3.4 GPA and MCATS soon

[mattymcburns]

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Hey Everyone,

I was hoping someone could help lend some perspective to my situation. Here is my story:

I graduated from UConn in 2008 with a B.S. in athletic training. I didn't have a really strong undergraduate GPA, which was about 3.1 with a 3.2 science GPA. After graduation I worked an internship for a year completed and then went on to complete a (very sought after in athletic training) sports medicine fellowship program. Since my first graduation I have gained:

- 1,000+ hours of observation time with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals (EMTs, Prosthetics, PA-C's etc . . .).
- 2,000+ hours of patient care experience in the athletic training and clinical rehabilitation settings.
- 3 publications: 1 of which is a case report, and 2 of which are original research publications in the field of sports medicine.
- I have completed an EMT-B training program (but I have not worked as an EMT)

Since then I have re-enrolled at UConn on my own as a post-grad. I applied for their post-bacc program but didn't get in. I have re-taken one Biology class that I got a C+ in during my freshman year as well as the rest of the pre-requisites for medical school. In a years time I managed to take:

-2 Semesters of Biology w/ lab (1 semester was the repeat)
-2 Semesters of Chemistry w/ lab
-2 Semesters of Physics w/ lab
-2 Semesters of Organic Chemistry w/ lab
-1 Semester of Genetics
-1 Semester of English

I got mostly A's with some B+'s in my post grad work. All of this managed to bring my career GPA up to a little over 3.4. I also have also:
- 1 semester of Microbiology w/ lab
-worked 3 out of the 4 years of my undergraduate career
-volunteered at a soup kitchen/food pantry for about a year
-volunteered for habitat for humanity
-served as a TA for an emergency procedures class during undergrad
-served as a TA for a cadaver anatomy class during post-grad.

I am taking the MCATS soon.

I wanted to know what some of you think my chances or options at allopathic medical school are?

I really have my heart set on allopathic medical school, specifically at UConn Med School, but they have an average GPA of about 3.7 with MCAT of about 32-22.

Will my increased post-grad GPA be able to help my case, or am I doomed by my sub-par undergraduate GPA. How well will I have to do on my MCATS to have a serious chance of even getting an interview. Are my extra-curriculars good enough to help give me an edge?


Should I hold off on applying to medical school and possibly re-apply to the post-bacc program at UConn or somewhere else before I apply?

Should I take another year of upper-division science classes to try and bring my GPA up a little more?


All your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

Matt

 

[Catalystik]

For applicants having a 3.4 cGPA, you can see the successful outcome of past applications with various MCAT scores from this AAMC data: http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/applicantmatriculant/table24-mcatgpagridall2007-09.pdf

As you can see, a strong score is important. On a positive note, we've seen evidence on SDN that UConn does look at the whole application, as another recent applicant with low GPA issues, but recent high grades, was accepted there.

If you don't have 2 years of strong grades, including the postbac, consider doing more coursework to include upper-level Bio. You might alternatively consider an SMP if your MCAT score is high enough (30+) or adding some DO schools to your application list. Whether you should apply this coming season would depend on the MCAT score you get.

If you don't have current nonmedical, noncampus community service, consider engaging in some for a cause you care about. You could also look for leadership opportunities.