MD & DO cGPA 3.3 sGPA 3.1 + clinical experience

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Hi!

I have finally decided to apply to med school since I graduated from college 2 years ago.

My cGPA is a 3.3 and my sGPA is a 3.1. My sGPA remained pretty consistent throughout the 4 years with mostly B's and B+'s (one C+, one F, a few A and A-'s). I have not taken the MCAT yet, but plan on taking it in a few months.

I have had basic lab research experience for ~2 years in high school plus a summer research program at a prestigious hospital during my sophomore year in college.

I have been working in clinical research at the same prestigious hospital for the past ~4 months. I was actually hired after 6 months of volunteer work in that lab. So technically, about 10 months of clinical research work!

My ECs comprise of dance, a science advisory board, hospital volunteer work, volunteer work in my city, and an honorable mention in a publication from my research during high school.

My two years since graduation have been a mish mosh of things. I worked at a few jobs that were unrelated to my career goals. I volunteered at the hospital I now work at and in the Emergency Dept at another prestigious hospital. I also dealt with the loss of a close friend who died due to medical issues (which has sprung me forward in my decision to pursue medical school).

In the meantime, I am working on doing more presentations and trying to get my name on a publication(s).

If I am to apply to medical school (MD and DO) this fall, what are my chances of getting in?
Would it be wiser to build up my credentials and then apply next year? I would really hate to wait another year, but if my chances will be much higher, I am willing to do it.

Thank you all for your input!

I fail to understand what the point of threads like this are. How do you expect us to "chance" you if you don't give us ~50% of your application AKA your MCAT (or even your practice test average). Nevertheless, I will try to help you out. With a reasonable MCAT score, you could definitely do DO. However, MD will be a lot harder. According to AAMC, you have a 27% chance of getting in with that GPA. Without knowing your MCAT this could range from worst case scenario 1.5% and best case scenario 67%. Let's just say you get the med school average of 32. Then you will have a 41% chance of getting into medical school.

I dont mean to rant. I'm just trying to tell you that nobody can really help you and tell you when to apply without that MCAT score.

I would try to get some more shadowing experiences too.

I understand your complaint. I know it's hard to "chance" me without that crucial MCAT score, but thank you for your advice.

If I was to receive an MCAT score of 37, would it be better to apply next year and use this year to improve my credentials (i.e: do more presentations/get published in clinical research, do a post-bacc program, or graduate school) or apply for this year?

Originally Posted by macinanay

I understand your complaint. I know it's hard to "chance" me without that crucial MCAT score, but thank you for your advice.

If I was to receive an MCAT score of 37, would it be better to apply next year and use this year to improve my credentials (i.e: do more presentations/get published in clinical research, do a post-bacc program, or graduate school) or apply for this year?

Shadowing? Your ECs are fine, it's the low GPA that you need to improve. Also its lolzy that you emphasize the prestige of the hospital you volunteer at.

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I'd rather not mention the hospital I currently work in. The hospital/medical school is ranked in the top 15% though.

Originally Posted by gaystains

Shadowing? Your ECs are fine, it's the low GPA that you need to improve. Also its lolzy that you emphasize the prestige of the hospital you volunteer at.

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I did do some shadowing...maybe 10-15 hours. I did also volunteer in the ER which allowed me to observe doctors and other medical staff for 6 months+.

I'm not sure where you are getting 37 from because only ~2% of test takers get this score or higher. However, even with a hypothetical 37 you will by no means guarantee yourself an acceptance. https://www.aamc.org/download/157450...008-10.pdf.pdf I would take another year to either do an informal/formal post bacc to raise your sci GPA and expand your ECs. If I were you, I would apply to postbaccs right now that dont require MCAT grades just in case and then weigh your options.

Originally Posted by gaystains

Shadowing? Your ECs are fine, it's the low GPA that you need to improve. Also its lolzy that you emphasize the prestige of the hospital you volunteer at.

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I disagree. The OP cites research from high school/less than a year of recent clinical research. I suggest continuing with the clinical research/trying to get publications as well as getting more "hands on" patient exposure through shadowing.

Originally Posted by YPDCC

I'm not sure where you are getting 37 from because only ~2% of test takers get this score or higher. However, even with a hypothetical 37 you will by no means guarantee yourself an acceptance. https://www.aamc.org/download/157450...008-10.pdf.pdf I would take another year to either do an informal/formal post bacc to raise your sci GPA and expand your ECs. If I were you, I would apply to postbaccs right now that dont require MCAT grades just in case and then weigh your options.




I disagree. The OP cites research from high school/less than a year of recent clinical research. I suggest continuing with the clinical research/trying to get publications as well as getting more "hands on" patient exposure through shadowing.

Thank you for your advice.

Originally Posted by macinanay

I did do some shadowing...maybe 10-15 hours. I did also volunteer in the ER which allowed me to observe doctors and other medical staff for 6 months+.

Sounds good. I really think the only thing holding you back is your GPA. Everything else can be improved as you move forward. If you want to apply to DO, the GPA isn't such a big red flag.


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