3.63 GPA, 39Q what tier of schools?

[ld1208]

My science GPA is 3.62 and my non-science GPA is 3.64 with an overall GPA of 3.63. My MCAT score was a 39Q.
I have done four years of research at a university lab.
I have about 60hrs of volunteer time through a Hospital Pre-med program, volunteer experience as a first responder, and leadership positions in school activities.
I also work as a TA and private tutor during the school year.

I have applied to 29 schools to increase my chances, but I realize with my GPA there are some schools I won't really have a shot at. I'm wondering if I should narrow down the number of secondaries I submit so I don't waste my time and money on schools that I don't stand a chance of getting into.

What tier of schools can I expect to get into?

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[darkjedi]

My science GPA is 3.62 and my non-science GPA is 3.64 with an overall GPA of 3.63. My MCAT score was a 39Q.
I have done four years of research at a university lab.
I have about 60hrs of volunteer time through a Hospital Pre-med program and leadership positions in school activities.
I also work as a TA and private tutor during the school year.

I have applied to 29 schools to increase my chances, but I realize with my GPA there are some schools I won't really have a shot at. I'm wondering if I should narrow down the number of secondaries I submit so I don't waste my time and money on schools that I don't stand a chance of getting into.

What tier of schools can I expect to get into?

With your MCAT, you have a shot at the top, but I would realistically aim for mid-tier. Top tiers are crapshoots for everyone, and once you get to a certain stat range, they place more emphasis on your EC's than your hard numbers.

If you have the time/money/effort to spend on secondaries, why not? At a certain point it just comes down to luck. Throwing your application everywhere increases your chances that someone at a top tier may look at your application and be impressed by something. You never know.

You should have no trouble getting interviews at several mid-tier schools provided you have no red flags.

 

[MedPR]

My science GPA is 3.62 and my non-science GPA is 3.64 with an overall GPA of 3.63. My MCAT score was a 39Q.
I have done four years of research at a university lab.
I have about 60hrs of volunteer time through a Hospital Pre-med program and leadership positions in school activities.
I also work as a TA and private tutor during the school year.

I have applied to 29 schools to increase my chances, but I realize with my GPA there are some schools I won't really have a shot at. I'm wondering if I should narrow down the number of secondaries I submit so I don't waste my time and money on schools that I don't stand a chance of getting into.

What tier of schools can I expect to get into?

None, not even 4.0/40 people can expect to get into specific top tier schools. Not saying you can't get in to them, but you shouldn't expect to get in. Nothing against you, it's just not guaranteed for anyone.

 

[ld1208]

Yeah, I'm definitely not counting on any of the top tiers. I was just wondering if it was worth even applying to them. I looked at their stats and my GPA just looks way too low compared to their averages which are usually ~3.80.

 

[darkjedi]

Yeah, I'm definitely not counting on any of the top tiers. I was just wondering if it was worth even applying to them. I looked at their stats and my GPA just looks way too low compared to their averages which are usually ~3.80.

It's possible but it's hard, my cGPA was exactly the same as yours. Focus on building up your EC's. If you are really dead set on top-tiers you should consider taking a year off and doing something really awesome.

 

[deleted314957]

it really does not matter. the kids here don't seem to understand that med school is med school. 20 years down the line nobody will care where you went.

 

[ld1208]

I am taking a semester off to volunteer at a local hospital, and continue some lab work. I might also end up getting published in a paper, but I am not sure if the manuscript will get accepted yet.

 

[MedPR]

Yeah, I'm definitely not counting on any of the top tiers. I was just wondering if it was worth even applying to them. I looked at their stats and my GPA just looks way too low compared to their averages which are usually ~3.80.

Yes, you should definitely apply if you have interest in attending them. Off the top of my head I don't know about the other top schools, but Washington University in St. Louis averaged 3.91/38. I don't think any school had higher averages than that.

it really does not matter. the kids here don't seem to understand that med school is med school. 20 years down the line nobody will care where you went.

True for every US MD school except the top tiers.. The difference between JHU and HMS is minimal, as is the difference between Boston and EVMS.. However, the difference between WashU and Meharry is pretty significant.

I am taking a semester off to volunteer at a local hospital, and continue some lab work. I might also end up getting published in a paper, but I am not sure if the manuscript will get accepted yet.

Definitely get more volunteer hours. The research you've already done is more than sufficient for most schools and additional research is only "necessary" for getting into top tiers. You'll benefit much more from volunteering/shadowing when it comes to applying to the non-top tier schools though.

 

[ld1208]

Thank you so much for the advice! I definitely will try to get a shadowing position. Would it help to get certified as an EMT?

 

[deleted314957]

Yes, you should definitely apply if you have interest in attending them. Off the top of my head I don't know about the other top schools, but Washington University in St. Louis averaged 3.91/38. I don't think any school had higher averages than that.




True for every US MD school except the top tiers.. The difference between JHU and HMS is minimal, as is the difference between Boston and EVMS.. However, the difference between WashU and Meharry is pretty significant.



Definitely get more volunteer hours. The research you've already done is more than sufficient for most schools and additional research is only "necessary" for getting into top tiers. You'll benefit much more from volunteering/shadowing when it comes to applying to the non-top tier schools though.

of course i didn't mean outliers. i generally meant "university of (name your state)"

 

[ld1208]

Slightly off topic, but does anyone know how long it typically takes to hear back from medical schools?

 

[Geebeejay]

Thank you so much for the advice! I definitely will try to get a shadowing position. Would it help to get certified as an EMT?

Only if you eventually work as an EMT (or make use of the certification in another way)

 

[ld1208]

Well, I wouldn't have my organization pay to get me certified and then not work...