3.77 GPA and 25MCAT???????

[BabberSher]

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Hi, I have 3.76 GPA and my MCAT is a 25 (previous scores were 18 and 16)
I have volunteered in the oncology department for 2 years.
I am involved in 3 research projects that are being sponsored by Boston Scientific, and Medtronic.
What are my chances of getting into and MD or a DO school (my heart is set on MD).

 

[FuturaDocta]

Hi, I have 3.76 GPA and my MCAT is a 25 (previous scores were 18 and 16)
I have volunteered in the oncology department for 2 years.
I am involved in 3 research projects that are being sponsored by Boston Scientific, and Medtronic.
What are my chances of getting into and MD or a DO school (my heart is set on MD).

Well, all I have to say is good job. At least you are competitive statistical wise. If you want to be more competitive, I guess you can retake the MCAT if you wish. But, I think you just have to nail the interview and you should be good. By nail the interview, I mean just don't screw up. Just be yourself.

 

[witness23]

I believe you have a decent shot at DO but I am not sure at all. Osteopathic forums have their own chances thread that you may find helpful.

 

[adman557]

Hi, I have 3.76 GPA and my MCAT is a 25 (previous scores were 18 and 16)
I have volunteered in the oncology department for 2 years.
I am involved in 3 research projects that are being sponsored by Boston Scientific, and Medtronic.
What are my chances of getting into and MD or a DO school (my heart is set on MD).

I guess it really depends on where you want to go. Not to sound discouraging, but such a low MCAT score is problematic. First of all, you have a great GPA so medical schools are going to wonder why you would have such a low MCAT score although your GPA is so high? What college did you receive that GPA at? Additionally, if you are saying that you took the MCAT three official times, and the third time you received a 25 you are in even more trouble. Most schools do not usually look favorably at someone who has taken the MCAT two times (unless it was significant improvement) and three times may usually prevent a school from even interviewing you. Just look at it this way, the average score on the MCAT is a 24 and the average MCAT score accepted into a medical school is a 30, therefore your 25 is lagging. I am not certain how your MCAT score compares with those accepted into DO schools, but I would imagine that you have a fairly good chance of getting into a decent D.O. school. Nevertheless, I wish you the best of luck, and if the 25 on the MCAT was your first official MCAT, then definitely take it again and aim for 30-32 or greater.

 

[BabberSher]

Thank you all for the input, i really appreciate it 🙂

I'll gladly welcome more input 😎

 

[OpalOnyx]

Hi, I have 3.76 GPA and my MCAT is a 25 (previous scores were 18 and 16)
I have volunteered in the oncology department for 2 years.
I am involved in 3 research projects that are being sponsored by Boston Scientific, and Medtronic.
What are my chances of getting into and MD or a DO school (my heart is set on MD).

I strongly recommend the DO route. I'm sorry to say this, but I think your chances aren't looking good for most allopathic schools. Perhaps look up MSAR and apply to just the ones that tend to focus more on GPA and have lower MCAT averages.

 

[JJMrK]

Yeah, as others have said I think your MCAT score is too low to apply to allopathic schools (unless you are an URM). DO is probably going to be your best bet.

 

[slick27]

I would not apply to MD schools. The 25 mcat is too low and your previous mcat results were awfull. You only shot would be at DO schools. I had a 3.8 gpa and 29 mcat with no md interviews. MD schools won't even look at your application with a 25. I don't want to sound harsh, but I want to sound realistic. Depending on what your individual numbers are (nothing below 8), I would maybe apply to your state school and MCW early. But, focus on DO applications. I'd say retake the mcat, but you have three times already and with a best score of 25, it seems like you have maxed out on your ability.

 

[MossPoh]

Yeah, as others have said I think your MCAT score is too low to apply to allopathic schools (unless you are an URM). DO is probably going to be your best bet.

I just got into an allopathic school with a 3.3 and a 27. I'm white and upper-middle class. Nothing is impossible. That being said, a great deal of luck and fortune was involved and I never actually thought I'd be an outlier.

I had two MD interviews in total and 7 DO (didn't go to one of them)

 

[JJMrK]

I just got into an allopathic school with a 3.3 and a 27. I'm white and upper-middle class. Nothing is impossible. That being said, a great deal of luck and fortune was involved and I never actually thought I'd be an outlier.

I had two MD interviews in total and 7 DO (didn't go to one of them)

Congratulations. I think your story is more of an exception to the rule, though. Plus, the OP has 2 fewer points than you on the MCAT, which is pretty significant when you're down that low on the scale.

 

[slick27]

I just got into an allopathic school with a 3.3 and a 27. I'm white and upper-middle class. Nothing is impossible. That being said, a great deal of luck and fortune was involved and I never actually thought I'd be an outlier.

I had two MD interviews in total and 7 DO (didn't go to one of them)

It all depends on what state you live in, since the op is from IL, unless he is from the southern part of the state, I don't think he has much of a shot at his MD state schools. I live in a tough state to get into to. University of WI is a damn tough school to get into.

 

[Stratego]

I know two people who got into UIC with an MCAT of 25, but both had higher GPAs than yours, and some amazing ECs. I know of one person who got into SIU with an MCAT of 24, but that person had a graduate degree. SIU is a possibility if your parents live south of I-80. You don't mention shadowing or leadership; those are important ECs too, besides the ones you mentioned.

You are likely to get a DO acceptance, but I think you should give one or both of the state schools a shot as well, as long as you apply super early.

 

[MossPoh]

Congratulations. I think your story is more of an exception to the rule, though. Plus, the OP has 2 fewer points than you on the MCAT, which is pretty significant when you're down that low on the scale.

Yes, I know it is an exception. Hence the reason I said I was lucky. I was also called off the waitlist yesterday and orientation starts next Tuesday, so I was probably on the lower end of the list. The OP also has a much higher GPA than me. 😉 Just staying its not impossible but not likely.

One thing that helped me was taking a lot of initiative with the school. While looking for housing for a school in South Florida I heard they were having an open house the next day. I spent an hour writing a letter highlighting my pros and acknowledging my faults. I then drove the 7+ hours (ended up being 10 due to an accident) and handed the letter to the person that interviewed me. I then shook his hand and talked about my commitment to the school. Considering the 3.3 was my amcas gpa and my science was barely a 3.0, which dropped after the fall semester....I think it puts the OP and me on the same page.

I do have a freakish amount of ECs though.

 

[Rapunzeldances]

I would think your chances are best at either an instate school or DO. Sometimes instate schools have lower number criteria for instate students. But I will say that MD's look at the MCAT as a correlation with the USMLE, whereas DO's look at the GPA as a good indicator of success on the COMPLEX. If you have some reason why your MCAT is lower it may also help you (been out of school for awhile etc).

 

[MossPoh]

I would think your chances are best at either an instate school or DO. Sometimes instate schools have lower number criteria for instate students. But I will say that MD's look at the MCAT as a correlation with the USMLE, whereas DO's look at the GPA as a good indicator of success on the COMPLEX. If you have some reason why your MCAT is lower it may also help you (been out of school for awhile etc).

It is COMLEX. Most places weigh GPA heaviest and then see if the MCAT correlates with it a bit. Many schools kind of have an unspoken cutoff for MCAT where they will interview you but unless you raise it that extra point your chances aren't that great. Truth is, if you score a 21 or above you will probably be alright for the boards. I've read most of the research. It is kind of flimsy.

My MCAT was lower because of my best friend dying the day before my first one and my grandma (who lived with me most of my life) the day before the second. I was emotionally wrecked and unable to tune it out and it showed. I was getting 37s on practice exams. I also had a strong upward trend in my gpa for the most part.

 

[slick27]

MD schools won't make excusses for why your mcat is low or gpa low....etc. You're a white guy you need to be perfect. I was out of school for three years and stilled scored a 29.

 

[MossPoh]

I wrote about my excuses a few times and they seemed pretty accepting of it. 😉 I didn't say I WOULD'VE had a higher MCAT but I did mention that my emotional state from the deaths the day before led to me not thinking as clearly as normal. They brought it up during interviews a few times. Basically, I spun it as a positive that I did as well as I did with my situation at the time, which was the truth.

 

[FuturaDocta]

MD schools won't make excusses for why your mcat is low or gpa low....etc. You're a white guy you need to be perfect. I was out of school for three years and stilled scored a 29.

Nice!

And, to the thread starter. I think you have a great chance with that GPA still. I mean, people get in with 3.1. Majority are above 3.5, which you are above with a 3.7+. At least you are above the mark. Now, the MCAT is a bit average. But, that does not mean you shouldn't still apply. Go for it and do great at the interview.

 

[slick27]

I always like these ideas of i heard a person got in with a 24 or 26 mcat or with a 3.1 gpa. Its not going to be you (not to sound harsh). If your gpa is below 3.5 and mcat below 30 your chances are slim (real world).

 

[MossPoh]

I always like these ideas of i heard a person got in with a 24 or 26 mcat or with a 3.1 gpa. Its not going to be you (not to sound harsh). If your gpa is below 3.5 and mcat below 30 your chances are slim (real world).

Yep, that is what was said about me. Still happened. Never know if you don't try. I wouldn't apply to any less than 30 schools in that situation though.

 

[bills]

Yep, that is what was said about me. Still happened. Never know if you don't try. I wouldn't apply to any less than 30 schools in that situation though.

I had a 2.7 uGPA and 33 MCAT, and I will be attending a private US allopathic school this fall. I did have a 4.0 GPA in a masters program. But please everyone, stop telling kids they will not get in to med school because they have too low GPA/MCAT. And I guess going the other way - kids stop asking whether score X/Y is too low, because if you can post on this site you can look up average stats for matriculants. If you want to go to med school improve your weaknesses and APPLY.

 

[JJMrK]

I had a 2.7 uGPA and 33 MCAT, and I will be attending a private US allopathic school this fall. I did have a 4.0 GPA in a masters program. But please everyone, stop telling kids they will not get in to med school because they have too low GPA/MCAT. And I guess going the other way - kids stop asking whether score X/Y is too low, because if you can post on this site you can look up average stats for matriculants. If you want to go to med school improve your weaknesses and APPLY.

If people ask--and they do--others are going to share their opinion. If you don't want opinions don't post.

 

[MossPoh]

If people ask--and they do--others are going to share their opinion. If you don't want opinions don't post.

I don't think we should be shooting rainbows out of our arses but there are better ways to present one's opinion....as in, not as fact. Saying something like "you don't stand a shot and you won't get in" isn't an opinion as much as it is someone trying to pass it off as fact. If one were to say, "I don't think it is likely you will be accepted with those stats", then I'd consider it an opinion.

People are pretty vindictive and petty in the pre-allo forums. There is a reason I never went in here until I got accepted.

 

[JJMrK]

I don't think we should be shooting rainbows out of our arses but there are better ways to present one's opinion....as in, not as fact. Saying something like "you don't stand a shot and you won't get in" isn't an opinion as much as it is someone trying to pass it off as fact. If one were to say, "I don't think it is likely you will be accepted with those stats", then I'd consider it an opinion.

People are pretty vindictive and petty in the pre-allo forums. There is a reason I never went in here until I got accepted.

See the bolded portion of all of the following statements made in this thread:

Well, all I have to say is good job. At least you are competitive statistical wise. If you want to be more competitive, I guess you can retake the MCAT if you wish. But, I think you just have to nail the interview and you should be good. By nail the interview, I mean just don't screw up. Just be yourself.

I believe you have a decent shot at DO but I am not sure at all. Osteopathic forums have their own chances thread that you may find helpful.

I guess it really depends on where you want to go. Not to sound discouraging, but such a low MCAT score is problematic. First of all, you have a great GPA so medical schools are going to wonder why you would have such a low MCAT score although your GPA is so high? What college did you receive that GPA at? Additionally, if you are saying that you took the MCAT three official times, and the third time you received a 25 you are in even more trouble. Most schools do not usually look favorably at someone who has taken the MCAT two times (unless it was significant improvement) and three times may usually prevent a school from even interviewing you. Just look at it this way, the average score on the MCAT is a 24 and the average MCAT score accepted into a medical school is a 30, therefore your 25 is lagging. I am not certain how your MCAT score compares with those accepted into DO schools, but I would imagine that you have a fairly good chance of getting into a decent D.O. school. Nevertheless, I wish you the best of luck, and if the 25 on the MCAT was your first official MCAT, then definitely take it again and aim for 30-32 or greater.

I strongly recommend the DO route. I'm sorry to say this, but I think your chances aren't looking good for most allopathic schools. Perhaps look up MSAR and apply to just the ones that tend to focus more on GPA and have lower MCAT averages.

Yeah, as others have said I think your MCAT score is too low to apply to allopathic schools (unless you are an URM). DO is probably going to be your best bet.

I would not apply to MD schools. The 25 mcat is too low and your previous mcat results were awfull. You only shot would be at DO schools. I had a 3.8 gpa and 29 mcat with no md interviews. MD schools won't even look at your application with a 25. I don't want to sound harsh, but I want to sound realistic. Depending on what your individual numbers are (nothing below 8), I would maybe apply to your state school and MCW early. But, focus on DO applications. I'd say retake the mcat, but you have three times already and with a best score of 25, it seems like you have maxed out on your ability.

I know two people who got into UIC with an MCAT of 25, but both had higher GPAs than yours, and some amazing ECs. I know of one person who got into SIU with an MCAT of 24, but that person had a graduate degree. SIU is a possibility if your parents live south of I-80. You don't mention shadowing or leadership; those are important ECs too, besides the ones you mentioned.

You are likely to get a DO acceptance, but I think you should give one or both of the state schools a shot as well, as long as you apply super early.

I would think your chances are best at either an instate school or DO. Sometimes instate schools have lower number criteria for instate students. But I will say that MD's look at the MCAT as a correlation with the USMLE, whereas DO's look at the GPA as a good indicator of success on the COMPLEX. If you have some reason why your MCAT is lower it may also help you (been out of school for awhile etc).

 

[dragonfly99]

the MCAT score is low for an allopathic school, particularly if that is your best score and you tried 3 times.

You also didn't say what undergrad school you attended, whether any of the 3.77 GPA credits are community college credits, what your major was, etc. Obviously at 3.77 GPA from an engineering major at MIT would be more impressive than a 3.77 GPA history major from an easier school. Not that I could have ever made a 3.77 GPA at MIT...or survived as an engineering major...LOL. Just an example.

You didn't say anything about your clinical experience, other extracurriculars, whether you've taken any graduate classes, etc.
You also didn't say whether you are an underrepresented minority, a rural candidate, etc. Those things can matter.

I think your chances for an allopathic school are low, but in your situation I'd go ahead and apply to all your state schools, see what happens. At the same time I would apply to DO schools, which may be more forgiving of the lower MCAT. You could also consider schools abroad (Caribbean) especially if DO schools don't appeal to you. You could consider doing PA school if you already work in the health care field, etc.