GPA really hurt me...What are my Chances?

[NativeMD]

Hi everybody

I'm new to this site, but have browsed through the forums over the years to gain some insight on the application process and some understanding regarding the rigors of medical school. This website has truly helped me throughout my undergraduate years and now that I'll be applying next cycle, I was wondering if some of you could tell me my chances of acceptance, as well as what I should be working on to strengthen my application. Being a physician is something I have always had a passion for and I will be more than thrilled to get an acceptance to any medical school. My GPAs are low due to a rough couple of quarters during my freshman and sophomore years, which I have a good explanation for if asked, but I averaged above a 3.7 my last two years with most of my science classes being completed during this time. I'm applying as a Underrepresented Minority - I'm African American and Native American, and was wondering how I would mark this on my application. Also, I'm a California resident and of course, while I would love an acceptance anywhere, would wish to stay in California, so what do you think are the chances of this happening? I know they look for something "special" on an application. My information is below...thanks so much for taking the time to look at my post!

Attended a UC
Overall GPA: 3.55 BCPM: 3.45
MCAT: 35 (11/12/12)


Work Experience:

• Part time for a year at a retail store
• Part time as an EMT-1 for a year and a half (still employed), averaging 21-30 hours a week ~700 hours of clinical experience
• ACLS and PALS certified

Sports:

• Division 1 scholarship for two years (not mentioning sport for privacy)
• Scholar Athlete Award

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:

• Trauma Hospital volunteer - worked in emergency department and intensive care unit for two years ~320 hours
• Worked on Pine Ridge reservation with the Oglala Lakota Nation for a week at a time (went twice)
• Worked on Rock Point reservation with the Navajo Nation for a week at a time (went three times)
• Habitat for Humanity volunteer ~110 hours
• Soup Kitchen and Pantry volunteer through the Catholic Church ~ 100 hours
• Participated as a member in two medicine/health organizations on campus - tutoring children, clinics, raising awareness about diseases, promoting good health and fitness
• Member of a political organization
• Tutored for three quarters in the subjects of biology and political science
• Global Medical Brigades member during junior year - traveled to South America to host a clinic for a week
• Shadowed three physicians - a general practitioner, emergency room physician, and a cardiologist

Research:

• Three quarters on Developmental Neurobiology - poster
• Two quarters on Tumor Virology

Also, what schools should I look to apply to out of state? I have family in Michigan and absolutely fell in love with University of Michigan when I visited, but of course it is extremely difficult to get in there as well. Any suggestions? Thanks everyone for your advice!

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[Led Zep]

Hi everybody

I'm new to this site, but have browsed through the forums over the years to gain some insight on the application process and some understanding regarding the rigors of medical school. This website has truly helped me throughout my undergraduate years and now that I'll be applying next cycle, I was wondering if some of you could tell me my chances of acceptance, as well as what I should be working on to strengthen my application. Being a physician is something I have always had a passion for and I will be more than thrilled to get an acceptance to any medical school. My GPAs are low due to a rough couple of quarters during my freshman and sophomore years, which I have a good explanation for if asked, but I averaged above a 3.7 my last two years with most of my science classes being completed during this time. I'm applying as a Underrepresented Minority - I'm African American and Native American, and was wondering how I would mark this on my application. Also, I'm a California resident and of course, while I would love an acceptance anywhere, would wish to stay in California, so what do you think are the chances of this happening? My information is below...thanks so much for taking the time to look at my post!

Attended a UC
Overall GPA: 3.55 BCPM: 3.45
MCAT: 35 (11/12/12)

Work Experience:

• Part time for a year at a retail store
• Part time as an EMT-1 for a year and a half (still employed), averaging 21-30 hours a week ~700 hours of clinical experience
• ACLS and PALS certified

Sports:

• Division 1 scholarship for two years (not mentioning sport for privacy)
• Scholar Athlete Award

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:

• Trauma Hospital volunteer - worked in emergency department and intensive care unit for two years ~320 hours
• Worked on Pine Ridge reservation with the Oglala Lakota Nation for a week at a time (went twice)
• Worked on Rock Point reservation with the Navajo Nation for a week at a time (went three times)
• Habitat for Humanity volunteer ~110 hours
• Soup Kitchen and Pantry volunteer through the Catholic Church ~ 100 hours
• Participated as a member in two medicine/health organizations on campus - tutoring children, clinics, raising awareness about diseases, promoting good health and fitness
• Member of a political organization
• Tutored for three quarters in the subjects of biology and political science
• Global Medical Brigades member during junior year - traveled to South America to host a clinic for a week
• Shadowed three physicians - a general practitioner, emergency room physician, and a cardiologist

Research:

• Three quarters on Developmenta Neurobiology - poster
• Two quarters on Tumor Virology

Thanks so much everyone!

Sure your GPA is a little low, but only a little considering everything else. Congrats on that MCAT score and as for EC's the only thing I have to say is stellar. As long as you're not set on anything like a top medical school or anything, I would say that you have a great shot at getting a few interviews.

 

[alwaysaangel]

You're above average in your ECs and MCAT. And your GPA isn't that bad.

With your double URM status you will be fine.

Make sure to establish your passion and niche within medicine (you did a lot of work with underserved communities/south america/native american reservations so I would run with that) so you stand out compared to other applicants.

If you apply broadly you will certainly get in somewhere. I am guessing you will have no problem staying in California.

 

[PennFranklin]

Med schools love an upward trend in your GPA so you have that going for you as well.

 

[Doctor246853]

Hi everybody

I'm new to this site, but have browsed through the forums over the years to gain some insight on the application process and some understanding regarding the rigors of medical school. This website has truly helped me throughout my undergraduate years and now that I'll be applying next cycle, I was wondering if some of you could tell me my chances of acceptance, as well as what I should be working on to strengthen my application. Being a physician is something I have always had a passion for and I will be more than thrilled to get an acceptance to any medical school. My GPAs are low due to a rough couple of quarters during my freshman and sophomore years, which I have a good explanation for if asked, but I averaged above a 3.7 my last two years with most of my science classes being completed during this time. I'm applying as a Underrepresented Minority - I'm African American and Native American, and was wondering how I would mark this on my application. Also, I'm a California resident and of course, while I would love an acceptance anywhere, would wish to stay in California, so what do you think are the chances of this happening? I know they look for something "special" on an application. My information is below...thanks so much for taking the time to look at my post!

Attended a UC
Overall GPA: 3.55 BCPM: 3.45
MCAT: 35 (11/12/12)



Work Experience:

• Part time for a year at a retail store
• Part time as an EMT-1 for a year and a half (still employed), averaging 21-30 hours a week ~700 hours of clinical experience
• ACLS and PALS certified

Sports:

• Division 1 scholarship for two years (not mentioning sport for privacy)
• Scholar Athlete Award

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:

• Trauma Hospital volunteer - worked in emergency department and intensive care unit for two years ~320 hours
• Worked on Pine Ridge reservation with the Oglala Lakota Nation for a week at a time (went twice)
• Worked on Rock Point reservation with the Navajo Nation for a week at a time (went three times)
• Habitat for Humanity volunteer ~110 hours
• Soup Kitchen and Pantry volunteer through the Catholic Church ~ 100 hours
• Participated as a member in two medicine/health organizations on campus - tutoring children, clinics, raising awareness about diseases, promoting good health and fitness
• Member of a political organization
• Tutored for three quarters in the subjects of biology and political science
• Global Medical Brigades member during junior year - traveled to South America to host a clinic for a week
• Shadowed three physicians - a general practitioner, emergency room physician, and a cardiologist

Research:

• Three quarters on Developmental Neurobiology - poster
• Two quarters on Tumor Virology

Also, what schools should I look to apply to out of state? I have family in Michigan and absolutely fell in love with University of Michigan when I visited, but of course it is extremely difficult to get in there as well. Any suggestions? Thanks everyone for your advice!

Are you URM?? Just curious..But umm yeah I would say your getting in somewhere. I wouldnt worry just apply broadly but other than that I would say your a medical student.

 

[NativeMD]

Thanks for the responses everyone I really appreciate it. Any suggestions on schools I should apply to?

 

[Dartmouth2005]

Hi everybody

I'm new to this site, but have browsed through the forums over the years to gain some insight on the application process and some understanding regarding the rigors of medical school. This website has truly helped me throughout my undergraduate years and now that I'll be applying next cycle, I was wondering if some of you could tell me my chances of acceptance, as well as what I should be working on to strengthen my application. Being a physician is something I have always had a passion for and I will be more than thrilled to get an acceptance to any medical school. My GPAs are low due to a rough couple of quarters during my freshman and sophomore years, which I have a good explanation for if asked, but I averaged above a 3.7 my last two years with most of my science classes being completed during this time. I'm applying as a Underrepresented Minority - I'm African American and Native American, and was wondering how I would mark this on my application. Also, I'm a California resident and of course, while I would love an acceptance anywhere, would wish to stay in California, so what do you think are the chances of this happening? I know they look for something "special" on an application. My information is below...thanks so much for taking the time to look at my post!

Attended a UC
Overall GPA: 3.55 BCPM: 3.45
MCAT: 35 (11/12/12)


Work Experience:

• Part time for a year at a retail store
• Part time as an EMT-1 for a year and a half (still employed), averaging 21-30 hours a week ~700 hours of clinical experience
• ACLS and PALS certified

Sports:

• Division 1 scholarship for two years (not mentioning sport for privacy)
• Scholar Athlete Award

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:

• Trauma Hospital volunteer - worked in emergency department and intensive care unit for two years ~320 hours
• Worked on Pine Ridge reservation with the Oglala Lakota Nation for a week at a time (went twice)
• Worked on Rock Point reservation with the Navajo Nation for a week at a time (went three times)
• Habitat for Humanity volunteer ~110 hours
• Soup Kitchen and Pantry volunteer through the Catholic Church ~ 100 hours
• Participated as a member in two medicine/health organizations on campus - tutoring children, clinics, raising awareness about diseases, promoting good health and fitness
• Member of a political organization
• Tutored for three quarters in the subjects of biology and political science
• Global Medical Brigades member during junior year - traveled to South America to host a clinic for a week
• Shadowed three physicians - a general practitioner, emergency room physician, and a cardiologist

Research:

• Three quarters on Developmental Neurobiology - poster
• Two quarters on Tumor Virology

Also, what schools should I look to apply to out of state? I have family in Michigan and absolutely fell in love with University of Michigan when I visited, but of course it is extremely difficult to get in there as well. Any suggestions? Thanks everyone for your advice!

As a URM, I think you will do very well this cycle. Maybe even some top 25 love.

The Michigan Constitution was amended to get rid of affirmative action in admissions. Thanks Jennifer Gratz. So, you prolly won't get any URM help there. (I admit that I could be wrong on this). But, considering your stats, I think you have a shot at U of M.

 

[Dartmouth2005]

Here are the stats for minority admissions.

http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/applicantmatriculant/table25-mcatgpa-grid-hbn-3race.pdf

You have an 89% chance for admission somewhere.

 

[Dartmouth2005]

Hi everybody

I'm new to this site, but have browsed through the forums over the years to gain some insight on the application process and some understanding regarding the rigors of medical school. This website has truly helped me throughout my undergraduate years and now that I'll be applying next cycle, I was wondering if some of you could tell me my chances of acceptance, as well as what I should be working on to strengthen my application. Being a physician is something I have always had a passion for and I will be more than thrilled to get an acceptance to any medical school. My GPAs are low due to a rough couple of quarters during my freshman and sophomore years, which I have a good explanation for if asked, but I averaged above a 3.7 my last two years with most of my science classes being completed during this time. I'm applying as a Underrepresented Minority - I'm African American and Native American, and was wondering how I would mark this on my application. Also, I'm a California resident and of course, while I would love an acceptance anywhere, would wish to stay in California, so what do you think are the chances of this happening? I know they look for something "special" on an application. My information is below...thanks so much for taking the time to look at my post!

Attended a UC
Overall GPA: 3.55 BCPM: 3.45
MCAT: 35 (11/12/12)


Work Experience:

• Part time for a year at a retail store
• Part time as an EMT-1 for a year and a half (still employed), averaging 21-30 hours a week ~700 hours of clinical experience
• ACLS and PALS certified

Sports:

• Division 1 scholarship for two years (not mentioning sport for privacy)
• Scholar Athlete Award

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:

• Trauma Hospital volunteer - worked in emergency department and intensive care unit for two years ~320 hours
• Worked on Pine Ridge reservation with the Oglala Lakota Nation for a week at a time (went twice)
• Worked on Rock Point reservation with the Navajo Nation for a week at a time (went three times)
• Habitat for Humanity volunteer ~110 hours
• Soup Kitchen and Pantry volunteer through the Catholic Church ~ 100 hours
• Participated as a member in two medicine/health organizations on campus - tutoring children, clinics, raising awareness about diseases, promoting good health and fitness
• Member of a political organization
• Tutored for three quarters in the subjects of biology and political science
• Global Medical Brigades member during junior year - traveled to South America to host a clinic for a week
• Shadowed three physicians - a general practitioner, emergency room physician, and a cardiologist

Research:

• Three quarters on Developmental Neurobiology - poster
• Two quarters on Tumor Virology

Also, what schools should I look to apply to out of state? I have family in Michigan and absolutely fell in love with University of Michigan when I visited, but of course it is extremely difficult to get in there as well. Any suggestions? Thanks everyone for your advice!

Lastly, are you enrolled in a tribe?

 

[NativeMD]

Thanks so much. No, I'm not enrolled in a tribe, although I could do so. However, I heard admissions ask how involved you are with your tribe, which I haven't been. I'm Apache and Chamache on my father's side and Chippewaw on my mother's side (I'm almost a quarter Native American), but decided to work with the nations that are suffering the worst with poverty - Lakota and Navajo. So I'm not sure how this would be viewed by admissions?

 

[Dartmouth2005]

Thanks so much. No, I'm not enrolled in a tribe, although I could do so. However, I heard admissions ask how involved you are with your tribe, which I haven't been. I'm Apache and Chamache on my father's side and Chippewaw on my mother's side (I'm almost a quarter Native American), but decided to work with the nations that are suffering the worst with poverty - Lakota and Navajo. So I'm not sure how this would be viewed by admissions?

I don't think working for another tribe is an issue at all. First, outside of tribal realm, it's been my experience in both law (as an Indian attorney) and medicine (admittedly much more limited) that most non-Indian people are clueless as to Indian affairs. Second, it's quite common for people from other tribes to work for a particular Indian community. For example, some Indian tribes even give preference in employment for Indians from other tribes over non-Indians. This is expressly permitted by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act BTW. No problem.

 

[NativeMD]

I don't think working for another tribe is an issue at all. First, outside of tribal realm, it's been my experience in both law (as an Indian attorney) and medicine (admittedly much more limited) that most non-Indian people are clueless as to Indian affairs. Second, it's quite common for people from other tribes to work for a particular Indian community. For example, some Indian tribes even give preference in employment for Indians from other tribes over non-Indians. This is expressly permitted by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act BTW. No problem.

Well if that's the case, I should probably get some documents together to try to register with a tribe. It will be beneficial to me outside of medical school as well. Thank you for your help...I've been trying to figure out this situation for a while.

 

[Dartmouth2005]

Well if that's the case, I should probably get some documents together to try to register with a tribe. It will be beneficial to me outside of medical school as well. Thank you for your help...I've been trying to figure out this situation for a while.

I can't imagine why you wouldn't. First, you are eligible for IHS services. Second, you would be eligible for educational benefits, e.g. tuition waivers at certain institutions. Third, your tribe may provide you with scholarship money and/or a textbook scholarship. Per cap payments (a share of the Casino money) are an added bonus.

The only question that I have is whether you have enough Indian blood for enrollment. Most places require at least a quarter.

 

[NativeMD]

I can't imagine why you wouldn't. First, you are eligible for IHS services. Second, you would be eligible for educational benefits, e.g. tuition waivers at certain institutions. Third, your tribe may provide you with scholarship money and/or a textbook scholarship. Per cap payments (a share of the Casino money) are an added bonus.

The only question that I have is whether you have enough Indian blood for enrollment. Most places require at least a quarter.

I wonder if my father registers (he has more Native American blood than my mother), I can register? I heard so many rumors that if you were 1/16th Native American you could receive all of those benefits, but I haven't seen that yet haha. I hope I can register, but if not, I can still put that I am on my application right?

 

[Dartmouth2005]

I wonder if my father registers (he has more Native American blood than my mother), I can register? I heard so many rumors that if you were 1/16th Native American you could receive all of those benefits, but I haven't seen that yet haha. I hope I can register, but if not, I can still put that I am on my application right?

The simple answer for enrollment is that it varies. Unfortunately, enrollment is exclusively a tribal matter. Thus, each tribe can write its own enrollment laws. Most of the substantive criteria that I have seen are found in their tribal constitutions and enrollment ordinances.

If your father were enrolled in a federally-recognized tribe, then you would be a descendant.

You can self-report as Indian when you apply. Enrollment nor blood quantum really are an issue with that.