2012-13 applicant: 3.5 GPA, 3.3 Science GPA, 31 MCAT

[dr illers]

Hello All,

I'm planning on applying for the 2012-13 cycle and just wanted some feedback before I send my application in. First, the stats...I graduated UC Berkeley with an overall 3.5 GPA and a 3.3 in science with an MCAT of 31 (10V, 11P, 10B).

As far as EC's, I have done my shair of shadowing physicians and even worked in a hospital briefly transporting patients from outpatient to inpatient care sites. I have done more of my EC's outside clinical work. I coached 6th grade basketball for two years, taught science classes at middle schools for a semester, and have been working with a state senator on health care policy for the past year.

Since I'm from CA and I haven't had any research experience, I know it'll be a challenge to get into some schools. I was just looking for feedback in 3 ways: chances now, areas of improvement, and suggestions moving forward. In regards to the last point, I was thinking about a one year masters program, but I wasn't sure if I needed to, or if I could get into a MD program without it?

Thank you guys very very much for your input!

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[FrkyBgStok]

Your gpa is below average, your mcat is average and you have no IS school to fall back on. Apply very broadly to mid-low tier programs. You probably want to throw in some DO schools as well.

 

[dr illers]

Your gpa is below average, your mcat is average and you have no IS school to fall back on. Apply very broadly to mid-low tier programs. You probably want to throw in some DO schools as well.

Thanks! Thoughts on whether I should apply to a one yr masters program?

 

[flodhi1]

Thanks! Thoughts on whether I should apply to a one yr masters program?

If its a SMP (Special masters program) then it will help your chances. If its a traditional masters it won't really help because medical schools think of graduate courses with inflated grading systems. You have a chance of getting into medical school despite the low sGPA. Please read my mdapplicants profile since I discuss ways of Increasing chances with a low GPA. Good luck!

 

[dr illers]

Yeah, I was thinking about a SMP but wasn't quite sure if it was necessary. I'll definitely look into your profile and thanks for the input!