3.1gpa, 28R on mcat, what are my chances?

[gforce32]

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Hi Guys. I just graduated from a UC college and I took my mcat last summer and got a 28R (11P, 7V, 10B). My first two years in college sucked and I wasn't too serious about my life and hence I got horrible grades which are killing my gpa. My grades in all of the pre-req courses pretty much suck, but I picked it up in upper divs and got mostly A's. So my last two years of college, I have very good grades, mostly A's, and that too in upper div bio classes (i'm a bio major)

I am contemplating on whether I should apply to MD schools with my current situation. I have 2 years experience researching and a decent amount of clinical experience. I have strong extracurricular stuff too.

What are my chances at MD schools. How about DO schools? I am thinking about taking mcat again in late August, and I prefer to start school next Septermber, 2010. If I take the mcat again, then I would get results in late september. Would that be too late and too competitive given my crappy score and gpa?

What would you guys recommend? So to summarize:
1. What are my chances at MD and DO schools with 3.1gpa and 28R mcat?
2. Would it be too late if I apply in late september after I get my new mcat score? Should I even take the mcat again? Should I push the mcat back to like January instead of this august if applying in september is too late?
3. Should I just consider a Caribbean MD? or a US DO (i hear DO is a little easier to get into)?

Really confused. 😕 Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[jamesq]

Hi Guys. I just graduated from a UC college and I took my mcat last summer and got a 28R (11P, 7V, 10B). My first two years in college sucked and I wasn't too serious about my life and hence I got horrible grades which are killing my gpa. My grades in all of the pre-req courses pretty much suck, but I picked it up in upper divs and got mostly A's. So my last two years of college, I have very good grades, mostly A's, and that too in upper div bio classes (i'm a bio major)

I am contemplating on whether I should apply to MD schools with my current situation. I have 2 years experience researching and a decent amount of clinical experience. I have strong extracurricular stuff too.

What are my chances at MD schools. How about DO schools? I am thinking about taking mcat again in late August, and I prefer to start school next Septermber, 2010. If I take the mcat again, then I would get results in late september. Would that be too late and too competitive given my crappy score and gpa?

What would you guys recommend? So to summarize:
1. What are my chances at MD and DO schools with 3.1gpa and 28R mcat?
2. Would it be too late if I apply in late september after I get my new mcat score? Should I even take the mcat again? Should I push the mcat back to like January instead of this august if applying in september is too late?
3. Should I just consider a Caribbean MD? or a US DO (i hear DO is a little easier to get into)?

Really confused. 😕 Thanks in advance for your help.

Do yourself a favor and wait a year or two to get your GPA and MCAT up. Where you stand now, I think the most number of interviews you will get is one and probably no acceptances. I think it is better to save your money and continue working to improve your chances of acceptance. Applying september would be pushing it, especially given your scores. Overall, best idea would be either a) wait a year or b) go the DO route.

 

[ChairmanMao]

To be honest, your chances at an allopathic (MD) medical school isn't that great because both of your MCAT and GPA are below the average for medical schools in the country. The average GPA and MCAT score of accepted applicants last year was a 3.7 and a 32. You might have a chance at a DO school if you apply with your current stats this year (their average was about 3.5 GPA and 27 MCAT). But I would echo what James said and wait another year, retake the MCAT, score a 35+, take some additional classes to boost your GPA, and apply again next year if you want to do an MD. If you do DO, then you have a greater chance if you score a 30+ on retake this August.

 

[camaras2480]

Please don't see this as a discouraging post, or a rude one.

I don't see you getting in anywhere, DO or MD. Do not apply this year. Here is why:

A huge number of MD schools won't accept the 7 on the MCAT. They also won't accept a 3.1, no matter how stellar you did in Years 3 and 4.

DO schools are more flexible. Your MCAT is fine for DO, but your GPA still is not.

You need to do some more coursework. You also need to decide now: MD or DO. If DO, you need to do a Postbac program, and retake the courses you did not do well in your first 2 years. DO schools replace your previous grades with your new ones. I would still retake the MCAT and break 30. After all, that 7 is glaring to DO schools as well.

If MD, you should consider heading toward an SMP. Rock it (3.5+ minimum requirement in general). The MCAT retake needs to get closer to 35, above 32 for sure.

These are your two courses of action.

As of right now... don't rush the MCAT retake. Take some time off, relax, and then get back to it. If you're not comfortable with August or September or whatever, take it next year when you have had more time to know the material.

Never blow your first application just as a shot of desperation. Next year, you will inevitably be a stronger candidate.

 

[fahimaz7]

No chance of getting into an MD granting institution unless you are a URM. Even then, it might take a few years of applying.

 

[swamprat]

the gpa is what is going to kill your chance moreso than the mcat. 28 is not great but its not horrible either, you would fall within the 10th percentile of accepted students at all the lower-tier schools.

edit: the 7 may cause some issues didn't read carefully

 

[Ichiro]

Sorry I just borrowed this thread to ask a quick question here. Do medical school round up your GPA? I got cGPA: 3.64 and sGPA:3.69 will they look at them as 3.6 and 3.7 or just as they are (3.64 and 3.69)?

 

[BennieBlanco]

Just go the DO route.

You are pretty much ball park and if you need to improve your app you can learn how to in less than 3 hours on this site.

Basically you have to ask yourself, do I want to practice medicine or be an MD? Some people answer the latter.

It is in your hands. There are people who get into MDs or DOs with much tougher situations. Just go learn what you need to.

I personally would just apply to all I could NEXT year because there is no reason to rush an application. Take strong science courses (genetics or biochem or whatever) to show you can get a 4.0 and maybe try the MCAT again.

If you can hit a 35+ I would do the MCAT again. If you are going to retake to get a 30 then it is kind of silly.

I guess a 33 would even be a good improvement. Take practice tests and see if you can hit 5+ point improvement. If not just make the best app you can. If you aren't a non trad applicant then you have PLENTY of time.

Take a year and work in something medically related or take classes. Relax and if you really want it you will have it. Whatever you chose.

 

[BennieBlanco]

Sorry I just borrowed this thread to ask a quick question here. Do medical school round up your GPA? I got cGPA: 3.64 and sGPA:3.69 will they look at them as 3.6 and 3.7 or just as they are (3.64 and 3.69)?

Highly doubt they round up unless maybe you are 3.699 or something.

 

[BennieBlanco]

Honestly an SMP is prob a waste of time and money.

Just become a DO instead, you can typically get in with your # plus maybe 1 year of good science courses (with 4.0) If you can add 5 points to the MCAT do that too.

SMP can cost 35k and 1 year. Ouch. You could get out of medical school 1 year earlier with 35k less in debt.

If 2 letters are worth 60k to you then go ahead (after you pay it all back with interest).

 

[Ichiro]

Highly doubt they round up unless maybe you are 3.699 or something.

So they will just look at those numbers as they are? 3.64 and 3.69?
Thanks a lot.

 

[camaras2480]

Honestly an SMP is prob a waste of time and money.

Just become a DO instead, you can typically get in with your # plus maybe 1 year of good science courses (with 4.0) If you can add 5 points to the MCAT do that too.

SMP can cost 35k and 1 year. Ouch. You could get out of medical school 1 year earlier with 35k less in debt.

If 2 letters are worth 60k to you then go ahead (after you pay it all back with interest).

An SMP is not a waste of time and money for the group of students who are determined to get an MD rather than a DO. I'm not sure about this particular candidate, but if they are not interested in a DO, telling them to just become a DO may not be exciting news, lol.

I won't deny it is expensive. But the reward isn't just 2 letters. Provided you maintain a minimum of 3.5, the reward includes med school, assuming you have the 30 on the MCAT, at least.

 

[BennieBlanco]

An SMP is not a waste of time and money for the group of students who are determined to get an MD rather than a DO. I'm not sure about this particular candidate, but if they are not interested in a DO, telling them to just become a DO may not be exciting news, lol.

I won't deny it is expensive. But the reward isn't just 2 letters. Provided you maintain a minimum of 3.5, the reward includes med school, assuming you have the 30 on the MCAT, at least.

MD / DO or practice medicine?

People are so funny, they place importance on letters instead of what they are doing.

 

[Rcon]

What is a SMP??

 

[camaras2480]

MD / DO or practice medicine?

People are so funny, they place importance on letters instead of what they are doing.

Oh I agree. But you can't deny there are those people who will adamantly and often narrow-mindedly continue to strive for that MD. That's why I posted as I did previously, haha.

 

[camaras2480]

What is a SMP??

SMP = Special Masters Program

Check out the SDN Postbac forum for all the pertinent info.

 

[rkaz]

DO schools are more flexible. Your MCAT is fine for DO, but your GPA still is not.

Although I agree with most of what you write, as you seem to have good advice, I think this point should be addressed.

The OP might have a shot at DO schools with a 3.1 GPA IF AND ONLY IF the rest of the application is rock solid.. that means very strong clinical experiences and very supportive letters of recommendation. Normally, 3.1 GPAs wouldn't have a chance, but the above-average MCAT may give the OP a shot at some schools (although the more competitive DO schools now have MCAT averages of 28-30). Possibly the schools with averages near 25 might give the OP and extra glance due to the higher MCAT, though none of us can be sure. Yes, the GPA is quite low, but I have seen a few instances of people getting in with those numbers.... especially since the OP has a positive GPA trend. That will mean something, especially at DO schools.

OP, if you are equally fine with MD or DO schools, then don't worry about retaking the MCAT... as it is good enough for the majority of osteopathic schools. If you are really hoping for a US MD school, then the MCAT as well as GPA need to be improved. With your numbers, you need not consider the Caribbean option. Stay in the US and consider whether you want to go to an MD or DO school.

If you want to apply this year, then apply to nearly every DO school to give yourself the maximum chances of getting in to at least 1 DO school (due to your low GPA). You might also apply to your in-state MD school, but I wouldn't waste money applying to other MD schools due to your stats. If you would be interested in getting into a DO school, then don't bother retaking the MCAT, but apply NOW to as many DO schools as you can.

If you decide you'd rather be an MD, then don't waste money applying to all the DO schools now, but spend the time focusing on your MCAT and taking classes so that you can apply to AMCAS next June.

 

[camaras2480]

Although I agree with most of what you write, as you seem to have good advice, I think this point should be addressed.

Really well said rkaz 👍 - appreciate your input, and correction to some extent. I also appreciate the kind contradiction, as opposed to the occasional HEY CAMARAS U CLEARLY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT UR TALKING ABOUT

 

[jaykav07]

To be honest, your chances at an allopathic (MD) medical school isn't that great because both of your MCAT and GPA are below the average for medical schools in the country. The average GPA and MCAT score of accepted applicants last year was a 3.7 and a 32. You might have a chance at a DO school if you apply with your current stats this year (their average was about 3.5 GPA and 27 MCAT). But I would echo what James said and wait another year, retake the MCAT, score a 35+, take some additional classes to boost your GPA, and apply again next year if you want to do an MD. If you do DO, then you have a greater chance if you score a 30+ on retake this August.

WHAT!? a THREE POINT SEVEN? AM I screwed, like the highest I could possibly get is a 3.5, and that's pushing it. I have a 3.0 right now, entering junior year, and after retaking some non prereqs I can see myself getting a 3.5-3.4 come application time (like end of senior year).

Is MD medical school like an advanced medical school, or is it just the regular kind? ty ahead of time!

 

[camaras2480]

WHAT!? a THREE POINT SEVEN? AM I screwed, like the highest I could possibly get is a 3.5, and that's pushing it. I have a 3.0 right now, entering junior year, and after retaking some non prereqs I can see myself getting a 3.5-3.4 come application time (like end of senior year).

Is MD medical school like an advanced medical school, or is it just the regular kind? ty ahead of time!

A 3.5 is a perfectly legit GPA for med school. Note that the person you quoted mentioned the AVERAGE accepted GPA to be 3.7. With a 3.5, if MD is what you are targeting (as opposed to DO), you should be looking at a minimum 30 MCAT, preferably 32-34, depending on how complete your overall package is. If you end up with your GPA stuck at 3.3 or so when you graduate, you may need to look into Postbac or SMP for DO school or MD school, respectively.

MD medical school is medical school. It is not an advanced medical school. I don't even know what that means. I don't know what regular kind means either.

There are two (actually three) categories of medical schools: Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) (and Caribbean MDs, but I wouldn't advise going there). The MD schools use the AMCAS application service. When you retake any class, AMCAS records both grades and averages them. This makes it difficult to "raise" your GPA. The DO schools use the AACOMAS application service. When you retake a given class, AACOMAS only records your newest grade (in essence, replacing your old grade). This is called "grade forgiveness" and allows you to "raise" your GPA much faster.

Both MDs and DOs practice Medicine. Although it is generally 'easier' to get into DO schools (average accepted GPA ~3.5, MCAT ~27 someone please +1 me, I am forgetting at the moment) than MD schools (average accepted GPA ~3.7, MCAT ~32), the DO schools are becoming increasingly competitive quickly.

You probably want to check back on the forums when you are at the end of your junior year. That way, you can see how your GPA is shaping up, and figure out if you need Postbac/SMP (Special Masters Program) and whether to target DO, MD, or both.

 

[gforce32]

Thanks for all of the great advice guys! I have been weighing my options. The bottom line is, I just want to practice medicine. I've decided to apply to DO schools this year and no MD schools. If I get into a DO school, then great. If not, then I'll retake mcat and apply to both DO and MD next year. Once again, thanks a bunch!

 

[camaras2480]

Thanks for all of the great advice guys! I have been weighing my options. The bottom line is, I just want to practice medicine. I've decided to apply to DO schools this year and no MD schools. If I get into a DO school, then great. If not, then I'll retake mcat and apply to both DO and MD next year. Once again, thanks a bunch!

I like the decision - Good luck!!