3.7 Upward Trend --> How do T20s perceive this?

[theexistentialduck47]

I noticed on MSAR that a lot of top schools list 3.8+ as their lowest accepted GPA.

I have a 3.7 sGPA and cGPA(3.2 ➔ 3.6 ➔ 4.0 ➔ 4.0) with all A’s in upper-level science courses, and a 526 MCAT.

Would the 3.7 realistically hurt my chances at places like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc.?

Posted a WAMC a while back too if you want more details. Appreciate any advice thankss!!

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[surelycalm]

Probably not. Your ECs, LORs, research, and writing will have a much bigger impact.

 

[Rachapkis]

While a 3.7 GPA will not preclude admission, GPA matters. All that you can do is put your best foot forward and apply to a RANGE of schools where your stats, activities, and background give you a reasonable chance of admission. When you graduate from medical school--whether top tier, mid-tier, or otherwise--they will call you doctor. Good luck!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Mission fit.

 

[Goro]

I noticed on MSAR that a lot of top schools list 3.8+ as their lowest accepted GPA.

I have a 3.7 sGPA and cGPA(3.2 ➔ 3.6 ➔ 4.0 ➔ 4.0) with all A’s in upper-level science courses, and a 526 MCAT.

Would the 3.7 realistically hurt my chances at places like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc.?

Posted a WAMC a while back too if you want more details. Appreciate any advice thankss!!

There are a number of Really Top Schools that reward reinvention, including Vandy, Columbia, Duke, Pitt, Mt Sinai, and UCSF.

The MCAT will get attention at WashU and some of the other stats who...um, sex workers.

 

[TheRealBibFortuna]

I noticed on MSAR that a lot of top schools list 3.8+ as their lowest accepted GPA.

I have a 3.7 sGPA and cGPA(3.2 ➔ 3.6 ➔ 4.0 ➔ 4.0) with all A’s in upper-level science courses, and a 526 MCAT.

Would the 3.7 realistically hurt my chances at places like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc.?

Posted a WAMC a while back too if you want more details. Appreciate any advice thankss!!

I applied with a 3.85 and a 524 and I feel like my GPA took me out of the running at a few of the top schools, but maybe ECs could’ve made up for it if my activities list was less average and more extraordinary. No matter what anyone says, the stats don’t lie: a 3.7 GPA is below the 10th percentile at many of these schools. Harvard, Stanford, etc receive more than enough 520+ applicants with research pubs, thousands of volunteer hours, meaningful clinical and whatever else to fill their class. All else being equal, Harvard will go for the higher GPA applicant if for no other reason than because they can.

Then again, I’m attending a school where my GPA is below the 10th percentile, so a strong mission fit could make up for it. Determining mission fit at the T20s is tough though. Mainly comes down to regional preferences or research output/awards (Stanford).

Edit: took a look at your WAMC. You seem to be the type of applicant that schools will loosen their GPA bands to accommodate.

 

[LindaAccepted]

I noticed on MSAR that a lot of top schools list 3.8+ as their lowest accepted GPA.

I have a 3.7 sGPA and cGPA(3.2 ➔ 3.6 ➔ 4.0 ➔ 4.0) with all A’s in upper-level science courses, and a 526 MCAT.

Would the 3.7 realistically hurt my chances at places like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc.?

Posted a WAMC a while back too if you want more details. Appreciate any advice thankss!!

I reviewed your WAMC. As a URM with a strong upward GPA trend, an outstanding MCAT, lots of clinical exposure, somewhat limited research, I agree with @Rachapkis, who advised you to apply to a range of schools. I don't think your GPA will knock you out of the running, but it might limit acceptances especially since the programs you are most interested in are also heavily research oriented. Or as @Mr.Smile12 so succinctly put it, "Mission fit." It counts too.

 

[theexistentialduck47]

I reviewed your WAMC. As a URM with a strong upward GPA trend, an outstanding MCAT, lots of clinical exposure, somewhat limited research, I agree with @Rachapkis, who advised you to apply to a range of schools. I don't think your GPA will knock you out of the running, but it might limit acceptances especially since the programs you are most interested in are also heavily research oriented. Or as @Mr.Smile12 so succinctly put it, "Mission fit." It counts too.

I'm looking to expand my research this year, I'll more than likely have around 2,000 hours of research when I apply.

It has been a dream of mine to attend Stanford, I truly appreciate how lenient they are with their admissions process. It's one of the very few MSAR's from a top school where the sGPA/cGPA are as low as 3.6. Also considering how it's a powerhouse for entrepreneurs, I'd love to utilize their resources and networks to create some ideas of my own.

 

[Mangoenthusiast]

I applied this year with a 3.7 cGPA (ORM, no upward trend) a 522 MCAT, a lot of research experience and was accepted to Stanford! You should still apply broadly because every cycle is different and so much of this process is random - but there is a chance.

 

[theexistentialduck47]

I applied this year with a 3.7 cGPA (ORM, no upward trend) a 522 MCAT, a lot of research experience and was accepted to Stanford! You should still apply broadly because every cycle is different and so much of this process is random - but there is a chance.

That's some excellent work. Looking back, what do you think may have contributed to your acceptance? Personality through interviews? Crazy X-factor?

 

[OfMiceAndWomen]

I applied this year with a 3.7 cGPA (ORM, no upward trend) a 522 MCAT, a lot of research experience and was accepted to Stanford! You should still apply broadly because every cycle is different and so much of this process is random - but there is a chance.

Applied a few years back, but I had a near identical profile and got into Hopkins and Yale! I attribute it to having a good, cohesive narrative in my application. Also, tip-top MCAT really helps. A few of my fellow M4 classmates were student interviewers on adcom this year, and unfortunately, it's an MCAT arms race

 

[TheGOOD_MD_slimreaper]

Apply to any school that you want. Most people forget that your GPA and MCAT, more than just numbers that medical schools can flaunt, also show your competency. They show that you will be able to take on the rigor of medical school. You had a 4.0 gpa in your last 2 years of college and have an amazing MCAT score. This tells me that something happened in those first 2 years (make sure to explain that on your application). Aside from that, I see no reason why someone even with a 4.0 gpa/528 mcat will be favored over you. Just make sure that your secondaries really align school missions and you clearly show why you want to be a doctor in your primaries. You’re going to be a great candidate as long as you write well. Writing and showing why you would be a great physician matters soo much more than people think! Good luck!

 

[LindaAccepted]

I'm looking to expand my research this year, I'll more than likely have around 2,000 hours of research when I apply.

It has been a dream of mine to attend Stanford, I truly appreciate how lenient they are with their admissions process. It's one of the very few MSAR's from a top school where the sGPA/cGPA are as low as 3.6. Also considering how it's a powerhouse for entrepreneurs, I'd love to utilize their resources and networks to create some ideas of my own.

That increased research is significant and will definitely help you at the more research oriented programs. Kudos!

I can completely understand why you want to attend Stanford, and it is certainly an entrepreneurial powerhouse. Makes sense. Hopefully, they'll think so too! You may want to consider a joint MD/MBA if you are really interested in the entrepreneurial route. Stanford also has a fascinating Masters in Clinical Informatics Management which combines healthcare, tech, and business. I interviewed the director.

Duke is another medical school that is in an entrepreneurial hotbed.