.

I think you have reasonable GPA and an excellent MCAT. Are you a Georgia resident? Unless you have your heart set on going to MCG or staying in Georgia I wouldn't apply early and keep your options open.

I guess the way I see it is, I would like to visit the schools for interviews and get a feel for where I would be the happiest. And by not applying early you keep you options open. But that's just what I would do. You may decide that early decision is the right choice for you. I don't know how MCG does their admissions or their stats so I can't really comment on that. good luck during the admissions process :luck:

Uof Miami- If UM refers to University of Miami, then don't bother applying (they have a firm 3.6 GPA minimum cut-off for OOS applicants).

My research partner got accepted to Miami with 3.4 and 29. Not Fla native nor any ties to Fla.

Awesome improvement in the physical sciences section.. from an 8 to a 14. How did you improve your score that much? Different approach to studying or did you take a course?

My research partner got accepted to Miami with 3.4 and 29. Not Fla native nor any ties to Fla.
Huh. Was your partner a URM or have something that made him/her stand out? The secondary materials last year mentioned the 3.6 cut-off.

Great acceptance, anyway. Miller's a great school...

I’ve heard that if you can get into a school early decision than you’re as likely to get into that school doing regular. Is that true?

Thayer, yea they said they’d send a letter with the scores. A lot of people had the problem actually, I think it was one particular version of the January test that had it. I’m kicking myself for not voiding my scores now. Do you think adcoms will have issues with my first score being so low?

Fp02c, I think it was a mix of doing a bunch of practice problems, giving up any resemblance of a social life, plus a whole lotta luck :D.

The reasons MCG really appeals to me is because it’s cheap and the idea of knowing I’m in by October sounds real good. But then I just get this nagging feeling that I’m limiting myself. Ha, basically I’m the most indecisive person in the world.

By the way, does anyone have time to read a personal statement today? I’m trying to get my application sent in by tonight.

Thanks for your replies everyone.

Huh. Was your partner a URM or have something that made him/her stand out? The secondary materials last year mentioned the 3.6 cut-off.

Great acceptance, anyway. Miller's a great school...

Yeah she's black and speaks spanish, so she had that going for her

Hi!! I am a junior at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida as a psychology major. I had roller coaster for my first 2 years of college and if affected my GPA. I was thinking about doing a post-bacc program and then apply to medical I started volunteering in my spring semester of my sophomore year and love it. Also, I have a part-time job in order to pay the bills. I have not done any research yet and hoping to find some research experience in the fall semester. Also, I am going to retake some of the classes that I have received C's in. Can anyone give me any advice on what I can do to become a more competitive applicant?:scared:

Thank you and have a good day!

Hi!! I am a junior at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida as a psychology major. I had roller coaster for my first 2 years of college and if affected my GPA. I was thinking about doing a post-bacc program and then apply to medical I started volunteering in my spring semester of my sophomore year and love it. Also, I have a part-time job in order to pay the bills. I have not done any research yet and hoping to find some research experience in the fall semester. Also, I am going to retake some of the classes that I have received C's in. Can anyone give me any advice on what I can do to become a more competitive applicant?:scared:

Thank you and have a good day!

take all the pre-reqs if not finished, take the mcats and apply for a smp, special masters program. there are plenty of them out there, such as drexel and georgetown, where you actually take med courses with first year students, that way you get to proove yourself. and it looks really good on your application. this is NOT a program where you will be guaranteed a spot into thier med school if you perform well. its just a masters degree or certificate. heres a link for a good list of programs,..

http://advisingservices.ucdavis.edu/advising/hsa/handouts/special_masters_post_baccalaureate_programs.html

This is the new depository for all WAMC and other similar threads.

Thanks,
DP

P.S. check out the Pre-Allo FAQ Series Threads for useful info on frequently asked questions!

well, my first semester of junior year just ended, my overall GPA is 3.2 both science and overall, I really want to become a doctor, should I go for a masters program get a kickass GPA in it, and then apply to medical school? please no sarcastic comments guys!

You can recover. Why not just try to 4.0 the last three semesters instead of blowing $30,000 on a masters program?

You can recover. Why not just try to 4.0 the last three semesters instead of blowing $30,000 on a masters program?

lets say I do get 4.0 throughout the 3 semesters it may only raise my GPA to a 3.4, which is still not enough, I think I might opt out for a masters program or a postbac, I'm not sure though...

lets say I do get 4.0 throughout the 3 semesters it may only raise my GPA to a 3.4, which is still not enough, I think I might opt out for a masters program or a postbac, I'm not sure though...

while a 3.4 certainly isnt enough to get into a top tier program, with good ECs and a good MCAT you can still get in somewhere.

i don't think that you'd be totally doomed with either a 3.2 and much less with a 3.4. then again it all depends on other factors, what's your MCAT score, what extracurricular stuff have you done, how good of a writer are you, what are your recommendations going to say about you and of course, what schools you're looking to get into.

if everything else is stellar then don't worry about the gpa and try applying, rather than spending a boat load of money on a masters.

dont ever rule out DO programs you are more likely to go get into a good DO program with a weak GPA and a decent MCAT

Don't rule out the Caribbean either.

http://www.untiredwithloving.org/palm_tree_2.jpg

lets say I do get 4.0 throughout the 3 semesters it may only raise my GPA to a 3.4, which is still not enough, I think I might opt out for a masters program or a postbac, I'm not sure though...

You sure about that?

5 semesters of a 3.2 GPA + 3 semesters of a 4.0 GPA:

(5 x 3.2) + (3 x 4.0) / (5 + 3) = 3.5 GPA

3.5 is pretty decent, IMHO!

lets say I do get 4.0 throughout the 3 semesters it may only raise my GPA to a 3.4, which is still not enough, I think I might opt out for a masters program or a postbac, I'm not sure though...

If I were you I'd take Kaplan and apply early this summer (assuming your MCAT goes well) to medical schools and postbac programs, then go postbac if things don't work out. I personally think postbacs are a better idea because graduate classes don't get factored into AMCAS GPA. Have you checked out the postbac forum yet?:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=71

Don't rule out the Caribbean either.

http://www.untiredwithloving.org/palm_tree_2.jpg

sarcastic bastard

No, not doomed, read any of my posts.

You seem to be another victim of the hearsay that is gpas for matriculants. It depends on state residency, but regardless, the average gpa is around a 3.6 for matriculating students. That is an AVERAGE, people do have lower. I know a white male from a middle class family who had a 3.1 gpa and got into a very good state school. Don't freak out.. Just do the best you can and you'll be fine. I hear way too many premeds going frickin nuts because someone told them you have to have a 4.0 with a 40 mcat to stand a chance at getting into a school...believe it or not, they are people just like you, and some are dumb as hell. GPA, MCAT,ECs, Personality...it all goes into the mix and a strong mcat with a good personality can make up for a "low" gpa.

You seem to be another victim of the hearsay that is gpas for matriculants. It depends on state residency, but regardless, the average gpa is around a 3.6 for matriculating students. That is an AVERAGE, people do have lower. I know a white male from a middle class family who had a 3.1 gpa and got into a very good state school. Don't freak out.. Just do the best you can and you'll be fine. I hear way too many premeds going frickin nuts because someone told them you have to have a 4.0 with a 40 mcat to stand a chance at getting into a school...believe it or not, they are people just like you, and some are dumb as hell. GPA, MCAT,ECs, Personality...it all goes into the mix and a strong mcat with a good personality can make up for a "low" gpa.

Amen. Lots of folks with 3.4 GPAs in med school. Even a few with 3.2. I would do your best in the remaining semesters and study seriously for the MCAT (and not take it until you are scoring competitively on multiple practice tests). If both the courses and MCAT go well, then plan on applying. If not, then plan on a postbac or SMP, while buffing up the ECs. Or if you have dreams for top schools, plan on doing additional schooling after graduation (or deferring graduation) to bring up the GPA. Either way, you are hardly doomed from this starting point. There will be people who graduate with a 3.0 and, after a longer road of grade rehabilitation, will still get into US med schools. Relax.

Go to www.mdapplicants.com and search - you'll see some good results with any set of numbers. Or check out my profile, you can come back from much more. Delete your bookmark for SDN and start studying!

Amen. Lots of folks with 3.4 GPAs in med school. Even a few with 3.2. I would do your best in the remaining semesters and study seriously for the MCAT (and not take it until you are scoring competitively on multiple practice tests). If both the courses and MCAT go well, then plan on applying. If not, then plan on a postbac or SMP, while buffing up the ECs. Or if you have dreams for top schools, plan on doing additional schooling after graduation (or deferring graduation) to bring up the GPA. Either way, you are hardly doomed from this starting point. There will be people who graduate with a 3.0 and, after a longer road of grade rehabilitation, will still get into US med schools. Relax.

thanks, I really want to pull my gpa into the 3.4-3.5 area, I really think I can do it, I really really want to go to US medical school

while a 3.4 certainly isnt enough to get into a top tier program, with good ECs and a good MCAT you can still get in somewhere.

Not necessarily true...

MCAT is way more important than GPA. So as long as you have good MCAT score (35+) and 3.0+ gpa, you can get in at least a lower-tier school.

haha, I have a good gpa but average mcat so I'm going to DO school. :laugh:

I am merging this thread into the WAMC sticky :) .

sarcastic bastard

Well my TOS-violating-friend, there's only one way to respond to a poster who doesn't use the search function, and that's pointed sarcasm.

I don't know how many "zOMG I have a 3.2" threads I've gone on and given my 3.2 success story. It's like they keep reposting the same question just so they can hear the same stuff and try and feel better.

SEARCH FUNCTION FTW!

it doesn't matter what we tell you... doomed or undoomed, it doesn't mean anything, your going to do whatever it is you want to do... if you want medicine then apply to medical schools.... period

If your afraid to take this chance becuase you don't want to lose money on the application process well... let me tell you, we are all on the same boat here.....none of us know what the outcome will be, so take a chance and hope for the best..... Meanwhile, study your butt off on the MCATs and your current semesters, doing well will only increase your chances for an acceptance

good luck

Sorry this is long, but would really appreciate feedback:

I am graduating from a top school having spent my undergrad planning to PhD and therefore have extensive research experience in two labs at nearby medical school, with results being published soon in probably a top journal (co-author). After some serious contemplation though, I've decided that I don't want a longterm career in science (don't want to teach or run my own lab and don't just want to be a tech either - the science job market is also very very upsetting nowadays). I've decided that I want to see if medicine is right for me - never seriously considered it before but I do want to help people and believe that I have the skills to do so. I will take 2 years off after grad to shadow physicians/volunteer to see if I really want to make the leap, and if so, will work during that time while finishing prereqs and taking the MCAT.

Since I am a science major, I completed or will complete most of my prereqs before I graduate this spring. I took Ochem I lab and Ochem II lab and lecture at a nearby school (also a top school) over two summers for cost and time reasons. I do need to fulfill my physics requirement and biochem as well. I AP credit'ed the first quarter of physics and took the second quarter pass/fail without doing the third quarter because it was not required for me as a non-premed. However, a lot of the schools I'm looking at do not accept AP credit and don't take pass/fail so I will be redoing physics (which is fine with me because I'm terrible at physics and need the practice for the MCAT). However, I plan to take physics at another nearby college (not the one where I did OCHEM) due to cost and reputation reasons. My question is: will med schools frown upon me if I've taken my prereqs at three different schools?

Also, since I'm on a roll, what are my chances at a good med school? I have a 3.8+ science and overall GPA (although the physics and biochem are not included yet), and though I haven't taken my MCAT yet, I do well at standardized testing (nearly perfect GRE scores). By the time I graduate from school, I will have had 4 different research assistant positions (over substantial amounts of time), edited an undergrad publication, and an officer in a biotech interest group. I have very good to excellent LOR's and am confident that I will produce a great personal statement.

I think you are probably fine with the pre-reqs at different schools thing. I think the only time taking courses at another place is frowned upon is if you take all pre-reqs at a cc, because you want it to be easier.

If after testing things out, you do decide that medicine is the right path for you, you probably have a great shot at a good school. Just make sure you get some meaningful clinical/volunteer experiences during your time off.

Just note, the MCAT is not like the GREs at all, and will require serious studying.

Q: What would be the next steps you would take to get into medical school?

Info: Had a mixture of family emergencies and laziness, immaturity w/e you want to call it in a relatively intensive biochem major culminating to a ~2.8 GPA (the average GPA for my major or so I've been told). I have one more semester until graduation. Been putting off the MCATs even though I've taken the prep course and have done well on the practice tests (33+) but it would seem that even the most spectacular of scores would not cushion the blow.

As of now I plan to finish up the semester as best I can and graduate and/or transfer to another university and retake some of the premed courses I didn't do so well in. Would this be the best course of action, are there any other steps should I take like getting a masters? Thanks for the help as I'm kinda of lost of what I should do to keep my dream alive.

Sorry this is long, but would really appreciate feedback:

I am graduating from a top school having spent my undergrad planning to PhD and therefore have extensive research experience in two labs at nearby medical school, with results being published soon in probably a top journal (co-author). After some serious contemplation though, I've decided that I don't want a longterm career in science (don't want to teach or run my own lab and don't just want to be a tech either - the science job market is also very very upsetting nowadays). I've decided that I want to see if medicine is right for me - never seriously considered it before but I do want to help people and believe that I have the skills to do so. I will take 2 years off after grad to shadow physicians/volunteer to see if I really want to make the leap, and if so, will work during that time while finishing prereqs and taking the MCAT.

Since I am a science major, I completed or will complete most of my prereqs before I graduate this spring. I took Ochem I lab and Ochem II lab and lecture at a nearby school (also a top school) over two summers for cost and time reasons. I do need to fulfill my physics requirement and biochem as well. I AP credit'ed the first quarter of physics and took the second quarter pass/fail without doing the third quarter because it was not required for me as a non-premed. However, a lot of the schools I'm looking at do not accept AP credit and don't take pass/fail so I will be redoing physics (which is fine with me because I'm terrible at physics and need the practice for the MCAT). However, I plan to take physics at another nearby college (not the one where I did OCHEM) due to cost and reputation reasons. My question is: will med schools frown upon me if I've taken my prereqs at three different schools?

Also, since I'm on a roll, what are my chances at a good med school? I have a 3.8+ science and overall GPA (although the physics and biochem are not included yet), and though I haven't taken my MCAT yet, I do well at standardized testing (nearly perfect GRE scores). By the time I graduate from school, I will have had 4 different research assistant positions (over substantial amounts of time), edited an undergrad publication, and an officer in a biotech interest group. I have very good to excellent LOR's and am confident that I will produce a great personal statement.

I've never heard of any medical school complaining about someone doing thier pre-reqs at different colleges. I don't really think 2 years worth of shadowing is needed, shadow a doctor for a few months and get a volunteering job at a hospital for 3-4 months, that should do it (in regards to you "maybe" wanting medicine).

I don't know if your trolling around, but if you've gotten or close to getting your PdD, then you should be smart enough to realise that anybody with a GPA that is close to 3.8ish shouldn't really be asking "what are my chances"

good luck

Just thought I'd ask. My GPA is 3.2, and my MCAT is 30 and I applied to a few schools in U.S and all six schools in Ireland. Just wondering if I can realistically expect anything? (I'm going to go into a nervous breakdown from checking my email 30+ times a day)

No I haven't entered in any PhD programs - I had been planning to apply next year but have decided to see if medicine is more right for me. I don't intend to shadow solely for 2 years - I will be working and taking prereqs/MCAT during that time and volunteering. I was mainly just worried because I wasn't sure how med schools would look upon people who take classes at so many different schools.

Thanks for the feedback though.

I dont think you're doomed at all, just destroy the MCAT (34+) and youll get in somewhere in the US

I'm sorry!

This is another one of those posts that ask whether some ECs are enough...
I've been stressing out like crazy recently because if I really choose to apply next cycle, I have to start getting recommendations, etc. ready soon. I'm >85% sure I'm applying next cycle, but I really don't know if waiting a year and getting more meaningful ECs would be a better choice. I'm probably just stressing way too much recently? but every time I see a person say "I have a 3.8 and 35 and I didn't get in anywhere," a little part of me dies a slow, painful death because I start asking myself if that's going to be me (and I live in CA too).

So! To prevent myself from going crazy, pleasee tell me if these ECs (projected--what I will have by June) will or won't spell doom for me.

~3 yrs research (in high school = meaningless??) + published abstract and presentation
Pre-med club <--filler, did nothing
1 quarter vet hospital volunteering <--vet? not even related to anything
3 quarters hospital volunteering
1 year research...probably no pubs this year
1 summer other research
1 year public health internship
1 summer tutoring
1 summer working at at a journal
2 quarters children's hospital volunteer
some exchange student host
some art stuff (possible publication in magazine?)

As you can see, the first three things on the list are probably not worth much, and nothing on the list is longer than a year, due to the fact that I decided to go into medicine my sophomore year. No leadership, no fancy studying abroad, nothing special at all. All that in addition to me not being very good at interviews either... I feel like all I have are my GPA and MCAT scores, and they're pretty good, but not THAT good. Anyway, I just really need some opinions right now, for my sanity. =\

Quick answer first, then I'll say more. You are panicking way too much.

I'm sorry!

This is another one of those posts that ask whether some ECs are enough...
I've been stressing out like crazy recently because if I really choose to apply next cycle, I have to start getting recommendations, etc. ready soon. I'm >85% sure I'm applying next cycle, but I really don't know if waiting a year and getting more meaningful ECs would be a better choice. I'm probably just stressing way too much recently? but every time I see a person say "I have a 3.8 and 35 and I didn't get in anywhere," a little part of me dies a slow, painful death because I start asking myself if that's going to be me (and I live in CA too).

So! To prevent myself from going crazy, pleasee tell me if these ECs (projected--what I will have by June) will or won't spell doom for me.

~3 yrs research (in high school = meaningless??) + published abstract and presentation
This may or may not be worth anything depending on whether it carried over into college. If it carried over, that opens it up to being something you can talk about as continuation.

Pre-med club <--filler, did nothing Yeah, filler, not worth much

1 quarter vet hospital volunteering <--vet? not even related to anything Definitely IS related.

3 quarters hospital volunteering You KNOW that's related

1 year research...probably no pubs this year You aren't expected to have pubs. Those are icing. A year is more than most people devote.

1 summer other research See - here we have CONTINUITY of involvement - high school, one year in college, + decided to devote a summer

1 year public health internship Yes, relevant

1 summer tutoring keeping busy in the summer, I see, and community involvement - good

1 summer working at at a journal Hey! another summer not wasted, and shows involvement w/something besides typical premed stuff - Good

2 quarters children's hospital volunteer pertinent

some exchange student host interesting thing to talk about, shows appreciation of diversity, too

some art stuff (possible publication in magazine?) Once again, GOOD because it shows there's more to you than a standard checklist

As you can see, the first three things on the list are probably not worth much, and nothing on the list is longer than a year, due to the fact that I decided to go into medicine my sophomore year. No leadership, no fancy studying abroad, nothing special at all. Okay, that's a misstatement. Tutoring is leadership. Hosting is leadership. Did you do these things because they were interesting? Did being involved in these activities impact your view of your place in world at all? There doesn't have to be a single amazing standout activity. The group of things together represents part of the package that is you. All that in addition to me not being very good at interviews either... I feel like all I have are my GPA and MCAT scores, and they're pretty good, but not THAT good. Well, there ya go. If they are "pretty good", that's the part that will open the first doors for you. Anyway, I just really need some opinions right now, for my sanity. If you have good L'sOR with the rest of that package, it looks like you are good to go. Find helpers and practice interview skills. It is a skill that can be developed. =\
:luck:

hey guys

could you guys take a look at my mdapps and chance me?

not sure if i should complete college or go straight to med school...

thanks in advance

Your ECs look pretty good to me...you were always busy with some activity, which shows the adcoms that you can handle full time school and still being involved in your free time. Also, were you ever employed? I always forget to add my jobs to my ECs, cuz I dont really think of them as ECs (for some reason, I hear ECs and think of fun, interesting, community involvement type activities, not working to pay bills). If you have jobs, even crappy minimum wage types, adcoms respect the amount of time that takes up.

Follow the classic rules for success...apply BROADLY and apply EARLY. There are spots out there for people who don't have perfect applications (ie 4.0, 40+ MCAT, publications, study abroad/mission trips). Work on those interview skills until you are comfortable that you could have an interesting conversation with a cardboard box for an hour if you had to...it'll work out! Just get your ducks all lined up, starting ASAP, so you can get the secondaries out within a few days of receiving them.

I know you guys get these all the time, but I'm desperate and would like to know. I really want to get into U-Wash. I'm a Washington resident. Is it possible? I looked in the MSAR and saw their average gpa was a 3.72! EEEK
Currently:
MCAT: Will take in May. Hope for 30+

BCMP: 3.41
AO: 3.8
Cumulative: 3.61

Extracurriculars
*ER Volunteer at University of Washington Medical Center
*Officer of a pre-health club geared towards underrepresented minorities that i've been involved with for the past three years.
*Howard Hughes Biology Fellows Scholar
*Shadowing a clinic physician and a pediatrician
*Seattle Children's Hospital Diversity Committee
*University Singers/Men's Glee Club

3.72 average means they accept people on both sides of that number... so obviously you are close to that.

Aside from that, it is impossible to say anything since you have not taken the MCAT. Your GPA is competitive, but your chance at UWash obviously depends on the MCAT as well. Assuming you get a 30+ then I think it goes unsaid you will be competitive and have a fair shot there.

RANDOM QUESTION- Can econ. classes be included in the BPCM gpa since econ. classes, at least some of them, are very math intensive or would that be a stretch?

I am a junior who will now be approaching her sixth semester come spring. I am in the honor program with a biochemistry and economics double major, and a math minor. Sounds impressive, yes, but not when it comes to GPA.

I have a 3.48 overall, a 3.41 BPCM, and a 3.94 for all other classes (you will be truly surprised how science classes being weighted more can truly ruin your overall GPA). I have calculated I can raise my science GPA to 3.5 by the end of this semester if I do well, and perhaps my overall to 3.55 or even 3.6.

Following are the classes I have taken in science:
Gen. Bio 1, 2: B, B-
Gen. Chem: A-
Orgo 1,2: B+, B
Micro: B-
Med. Bot, Biostats: B+, B+
Analytical Chem: B+
Immuno: A-
Physics 1,2: A, A (comm. college though)

Basically, as I have gone farther in my science studies (4 300 and 1 400 level classes), I have raised my GPA to B+ and A-.

ECs:
RA (resident assistant)
Bio, econ tutor
Writing Consultant
School magazine non-fiction editor
Mentor at school camp
Volunteer at hospital (40 hrs.)

What do I want to do with all this craziness: I want to do what Harvard terms "social scientist:" I want to a PhD in economics, and team it with MD, but I don't think I am a very good MSTP candidate since my science GPA (econ. and math GPA kicks butt), nor my extracurriculars, are that amazing. My last hope is GRE/MCAT scores, but I don't those will be amazing as well because I have lost my motivation since I came to college. I am quite the go-getter, but I have to want to go and get (okay, I sound like a dog fetching a bone...lol), which is not happening at all.

So, as I stand, what are my chances?

....

Hi i am a junior in college right now and my grades are pretty bad(2.57). i tried improving but i still get crappy grades i am thinking of transfering to another "easier" school and still do pre med or should i stay my school? what else can i do besides give up? i am getting discouraged...any adivce would help

Hi i am a junior in college right now and my grades are pretty bad(2.57). i tried improving but i still get crappy grades i am thinking of transfering to another "easier" school and still do pre med or should i stay my school? what else can i do besides give up? i am getting discouraged...any adivce would help
Unless you are at MIT or CAL tech, chances of you significantly improving that GPA are slim especially if you are trying hard at it. My best bit of advice would be to consider other careers in healthcare and not be too hard on yourself.

Hey everyone!

So I've already gotten one acceptance (so, I'm not completely spazzing out, but I am a little unsure of what to do), but I'm waitlisted and deferred at the two other schools I've been interviewed at.

I got one C in a 300-level bio class, but two A-'s, one A, and a B+ (one A- in an upper-level bio class and the B+ in a grad-level bio class..the other two A's were in somewhat "easier" classes). Anyways, my question is, should I send these grades to the schools I'm waitlisted/deferred at (Tulane and UMich), or wait until the end of April for my current semester's grades to be out? That C is pretty glaring, so I don't want that to be a reason why they turn me away for good, and I'm pretty confident that I can do better this semester, to balance it out a bit more.

Thanks! I'm sorry if this is crazzy/freaking-out sounding. :p

Hi everybody!

I have a 3.31 GPA and scored a 31Q on the MCAT. I am just hoping to get into any medical school in the U.S. I'm worried because my gpa is a bit low and was wondering if I would have a shot if I applied this coming June. Also, I was thinking about retaking the MCAT but don't know if its worth the risk of having it drop.

(EC's: 160 hours of volunteering at the ER and OR)

any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hello everyone! I need your advice and all the help!
My stats are poor but should i hold a beacon of hope for getting into an American MD school specially Howard, Meharry, Morehouse and Downstate?
My stats!
GPA 3.42, Science 3.3
MCAT 22: V8, PS7, BS7
I have excellent LORs and extensive research and 200+ volunteering.
I appreciate all your help!
Thanks in advance

If anyone can take a look at my MDApps and toss me some advice, I'd appreciate it.

I am currently a graduating undergrad.Senior in Neuroscience

Due to certain mishaps in my life I've not succeeded in doing well overall in regards to a cum. GPA of 2.8. I've had a 32 on my MCAT

I have just one more semester left and I doubt it can raise much at all.

My question is if I should apply for grad school than to medical school.

I've published a book during my sophomore yr and I've completed 3 years of Research at a hospital while being a Teachers Assitant for one year. I've all established a foundation that assits with philantrophic duties.

I need help. I don't think one semester can bring it to a 3.0

Please someone give me some advice. :scared:

So it's the middle of January and haven't heard anything besides rejections and holds. I've submitted all my secondarys in November-ish as I was waiting for my MCAT score (took it August 14th) Please let me know what you think. Thanks!

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=9660

Your VR score might hurt your chances at some places. Your GPA seems fine. Also, you can do earlier than novemberish.

You have a good GPA and your ECs look fine, but your MCAT will hurt, and since you're applying late, you may not get in. You should really apply to a lot more schools - the later you start, the more broadly you need to apply.

underwhelming MCAT
Average EC's
Good GPA
verdict: borderline

I was told by my pre-med advisor just to apply to those schools. I mean, I think it's too late now to apply to any other schools now, so I guess I'll just have to wait it out...

I think Univ of MD is your best shot, do you know if they welcome LOIs?

I think Univ of MD is your best shot, do you know if they welcome LOIs?

Yea, U of M is my first choice and my app was placed on hold. At least it isn't a rejection. What are LOIs?

Yea, U of M is my first choice and my app was placed on hold. At least it isn't a rejection. What are LOIs?
Letters of Interest/Intent - Do a search there is a lot of info on it. It may help or it may not, and usually depends on the institution.

I want to apply for matriculation for an MD in 2009. My vitals are as follows:

3.84 GPA
34O MCAT (12,11,11)
BS Biochemistry from Ohio State (projected SP09)
Over 125 volunteer hours logged at Hospital
2 years experience in a Biophysics group (second author on a paper)
1 year experience in Structural Biology group (part of NIH REU)
Chemistry tutor in 2006
Resident Advisor
First Generation College Student

I am applying to Ohio State's medical school and Harvard's medical school, but are there other locations where I could be competitive? Also, since my family lives in poverty, which school has the best financial aid. I want to start applying in for 2009 in June, but I want to make sure I am not overlooking anything.

There's so much that is unpredictable about the Med School application process, but your MCAT score and GPA are both solidly above average and you have good experiences. Really you should be competitive to at least interview at most places you choose to apply as long as your personal statement and letters of recommendation are strong. I don't think the nuts and bolts of your application will make you a bad candidate to any school, but what will matter in terms of what tier you are competitive for is how you express your drive and readiness for medicine and how well you package your accomplishments on your AMCAS application.

US News and World Report rankings are kinda silly, BUT maybe consider having a few schools on your list in the top 20, a few more in the top 50 and a few below the top 50 just to give you an idea. You can apply to those top schools, but I would recommend definitely have a few second tier and lower tier schools as well to keep your options open!

Oh and to matriculate in fall of '09 your application cycle starts in June '08.

I want to apply for matriculation for an MD in 2009. My vitals are as follows:

3.84 GPA
34O MCAT (12,11,11)
BS Biochemistry from Ohio State (projected SP09)
Over 125 volunteer hours logged at Hospital
2 years experience in a Biophysics group (second author on a paper)
1 year experience in Structural Biology group (part of NIH REU)
Chemistry tutor in 2006
Resident Advisor
First Generation College Student

I am applying to Ohio State's medical school and Harvard's medical school, but are there other locations where I could be competitive? Also, since my family lives in poverty, which school has the best financial aid. I want to start applying in for 2009 in June, but I want to make sure I am not overlooking anything.
You are competitive anywhere. So apply broadly to wherever your heart desires.

As far as financial aid goes, stick with your state school. I will most likely be the cheapest school you apply to. I've also heard that Mayo offers excellent financial aid, so you may want to consider them.

In some cases, after scholarships and other aid are factored in, your state school might not be the least expensive.

You seem to have a good shot at almost any school. You should get your hands on the MSAR and look over the schools to find those that offer what you want (pass/fail vs. grades), teaching style (mostly lectures/ mostly self-directed learning & small groups/ combination), format (organ based or not), location (urban, suburban, rural), distance/travel time from "home" or other support network. Keep in mind that some state schools are not friendly to out-of-state applicants. Work your way through the book until you narrow the list to 13-20 schools. Consider applying for a fee waiver. Consider checking the box as someone who grew up "disadvantaged" (if you did) to bring that aspect of your application to the adcoms' attention.

You have a solid application especially with your strong research experience. I also agree that you are competitive anywhere. You can get a copy of the MSAR and look through the various state schools and see how many people they take from out of state to gauge your shot at those schools. I know that SUNY schools in particular accept many out of state students and you can apply for instate tuition after one year. Hope this helps, and best of luck on figuring out what schools to apply to!.

I want to apply for matriculation for an MD in 2009. My vitals are as follows:

3.84 GPA
34O MCAT (12,11,11)
BS Biochemistry from Ohio State (projected SP09)
Over 125 volunteer hours logged at Hospital
2 years experience in a Biophysics group (second author on a paper)
1 year experience in Structural Biology group (part of NIH REU)
Chemistry tutor in 2006
Resident Advisor
First Generation College Student

I am applying to Ohio State's medical school and Harvard's medical school, but are there other locations where I could be competitive? Also, since my family lives in poverty, which school has the best financial aid. I want to start applying in for 2009 in June, but I want to make sure I am not overlooking anything.
with your strong application you may be a compelling candidate for a school to give a full scholarship to. if not, you may have to succumb to loans like the rest of us.

http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=08740

I graduated early and took the hardest load I have ever had in college this fall. My grades are the following:

(last fall) 3.68

(last spring)3.54

This fall semester was a 3.6

ENGL 411 Group Tutorial, Undergraduate 1.00 A-
MATH 231 An Introduction to Probability 1.00 A
MB&B 321 Biomedicinal Chemistry 1.00 B
MB&B 383 Biochemistry 1.00 B+
MUSC 452 Javanese Gamelan--Advanced 1.00 A
PHED 122 Swimming for Fitness 0.25 CR

I also applied a little late, I had my primary verified in early october, secondaries out later. Also there is an issue with my MCAT, first time (8,8,9) my second score was a (10,10,11) but I took it a third time, and I did much much worse. (8,9,9).

So right now, Im still waiting to hear back from the one school I interviewed at. However, I did not apply to that many schools...so the question is, what do I do if im not accepted?




Is additional course work neccessary for me? Grad school, or Post BACC? If Post BACC, does anyone think I should be looking into programs for this spring semester, since I graduated early?

Do I have to take the MCAT again? Should I just get a job? Any suggestions...

Apply early and broadly next year. Do something during the gap year, but your stats aren't terrible by any means.

Yeah you're stuff looks pretty good IMO (gpa may be slightly below average but nobody's perfect), congrats on the interviews too. I wouldn't give up just yet either, I know it sucks waiting you start imagining all the horrible things adcoms are saying about you. I've been doing the same thing, wondering what I'm going to do if I don't get in this time around either.

It would be a lot of trouble to take the mcat a 4th time because I think you need special permission and 31 is not bad by any means, so you may just want to stick with what you have. If you don't get in I'd just keep yourself occupied, and apply very broadly and early next year. I've heard you shouldn't go to grad school just for the sake of going, and only if you think you really want to. Post bac may be a descent idea, but you need to decide if it's worth the time and money.

OP-
Looking at your MD Apps, it appears you are still waiting to hear back from several schools. I would not give up hope. There are still 4 more months in the interview season. If you're done with school, I would find a job that is in some way science or caring for others related. If you don't get in, you can keep the job and add it to your app for the following year. Although you did not apply to many schools, I think you are on par with the schools you applied to. Your biggest issue is probably taking the MCAT 3 times and that your score went down the third time. Do not take it again. When did you apply? Some schools do take 3-4 months to get back to you. Wait until the end of Feb. and if things aren't looking good, then consider post bac.

Depending on how many credits you have total, doing some post bacc work can really raise that GPA. One semester of me getting a 3.91 with 13 credits raised my GPA in this way: sGPA was 3.26 now is 3.34...GPA was 3.39 now 3.46! And thats just one semester! I chose my classes, did it informally, so it wasn't as expensive as a formal program. Also, you can take as many or few that you think you can rock (if I would have had any more money I would have taken another class, but that is the max I could borrow).

I agree with the other posters to wait out this season, but look into getting involved with a job and maybe taking some more classes and applying again. DO NOT RETAKE THE MCAT!! Your score of 31 is good, and some schools will overlook your lower third take (my second take was lower than my first, and I'm getting some love). Just get your apps in on the first day next year and you should at least get looked at by your state schools. Good luck! :luck:

Do schools look at your most recent mcat? or your highest? how does it work?

It differs by schools. Some will take the highest from each section, some only look at the highest overall sitting, the latest sitting, and some take the mean. The school websites should be able to provide more details on this.

Why'd you retake with a 31?

Click and post a comment or comment in the thread. I know this ultimately comes down to which goals I want to pursue, but I want to go ahead and receive comments from you; I am already considering taking a year off before medical school, so should I go ahead and withdraw my applications to these schools and retake the MCAT with hope of scoring higher, and thus applying to more (prestigious) schools? I am uncertain if I want to do research once I am out of medical school and the schools that I applied to are not as research focused as I would like.

My mdapplicants profile (http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=9668)

i retook because i wanted to apply this year and I didnt know my score yet. I figured if I kept studying one more month there was no way I could do worse...boy was i wrong.

So, I'm in a bit of a problem. (its ironic because I promised myself last year that I'd never be one of those over-stressed neurotic pre-meds)

I went to a unique H.S. that allowed us to take college courses for two years at a local liberal arts college that would fulfill our H.S. requirements as well as build some college credit before we actually started at our undergraduate institutions.

Unfortunately, I was a lazy student back in high school and without thinking much about the future, ended up with something like a 3.4 in my classes there. Currently, I'm a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill making around a 3.9 in one of the toughest majors at my school (chemistry), but when I factor in the classes I took back in H.S, it pulls down my gpa significantly. I've worked my ass off for the last year and a half for the sole purpose of making up for the classes that I did poorly in back in H.S. but considering these grades came back when I was a foolish, pot smoking, high schooler with no sense of direction, this doesn't kill my chances at being competitive for a top 10 school or anything does it?

Or am I just being paranoid and over obsessive?

Or am I just being paranoid and over obsessive?

Yes, you are. The math doesn't make much sense that it would really pull you down very far. Not to mention the "upward trend" card. Calm down.

i think you're just being paranoid.

As long as you have that "upward trend" that they always talk about.. you'll be just fine.

Haha, ok, I'm not trying to be a "gunner" (as people on this site refer to) or anything its just that ever since I started reading these boards and MDApplicants, I've started to get a little paranoid.

Yeah SDN has that effect on people.
When you start to freak out, look at my MDApps and regain hope. I suck and I've gotten 2 interviews :-)

could you guys please take a moment to comment on my mdapps profile (http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=9669)

it has been quite a while since I applied (2-4 months depending on the school) and it seems to me that it is getting late for the interview invitations to go out.

do you think i'll hear from anyone soon given my stats and experience?

thanks a lot for your time.

3.4 MCATS BS 11 VR 10 PS 8

Lots of extracurriculars and leadership, first author paper in JBC

Haven't heard from any schools should I retake the MCATS?

3.4 MCATS BS 11 VR 10 PS 8

Lots of extracurriculars and leadership, first author paper in JBC

Haven't heard from any schools should I retake the MCATS?
When and where did you apply?

Your MCAT isn't that great, but it isn't horrible either.. if you could get the PS up to 10 you could easily make yourself a little more competitive. I'd also consider having your PS looked at to make sure it was good and think about whether your LOR writers were able to give you strong recommendations.

Hey all,

I'll be graduating soon with a 3.63, BCPM of 3.79. Good ECs: student council, publication, varsity athlete, shadowing, volunteering. The reason the overall GPA is so low is because I got a 2.1 my freshman fall. Since then I've had one semester of 3.1 and the rest between 3.5-4.0 (with 4 semesters of 4.0). My cum. GPA without my first semester is a 3.80, I believe.

1. What would my MCAT have to be to have a good shot at any school?

2. How important is an upward trend?

Obviously this is far from an exact science...I'm just trying to get an idea of how I'll be sitting.

Thanks for your help.

Hey all,

I'll be graduating soon with a 3.63, BCPM of 3.79. Good ECs: student council, publication, varsity athlete, shadowing, volunteering. The reason the overall GPA is so low is because I got a 2.1 my freshman fall. Since then I've had one semester of 3.1 and the rest between 3.5-4.0 (with 4 semesters of 4.0). My cum. GPA without my first semester is a 3.80, I believe.

1. What would my MCAT have to be to have a good shot at any school?

2. How important is an upward trend?

Obviously this is far from an exact science...I'm just trying to get an idea of how I'll be sitting.

Thanks for your help.

How on earth did you get your gpa that high after 1 semester with a 2.1 and one with a 3.1? Remember, even if you retook classes, BOTH the original and the retake count in your gpa for md schools. Anyways, good job!

Upward trend is good, especially since your cumulative is pretty good. I don't know what mcat score you need, but definitely above a 30.

Thanks for the kind words! Yes I retook the 2 classes I did poorly in and factored both grades into the GPA. I also transferred so had to take more credits that I would've liked. I think I'll be finishing with about 150 hours (+30 AP hours), which will help to dilute the bad grades!

1. What would my MCAT have to be to have a good shot at any school?
I would aim for a balanced 30 to be competitive for US MD schools, with no individual section's score below an 8. That's just a ballpark number and is by no means set in stone. Many have success with scores lower than that, so take it for what it's worth. However, know that if you're asian/white, the average these days for successful MD matriculants is around the 31/3.7 ballpark http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/2007/mcatgparaceeth07.htm

Additionally, if you're looking at the DO route the situation is a bit different.



2. How important is an upward trend?
It's important, but not any more so than other parts of an application (ECs, MCAT, LORs, personal statement, etc.).

Firstly, forgive me for asking a very specific version of a question that has been asked ad infinitum in this thread and, I'm sure, throughout this forum. Thanks to anyone who responds, as I'm having a lot of sleepless nights lately about med school and my chances of getting into a good school.

So my basic story is this; I go to University of Michigan which, I think, is highly looked upon. I was an honors student for my first two years. My major is Cell Molecular Biology, for which the average GPA is 2.8 here. My GPA is currently a 3.3, and after this next semester I hope for it to be a 3.4 at least (really buckling down, taking a larger than usual credit load, etc). My science GPA is a 3.3/3.4.

My MCAT score is a 38. 14 in physics, 13 in verbal reasoning, 11 in biology. I got an "r" in the writing section.

I am a pretty good writer, and very nearly doubled in english, so I have confidence in the quality of my personal statement and my essays. I also have a number of friends who are excellent writers who can help me.

I am a minority (I know, lame, but I've heard it helps).

I have have been a volunteer tutor since my sophmore year of college (and held a position in an honors volunteer organization here). I am a member of the pre-chemistry fraternity. I have done research every summer since the summer after my senior year of highschool, focusing on cancer most especially. My work will, within the next month, be published in a reasonably well established journal for the type of work I do (I will be second author).

I have done a little volunteering in a hospital, but not much. This summer I will be doing 3 months of volunteer work in Ecuador, in a hospital, in an environment that will give me real hands on experience (a friend of mine did the same thing and delivered babies, stitched people up, scrubbed in for surgeries...all things to that can, at least, be mentioned in essays and personal statements). I will take the upcoming year off to work in my lab (and hopefully publish another paper, this time first authored) and volunteer at the local university hospital.

So, with all that in mind...what are my chances of getting into a GOOD medical school? I'm quite confident that my MCAT score can make up for some of my less than stellar GPA at the lower tier medical schools, but is there any chance at all that I might be expected to get into something in the top, say, 25?

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer this, those of you that do. Whether you say yes or no, you'll be giving a little peace to this restless mind of mine! Its the not knowin' that does th' killin'! :)

could you guys please take a moment to comment on my mdapps profile (http://mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=9669)

it has been quite a while since I applied (2-4 months depending on the school) and it seems to me that it is getting late for the interview invitations to go out.

do you think i'll hear from anyone soon given my stats and experience?

thanks a lot for your time.

I could help but notice you had some experience in Istanbul. My father is from Istanbul!

As to your application, not that I am super familiar with these things, but it seems like you have an extremely solid resume. Your scores and grades are good, competitive on their own, but your vast experience really makes you stand out.

You'll be fine, I bet. I have a number of friends who just got interview offers.

Ok, so i am in a dilemma and I apologize for making this a personal thing but I would really appreciate some advice.

3.8 29Q firstly.

I havent heard any good news but only rejections from six out of 15 schools. I havent heard anything from any in-state schools (FL).

But not everything is bad, which is the problem, NIH recently offered me a post-bac position and they want an answer soon.

Between medical research and getting into med school, i would choose the latter.

So, should i stop hoping this year and take the position is the question, the position requires a two year contract.

Any advice would be soooo greatly appreciated.

Well the only thing wrong with your stats is that MCAT. If you could take the test over and get above a 30 you should be fine. But I do have a couple of questions:

1. The post bacc at NIH, how long is it?

2. IS it more research oriented since it's the NIH?

3. What's your science GPA?

The only reason why I ask is because if you really want to go to medical school I would honestly raise the MCAT. A postbacc is for ppl who need to raise their science GPA/overall. I could see if your science GPA was less than a 3.4, then I would suggest doing the postbacc. If it isn't I would try beefing up the application for next cycle by retaking the MCAT or adding some EC's and all that jazz.

But since the application cycle isn't over I wouldn't put all of my eggs in one basket.

^Just my 2 cents^

c.s.

Well the only thing wrong with your stats is that MCAT. If you could take the test over and get above a 30 you should be fine. But I do have a couple of questions:

1. The post bacc at NIH, how long is it?

2. IS it more research oriented since it's the NIH?

3. What's your science GPA?

The only reason why I ask is because if you really want to go to medical school I would honestly raise the MCAT. A postbacc is for ppl who need to raise their science GPA/overall. I could see if your science GPA was less than a 3.4, then I would suggest doing the postbacc. If it isn't I would try beefing up the application for next cycle by retaking the MCAT or adding some EC's and all that jazz.

But since the application cycle isn't over I wouldn't put all of my eggs in one basket.

^Just my 2 cents^

c.s.

Thanks for the reply, that is my science GPA. And the post-bac isnt a GPA raising thing, it is the IRTA program, I would work as a research fellow.

And the postbac offered right now, is two years, which isnt helping my decision.

I am will be applying in the upcoming cycle, so I was wondering if there are any major flaws in my application right now that could be worked on during this semester, and what my realistic goals for schools are as of right now.

3.87 overall GPA, 3.89 Science GPA
32Q MCAT (11 PS, 11 BS, 10 VR)

3 Years volunteering as a tutor for low income kids in Chicago - 1 year as a participant, 2 Years as coordinator of the program (6 hrs/week)

2 Semesters research with my organic chemistry professor (3 hrs/week)

1 Semester research in geology (6 hrs/week)

2 Semesters as a Teaching Assistant in a Geology Lab (3 hrs/week)

40 hours shadowing a family doctor

1 summer volunteering in a hospital (20 hrs/week)

Work in the nursery at my local church (2 hrs/week)

Intramural sports every semester (3 hrs/week)


Thanks for any feedback/constructive criticism, it is greatly appreciated.

I could help but notice you had some experience in Istanbul. My father is from Istanbul!

As to your application, not that I am super familiar with these things, but it seems like you have an extremely solid resume. Your scores and grades are good, competitive on their own, but your vast experience really makes you stand out.

You'll be fine, I bet. I have a number of friends who just got interview offers.

thanks for the support. i am keeping my fingers crossed.. i am from istanbul, also. how did your dad end up in the US? it's really rare to find turkish students going for med school in the US. We are so small in numbers that everybody knows if somebody is going for it.. hehehe

such a pleasant coincidence.

Well my undergraduate cumulative GPA is a 3.03. I'm about to start my Masters this semester, which will take three semesters and I'm pretty confident I'll be able to maintain a good GPA. I'm planning to take my MCATs in August, and apply to medical school. (so I'll be applying with one semester of my graduate degree on my transcript) I have done volunteer work and shadowed doctors and am in the process of completing my EMT-Basic certification.

My question is, with my low GPA, is there a chance I can get into medical school? And what should I be aiming to get on my MCAT's to guarantee entrance? Furtheremore, are there specific schools in the US that is known for not weighing so heavily on GPA?:confused::confused::(:(

Please tell me what I need to do or am I trying to fight a lost cause?

Well my undergraduate cumulative GPA is a 3.03. I'm about to start my Masters this semester, which will take three semesters and I'm pretty confident I'll be able to maintain a good GPA. I'm planning to take my MCATs in August, and apply to medical school. (so I'll be applying with one semester of my graduate degree on my transcript) I have done volunteer work and shadowed doctors and am in the process of completing my EMT-Basic certification.

My question is, with my low GPA, is there a chance I can get into medical school? And what should I be aiming to get on my MCAT's to guarantee entrance? Furtheremore, are there specific schools in the US that is known for not weighing so heavily on GPA?:confused::confused::(:(

Please tell me what I need to do or am I trying to fight a lost cause?

We need more info. What is your BCPM? Are any of your bad grades in the prereqs? Is the masters a SMP, a science masters or what? Truth of the matter is your GPA is going to be a hurdle for med school. You may want to consider some additional undergrad courses to bring it up.

I am will be applying in the upcoming cycle, so I was wondering if there are any major flaws in my application right now that could be worked on during this semester, and what my realistic goals for schools are as of right now.

3.87 overall GPA, 3.89 Science GPA
32Q MCAT (11 PS, 11 BS, 10 VR)

3 Years volunteering as a tutor for low income kids in Chicago - 1 year as a participant, 2 Years as coordinator of the program (6 hrs/week)

2 Semesters research with my organic chemistry professor (3 hrs/week)

1 Semester research in geology (6 hrs/week)

2 Semesters as a Teaching Assistant in a Geology Lab (3 hrs/week)

40 hours shadowing a family doctor

1 summer volunteering in a hospital (20 hrs/week)

Work in the nursery at my local church (2 hrs/week)

Intramural sports every semester (3 hrs/week)


Thanks for any feedback/constructive criticism, it is greatly appreciated.
You look eerily similar to me, so hopefully we will be ok!! Just apply broadly

Quick question. I will begin by saying that I have not taken the MCAT yet. Without that score, and I know its not safe to assume a score, what kind of challenge am I facing when I apply this summer. In particular I'm concerned about my chances at Jeff:

Overall: 3.48, BCMP: 3.46
Possibly, assuming a 4.0 for the semester (12 credits): 3.54/3.52
PA resident
100 Hours of Katrina relief work
50 or so hours were under my direction (leadership)
50 Hours of Habitat work
100+ clinical volunteer hours
50+ shadowing hours
Orientation Leader (Freshman orientation): 3 years
One year as head OL
Student Gov Senator
Campus Activities Board (Planned most campus events sponsored by SGA)
Admissions Calling
First Year Experience Committee
I have had several interesting jobs, too.

I am big on school spirit/promotion as you can see.

I'm not a disadvantaged student nor a minority.

thanks for the support. i am keeping my fingers crossed.. i am from istanbul, also. how did your dad end up in the US? it's really rare to find turkish students going for med school in the US. We are so small in numbers that everybody knows if somebody is going for it.. hehehe

such a pleasant coincidence.

My father was an engineer, he came to the states for graduate school, never left. :)

It is indeed rare for a Turk to leave the country and STAY out of the country, I've noticed. All of our family on his side still lives in Istanbul or Ankara or thereabouts.

Good luck with the application process!

This is my first time applying so I know just as much as you do.

However, if the school where you are doing your masters has a medical school, I imagine that research can get your foot in the door. :)

If you become invaluable to a med prof's lab, i'm sure he'd write a glowing letter of rec that may hold significant weight at his own school! Perhaps he'd even make a personal appeal or a phone call on your behalf. I haven't actually heard of this happening for a med applicant. But it happens all the time for PhDs

good luck

My question is, with my low GPA, is there a chance I can get into medical school? Furtheremore, are there specific schools in the US that is known for not weighing so heavily on GPA?:confused::confused::(:(

Please tell me what I need to do or am I trying to fight a lost cause?

look into going to a DO school. the GPAs are lower and there many people getting with 3.0s and decent MCAT scores (28)

...And what should I be aiming to get on my MCAT's to guarantee entrance?

You probably already realize this, but I thought it should be re-emphasized anyway: There are no guarantees.

With your low GPA even if you score godly high on the MCAT some schools may still question whether you can handle the tough course load and time demands of medical school. After you master's degree I would suggest looking into an SMP program while applying to medical schools, and aim higher than 36 on the MCAT. You should really be aiming to try for a 95% or greater in terms of right/total questions on the MCAT. If you can get 95% of the questions right consistently, you'll pretty much be guaranteed a 38 or higher if you perform similarly on your real test...It's possible.

You probably already realize this, but I thought it should be re-emphasized anyway: There are no guarantees.

With your low GPA even if you score godly high on the MCAT some schools may still question whether you can handle the tough course load and time demands of medical school. After you master's degree I would suggest looking into an SMP program while applying to medical schools, and aim higher than 36 on the MCAT. You should really be aiming to try for a 95% or greater in terms of right/total questions on the MCAT. If you can get 95% of the questions right consistently, you'll pretty much be guaranteed a 38 or higher if you perform similarly on your real test...It's possible.

Don't listen to that; seems someone just wants to brag. It it was such a possible feat, more than 1% of the test takers would be doing it....

To the OP, have you looked into DO?

Don't listen to that; seems someone just wants to brag. It it was such a possible feat, more than 1% of the test takers would be doing it....

To the OP, have you looked into DO?

I don't think he/she was bragging.

To the OP, with a killer MCAT and EC's - it's been done. Check out mdapplicants.com and you can search for similar cases.

I don't think he/she was bragging.

To the OP, with a killer MCAT and EC's - it's been done. Check out mdapplicants.com and you can search for similar cases.

Maybe/Maybe not. Of course its possible, It is just a little unrealistic and a bit rash. You and Visahdas are quite the minority with ~3.0 GPAs and 40 MCATs.

I have a 3.1 over all GPA . Im graduating this semester with a bachelors degree in Chem. I am going to do some post bacc work. Primarily taking several advance biology classes. Then take the MCATS... :D

obvious bad stuff out of the way: OTH military discharge at 19:mad:. Two withdrawals and an "F" freshman year, first semester in human biology.(retaken, got an A)

age:26(spent 4 years working menial jobs. Started school @ 22)

ugrad: Kent State University

major: psychology

gpa:3.807

GPA with "freshman forgiveness" policy:3.91

science gpa:3.7(A's in everything short human biology course, as stated above)

MCAT:33

other: Lots of volunteer work, particularly with local nursing homes. State certified EMT, 2 years.


thoughts? Thanks so much

obvious bad stuff out of the way: OTH military discharge at 19:mad:. Two withdrawals and an "F" freshman year, first semester in human biology.(retaken, got an A)

age:26(spent 4 years working menial jobs. Started school @ 22)

ugrad: Kent State University

major: psychology

gpa:3.807

GPA with "freshman forgiveness" policy:3.91

science gpa:3.7(A's in everything short human biology course, as stated above)

MCAT:33

other: Lots of volunteer work, particularly with local nursing homes. State certified EMT, 2 years.


thoughts? Thanks so much

One note: If you want to compare apples to apples, you need to include your "forgiven" classes in your GPA - every time you took them. This will be the AMCAS GPA that schools get, even though your school's policy might say that they "disappear" from your transcript.

Figured I would throw my numbers in here, although seeing mdapps is making me nervous.

I'm definitely not a traditional applicant. It's been a real long road, and in retrospect I really wish I had not gone to college when I did. Loooong story, but a good one in the end (personally). I just hope it hasn't kept me from a life as a doctor.

Currently 24
UG GPA: 3.04, with the science GPA about the same. Psych major, Bio minor
Killer thing is 2 C's in orgo, which I am retaking this summer. All this at UofRochester
Master's program at Roswellpark- gradGPA-4.0

MCAT- 30P 11B 9V 10PS

EC's
2 year's as chaperone for youth group
1 year tutoring GED science to nonviolent offenders
1 year research at the UG level
2 years grad research (hopefully publication)
2 summers interning for Medicaid office as meet-and-greet guide
1 year as pharm tech
1 year as TA of a graduate course that is required for all phD and master's students at Roswell
40hours shadowing at UG level
Secretary for GSA at Roswell

Currently:
Getting EMT-B certified with plans to work for a year (very interested in being an ER doc)
Shadowing a neurologist
Volunteering at children's hospital and an elderly care facility (4 hours a week, each)


Thinking of retaking the MCAT's a year from this spring. Do I have any shot at MD school or do I require a solid post-bacc to bring the GPA up?

Any advice is really appreciated.

I think MD is out of the question with a 30/3.0. You have a shot for DO, texas got in with a 2.7

Seems so. Guess a post-bacc is next.

Thanks though!

Seems so. Guess a post-bacc is next.

Thanks though!
Yeah I guess it will help, but if you cant get it above a 3.5 you are still a stretch with a 30. Honestly I wouldntlimit yourself just to MD, DO is pretty much the same thing.

Probably going to re-take that as well. It's a do-over party!

well good luck!! If MD doesnt work out, I strongly encourage you to consider other routes.

I've achieved a 3.8 GPA with semesters of straight A's.

However, I accumulated an F and a C on my transcript on non-prereq INTRO classes in the first year; and I retook the F to get an A.

How will an F and C in the transcript, with otherwise a decent GPA and wonderful MCAT score, be perceived?

ARE MY CHANCES FOR HARVARD SHOT WITH THAT F?

http://www.civil-defence.org/archive/photos/shields/c2.jpg

http://www.civil-defence.org/archive/photos/shields/c2.jpg

That's not gonna be enough.

Oh nvm you're being facetious

Oh nvm you're being facetious

I'm not sure why, but that word has always bugged me. I think it goes back to one of my professors that used it at least 6-10 times over the course of a semester. That word (to me) is a low use word.

I am merging this into the stickied WAMC thread where all of these questions belong.

*3.8 GPA* My bad.

And no, I was asking a serious question. For more info, I think I have every other credential in terms of awards and papers to aim high. Are there 2 grades still irrefutable handicaps for a top10 future?

Firstly, forgive me for asking a very specific version of a question that has been asked ad infinitum in this thread and, I'm sure, throughout this forum. Thanks to anyone who responds, as I'm having a lot of sleepless nights lately about med school and my chances of getting into a good school.

So my basic story is this; I go to University of Michigan which, I think, is highly looked upon. I was an honors student for my first two years. My major is Cell Molecular Biology, for which the average GPA is 2.8 here. My GPA is currently a 3.3, and after this next semester I hope for it to be a 3.4 at least (really buckling down, taking a larger than usual credit load, etc). My science GPA is a 3.3/3.4.

My MCAT score is a 38. 14 in physics, 13 in verbal reasoning, 11 in biology. I got an "r" in the writing section.

I am a pretty good writer, and very nearly doubled in english, so I have confidence in the quality of my personal statement and my essays. I also have a number of friends who are excellent writers who can help me.

I am a minority (I know, lame, but I've heard it helps).

I have have been a volunteer tutor since my sophmore year of college (and held a position in an honors volunteer organization here). I am a member of the pre-chemistry fraternity. I have done research every summer since the summer after my senior year of highschool, focusing on cancer most especially. My work will, within the next month, be published in a reasonably well established journal for the type of work I do (I will be second author).

I have done a little volunteering in a hospital, but not much. This summer I will be doing 3 months of volunteer work in Ecuador, in a hospital, in an environment that will give me real hands on experience (a friend of mine did the same thing and delivered babies, stitched people up, scrubbed in for surgeries...all things to that can, at least, be mentioned in essays and personal statements). I will take the upcoming year off to work in my lab (and hopefully publish another paper, this time first authored) and volunteer at the local university hospital.

So, with all that in mind...what are my chances of getting into a GOOD medical school? I'm quite confident that my MCAT score can make up for some of my less than stellar GPA at the lower tier medical schools, but is there any chance at all that I might be expected to get into something in the top, say, 25?

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer this, those of you that do. Whether you say yes or no, you'll be giving a little peace to this restless mind of mine! Its the not knowin' that does th' killin'! :)


No thoughts? From anyone?

...Anything? :)

No thoughts? From anyone?

...Anything? :)

I'll let you know after my application season is over, and we can compare notes.
:laugh:

Great stats, but not many people have OTH discharge...

..

Hi, I have quite a long story.

I am a transfer student to UCLA, however there are a few things of consideration:

My Community College GPA is around 3.34 due to Family problems I had to deal with in the first two years (Which I will also note on my application essays if needed).

However, my UCLA GPA will turn out around 3.60 area during application time (also to note this is my 4th year in college and I just want to get the application process over with). So my total university GPA should come up around the 3.45 to 3.49 area.

My Experience: I have been doing research for 2 years in the same lab, volunteered one summer at a hospital, currently working at a local hospital for a small project to improve healthcare and a few other smaller clubs. I will also attain killer letter of recommendations.

I have not taken my MCAT yet, but I hope I will score in the range of 31 to 34.

I am keeping my options open to everything (I am only concerned about Primary Care Medicine, so any school in the US should suffice for me), including the Caribean (I might have a good chance at the top Caribean schools?). I need some advice since my GPA is of concern to me and I am extremely stressed out about this.

I will be 24 at time of application, so slightly non-trad.

I am mostly interested in attending a state school, ranking doesn't matter that much too me; I am just interested in getting into most any allopathic school.

I graduated a few years ago with an engineering science degree (4.0 gpa) with honors designation. I had numerous scholarships and awards in school. I studied abroad multiple times. I have a minor in a liberal arts subject. I did/supported research as an undergraduate, but did not publish anything. I have fairly extensive (given my age) work experience with numerous major international engineering firms.

Pretty much nothing I have done to date has been medical-related (nothing in school anyways). I didn't decide I wanted to apply until last year. I volunteered at a free clinic one semester during school. I am currently volunteering in the ER assisting patients, which I should have ~100 hours of by the time of application. I am finishing all my remaining pre-reqs (bio and chem) at night at a community college (my only option since I work full-time), which I am making A's in.

So, in summary:
-4.0 GPA overall including 4.0 GPA BPCM (bio and chem taken nights at CC, ochem and physics at 4-year). Extremely rigorous math and engineering coursework.
-Relatively little volunteer experience (~150 hours), some shadowing (~30 hours).
-Limited community service (~30 hours)
-No relevant research
-Extensive professional experience
-Numerous ECs (non-medical related)
-Currently working full-time, taking 8 credits, volunteering, and studying for MCAT (I hoping my schedule will excuse the CC stigma).
-Ok letters of recommendations (normal, nothing extraordinary, no committee letter).

What should be my target score (the score to which I should study)? Because of my schedule, I won't be able to go all out on studying and need to be as efficient as possible (i.e, not spending an extra 3 hours each day trying to get from 36 to 37). I am thinking 30 as a minimum and 34 for a high target. By minimum, I mean at least getting into one school. I only plan on applying to my state schools (4) and at most 1 or 2 out of state.

First the bad part:

Junior Year, GPA 3.1, Science 3.0
Biology/Public Health
Attending a top public university

The good part:

MCAT VR: 13 BS: 13 PS: 11 R
Hospital Volunteer work
Involved with several humanitarian organizations
Faulty GPA earlier due to an excess of work, familial obligations (I hardly partied, it was just the sadness I has had for the last two years)

Anything I should do during my last two quarters before I apply? This whole thing makes me nervous. Should I focus on a post bacc?


If you have a strong upward trend and a "friendly" state school, you've got a good shot. If you don't have a strong upward trend or a friendly instate school, you could still apply and might get lucky, but I think you should also make post-bac/SMP plans. What you'll need to demonstrate is that you can do well in your pre-med or upper level science courses (if you've already taken the pre-med classes and didn't do very well). Good luck!

EDIT: Check out my advice in the post below regarding DO schools as well.

Hi, I have quite a long story.

I am a transfer student to UCLA, however there are a few things of consideration:

My Community College GPA is around 3.34 due to Family problems I had to deal with in the first two years (Which I will also note on my application essays if needed).

However, my UCLA GPA will turn out around 3.60 area during application time (also to note this is my 4th year in college and I just want to get the application process over with). So my total university GPA should come up around the 3.45 to 3.49 area.

My Experience: I have been doing research for 2 years in the same lab, volunteered one summer at a hospital, currently working at a local hospital for a small project to improve healthcare and a few other smaller clubs. I will also attain killer letter of recommendations.

I have not taken my MCAT yet, but I hope I will score in the range of 31 to 34.

I am keeping my options open to everything (I am only concerned about Primary Care Medicine, so any school in the US should suffice for me), including the Caribean (I might have a good chance at the top Caribean schools?). I need some advice since my GPA is of concern to me and I am extremely stressed out about this.

If you do well on the MCAT and the rest of your application is solid, AND you apply both early and broadly I think you have a good shot. A 3.4 gpa isn't the best, but it's fine for many schools. If that's your only weakness, and you can show that you've done well in all of your recent science courses/pre-reqs, you're in decent shape. Being a CA resident doesn't help though, since getting into a CA is notoriously difficult. Thus, you'll really need to apply broadly. Also, since you're considering both US MD and carib schools, have you considered DO schools? If you're interested in primary care, that might be a great option - they tend to be more forgiving of earlier bad grades if you've improved them, and don't calculate grades for classes that you retook (so your gpa might be higher for applying to DO schools). Check out the pre-osteopathic forum on SDN if you're not as up on applying to DO schools or the difference between getting a DO and an MD.

I will be 24 at time of application, so slightly non-trad.

I am mostly interested in attending a state school, ranking doesn't matter that much too me; I am just interested in getting into most any allopathic school.

I graduated a few years ago with an engineering science degree (4.0 gpa) with honors designation. I had numerous scholarships and awards in school. I studied abroad multiple times. I have a minor in a liberal arts subject. I did/supported research as an undergraduate, but did not publish anything. I have fairly extensive (given my age) work experience with numerous major international engineering firms.

Pretty much nothing I have done to date has been medical-related (nothing in school anyways). I didn't decide I wanted to apply until last year. I volunteered at a free clinic one semester during school. I am currently volunteering in the ER assisting patients, which I should have ~100 hours of by the time of application. I am finishing all my remaining pre-reqs (bio and chem) at night at a community college (my only option since I work full-time), which I am making A's in.

So, in summary:
-4.0 GPA overall including 4.0 GPA BPCM (bio and chem taken nights at CC, ochem and physics at 4-year). Extremely rigorous math and engineering coursework.
-Relatively little volunteer experience (~150 hours), some shadowing (~30 hours).
-Limited community service (~30 hours)
-No relevant research
-Extensive professional experience
-Numerous ECs (non-medical related)
-Currently working full-time, taking 8 credits, volunteering, and studying for MCAT (I hoping my schedule will excuse the CC stigma).
-Ok letters of recommendations (normal, nothing extraordinary, no committee letter).

What should be my target score (the score to which I should study)? Because of my schedule, I won't be able to go all out on studying and need to be as efficient as possible (i.e, not spending an extra 3 hours each day trying to get from 36 to 37). I am thinking 30 as a minimum and 34 for a high target. By minimum, I mean at least getting into one school. I only plan on applying to my state schools (4) and at most 1 or 2 out of state.

I think you're in a good position here. Just be sure that the clinical experience you are getting are ones that you're passionate about or really interested in, and will shine through in your essays when you talk about what you're learning from them. But I think that your limited clinical exposure won't be a bar if the rest of your app is up to snuff. As for the MCAT, just aim for as high as you can. Study as much as you can. Take a practice test and project from there. Sure, I could tell you that a 30 might be enough. Or it might not. It depends on a lot of other factors, the primary one being the rest of your app (LORs, stats, personal statement, how you come across at an interview, etc.), but the other big part is your state schools. If your state of residence is CA, you can't bet on anything. If it's somewhere more reasonable (TX, FL, OH), great. Sorry I don't remember off-hand which state has four schools. Anyway, the bottom line is just to study as much as you can for the MCAT (while not letting other things slide too much), and do the best you can. Hopefully your best will be good enough for this cycle. The higher you score on the MCAT, the better your chances, of course. I think you'll probably be fine, and most of the engineers I know did very well on the MCAT. :luck:

No thoughts? From anyone?

...Anything? :)

You are money. Schools will likely consider the competition at U of M when they look at your GPA. You have a rock star MCAT and have not been a total bum otherwise. You should get in to a good school.

You are money. Schools will likely consider the competition at U of M when they look at your GPA. You have a rock star MCAT and have not been a total bum otherwise. You should get in to a good school.

I agree that you're sitting pretty john hops. :thumbup: Good luck!

I'm not sure if this is the exact place to post this, but here it goes..

I'm currently a senior Finance major at a pretty respectable public university. I will be staying an extra year to finish up and I plan to apply for the 2009 class. I've finished the basic requirements for med school, of which only one is an upper level science (cell bio and physio.) However, I do feel that I have some things that are going to set off some alarms when adcoms will start to look at my profile. I started at a CC and transferred after a year. The problem is that not only did I do gen chem in that year, I also went back and did orgo I and II over the summer after transferring. I did do pretty well overall in all my science classes (bcpm - 3.90) but I'm not sure it makes up for the stigma of taking those classes in the fashion I did.

In addition to this, I've taken roughly 12-13 credits every semester during college. I came into college with about 20 credits from HS, but since we didn't have AP classes, they were done through a local university and the grades I received were pretty bad (all Cs and Bs.) My overall AMCAS GPA with them is a 3.65 and would be a 3.82 without them. I've essentially been trying to boost my GPA from day 1 of college b/c of those classes that I didn't even know at the time had to be transferred (dumb, I know.)

I have a pretty large slate this upcoming semester w/a research fellowship thats ~15 hrs/week, shadowing, some other extra curriculars, as well as continuing w/my Kaplan prep class. I'm planning on taking the MCAT on June 13th. With this in mind, I had planned on taking 12 credits to allow for sufficient time to study for the MCAT, since I haven't had genetics and limited physio. My pre-med advisor suggest I take genetics or biochem and take more credits to show schools that I can handle a large course load. However, it would be hard to fit those into my finance courses and still have enough time to study to do well on the MCAT. I think I might be able to fit another business course in there but I'm still hesitating on that because I really want to focus on MCAT for this semester.

So my questions are: how will adcoms view the science pre-reqs I've taken at the CC and the course load I've been taking? What suggestions do you have for me to do this semester to impress the adcoms based on my situation? Should I be thinking post-bac at all?

Sorry if this is wordy but I would really need any feedback I can get :) Thanks!

I'm not sure if this is the exact place to post this, but here it goes..

I'm currently a senior Finance major at a pretty respectable public university. I will be staying an extra year to finish up and I plan to apply for the 2009 class. I've finished the basic requirements for med school, of which only one is an upper level science (cell bio and physio.) However, I do feel that I have some things that are going to set off some alarms when adcoms will start to look at my profile. I started at a CC and transferred after a year. The problem is that not only did I do gen chem in that year, I also went back and did orgo I and II over the summer after transferring. I did do pretty well overall in all my science classes (bcpm - 3.90) but I'm not sure it makes up for the stigma of taking those classes in the fashion I did.

In addition to this, I've taken roughly 12-13 credits every semester during college. I came into college with about 20 credits from HS, but since we didn't have AP classes, they were done through a local university and the grades I received were pretty bad (all Cs and Bs.) My overall AMCAS GPA with them is a 3.65 and would be a 3.82 without them. I've essentially been trying to boost my GPA from day 1 of college b/c of those classes that I didn't even know at the time had to be transferred (dumb, I know.)

I have a pretty large slate this upcoming semester w/a research fellowship thats ~15 hrs/week, shadowing, some other extra curriculars, as well as continuing w/my Kaplan prep class. I'm planning on taking the MCAT on June 13th. With this in mind, I had planned on taking 12 credits to allow for sufficient time to study for the MCAT, since I haven't had genetics and limited physio. My pre-med advisor suggest I take genetics or biochem and take more credits to show schools that I can handle a large course load. However, it would be hard to fit those into my finance courses and still have enough time to study to do well on the MCAT. I think I might be able to fit another business course in there but I'm still hesitating on that because I really want to focus on MCAT for this semester.

So my questions are: how will adcoms view the science pre-reqs I've taken at the CC and the course load I've been taking? What suggestions do you have for me to do this semester to impress the adcoms based on my situation? Should I be thinking post-bac at all?

Sorry if this is wordy but I would really need any feedback I can get :) Thanks!

First off, you don't need to take genetics and cell bio for the MCAT. But regardless, since you did a bunch of your pre-reqs at CC even after you'd transferred away, I think you should definitely be taking as many upper level science courses now as possible to show that you definitely can do well outside of a CC in the sciences. I also think that you should take less business courses if you can (i.e., if you don't need them for your major) in order to take more upper-level science courses. I think that's really what some adcom will look for in evaluating you. Obviously how you do on the MCAT will play a large part in how you do with applications (as well as your LORs, personal statements, clinical experiences, etc.), but what state you're a resident of will also have an impact. If it's CA, it'll be harder. If you have a state with friendlier public schools, it may be easier. I'd say go for it and apply for 2009, but keep in mind an SMP as a back-up plan if it doesn't work out. And obviously, apply early and broadly. :luck:

I'll try to keep this short. I'm applying in June, and I'm looking at anything possible to improve my application by then. Thanks for any input, and I will try to return the favor! :)

GPA: 3.76... up to a 3.8 after this semester (by the time I apply)
BCPM: 3.72
Age: 20
Race: as white as they come :p
Residency: Suburban Chicago
Major: Chemistry @ U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating with departmental distinction in May, 2009
MCAT: taking in May, 2008. I'm predicting a 33 or so at worst (hitting that on practice tests without studying really... lol) with a goal of 35+.

-Research in an organic chemistry lab anywhere between 15-60 hours a week depending on classwork and having a social life :) will culminate in a JACS publication and a senior thesis

-Volunteering in an ER, an oncology department, and a cardiac cath lab over the course of a year that will total about 150 hours+ when I apply

-Campus Honors Program at UIUC (basically it's top 0.5% of your class where you will "graduate with honors" after taking various honors courses, a seminar, attending a play dress rehearsal, and participating in 4 leadership workshops)

-Dean's List 5/5 semesters... National Dean's List 2007 whatever the heck that means :)

-Honor caddy 5 years running

-Tau Beta Pi

-Orgo tutor

-Orange Krush and Illini Pride member (student cheering sections at U of I that raise money and whatnot)

-Very good LOR's (research groups give ya connections what can I say)
_

I know I need more clinical experience without a doubt. I'm working on shadowing a surgeon this semester.

Thanks for any input... especially on:
-where I'll be competitive
-how I could be more competitive at what become "reach" schools

Best of luck to my fellow 2008 cycle applicants!

Hello Everyone, I am new to this site, any help I can reveive would be very much appreciated.

Currently I am a pharmacy student (expected graduation 2009) who is seriously considering applying to medical school once I am finished pharmacy school. Here is a list of my credentials, please let me know what your opinion is on my chances to get into med school (I am only applying to Canadian Schools)

a) Pharm GPA: 3.95 (I also have an honours bio degree, GPA:3.67)
b) MCAT: 31-T (11BS, 10PS, 10VR)
c) Tonnes of clinical experience (including rotations that I will be completeing next year)
d) Leadership skills include president of our pharmacy honours society, tutor, initiated a mentorship program
e) Research Experience in transplant patients
f) Community service activities that include helping the underserved population and the elderly
g) Solid reference letters from very willing professors

Thank you very much

Hello Everyone, I am new to this site, any help I can reveive would be very much appreciated.

Currently I am a pharmacy student (expected graduation 2009) who is seriously considering applying to medical school once I am finished pharmacy school. Here is a list of my credentials, please let me know what your opinion is on my chances to get into med school (I am only applying to Canadian Schools)

a) Pharm GPA: 3.95 (I also have an honours bio degree, GPA:3.67)
b) MCAT: 31-T (11BS, 10PS, 10VR)
c) Tonnes of clinical experience (including rotations that I will be completeing next year)
d) Leadership skills include president of our pharmacy honours society, tutor, initiated a mentorship program
e) Research Experience in transplant patients
f) Community service activities that include helping the underserved population and the elderly
g) Solid reference letters from very willing professors

Thank you very much

You look in good shape, if you can show ADCOMS why you decided against Pharm

I graduated in 2006 with a fairly low GPA to due lack directions. I now know what I want, I just need to know how to get it. I'm taking courses at community colleges and at UW ranging from, phlebotomy, anatomy and physiology, linear algebra, immunology. I intend on retaking o chem 1.
For reference, I was a huge slacker in college but still managed to graduate with a biochem degree. When I try I can get high grades. Unfortunately, other than a few times in college, I have only started trying after my undergraduate degree.
My question is, will high grades in post-undergraduate course work offset my low undergraduate GPA?
If MCAT scores and Extracurricular are above average, how can I get admissions to look past a low undergraduate GPA?

I graduated in 2006 with a fairly low GPA to due lack directions. I now know what I want, I just need to know how to get it. I'm taking courses at community colleges and at UW ranging from, phlebotomy, anatomy and physiology, linear algebra, immunology. I intend on retaking o chem 1.
For reference, I was a huge slacker in college but still managed to graduate with a biochem degree. When I try I can get high grades. Unfortunately, other than a few times in college, I have only started trying after my undergraduate degree.
My question is, will high grades in post-undergraduate course work offset my low undergraduate GPA?
If MCAT scores and Extracurricular are above average, how can I get admissions to look past a low undergraduate GPA?

There is a certain point where itisprobably an automatic rejection regardless. If you can get it above a 3.2 you have a shot if everything else is stellar. You may also look intoOsteopathic because they actually erase grades off your transcript if you retake.

You are money. Schools will likely consider the competition at U of M when they look at your GPA. You have a rock star MCAT and have not been a total bum otherwise. You should get in to a good school.

I agree that you're sitting pretty john ho