3.27 vs 3.4

[CL21]

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Does that science gpa increase make a difference when applying? I'm finishing up my last 2 classes this summer. And i've had an upward trend of A's in higher level classes. I'm trying to figure out if I should apply. Assuming I get A's in my classes (of course I may not, but I feel confident) this would be my GPA. Is that a significant boost? Or nah?

 

[DoctorInVivo]

I think it makes a difference. 3.27 is on the low side for MD schools


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[Hopeful_vet]

Does that science gpa increase make a difference when applying? I'm finishing up my last 2 classes this summer. And i've had an upward trend of A's in higher level classes. I'm trying to figure out if I should apply. Assuming I get A's in my classes (of course I may not, but I feel confident) this would be my GPA. Is that a significant boost? Or nah?

That definitely makes a difference. sub 3.3 might be tough. 3.4 is still below average, but not too bad. When would you get those grades? Someone else might be able to advise whether or not a 3.27 applying early is better than a 3.4 applying later.

 

[CHoge25]

Does that science gpa increase make a difference when applying? I'm finishing up my last 2 classes this summer. And i've had an upward trend of A's in higher level classes. I'm trying to figure out if I should apply. Assuming I get A's in my classes (of course I may not, but I feel confident) this would be my GPA. Is that a significant boost? Or nah?

With your GPA moving that much (possibly .13 with 8 credits).. maybe you should sit out this cycle, take like 16-20 more science credits, Ace them and apply next cycle with closer to a 3.5 with a more sustained upward trend sGPA.... a cGPA of 3.6 with a sGPA closer to 3.5 is much more competitive

 

[CL21]

I already filled out my TMDAS, haven't submitted yet because debating on whether it's worth it. I was just going to take the classes and send my transcript update. For the record: 31 MCAT, 3.6 cgpa

 

[CL21]

With your GPA moving that much (possibly .13 with 8 credits).. maybe you should sit out this cycle, take like 16-20 more science credits, Ace them and apply next cycle with closer to a 3.5 with a more sustained upward trend sGPA.... a cGPA of 3.6 with a sGPA closer to 3.5 is much more competitive

Honestly if I was going to take 7 more science classes just to raise my sgpa, I might as well apply for SMP. One thing I'm hearing is that a 3.3 is low, which I know. But some schools have averages around 3.5-3.6 for sgpas. That must mean half the class has lower gpas, around 3.3-3.4 to get that average. So maybe I will take my chances and apply? haha

 

[candbgirl]

These days 3.27 is barely competitive for DO. While 3.4 is definitely below average for MD ( I think ~3.6 is average) it is certainly better than a 3.27! I'm not sure how 2 As can bump your GPA that much but I think CHoge25 might be right. Consider a Gap year and get your sGPA as high as possible!


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[CHoge25]

Honestly if I was going to take 7 more science classes just to raise my sgpa, I might as well apply for SMP. One thing I'm hearing is that a 3.3 is low, which I know. But some schools have averages around 3.5-3.6 for sgpas. That must mean half the class has lower gpas, around 3.3-3.4 to get that average. So maybe I will take my chances and apply? haha

Someone who is more familiar with the TX schools will be of more help, but you definitely need to get above a 3.3 on your primary app, and since you have an F in a class, sustained level of high grades in the sciences will only help you

 

[CL21]

These days 3.27 is barely competitive for DO. While 3.4 is definitely below average for MD ( I think ~3.6 is average) it is certainly better than a 3.27! I'm not sure how 2 As can bump your GPA that much but I think CHoge25 might be right. Consider a Gap year and get your sGPA as high as possible!


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I get that the science GPA is low. But i'm also taking into consideration my 31 MCAT, upward trend, amazing LOR, thousands of clinical hours and volunteering, and the fact that my essay goes into a deep explanation about my illness. Think about this though: some med schools have a 3.5 sgpa average. That means half of their incoming students got below that. I'm betting some got 3.3's obviously to balance out the 3.8, 3.9 people.

 

[CHoge25]

Take my advice with a grain of salt, I am applying this upcoming cycle and was in a similar situation as you. I graduated with a 3.35

I get that the science GPA is low. But i'm also taking into consideration my 31 MCAT, upward trend, amazing LOR, thousands of clinical hours and volunteering, and the fact that my essay goes into a deep explanation about my illness. Think about this though: some med schools have a 3.5 sgpa average. That means half of their incoming students got below that. I'm betting some got 3.3's obviously to balance out the 3.8, 3.9 people.

pay attention to the 10% sGPA people (I am not familiar with TX). That will give you more of an idea of the range

 

[CL21]

Take my advice with a grain of salt, I am applying this upcoming cycle and was in a similar situation as you. I graduated with a 3.35


pay attention to the 10% sGPA people (I am not familiar with TX). That will give you more of an idea of the range

What do you mean "10% sGPA"?

 

[CL21]

I'm just very frustrated that I kicked ass all throughout college, did well on the MCAT, and one grade is putting me so far behind. I get that i'm competing with people that did so much better than I did. I'm not looking at the Carribean, but it sounds like my sGPA is so horrid that even they wouldn't accept me.

 

[Hopeful_vet]

I'm just very frustrated that I kicked ass all throughout college, did well on the MCAT, and one grade is putting me so far behind. I get that i'm competing with people that did so much better than I did. I'm not looking at the Carribean, but it sounds like my sGPA is so horrid that even they wouldn't accept me.

Check to see if you have a pulse.. You do? Caribbean would accept you. Now forget that the Caribbean even exists.

 

[CHoge25]

What do you mean "10% sGPA"?

the 10th percentile for accepted sGPA.....
Baylor: 3.6
McGovern: 3.52
A&M: 3.34
El Paso: 3.42
Lubbock: 3.26
UT san antonio: 3.27
Galvaston: 3.6
Texas SW: 3.53

So as you can see, you will be sig below the 10% sGPA at a lot of these schools. And you also want to assume that these people with lower sGPA are getting accepted for some other extra ordinary reasons (military, URM, etc).

 

[CHoge25]

I'm just very frustrated that I kicked ass all throughout college, did well on the MCAT, and one grade is putting me so far behind. I get that i'm competing with people that did so much better than I did. I'm not looking at the Carribean, but it sounds like my sGPA is so horrid that even they wouldn't accept me.

It is unfortunate that happened to you, but your goals are still in reach. I would recommend busting a$$ one more year and get your sGPA higher. It will make you more comp. and show that one class was a fluke (b/c of your illness).

 

[CL21]

the 10th percentile for accepted sGPA.....
Baylor: 3.6
McGovern: 3.52
A&M: 3.34
El Paso: 3.42
Lubbock: 3.26
UT san antonio: 3.27
Galvaston: 3.6
Texas SW: 3.53

So as you can see, you will be sig below the 10% sGPA at a lot of these schools. And you also want to assume that these people with lower sGPA are getting accepted for some other extra ordinary reasons (military, URM, etc).

So these are the bottom 10% of sgpas? At least im somewhat in there for Lubbock and San Antonio lol Thanks!

 

[CL21]

Also, I could apply now and probably be somewhat competitive for DO right? 3.4 sgpa, 3.65 cgpa, 31 MCAT?

 

[Mansamusa]

I'm just very frustrated that I kicked ass all throughout college, did well on the MCAT, and one grade is putting me so far behind. I get that i'm competing with people that did so much better than I did. I'm not looking at the Carribean, but it sounds like my sGPA is so horrid that even they wouldn't accept me.

People get accepted to MD schools with 3.27s. But give yourself the best chance at the best schools you can by increasing it.

 

[mehc012]

I get that the science GPA is low. But i'm also taking into consideration my 31 MCAT, upward trend, amazing LOR, thousands of clinical hours and volunteering, and the fact that my essay goes into a deep explanation about my illness. Think about this though: some med schools have a 3.5 sgpa average. That means half of their incoming students got below that. I'm betting some got 3.3's obviously to balance out the 3.8, 3.9 people.

Honestly, you're giving us a very limited view of your situation and thus it's hard to advise you. What's your cGPA? Postbacc or no? Consistently 3.3 range, or good student with some grades pulling you down? What's your app story? Etc.

You can certainly get in with a 3.3, especially if other areas of your app compensate...but that means those areas have to be better than average. A 31 is a fine MCAT, but it's not going to reopen the doors that your 3.3 closes, etc.

 

[CL21]

People get accepted to MD schools with 3.27s. But give yourself the best chance at the best schools you can by increasing it.

Okay thanks! But quick question: If I send my app now, in May, and then I send an updated transcript with summer grades in August, would med schools factor that into the GPA or not? I've heard conflicting reports.

 

[CHoge25]

So these are the bottom 10% of sgpas? At least im somewhat in there for Lubbock and San Antonio lol Thanks!

Honestly, you're giving us a very limited view of your situation and thus it's hard to advise you. What's your cGPA? Postbacc or no? Consistently 3.3 range, or good student with some grades pulling you down? What's your app story? Etc.

You can certainly get in with a 3.3, especially if other areas of your app compensate...but that means those areas have to be better than average. A 31 is a fine MCAT, but it's not going to reopen the doors that your 3.3 closes, etc.

Yeah those were some that I pulled off of MSAR. You are barely in there but think about how much better of a chance you will have with closer to a 3.5. You do not want to waste your 31 MCAT and be a multiple time applicant. Look into SMP or DIY post-bacc to give yourself the best chance!

OP has a cGPA of 3.6 and a 31 MCAT and sGPA is low because he got an F(retook for an A) in a semester he was chronically sick

 

[CL21]

Honestly, you're giving us a very limited view of your situation and thus it's hard to advise you. What's your cGPA? Postbacc or no? Consistently 3.3 range, or good student with some grades pulling you down? What's your app story? Etc.

You can certainly get in with a 3.3, especially if other areas of your app compensate...but that means those areas have to be better than average. A 31 is a fine MCAT, but it's not going to reopen the doors that your 3.3 closes, etc.

I had one year that destroyed me. My cgpa is 3.6, I think a bit higher. No postbacc. I had a 3.6 in sgpa until one year that messed it up with a few bad grades, including the failed grade. I was diagnosed with an illness that has a 50% mortality rate. Luckily I made it through treatment and am "cured". Unluckily I decided to keep my life somewhat normal and continue taking classes.

 

[mehc012]

I had one year that destroyed me. My cgpa is 3.6, I think a bit higher. No postbacc. I had a 3.6 in sgpa until one year that messed it up with a few bad grades, including the failed grade. I was diagnosed with an illness that has a 50% mortality rate. Luckily I made it through treatment and am "cured". Unluckily I decided to keep my life somewhat normal and continue taking classes.

You can't get a W retroactively for the documented illness? It's worth trying.

Honestly, with a story like that, the sGPA probably won't be the end of the world. If you tie it in through your app and can explain it when asked, you may have luck at schools which do thorough reviews. The good thing is that your cGPA is in a great range. You will, however, have to have a better response to "why did you make the poor decision to continue classes while fighting a possibly terminal illness?" than "bad luck." It wasn't luck; make sure you address how you learned from that mistake.

 

[CL21]

You can't get a W retroactively for the documented illness? It's worth trying.

Honestly, with a story like that, the sGPA probably won't be the end of the world. If you tie it in through your app and can explain it when asked, you may have luck at schools which do thorough reviews. The good thing is that your cGPA is in a great range. You will, however, have to have a better response to "why did you make the poor decision to continue classes while fighting a possibly terminal illness?" than "bad luck." It wasn't luck; make sure you address how you learned from that mistake.

My main reason (which at the time seemed decent) was that I wanted to keep my life as normal as possible while putting the most toxic drugs in my body. I thought it could be a distraction? Idk, I really try not to think about it too much. That's what i'm writing about in my optional essay. And I was diagnosed after the F. Basically I felt extremely awful during the last month of class, but I figured it was the flu or some infection.

 

[LuluLovesMe]

I feel that the lowest GPAs that are acceptable are 3.5cGPA/3.4sGPA for MD and 3.25cGPA/3.0sGPA for DO. Lower GPAs do get in, but I feel like acceptance rates drop off precipitously past that point.

 

[CHoge25]

My main reason (which at the time seemed decent) was that I wanted to keep my life as normal as possible while putting the most toxic drugs in my body. I thought it could be a distraction? Idk, I really try not to think about it too much. That's what i'm writing about in my optional essay. And I was diagnosed after the F. Basically I felt extremely awful during the last month of class, but I figured it was the flu or some infection.

OP would be extremely more competitive if he got his sGPA near 3.5, then after that the story of your illness and your sustained academic excellence will stand out more.

It will eliminate ANY doubts that you can do the work required to be a successful med student

 

[CL21]

Honestly i'm not too fussed on DO vs MD. So I have a shot at a DO this year?

 

[CHoge25]

Honestly i'm not too fussed on DO vs MD. So I have a shot at a DO this year?

Yeah a pretty good one I would say.

 

[mehc012]

Honestly i'm not too fussed on DO vs MD. So I have a shot at a DO this year?

If you're not too fussed, I'd apply both. You still have a viable shot at MD if you play it right (though the odds aren't super high) and a good chance at DO.

If you can find a way to retake the failed class before applying DO, you'll be set, as they do grade replacement.

 

[CL21]

Yeah a pretty good one I would say.

Okay awesome! So 3.4 science isn't too bad for DO? Others were saying that I may be able to get in. So many different opinions haha

 

[CL21]

If you're not too fussed, I'd apply both. You still have a viable shot at MD if you play it right (though the odds aren't super high) and a good chance at DO.

If you can find a way to retake the failed class before applying DO, you'll be set, as they do grade replacement.

I retook the failed class and got an A! So my new GPA for DO is 3.4 sgpa. Can you advise on how you would play it right in regards to MD though? Thanks!

 

[CHoge25]

Okay awesome! So 3.4 science isn't too bad for DO? Others were saying that I may be able to get in. So many different opinions haha

No 3.4 (assuming thats with you retake and not the F), is not bad for DO with a 3.6 cGPA and a 31 MCAT. You will actually be one of the stronger candidates tbh

 

[CL21]

No 3.4 (assuming thats with you retake and not the F), is not bad for DO with a 3.6 cGPA and a 31 MCAT. You will actually be one of the stronger candidates tbh

Yup 3.4 is with the retake. Awesome! Thanks so much! Good luck on this app cycle

 

[mehc012]

I retook the failed class and got an A! So my new GPA for DO is 3.4 sgpa. Can you advise on how you would play it right in regards to MD though? Thanks!

- Pick your school list carefully. Use WAMC forums for detailed advice (go in with your own research and ideas, tho, it speeds things up immeasurably)
- Figure out your strengths and your story, and use that when picking schools.
- Include the story of your illness, but without directly referencing your gpa and making excuses. If it fits, they'll put it together when they start to ask questions.
- If any secondary asks you to explain your grades, etc., make sure you own the aspects of this that were your poor judgement and show that you've learned. Explain how this situation won't happen to you again.
- Remember that many places will see your cGPA first (no, there's no list or way to know exactly what each adcom sees, I'm just saying that you're not strictly a 3.3 applicant). This may mean that they'll bother to lay eyes on your app when otherwise they wouldn't for a 3.3 overall, even though it will raise flags.

 

[CL21]

- Pick your school list carefully. Use WAMC forums for detailed advice (go in with your own research and ideas, tho, it speeds things up immeasurably)
- Figure out your strengths and your story, and use that when picking schools.
- Include the story of your illness, but without directly referencing your gpa and making excuses. If it fits, they'll put it together when they start to ask questions.
- If any secondary asks you to explain your grades, etc., make sure you own the aspects of this that were your poor judgement and show that you've learned. Explain how this situation won't happen to you again.
- Remember that many places will see your cGPA first (no, there's no list or way to know exactly what each adcom sees, I'm just saying that you're not strictly a 3.3 applicant). This may mean that they'll bother to lay eyes on your app when otherwise they wouldn't for a 3.3 overall, even though it will raise flags.

This is really helpful, thanks! What is the WAMC forums though? I don't know if you are from TX or not, but I would prefer it I could to stay in state. I know there are a few schools out of state that accept lower sgpas though.

 

[CHoge25]

This is really helpful, thanks! What is the WAMC forums though? I don't know if you are from TX or not, but I would prefer it I could to stay in state. I know there are a few schools out of state that accept lower sgpas though.

What are my chances thread. It is in the stickies above. Go in there and post relative information about you and a tentative school list you are going to apply to. People with experience will give you advice on your school list.

Look at some others to get an idea of how to make your post, good luck!

 

[Cookiess]

As MSAR indicates, your science GPA is below the 10th percentile at many of the TX MD schools. Your illness certainly significantly affected your ability to perform well academically and resulted in a bad grade that has dragged down your science GPA. You would be a stronger applicant if you took a gap year, took science classes to improve your science GPA, and applied next year. A stronger science GPA in addition to the illness you overcame will make you a stronger applicant.

With that being said, it sounds like you would prefer to apply to MD and DO schools during this cycle based on your posts in this thread, and not wait another year. If that's the case, apply early and apply broadly. Your 3.4 science GPA/31 MCAT is fine for DO schools. Your 3.27 science GPA/31 MCAT is on the low end for MD schools but you may end up getting MD interviews if schools consider your grades in the context of your illness.