MD 3.77 cGPA, 3.54 sGPA with pub - chances at top tier school?

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Hi everyone,

I have a 3.77 cGPA, 31 MCAT

So I'm aware that my stats aren't exactly competitive for top-tier schools; however, I have a 5th author publication in a top journal and was wondering if this would alter my chances at all at a top-tier research-heavy school?

My school list is mostly lower-tier schools right now because of my stats, but just wanted to know if the publication would have any bearing at all in my application being considered at higher up schools

The publication is not going to be a miracle tipping factor for you. By all means, apply to a few schools in that top tier though. You never know, the person reading your application could know the PI in the lab or do research in the same field as you or edit for the journal, etc. Net net is that the publication, regardless even if it's the cover story on Nature, will not be a huge tipping factor. Play the crap shoot game though, you never know. Best of luck.

Unfortunately your 5th name publication will not make up for below average GPA (way below average sGPA) and below average MCAT score. A 9 section score puts you in the bottom of the bottom 10% for accepted students.

dude, harsh, unwarranted! How is 3.77 a below average GPA? It's not like no one's ever gotten into medical school with "only" a 31 and a 3.54 sGPA before.

Originally Posted by Ironmandoc

Unfortunately your 5th name publication will not make up for below average GPA (way below average sGPA) and below average MCAT score. A 9 section score puts you in the bottom of the bottom 10% for accepted students.

That's odd. I got an interview at HST with a lower GPA than OP did.

Originally Posted by metaphase

dude, harsh, unwarranted! How is 3.77 a below average GPA? It's not like no one's ever gotten into medical school with "only" a 31 and a 3.54 sGPA before.

Did you read the OP? Apparently not...the OP wanted feedback on chances at a TOP TIER SCHOOL. A 3.77 is below average at top tier schools, a 31 is below average (top tiers are 34+). The OP can get into medical school BUT that wasn't their question. So, next time read the post before criticizing my entirely accurate information.

Originally Posted by medthrowaway

That's odd. I got an interview at HST with a lower GPA than OP did.

Yeah but did you get an interview at HMS?

Originally Posted by blackcadillacs

Hi everyone,

I have a 3.77 cGPA, 3.54 sGPA, 31 MCAT (PS 9 / BS11 / VR 11)

So I'm aware that my stats aren't exactly competitive for top-tier schools; however, I have a 5th author publication in a top journal (I know 5th author isn't exactly impressive but the journal is really prestigious), and was wondering if this would alter my chances at all at a top-tier research-heavy school?

My school list is mostly lower-tier schools right now because of my stats, but just wanted to know if the publication would have any bearing at all in my application being considered at higher up schools

Chance at top tier? 0.

You should be ok for mid-tiers though.

You may get a shot (less than 10 percent). You would fine for mid and low tiers. You will be fine at DOs too. Polish your application really well!