2019-2020 Low GPA High MCAT Thread

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Jeremy Bearimy said:
These are nearly exactly my stats! I was 3.45/3.33 & 514, no postbacc or smp. I'm a nontrad so I came in with some other life experiences to talk about, but I think applying early was really helpful for me! I applied to 31 schools, out of which I'd say 8 were big big reaches (all med schools are reaches, especially for us mid-low GPA folks, but relatively speaking) and prewrote the crap out of my secondaries so that I was able to submit all of them with a 1-7 day turn around. I was complete by end of July for most schools. Don't rush your applications to get them complete early, but I definitely recommend prepping your AMCAS and pre-writing the secondary essays with plenty of time.
I'll be honest, I was expecting 0-2 interviews, so I could not be happier or more grateful for the way this cycle has gone so far. PM me if you want any details about my school list etc. Good luck!
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Thank you giving me hope ! I'll def try to reach out when I'm nearing the cycle.
 
kritten said:
Those are almost exactly my stats. No As yet but have gotten love from some awesome MD programs. Apply super broadly and make sure your writing is strng
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Congrats on getting IIs !
 
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Figured I'd stop by!

521 MCAT, 3.54 cGPA, 3.21 sGPA.

Got 5 interviews so far, only heard back from one with a waitlist.

Waiting on 3 more, and I have my last interview next week (that I've been offered, that is).

I'm hoping for good news from at least one of them, but it is of course hard with such a low science gpa. Will keep you all updated
 
Hello,
I had 519 and 3.4 sgpa. My cycle information is in signature. Overall I feel extremely lucky. My interviews were all early in the cycle and I have had silence from most other places the past 3 months. I feel like the schools that gave me II were the ones that I had the best secondary essays for/asked unique questions that gave me the opportunity to express myself more as well as a good fit for me/service oriented.
For anyone lurking this thread in the future just like I did last year, 2 of my II came from "low yield" schools with 10k+ apps. Don't discount these schools if you feel like you are a good fit. Just my 2 cents 🙂
 
Accepted yesterday. 3.25/ 516 ORM. Agree with whats been said. had a good upward trend, lot of research with 2 pubs. 3 years postbac. I also feel pretty lucky to have gotten 8 MD IIs, but I really took my time with essays and developed a narrative for myself that I applied to each school's unique mission. Still waiting to hear back post II from a top 5 and a top 25!
 
Meridian17 said:
My MCAT score won't come back until February 18th, but my FL average was 522 and my last FL was 525, so I am really hoping I hit that 522+ (although this is my third sitting so it might count for less). I also can't afford GPA repair; it seems most of the people on here had a GPA of ~3 and did an SMP or something.

Is there anyone with a ~3.4 GPA (my sGPA and cGPA are both a little above that) and a 520+ MCAT who has had a good (or even decent) cycle? If so, how did you evaluate which schools were willing to somewhat forgive a low GPA for a high MCAT? I've searched and found a few schools that seem OK with it (WMich, Tulane, etc) but no hard-and-fast data. At which of those schools have you been met with success? Thanks!
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I have those exact stats and have had 8 II this cycle, with 2 A so far. I've learned that you can't really predict which schools will want you, annoying as that sounds. So I'd apply broadly, because I've heard from state schools, mid level private schools, and T20s.
 
mcobaka said:
I have those exact stats and have had 8 II this cycle, with 2 A so far. I've learned that you can't really predict which schools will want you, annoying as that sounds. So I'd apply broadly, because I've heard from state schools, mid level private schools, and T20s.
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I have nearly those exact stats, as well. I’ve had about have a dozen interviews and now a handful of acceptances. Interviews have been all across the spectrum from very top schools to very bottom (in terms of ranking), but I applied to schools based on factors that made them appeal to me other than “rank.”
 
ruledaworlds said:
3.4/3.4 cGPA/sGPA and 516 MCAT. All 4 IIs received from August-October (one T20), and looking back those were among my most well-written secondaries. Got quickest rejections from places where I put any humor in or half-assed it. Surprisingly no in-state love. Average ECs, 2 pubs.
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What were the results from interviews so far? I've gotten 4/4 waitlisted from interviews so far...
 
Porpoiseman12345 said:
Figure I'll throw how my cycle has gone so far in here in case it helps anyone.

3.44 cGPA
3.6ish sGPA
(2 year post bacc brought these up)
519 MCAT

Applied to 25 MD schools.

3 IIs, 1 WL. One hasn't happened yet and I'm waiting to hear back from the other.
2 pre-II rejections.
Silence from the other 20 schools.
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I'm now up to 5 IIs, 3 WL. Awaiting one post-II decision and one interview is later this month
7 pre-II rejections
Silence from 13 schools.
 
chidorichampion said:
congratulations on your cycle so far! was your postbacc all research? or did you also take courses?
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Potbacc was mainly all research. But I had a v strong upward trend ending with 3.9 and 4.0 in 2 physics classes post grad (summer after graduating).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Kingbika said:
What were the results from interviews so far? I've gotten 4/4 waitlisted from interviews so far...
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4 IIs -> 2 As, 1 WL, 1 R
The As were from more traditional interviews and the WL and R from MMIs (so I think there's a trend there LOL)
 
Update on my cycle:

GPA: 3.58
MCAT: 517
9 IIs (attended 7) --> 2A, 3 WL, 2 haven't heard from yet
Got waitlisted at all the schools I thought I had a better chance at so I was freaking out lol. Somehow managed to get an acceptance from one of my reach schools so there's hope for us mismatch GPA/MCAT people yet!
 
Just got accepted today to a MD program, so I wanted to throw out my experience to help someone out there. At the very least, I hope it can calm someone's nerves.

3.5 cGPA, 3.27 sGPA (TMDSAS), 3.29 sGPA (AMCAS). 518 MCAT. Reapplicant. No real trend in grades.
2.5 years working in a research hospital. One publication (not first author).
Applied to all the Texas medical schools and four MDs outside.
I will be attending in the MD program outside of Texas.
 
Kingbika said:
Figured I'd stop by!

521 MCAT, 3.54 cGPA, 3.21 sGPA.

Got 5 interviews so far, only heard back from one with a waitlist.

Waiting on 3 more, and I have my last interview next week (that I've been offered, that is).

I'm hoping for good news from at least one of them, but it is of course hard with such a low science gpa. Will keep you all updated
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when did you interview
 
ComebackKid345 said:
Longtime lurker, I just received my first MD acceptance and I’ve been waiting for this moment to make my first post.

MCAT: 519. GPA: 3.07 (Did a ~90 credit post-bacc with over a 3.9)

3 II (all received after Thanksgiving), 1 A, still waiting to hear back from the other 2.

Never give up!
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Awesome man! When did you interview for your acceptance
 
ComebackKid345 said:
Longtime lurker, I just received my first MD acceptance and I’ve been waiting for this moment to make my first post.

MCAT: 519. GPA: 3.07 (Did a ~90 credit post-bacc with over a 3.9)

3 II (all received after Thanksgiving), 1 A, still waiting to hear back from the other 2.

Never give up!
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Congrats on the acceptance! Is you science and cumulative GPA the same?
 
@Meridian17 Been following your high-effort reddit posts, big fan of your work and wish you all the best next cycle.

I think I'll try and reduce my time on SDN for a long time now that the cycle is wrapping up, but just as a final update:

3.4/3.4/516 (ORM, first cycle): 5 IIs from 34 secondaries (4 from August-October) and 1 in February.
Results: 2 A, 1 WL, 1 R, 1 upcoming (top choice).

Was told previously that my GPA was lethal for MD, but I'm glad that was not the case.
 
Same! I have been following your posts on reddit @Meridian17 , and I wish the best for your next cycle. I’m sure you’ll kill it.

seems like my cycle is done so, I’ll add my contribution.

3.6/3.5 (originally 3.5/3.3 prior to DIY post bacc)/522. ORM.
12 II from 46 secondaries.
attended 6 II, 4A, 2 WL.

when I graduated college I didn’t think medicine would be a viable path due to my GPA and that ended up not being the case.

while my cycle was successful, just be aware that not all schools will be able to get over your GPA (which will often be below their 10th) percentile. I was not offered a II from my state school sadly and though accepted am looking at an expensive and far away medical education in the future.

best wishes to future low GPA high MCAT folks!!!!
 
ruledaworlds said:
@Meridian17 Been following your high-effort reddit posts, big fan of your work and wish you all the best next cycle.

I think I'll try and reduce my time on SDN for a long time now that the cycle is wrapping up, but just as a final update:

3.4/3.4/516 (ORM, first cycle): 5 IIs from 34 secondaries (4 from August-October) and 1 in February.
Results: 2 A, 1 WL, 1 R, 1 upcoming (top choice).

Was told previously that my GPA was lethal for MD, but I'm glad that was not the case.
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3.4 lethal? Damn, what does that say about my 3.21 sGPA lol.... MD A though so they can suck it 🙂
 
Hi everyone! My cycle is about over, so I'll add a data point here. Applied with a 3.3 science GPA and 521 MCAT to about 30 schools; got 7 II and 5 A. Will be matriculating to my top choice (a T20). Good luck to everyone! It's been a wild ride and I'm so grateful.
 
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Hi all, I'll add my story here too because I think people are often overly pessimistic about low GPA situations. I re-applied with a 3.0 science, 3.2 cumulative from undergrad, 511 Mcat, and a 3.6 graduate gpa from an MPH. I have a few years of research experience, quite a few pubs, and other good EC's. I got 5 II, 2 A, 1 waitlist, and still waiting to her back from the other two (all MD). I'm <25 and ORM
 
premed375 said:
Hi everyone! My cycle is about over, so I'll add a data point here. Applied with a 3.3 science GPA and 521 MCAT to about 30 schools; got 7 II and 5 A. Will be matriculating to my top choice (a T20). Good luck to everyone! It's been a wild ride and I'm so grateful.
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First, congrats on such a great cycle! Happy to see us low gpa/high MCAT folks doing well.

Would you be comfortable sharing the names of any of the schools that you had success with? Interested in seeing which schools are good targets for people in our case. I know I had a lot of trouble making my list this year because of my gpa/MCAT split


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
InfectiousLaughter said:
First, congrats on such a great cycle! Happy to see us low gpa/high MCAT folks doing well.

Would you be comfortable sharing the names of any of the schools that you had success with? Interested in seeing which schools are good targets for people in our case. I know I had a lot of trouble making my list this year because of my gpa/MCAT split


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Thank you! There is so much success in this thread after the initial worry 🙂

I would be happy to share specific names over PM if anyone is interested. I will say that on SDN there are certain schools I see referred to as "rewarding reinvention" (like Duke), and 3 of my IIs did come from that group.
 
Anyone else here in waitlist purgatory? 3.4, 522 here and on 4 waitlists with no acceptances.. The only two things giving me hope are that traffic day is just 16 days away and that if I do need to reapply, the next cycle is going to be slightly weaker than usual lol
 
BeingForItself said:
Anyone else here in waitlist purgatory? 3.4, 522 here and on 4 waitlists with no acceptances.. The only two things giving me hope are that traffic day is just 16 days away and that if I do need to reapply, the next cycle is going to be slightly weaker than usual lol
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General words of wisdom is if you're on at least 3 waitlists you'll probably find yourself with an acceptance. Crossing my fingers for you! Hope that MCAT doesn't expire by next cycle either, that was almost my problem.
 
BeingForItself said:
Anyone else here in waitlist purgatory? 3.4, 522 here and on 4 waitlists with no acceptances.. The only two things giving me hope are that traffic day is just 16 days away and that if I do need to reapply, the next cycle is going to be slightly weaker than usual lol
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Why do you think the next cycle is going to be weaker?
 
KnightDoc said:
Why do you think the next cycle is going to be weaker?
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Thought this topic was beaten out quite a bit... there is going to be a good chunk of applicants who are taking late MCATs/will just wait until next cycle when they can take the MCAT without a time crunch.
 
Quarc1993 said:
Except there are still 3 years minus a few months of good scores still going to be in this cycle. I don't think it's going to be that much weaker
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Most applicants aren't re-applicants that have old MCATs or first-timers that took it way earlier than they intended on applying. It simply a potential theory, obviously no one knows for sure.
 
BeingForItself said:
Anyone else here in waitlist purgatory? 3.4, 522 here and on 4 waitlists with no acceptances.. The only two things giving me hope are that traffic day is just 16 days away and that if I do need to reapply, the next cycle is going to be slightly weaker than usual lol
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Was in this exact boat until I was accepted yesterday. You got this!
 
Quarc1993 said:
Except there are still 3 years minus a few months of good scores still going to be in this cycle. I don't think it's going to be that much weaker
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Yep, this is why I don't think it'll be much weaker either. In my imagination however, it's just enough to get me in haha
 
Let's try to stay on topic and keep it professional, everyone. Congrats on all of your achievements!
mmchick said:
Thought this topic was beaten out quite a bit... there is going to be a good chunk of applicants who are taking late MCATs/will just wait until next cycle when they can take the MCAT without a time crunch.
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It certainly was beaten out, but, I reached the opposite conclusion. I think that given the fact that schools have indicated a willingness to look at apps without scores, (with scores to follow) and to extend cycles, that strong candidates would NOT wait an extra year if they didn't have to. I think it will be the very rare "strong" candidate who will say that rescheduling the MCAT a few times is just so annoying that they will opt for yet another gap year rather than deal with it.

If anything, I think the next cycle might be a little smaller and a little stronger, since those forced to sit out the next cycle will be those who needed EC hours this spring and summer to be viable, and, if that's the case, they were marginal to begin with. So, this situation gives them an extra year to strengthen an app that otherwise might have been weak.
 
Aktak said:
The difference between my cGPA and MCAT is pretty huge. 2.89 GPA / 520 MCAT.
I applied very broadly and submitted secondaries mostly near the end of September and sporadically through October and November as they came in. Three II’s and one A so far. Will see how things shake out in December and early January. I still have a tons of apps out there. So, fingers crossed for options.
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How the h___??

What state are you in?

I might have a chance after all.
 
Aktak said:
My state does not have a medical school. I ended up with five acceptances and one waitlist. Rejected pre-ii from every school near my home and every school near where I'm originally from.
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Reading this has made my day and given me hope. Congrats x 1000!!!!!!!
 
I have been looking for a thread like this!
cGPA 3.5 sGPA 3.3 (upward trends). I thought I could take the MCAT last year without studying because I killed my undergrad upper level bios. I failed miserably with a sub500. Studying now and im around 513 on FL. ANY suggestions on how to keep increasing scores when you peak?!
 
jmu29 said:
I have been looking for a thread like this!
cGPA 3.5 sGPA 3.3 (upward trends). I thought I could take the MCAT last year without studying because I killed my undergrad upper level bios. I failed miserably with a sub500. Studying now and im around 513 on FL. ANY suggestions on how to keep increasing scores when you peak?!
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The MCAT, like any standardized test, is as much a test of test-taking skill as it is of content knowledge. Obviously what's done is done, but it was a mistake to take the MCAT without doing any research on the MCAT because each subsequent score looks worse to adcoms — they will see every score attempt including your sub-500. Taking it two times is fine, but three takes begins to look bad.

To break out of a plateau, it's just going to take more time. 513 -> 514 takes x amount of time; 514 -> 515 takes 1.2x amount of time; 515 -> 516 takes 1.5x amount of time, etc. People who score above 515 tend to have put over 500 hours of studying into the MCAT. What kinds of materials are you using? If you're using a Kaplan book set (finances permitting), try to get your hands on a princeton review set or an exam krackers book set. Seek out as many practice questions as possible. Things like memorizing all the amino acids, their compositions, their 3 and 1 letter abbreviations, will only get you a point or two on the exam and take potentially dozens of hours to fully memorize, but it's worth it — consider Anki or flash card software to practice them daily. Try going through the books and actually taking hand-written notes to commit to memory. Most importantly, practice questions and practice exams. If you get any wrong, review the entire chapter it's coming from.

You got this!
 
Kingbika said:
The MCAT, like any standardized test, is as much a test of test-taking skill as it is of content knowledge. Obviously what's done is done, but it was a mistake to take the MCAT without doing any research on the MCAT because each subsequent score looks worse to adcoms — they will see every score attempt including your sub-500. Taking it two times is fine, but three takes begins to look bad.

To break out of a plateau, it's just going to take more time. 513 -> 514 takes x amount of time; 514 -> 515 takes 1.2x amount of time; 515 -> 516 takes 1.5x amount of time, etc. People who score above 515 tend to have put over 500 hours of studying into the MCAT. What kinds of materials are you using? If you're using a Kaplan book set (finances permitting), try to get your hands on a princeton review set or an exam krackers book set. Seek out as many practice questions as possible. Things like memorizing all the amino acids, their compositions, their 3 and 1 letter abbreviations, will only get you a point or two on the exam and take potentially dozens of hours to fully memorize, but it's worth it — consider Anki or flash card software to practice them daily. Try going through the books and actually taking hand-written notes to commit to memory. Most importantly, practice questions and practice exams. If you get any wrong, review the entire chapter it's coming from.

You got this!
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Great advice, thanks! yea that's what I figured, the jump from sub-500 to 513ish was pretty easy I feel like that gap is just content review and test taking skills. but like you said from here its just time. Im taking mine June 19th so I still have some time! Ive been studying 8-12 hours a day for 2 months already
 
jmu29 said:
Great advice, thanks! yea that's what I figured, the jump from sub-500 to 513ish was pretty easy I feel like that gap is just content review and test taking skills. but like you said from here its just time. Im taking mine June 19th so I still have some time! Ive been studying 8-12 hours a day for 2 months already
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Definitely great that you have some time away from work and school to study full-time. You can definitely make some HUGE improvements between now and June 19, and you're already in a great spot with a 513 estimate.
 
Kingbika said:
Definitely great that you have some time away from work and school to study full-time. You can definitely make some HUGE improvements between now and June 19, and you're already in a great spot with a 513 estimate.
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Any suggestions?!?!
 
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