2.7 uGPA 3.0 BCPM

[kasianiq99]

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I'm new to SDN and wanted to get some feedback on my situation.

I am a 32 yr old AA female with a blemished past. Back in 2003, I did not withdraw from classes by deadline and failed them instead. Welp, here's the deal: I transferred to a new school this semester and am doing great! My plan is to apply to med schools next year. I, hypothetically, estimated what my uGPA would be and as I am taking most my science courses now, my BCPM will be around 3.0.

Allopathic Formula w/ retakes:
Overall uGPA from all schools: 2.7
uGPA at new school: 3.7
BCPM GPA: 3.0

Osteopathic Formua w/ retakes:
Overall uGPA from all schools: 3.23
BCPM: 3.29

Recently, I begin volunteering at the local hospital's ER.
Usually, I am pretty good at standardized exams and plan to start studying in Fall for late Spring MCAT.

What are my chances, MD & DO?
Will my recent performance overshadow my past in the eyes of adcoms?

Thank you all that take the time to respond to my post. God bless!

 

[dr1day]

Does the 2.3 include the 3.7 you've earned at the new school? Did you have a MAJOR personal/familial crisis that caused you to fail everything? I am by no means an expert, but I don't think all the volunteering in the world plus a 45 on the MCAT will get you into school right now. I think you should take some more time and classes (possibly a post-bacc) to raise your GPA to least 3.0. I'm not saying it's not possible, but it's a very long shot IMO.

Keep your head up, though. If you are willing to work at it, you can definitely reach your goal.

 

[kasianiq99]

Does the 2.3 include the 3.7 you've earned at the new school? Did you have a MAJOR personal/familial crisis that caused you to fail everything? I am by no means an expert, but I don't think all the volunteering in the world plus a 45 on the MCAT will get you into school right now. I think you should take some more time and classes (possibly a post-bacc) to raise your GPA to least 3.0. I'm not saying it's not possible, but it's a very long shot IMO.

Keep your head up, though. If you are willing to work at it, you can definitely reach your goal.

dr1day, I entered the #s incorrectly. ok, here it is:

Allo formula w/ retakes:
uGPA: 2.72
BCPM: 3.07

Osteo formula w/ retakes:
uGPA: 3.23
BCPM: 3.29

Now what do you think? And sorry for the misinfo... been working w/lots of #s this week. And yes, there was a MAJOR personal crisis that occurred.

Thanks again.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

If you can get at least an 30 on the MCAT then you would be competitive for DO schools for sure... 30+ MCAT may get you some MD interviews. Unlike the previous poster all hope is not lost. There are some MD schools that have a cut off at 3.0 GPA (you would have to do some research on that matter I only know of one off hand...U of Mary). You can search Mapps for applicants who made it into medical with a subpar GPA. Good Ecs, and an GReat Personal statement can help in getting you to the interview status. Also there really isn't a DEFINATE GPA or MCAT that can guarantee you an acceptance (just ask those applicants with 4.0 39MCat scores) so definately dont get down about where you at. Another key thing is to APPLY EARLY!!!!!! which translates to apply on the FIRST day of application. And of course apply broadly. Are you applying this coming cycle?? If so GOOD Luck and God Bless

 

[dr1day]

First of all, I didn't say all hope was lost. I said it was a very long shot with the numbers she first posted. To tell someone with a cumulative GPA of 2.3 that they have any more than a hail mary shot at getting into med school is irresponsible. I'm sure there may be a small few that have gotten in with those scores, but she shouldn't count on it.

That being said, with the corrected numbers posted, I have to agree. I think she has a reasonable shot at DO and maybe at MD. She should definitely ROCK the MCAT, though. Also, she must be prepared to have to do a post-bacc to raise the GPA and to explain what happened that caused the low GPA in the first place. Maybe not in graphic detail, but it will more than likely come up.

I say again. OP, keep your head up. We're the same age and I had to prove myself as well. Not grade wise, but I hadn't been in school since I finished my master's in 1998 so I had to prove that I could handle the workload after so much time away from school. I did a post-bacc last year and now I'm a first year med student holding my own against these 22 year olds who were barely in middle school when I graduated from college. It most definitely can be done, but it will take work.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

First of all, I didn't say all hope was lost. I said it was a very long shot with the numbers she first posted. To tell someone with a cumulative GPA of 2.3 that they have any more than a hail mary shot at getting into med school is irresponsible. I'm sure there may be a small few that have gotten in with those scores, but she shouldn't count on it.

That being said, with the corrected numbers posted, I have to agree. I think she has a reasonable shot at DO and maybe at MD. She should definitely ROCK the MCAT, though. Also, she must be prepared to have to do a post-bacc to raise the GPA and to explain what happened that caused the low GPA in the first place. Maybe not in graphic detail, but it will more than likely come up.

I say again. OP, keep your head up. We're the same age and I had to prove myself as well. Not grade wise, but I hadn't been in school since I finished my master's in 1998 so I had to prove that I could handle the workload after so much time away from school. I did a post-bacc last year and now I'm a first year med student holding my own against these 22 year olds who were barely in middle school when I graduated from college. It most definitely can be done, but it will take work.

I am sorry if you misread the post but I did not say you said that. Actually, I didn't state anything you said. It was merely the tone of your post that gave an "all hope is lost" statement. I agree 2.3 would be hard to pull off, but I do believe she stated 2.7 which in the DO world is definately doable.

 

[Perrotfish]

DO maybe depending on MCAT (and assuming you have shadowed and gotten a letter of rec from a DO), your GPA is significantly below average so your MCAT would need to be significanlty above average. MD is a no go unless you do something like a special masters program.

 

[Blade28]

If your undergrad GPA is going to be around 2.7 for MD schools, you're definitely going to have your work cut out for you. As you may know, the average GPA for matriculants now hovers around 3.65 so you're likely going to have to take lots more post-bac classes to really pull up the GPA. Also consider an SMP.

Your GPA is a little more competitive if applying to DO schools as your retakes will help out more. But you still have to rock the MCAT, beef up your volunteering/shadowing/clinical experience, and then apply broadly and early when your app is ready to go.

Of course no one can tell you what your exact chances are - all we can do is offer suggestions to help. Honestly, though, you've got a lot of hard work ahead of you if you're going to apply in Fall 2009.

Best of luck, whatever you decide to do.

 

[aliDO]

For DO I think you have a really good shot. Especially if you have a good MCAT. Did all your bad grades happen in one semester and do you have a good reason? If so, that might be better than four years of scattered bad grades. MD on the other hand is less forgiving. Take some time to learn about DO and concentrate on your MCAT. If you really want it, you will be able to get an acceptance.

 

[QofQuimica]

OP, two things:

1) Please do not cross post the same thread in multiple forums. I merged your two threads here.

2) No one can even make an educated guess about your chances without knowing your MCAT score. That being said, as you already know, your GPA is significantly below the average for American allopathic and osteopathic schools. On the other hand, you do have a recent track record of stronger grades, which many adcoms will take into account. Really, all you can do is keep up the good grades, study thoroughly for the MCAT, and aim for the magic 30. Then choose your schools wisely (get an MSAR to help you pick them), and hope for the best. Make sure you put some thought into your essays and finding people to write your letters as well. Best of luck to you. 🙂

 

[re4rMDlurker]

I will not say whether or not you can get in. But, is there something about you that stands out...like REALLY stands out, in a positive way? Something like...a missions trip to another country? An organization you started. Point is, many committees may really love you if you have something about you that is unique and exceptional. If you get interviews(and hopefully you will!), they will be more likely to hone in on this, rather than your grades.

Just a thought. I wish you all the best!!!

 

[kasianiq99]

Thanx to all that took the time to offer feedback on my situation. I will continue to take babysteps towards my goal. You guys gave me some helpful pointers and I'll take them all into consideration.

As far as individuality, let's see... In the last year, I juggled being an Over-the-Road truck driver (yeah, the Big Boys), Real Estate Agent and Computer Tech. I enjoyed various aspects of all three professions and will attempt to incorporate this in my PS.

BTW, I think at the interview, they'll be surprised to see a lil' lady standing 5'7, weighing 120lbs. 🙂