What are my chances? Low GPA (2.7 or so) Good MCAT (39), nontrad

[ImmunoLove]

edited.

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[gyngyn]

You have a situation that is very difficult to provide counsel for. The differential diagnosis for a disparity this large is not pretty. MD PhD programs are especially risk averse because the school is paying you to attend. Frankly, I think you should strongly consider PhD programs.

With a strong showing in an SMP you could get some traction in an MD program, but many won't accept you with that gpa.

 

[ImmunoLove]

You have a situation that is very difficult to counsel. The differential diagnosis for a disparity this large is not pretty. MD PhD programs are especially risk averse because the school is paying you to attend. Frankly, I think you should apply MD as broadly as you can reasonably afford or strongly consider PhD programs.

I truly enjoy research, but as the old adage goes "information without context is meaningless". Not to say that pure research is meaningless, but for me, interacting with patients improves my research and frankly provides the "payoff" for that kind of work. I think my lousy situation is responsible for that; having overcome difficulty, I find it truly rewarding to guide others. It sounds mushy, but it's what I find gratifying. And I'm not willing to spend my life dedicated to something I don't find gratifying. For me, research satisfies my spinning mind, but medicine feeds my soul. Again, mush. But so true (and frankly out of character for me to be so emotive, unless I'm discussing medicine, of course). Hence, any advice is welcome.

Of note, my poor performance was limited to a very difficult time (which was indeed most of my college career). I think my performance the last three years is a much better indicator of my capabilities.

 

[gyngyn]

I truly enjoy research, but as the old adage goes "information without context is meaningless". Not to say that pure research is meaningless, but for me, interacting with patients improves my research and frankly provides the "payoff" for that kind of work. I think my lousy situation is responsible for that; having overcome difficulty, I find it truly rewarding to guide others. It sounds mushy, but it's what I find gratifying. And I'm not willing to spend my life dedicated to something I don't find gratifying. For me, research satisfies my spinning mind, but medicine feeds my soul. Again, mush. But so true (and frankly out of character for me to be so emotive, unless I'm discussing medicine, of course). Hence, any advice is welcome.

Of note, my poor performance was limited to a very difficult time (which was indeed most of my college career). I think my performance the last three years is a much better indicator of my capabilities.

We are very risk averse in this business. The odds of even an MD interview with this gpa is not good, much less MD PhD. I do not doubt your feelings nor do I doubt my colleagues' response to the MCAT/gpa dissonance. Hence, my recommendations.

 

[ImmunoLove]

I appreciate your insight. Would you mind expanding? Perhaps discussing the nasty DDx you referenced earlier? Any information is helpful...Will be good to reflect, prepare, add to armamentarium of answers to these questions, and will guide me in the addendum which apparently I should write...

 

[gyngyn]

I appreciate your insight. Would you mind expanding? Perhaps discussing the nasty DDx you referenced earlier? Any information is helpful...Will be good to reflect, prepare, add to armamentarium of answers to these questions, and will guide me in the addendum which apparently I should write...

What do you think the differential is?

 

[ImmunoLove]

Ah, I am new here, and I see now that I ought to have replied to the comment in which you stated "The differential diagnosis for a disparity this large is not pretty".

I am not certain I understand your question...Differential in general or differential in this situation (ie. reason for low gpa/high MCAT)? I assume you don't mean "apply to SMP, apply broadly to MD, apply to PhD", which, in keeping with the analogy, I would consider more the P in "A&P"

I assume you mean differential in why I have high MCAT/low gpa:

So CC: "high MCAT/low gpa"
DDx:
-smart but lazy
-serious situational circumstances (yes)
-smart but inconsistent
-mediocre (low gpa) but lucky (high MCAT)
-no endurance (low gpa), but capable (high mcat)
-stupid (low gpa) and cheater (high mcat) *though realistically, they wand you, take your pic, finger print you etc. for the mcat...
...to name a few. I want to hear what you and your colleagues would think might be the problem so that I may address them, either preemptively, or in conversation.

 

[gyngyn]

Ah, I am new here, and I see now that I ought to have replied to the comment in which you stated "The differential diagnosis for a disparity this large is not pretty".

I am not certain I understand your question...Differential in general or differential in this situation (ie. reason for low gpa/high MCAT)? I assume you don't mean "apply to SMP, apply broadly to MD, apply to PhD", which, in keeping with the analogy, I would consider more the P in "A&P"

I assume you mean differential in why I have high MCAT/low gpa:

So CC: "high MCAT/low gpa"
DDx:
-smart but lazy
-serious situational circumstances (yes)
-smart but inconsistent
-mediocre (low gpa) but lucky (high MCAT)
-no endurance (low gpa), but capable (high mcat)
-stupid (low gpa) and cheater (high mcat) *though realistically, they wand you, take your pic, finger print you etc. for the mcat...
...to name a few. I want to hear what you and your colleagues would think might be the problem so that I may address them, either preemptively, or in conversation.

All the above and a few more: substance use/abuse and/or physical, psychiatric, emotional or personality disorders.
Nice DDx, btw.

 

[ImmunoLove]

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[gyngyn]

So, what would you need to feel that this candidate might be worth wasting an hour over interview?

Sadly, I do not know. There is always the possibility that a new school with an admissions dean that has never served before, might be so hungry for that lovely MCAT score that he would take the risk that the rest of us would not. I cannot recommend MD PhD, though.

 

[ImmunoLove]

edited

 

[gyngyn]

I don't understand how it is med school wants people with life experiences, and yet, if you're handed a truly crappy hand, and stick with medicine despite of it, you're somehow locked out. The person who goes through all that crap and still wants to become a doctor, and manages to do well for several years consistently to me is the safest bet- not the guy who's always had it good and has yet to discover handling failure....

Undergrad gpa is the stick by which we measure your ability to succeed over time. Everything else you have mentioned is still true, but undergrad is a lot easier than medical school. Unless we are sure that you do not have one of the usual reasons for the dissonance we just discussed (and that's a big if), you still have to show the ability to give a sustained effort without crumbling.

 

[ImmunoLove]

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[gyngyn]

Ok, so maybe this is a reasonable explanation?:
From Fall 2010 to Spring 2013, I completed ~60 units, mostly in UD & graduate science, earning straight As (with a single exception, B) with GPA of 3.98. Courses during this time (in which I got As) include: organic chemistry 1&2 (later, TA for ochem 2), biochemistry 1&2, immunology, microbiology, medical microbiology, anatomy, calculus 2, physics for engineers (with calc, and lab, for 1 year), bioethics, healthcare disparities, and graduate scientific grant writing course (for which I was awarded "best proposal"). I exceeded degree requirements & completed 172+ units, of which 80+ were UD/graduate level in diverse courses... My GPA reveals an upward trajectory from a nadir of 1.09 (Fa08) to 3.98 (Fa10-Sp13) the past 3 yrs while working FT.

Most undergrad is 4 years....I assumed 3 years of solid work was sufficient given the circumstances to demonstrate my long term abilities.

This all presumes you make it past the 3.0 screen before a human looks at your application. A big presumption.

 

[Lawpy]

This all presumes you make it past the 3.0 screen before a human looks at your application. A big presumption.

Genuinely curious, but doesn't OP's recent massive sustained GPA upswing removes all doubt regarding the overall low GPA?

 

[gyngyn]

Genuinely curious, but doesn't OP's recent massive sustained GPA upswing removes all doubt regarding the overall low GPA?

Nope. It's graduate stuff.
This does work at DO schools, I'm told. But I'm not sensing that inclination from OP.

 

[ImmunoLove]

This all presumes you make it past the 3.0 screen before a human looks at your application. A big presumption.

Argh....


still, can't worry about what I can't change...Totally interested in ways I can improve the app/answer concerns ahead of time...

 

[ImmunoLove]

Nope. It's all graduate stuff.

nope, most of that is undergrad stuff (all upper division, though), and some grad courses...I took the hardest versions of every course to "prove" I could sustain a solid performance given considerable workload....

 

[Lawpy]

Nope. It's all graduate stuff.

Ouch. That really sucks.

Sorry OP. I can very much sympathize your situation but unfortunately you're in a disadvantage. An SMP is probably necessary, but i'll defer this to @gyngyn

nope, most of that is undergrad stuff (all upper division, though), and some grad courses...I took the hardest versions of every course to "prove" I could sustain a solid performance given considerable workload....

That's what i thought too so your trend should remove the doubts. Guess not

 

[gyngyn]

nope, most of that is undergrad stuff (all upper division, though), and some grad courses...I took the hardest versions of every course to "prove" I could sustain a solid performance given considerable workload....

And you still have a 2.7 gpa?
Trend is good, but a human may not see anything in an application with a gpa below a 3.0

 

[ImmunoLove]

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[ImmunoLove]

Ouch. That really sucks.

Sorry OP. I can very much sympathize your situation but unfortunately you're in a disadvantage. An SMP is probably necessary, but i'll defer this to @gyngyn



That's what i thought too so your trend should remove the doubts. Guess not

thanks

any advice? taking it all...

 

[Lawpy]

Yup, because I started taking math at community college when I was in 5th grade...English is not my first language, Farsi is, so even though I was born here, I didn't speak english very well until much later. They assumed I had a learning disability in5th grade, put me in "special ed" for a week, then kicked me out of there and sent me to the "gifted program" and then kicked me out of there ("because I'm so advanced lol") to enroll in comm college for higher level math courses than those offered at the middle school.... So, my transcript for AMCAS starts in 1995...Which means I have taken MANY units total...And so I'd have to take a ridiculous amount of courses/units in order to get my to budge appreciably....Which was another reason for focusing on the MCATS...

Oh wow. You're Middle Eastern? That's pretty cool but i can definitely understand/sympathize your unfortunate background that affected your GPA.

Unfortunately, with so much emphasis placed on overall GPA rather than GPA trends by MD schools (including top tiers) you're at a disadvantage. So an SMP is your best bet though @gyngyn can add to this.

It's a shame. You're clearly a rockstar applicant but your GPA is unfortunately punishing you despite your circumstances. If your GPA is like a 3.3 or 3.4, you have a solid chance. But it's sadly too low.

Regardless, best wishes on your future endeavors and i truly hope you get into one of the best schools

 

[ImmunoLove]

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[Lawpy]

Yup, because I started taking math at community college when I was in 5th grade...English is not my first language, Farsi is, so even though I was born here, I didn't speak english very well until much later. They assumed I had a learning disability in5th grade, put me in "special ed" for a week, then kicked me out of there and sent me to the "gifted program" and then kicked me out of there ("because I'm so advanced lol") to enroll in comm college for higher level math courses than those offered at the middle school.... So, my transcript for AMCAS starts in 1995...Which means I have taken MANY units total...And so I'd have to take a ridiculous amount of courses/units in order to get my gpa to budge appreciably....Which was another reason for focusing on the MCATS...

I think cases like yours call for a time cap. AMCAS requiring grades from 20 years ago is ridiculous. A 10 year window is sufficient (maybe smaller)

 

[ImmunoLove]

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[Lawpy]

Yeah, who cares what I did when I was 8?!?!? oh well... It's depressing to think about... I'll do what I always do in crappy situations: think of ways to remedy it, hence the suggestions.

Ideas so far:
-addendum to application
-request for review when rejected
-have LoR focus on my acad skills (seriously always the top student in these hard classes as of late...I'm tempted to bring/submit test scores etc)
-??? cookies as bribes?

And maybe an SMP since i don't know whether you can get past the automatic screens.

I will be your #1 fan if you make me cookies

 

[ImmunoLove]

And maybe an SMP since i don't know whether you can get past the automatic screens.

I will be your #1 fan if you make me cookies

so, what exactly is this SMP? Postgrad Masters prog of sorts focusing on/taking courses with medical students? Oh, this whole thing bruises my ego (not altogether a bad thing, humble is good), and to think I beat all the interns and med students at medical jeopardy (because it was immunology-themed). Ugh. No bueno.

P.S. I', pretty good at cookies, but even better at brownies (I have a serious sweet tooth).

 

[Lawpy]

so, what exactly is this SMP? Postgrad Masters prog of sorts focusing on/taking courses with medical students? Oh, this whole thing bruises my ego (not altogether a bad thing, humble is good), and to think I beat all the interns and med students at medical jeopardy (because it was immunology-themed). Ugh. No bueno.

P.S. I', pretty good at cookies, but even better at brownies (I have a serious sweet tooth).

I will love you forever and be your personal knight in shining armor if you can make me brownies and cookies

An SMP is a Special Masters Program which is basically taking preclinical med school classes and doing well on them. You'll probably annihilate an SMP with your epic style but it's likely necessary to beat the automatic screen

 

[ImmunoLove]

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[Lawpy]

AHH omg it's the Vonnegut's Player Piano!!! Since when is a computer/algorithm superior to the human mind at interpreting the nuances in an individual that make them an exceptional candidate for a field as exhausting, consuming, and thrilling as medicine!! AHH!!! okok, so some algorithm is a good thing, applies to most cases...But really? No way around it? That seems ludicrous....reducing ends to means!!

Well then, a little difficult to change the face of medicine, now isn't it? ok, end rant.

So, I can't get into SMP either? Because of this automatic thing? I am not one to accept that there are no answers, so I still think there's something to be done, but it does appear to be a pain in the ass (which, for the record, I'm more than willing to take on, but sheesh! A break would be nice).

PS, thanks for appealing to my ego...I work really hard, and I like to do really well (and so recognition is always welcome).

How do you know so much about all this, Mr. Knight?

Technically, i'm Prince Charming

And i only inflate egos if they tempt me with something... really good, so i'm under your complete control

The algorithm is likely very generic in order to plow through masses of applicants. Basically if GPA < 3, you're out, though it's school-specific. Some schools don't do screens.

And i've been searching around and looking at adcoms' various posts regarding these issues so my suggestion is probably generic unless an adcom can provide something better

Also i can probably crush you in Immunology-themed Jeopardy

 

[ImmunoLove]

Technically, i'm Prince Charming

And i only inflate egos if they tempt me with something... really good, so i'm under your complete control

The algorithm is likely very generic in order to plow through masses of applicants. Basically if GPA < 3, you're out, though it's school-specific. Some schools don't do screens.

And i've been searching around and looking at adcoms' various posts regarding these issues so my suggestion is probably generic unless an adcom can provide something better

Also i can probably crush you in Immunology-themed Jeopardy

control: thanks!

what schools don't do screens?

and re: immuno jeopardy: ha! bring it on! I love a worthy adversary and some fun sparring! But in all seriousness, doubtful. In this tiny little niche I am a bit of a "rock star" if I do say so myself. Nonetheless, fun times! en garde! or whatever they say (ps I'm exhausted which means I get goofy/playful and I'm still at work at the hospital going on...16 hrs...but I spent the past 2 hrs on this med school business ugh. Point being: forgive me if I offend you, I only mean to entertain, and learn/get advice).

 

[Lawpy]

control: thanks!

what schools don't do screens?

and re: immuno jeopardy: ha! bring it on! I love a worthy adversary and some fun sparring! But in all seriousness, doubtful. In this tiny little niche I am a bit of a "rock star" if I do say so myself. Nonetheless, fun times! en garde! or whatever they say (ps I'm exhausted which means I get goofy/playful and I'm still at work at the hospital going on...16 hrs...but I spent the past 2 hrs on this med school business ugh. Point being: forgive me if I offend you, I only mean to entertain, and learn/get advice).

Uh... you're welcome?

I'm actually not so sure so i defer this to adcoms on the forums @gyngyn @Goro @Catalystik @LizzyM

But it's better to play safe with an SMP or something similar since your GPA is sadly below a 3 (I know i know. Your trend is actually a 4 but my hands are tied)

And i am confident i can beat you in Jeopardy.. even when i'm blindfolded

And i don't get offended... unless you don't offer me brownies and cookies!

 

[ImmunoLove]

Uh... you're welcome?

I'm actually not so sure so i defer this to adcoms on the forums @gyngyn @Goro @Catalystik @LizzyM

But it's better to play safe with an SMP or something similar since your GPA is sadly below a 3 (I know i know. Your trend is actually a 4 but my hands are tied)

And i am confident i can beat you in Jeopardy.. even when i'm blindfolded

And i don't get offended... unless you don't offer me brownies and cookies!

Likewise not easily offended. Grateful for advice.

Would like to see mad immuno skills in action (always one to appreciate mastery, especially with brownies as distractions). Plus, immunology is just plain awesome.

 

[NYCdude]

Wow you have one of the crazier stories I've read on here. It's crazy that a single year of bad grades could automatically screen out someone with a 99th percentile MCAT, research on par with a typical research associate, and three years of near flawless grades.

 

[Lawpy]

Likewise not easily offended. Grateful for advice (also, what's with this "hands tied" business? This, in conjunction with your previous comment of "trolling other adcoms" and "offering generic advice" alludes to possibly your new-ish post as adcom or something? Or perhaps figure of speech? Or maybe I'm doing that "finding connections where there are none" thing. And, you sort of speak like a specialist, don't give off the impression of a newbie applicant, but youthful nonetheless (support for hypothesis @1)....sorry, bad habit of mine...It all must fit in somewhere!)

Would like to see mad immuno skills in action (always one to appreciate mastery, especially with brownies as distractions). Plus, immunology is just plain awesome.

Dat detailed soliloquy

Really? Is that how it is? You and brownies vs me? Well.. you're on!

You should be a detective since you're pretty good in finding clues to mysteries (which somehow made me a sad suspect)

Anyways, good luck!

 

[hoihaie]

heard about a similar situation (regarding GPA/MCAT disparity and nontrad status) at my university's med school where a girl was given an interview after the majority of medical students who worked with her at the student run free clinic loved her so much as a volunteer that they all signed a petition to ask the dean to grant her an interview.

Given how much influence you seem to have in your field, perhaps you can workout something similar to your advantage.

 

[ImmunoLove]

heard about a similar situation (regarding GPA/MCAT disparity and nontrad status) at my university's med school where a girl was given an interview after the majority of medical students who worked with her at the student run free clinic loved her so much as a volunteer that they all signed a petition to ask the dean to grant her an interview.

Given how much influence you seem to have in your field, perhaps you can workout something similar to your advantage.

How so, or rather, from whom? I'm eager to hear anything or consider all possibilities. That's really neat to hear about the situation at your med school... I'm lucky, people are really supportive, but I want to know who you think would be best to ask...

I do work with some physicians that are known for excellence in their field. I know all the residents and fellows also... Would it suffice to get their names on a petition? Is that too presumptive? There are do many qualified applicants, and I do think I'm worth the shot, but I also understand the urge to decline all "imperfect" applicants, given the massive number of applicants and limited number of positions... But I want a fair chance... I want an interview. If I don't meet the standards there, then I will learn and augment my application for the next year as they recommend. But I think I'm ready, if not overdue... It's a strange predicament to make such an argument (at least that's how I feel).

 

[HopesandDreams]

I will offer you my advice based on my own experience. I am also from an Iranian background, both my parents came here from Tehran shortly after the beginning of the Iran-Iraq war, my Dad had previously come to study here for his PhD and was able to secure a visa to work as a professor.
I also had issues of my own to work through in undergrad but not quite as difficult as your situation. I am very sorry to hear what you went through, an arranged marriage at such a young age in modern society seems morally objectionable to say the least.

26 yo M( at time of application), Cali resident
2.87ug GPA biomedical engineering from a UC ( 3.01 overall gpa when taking into account all courses)
3.7+ SMP gpa from very reputable school
38 mcat
1 first author JBJS case report, 1 3rd author pub, 1 presentation , all ortho related
~200 hrs spent shadowing various doctors, another ~250 hrs volunteering in hospital, ~1000 hrs as a volunteer researcher, some small community service type volunteering here and there but nothing very long term just a few weekends in various organizations
~2000 hrs working as medical assistant in a hospital,
~ various jobs during undergrad to pay the bills including working for my dad, tutoring, Target, etc.
~ train/compete judo, wrestling, kickboxing as a hobby

Applied to 40+ MD programs, mostly targeting mid-low tier schools w a few UC's and one or two other reaches.
2 Interviews. 2 wait-list and 0 acceptances for 2014 (although, potentially still some hope as neither of the two schools have begun class, but with each passing day the odds of being pulled from a waitlist decrease).

- Now re-applying to more focused group of schools, have added in more experience as a med assistant and written my thesis for completion of the SMP, as well as more shadowing etc, also applying DO (upset with myself I didn't do this last year). Possibly Carrib or UK as well.


Anyways, now that you know my story you will hopefully have some context for the advice I will give you.
Your GPA is lower than mine and MCAT is one point higher. Even after undertaking an SMP (which as stated previously, is like a slightly watered down version of 1st year) and performing well, I still was able to obtain only 2 interviews out of 40+ applications. Honestly without performing some kind of graduate coursework I think it would be unlikely that you would be able to obtain an MD interview (but not impossible because of your story and grade trend).

MD/PhD application would be even more competitive, so possibly out of reach even with a good performance in a graduate program. Additionally you may want to consider that with an 8 yr MD/PhD program, 5 yr gen surg residency, and 2 yr fellowship you would be at least 44 or 45 when you finish training, and from what I understand MD's and DO's have the same funding opportunities that MD/PhD do when applying for grants etc.

You also asked about the chances of Stanford? Almost certainly 0. In my opinion, you would do best to avoid applying to these top-tier programs almost entirely as they will eat up time and money with very low potential for success.

What you have going for you is your great MCAT, your great research and clinical experience, solid upward grade trend, as well as a story of truly exceptional circumstance.

However against that, you must consider that your low GPA will put you at a disadvantage, as well as your application may have other deficiencies for example lack of volunteering and other extracurricular activities. Admittedly the difficult circumstance you endured lessen the impact, however in general it seems adcoms don't look very favorably towards so-called "sob stories". There are a few reasons for this, first of all, there is almost always someone out there who had it even worse than you. Secondly, any space devoted in your PS or time given in your interview to relating that story takes away time and space that could have been used to highlight your accomplishments. Imagine you and another candidate both go to an interview. You spend 10 minutes speaking about your difficult experience and low GPA, meanwhile the other student spends 10 minutes conveying his/her passion for their research or volunteering or student organization etc. Others can correct me if I am wrong but usually the advice given is to briefly describe the reason for the low GPA and move on as quickly as possible to highlighting your strengths. The exception would be schools which specifically ask you to describe a challenge you have overcome in a secondary.

My advice to you is to consider doing an SMP. Further I would advise you specifically to research those SMP's which are at smaller lesser known schools as they have higher linkages (admission rate to their own school) than say BU or Georgetown or more well known schools.

Also I think you should look at your transcripts and calculate what your AACOMAS GPA (DO schools) would be. You mentioned a GPA nadir of 1.08 at one point, which means you must have had some D's or F's. Did you retake these courses? If you have retaken many courses it is possible that your GPA would be higher in the AACOMAS system and put you beyond the range of automated cutoffs.

Another option would be to pursue an MPH or other graduate degree.

A few things in your post seem to hint that you don't have a very good understanding of the overall application process, which is ok as we were all in that situation at one point. However, now is certainly the time to get educated. For example you ask about how you should work your story into a history (personal statement?) Does this mean you have not yet submitted your primary application? If that is the case then you can consider that your chance for 2015 just went from near zero to actual zero. Submitting now would mean you would likely not be verified until late august or early september and would get your first secondaries out quite late in the process. In this case your best option is either to begin doing retakes for DO application, or apply for a 1yr SMP or other graduate spot in 2015 then apply for med school in 2016.

 

[Lamel]

I'm not qualified to offer guidance here, but your story and application are pretty incredible. Damn that GPA!

 

[Goro]

Several thoughts for OP:

• It's a seller's market for medical school, hence they can ignore tons of qualified applicants, especially for MD/PhD programs.
• You need to show Adcoms that you can handle medical school. The 2.7 cGPA is below the screening threshold for all medical schools. However, there are schools that reward reinvention. Case and Vanderbilt are but two, and you'd likely appeal to them, along with a few others (Albany, SUNY-Upstate, Tulane, Drexel, NYMC, BU, Wayne State, any DO school). I suspect the low-tier MD schools and the newest MD schools would be willing to show you more love.
• You have what I call a "compelling life story". That does count for something at some schools.
• It's worth taking a crack, warts and all, at some of these schools, to see how an app cycle goes.
• If that fails, then do an SMP. These programs are a dime-a-dozen, and you'll get into one. My own program would take you, GPA and all (we like the MCAT).
• You can do research after you get your medical degree.
• Strongly consider DO programs. There are a few DO/PhD programs, so check them out. (TCOM has one, I believe). With grade replacement, your cGPA is probably over the magic 3.0 mark, via AACOMAS' grade replacement policy. In any event, retake all F/D/C science coursework.
• You can do clinical research and interact with patients with a PhD. Lab directors do it. So yes, consider a PhD only, which is where I consider you're more suited for .
• You've gone through a lot, and determination is a good thing, but single-mindedness is another, and not good.

 

[kthxbai]

I'm sorry for your circumstances, I truly am. Nevertheless, this GPA is reflective of how you perform during times of great stress. I knew a girl who was homeless for a year (living out of a tent in the woods - her parents were both mentally handicapped and unfit to care for her), and still managed a 3.98 in a double degree program in chemical engineering and biochemistry.

I know nothing of your life, so I can't judge either way, but adcoms are in the same position as me. Their notorious aversion to risk isn't going to give you the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps an SMP will sway them to your side. Anyway, I'm rooting for you.

 

[Lawpy]

I'm sorry for your circumstances, I truly am. Nevertheless, this GPA is reflective of how you perform during times of great stress. I knew a girl who was homeless for a year (living out of a tent in the woods - her parents were both mentally handicapped and unfit to care for her), and still managed a 3.98 in a double degree program in chemical engineering and biochemistry.

I know nothing of your life, so I can't judge either way, but adcoms are in the same position as me. Their notorious aversion to risk isn't going to give you the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps an SMP will sway them to your side. Anyway, I'm rooting for you.

Did you even read the OP? The massive near 4.0 GPA upswing for 3-4 years should remove all doubts. The reason for the low GPA is because AMCAS demands grades from all college courses regardless of when they were taken. So OP failed a lot of classes when she was a kid, which is obviously much different from what she is now.

It sucks and only shows the medical admissions is a very imperfect system

 

[kthxbai]

Did you even read the OP? The massive near 4.0 GPA upswing for 3-4 years should remove all doubts. The reason for the low GPA is because AMCAS demands grades from all college courses regardless of when they were taken. So OP failed a lot of classes when she was a kid, which is obviously much different from what she is now.

It sucks and only shows the medical admissions is a very imperfect system

Did you? She explained the low GPA as a side effect of her divorce. My point still stands.

The question isn't in how well she can handle the work. It's in her priorities - why didn't she withdraw (I saw her explanations, but it's still a concerning point)? Would she respond in the same way in medical school if things get unexpectedly tough?

 

[ImmunoLove]

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[ImmunoLove]

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[Lawpy]

Did you? She explained the low GPA as a side effect of her divorce. My point still stands.

The question isn't in how well she can handle the work. It's in her priorities - why didn't she withdraw (I saw her explanations, but it's still a concerning point)? Would she respond in the same way in medical school if things get unexpectedly tough?

She already said she matured and learned from this process... and has clear evidence to back her claims

 

[ImmunoLove]

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[ImmunoLove]

She already said she matured and learned from this process... and has clear evidence to back her claims

thank you! It means a lot. I welcome all feedback/criticism (I believe this is how we improve), but that's not to say it's an entirely pleasant process...Thanks for the kind words...

 

[hoihaie]

How so, or rather, from whom? I'm eager to hear anything or consider all possibilities. That's really neat to hear about the situation at your med school... I'm lucky, people are really supportive, but I want to know who you think would be best to ask...

I do work with some physicians that are known for excellence in their field. I know all the residents and fellows also... Would it suffice to get their names on a petition? Is that too presumptive? There are do many qualified applicants, and I do think I'm worth the shot, but I also understand the urge to decline all "imperfect" applicants, given the massive number of applicants and limited number of positions... But I want a fair chance... I want an interview. If I don't meet the standards there, then I will learn and augment my application for the next year as they recommend. But I think I'm ready, if not overdue... It's a strange predicament to make such an argument (at least that's how I feel).

My friend in the med school told me, he was one of the ones that signed the petition. I would just ask as many people as possible that are related to one medical school. THe girl I mentioned has worked in the student run clinic for 5 years and made great connections with all the students and doctors all of them are associated with the med school