AdCom Help! Low sGPA, Science-LORs, and Post-Bacc

[Komorebi2]

---

Members do not see this ad.

This question is for any AdCom (@Goro @gyngyn @LizzyM):

Although my sGPA is low for MD schools (3.55), I know it is not indicative of my scientific/academic ability or work ethic. Since graduating from college, I've come to realize that I have a tendency to over-extended myself. During many semesters as an undergrad, I worked ~40 hours/week on activities outside the classroom. Although these activities were important to me and I am deeply appreciative of the experiences they afforded me, I know now that I should have cut down on some of them to focus more time on my classes.

To demonstrate my scientific/academic ability for my application, I took upper-level microbio, anatomy, and genetics courses at my local university this past semester and got all As. I also formed close relationships with my professors and have been given two LORs that I think will be strong and personal.

My question is this: Does a strong/personal LOR from a science professor or a high post-bacc sGPA help offset a low undergrad sGPA?

I am also wondering how to demonstrate in my application that I have matured since my undergrad years. Could I offer a similar reflection to the one above on a secondary where its asks "is there anything else you would like to tell the AdCom?" Or would this be something to talk about in a Personal Statement?

Additional background:
Humanities major
cGPA 3.65
aoGPA 3.8
MCAT (took only once): 32 (11P, 10V, 11B)

 

[cactus8910]

Is the 3.55 including both classes from your college and the recent ones from your local university, or just the former? Can you break down your college sGPA, post-bacc sGPA, and overall sGPA?

Did you have an upward trend while you were still in college, or just since graduating? How long ago did you graduate? One year wouldn't suggest much time to mature, whereas multiple years would.

 

[Komorebi2]

@cactus8910

Graduated a few years ago.

Upward trend in sGPA since junior year of college.
Junior yr sGPA: 3.1
Senior yr sGPA: 3.6
Post-bacc sGPA 4.0

sGPA at graduation from undergrad 3.45
Current sGPA (with post-bacc) 3.55

 

[Mad Jack]

Your numbers aren't actually nearly as bad as you think they are. You probably won't get into Harvard, but if you apply really broadly you stand a decent shot of admission to an MD school. It's definitely far from a sure thing though.

 

[Komorebi2]

if you apply really broadly you stand a decent shot of admission to an MD school

That's the plan!

 

[LizzyM]

My question is this: Does a strong/personal LOR from a science professor help offset a low undergrad sGPA?

No.

My question is this: Does a high post-bacc sGPA help offset a low undergrad sGPA?

Maybe. It may not help a < 3.0 undergrad and it depends on the pedigree (where the undergrad & post-bac were done) but it can help in some cases.

 

[Komorebi2]

It may not help a < 3.0 undergrad and it depends on the pedigree (where the undergrad & post-bac were done) but it can help in some cases.

Undergrad = ivy
Post-bacc = top-50, public

 

[Goro]

You need to work on the self-esteem. A 3.55 GPA is NOT low. The avg for acceptees is 3.6.


Although my sGPA is low for MD schools (3.55), I know it is not indicative of my scientific/academic ability or work ethic.


Teaching moment here: While you're fine, to answer your question, it's no. I've seen LOR from Nobel laureates and US Senators, and they failed to help marginal candidates.

Does a strong/personal LOR from a science professor or a high post-bacc sGPA help offset a low undergrad sGPA?

Your rising trend and post-bac performance show this amply.
I am also wondering how to demonstrate in my application that I have matured since my undergrad years.

Yes, but it's gilding the lily
Could I offer a similar reflection to the one above on a secondary where its asks "is there anything else you would like to tell the AdCom?"

The PS is for "Who am I?" and "Why Medicine?", not "Why I did poorly in my FR year."
Or would this be something to talk about in a Personal Statement?

 

[LizzyM]

Undergrad = ivy
Post-bacc = top-50, public

OK. This is going to be alright. The concern would be if the post-bac were at a community college or a school known for significant grade inflation.

 

[Komorebi2]

OK. This is going to be alright. The concern would be if the post-bac were at a community college or a school known for significant grade inflation.

Makes sense!

 

[gyngyn]

You are numerically average for a successful applicant. If you are from a good state and have a good list and interview skills you should be fine.

 

[Komorebi2]

You are numerically average for a successful applicant. If you are from a good state and have a good list and interview skills you should be fine.

What is a "good" state? I'm from WA

 

[gyngyn]

What is a "good" state? I'm from WA

That would not be a good state. Only 121 of 919 WA applicants matriculate IS (13.2%).
Applicants from WA are even less likely to matriculate IS than CA (14.7%)!
Make sure therefore, that the effort that goes into your OOS application is at least as strong as your ap for UW.

 

[Komorebi2]

That would not be a good state. Only 121 of 919 WA applicants matriculate IS (13.2%).
Applicants from WA are even less likely to matriculate IS than CA (14.7%)!
Make sure therefore, that the effort that goes into your OOS application is at least as strong as your ap for UW.

Yikes! Yes, will do. Thank you.

 

[Pete Clat]

What would be considered a good state?

 

[gyngyn]

What would be considered a good state?

ND, SC, WV, KY, AL, Puerto Rico.