I hope to provide a little inspiration to those applying with low GPAs. I graduated from the University of Chicago with a GPA lower than 3.0 both overall and in the sciences (downward trend from freshman to senior). I opted to get a Masters in Clinical Gerontology. It wasn't very rigorous and I was able to achieve a 4.0 in that program. Furthermore, I took 10 hours of upper level science courses at a local state university after receiving my masters. I did this for two reasons: 1)to defer undergraduate loans and 2) to show I could do the work necessary to become a physician. However, my overall GPA after the the PB work only went up to a 3.04, and my science remained below a 3.0 (2.98 to be exact).
I took the MCAT in August of last year and made a 35N. I chose to wait until this application cycle so I could get my applications in early. My recommendations were probably average and I don't have much clinical experience beyond working in an assisted living facility as a caregiver this past year, and the internship during my masters program.
To sum it up, I was accepted into a Texas school this past weekend. It is not impossible to get into med school with many negative values on your application. Continue to work hard and it will probably pay off in the end.
Advice for those with low GPAs:
1)get a high MCAT because more than any other standardized exam, it shows how much you know. People with low scores will argue against that, but really it tests knowledge. What good is a 4.0 if you can't show that you retain what you have learned?
2)Get some Post Bacc work done. Do well. Grades lower than A's probably won't cut it.
3)If you decide to get a graduate degree, I would consider things other than a masters in biology or similar field. Most people choose those fields. Set yourself apart! C'mon, with an aging population, how is it possible for Gerontology NOT to look good? I'm not saying I chose gerontology for this reason, I have always held jobs working with the elderly, but choose something that interests you, applies to medicine, and is DIFFERENT.
4)Move to TX. J/k. I only added this to show that I am not naive. I realize that no amount of work could get me accepted into a UC school. But seriously, don't apply to Harvard or Hopkins. It's a waste of money and time. Be realistic!!! Also, don't choose schools just because of their low statistics. This may sound like a contradiction, but applying to BU is like pissing $100 down the drain. I know, because I'm still kicking myself.
