2 published papers undergrad...what are my chances

[miamidolphins24]

Hi,

I am a 3rd year undergrad and am rather worried about getting into medical school. I have 2 published peer-reviewed papers and my GPA will be about a 3.4 when I apply to medical school. I have tons of research and volunteering and I am studying for my MCAT now. I am shooting for the stars, but realistically, I plan on getting between a 28 and 30.

What are my chances of getting into medical school? I have wanted to become a doctor since I was 8 years old.

Some schools at the top of my list are:
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Vandy
Ohio State

Any help is greatly appreciated!!!

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[miamidolphins24]

I forgot to mention that I am first author on one paper with 9 other authors under me and am 5th author on the other paper, just so you know in helping to answer my questions. Thanks!

 

[hoya09]

Okaaayyy... Don't get me wrong, publishing is super-awesome-great, but don't think that it's going to "make up for" a below average GPA and/or MCAT. It's going to be difficult getting in with a 3.4. Getting a 28-30 on the MCAT will only hurt your chances. I know this sounds harsh but I needed to be told the exact same thing 1 yr ago (see my MDapps, we're remarkably similar). Rock the MCAT. It will be a dealbreaker/maker for you.

 

[scarletgirl777]

Okaaayyy... Don't get me wrong, publishing is super-awesome-great, but don't think that it's going to "make up for" a below average GPA and/or MCAT. It's going to be difficult getting in with a 3.4. Getting a 28-30 on the MCAT will only hurt your chances. I know this sounds harsh but I needed to be told the exact same thing 1 yr ago (see my MDapps, we're remarkably similar). Rock the MCAT. It will be a dealbreaker/maker for you.

Agreed. All 3 of those schools are great schools. Aim higher with the MCAT and you should be in a better place. You can spin a low GPA as a result of great extracurricular accomplishment, including getting publications. Not so with the MCAT.

 

[miamidolphins24]

Hoya,

How did you go about getting a 35 on your MCAT? I am in the process of studying and will be taking the test in May. What was your studying technique like?