Advice? I'm pre-MD/PhD and might graduate with UG under a 3.5 GPA but strong involvements/LORs

[dromero2]

I'm looking to apply to MD-PhD schools with a neuroscience focus for the 2026 cycle but am struggling with my GPA/forming a school list that will consider my application holistically. I have yet to take an MCAT but aim for 515+. Will this be enough for next app cycle along with my involvements and LORs?

Here are my current involvements:

Cognitive/aging research lab (will finish UG with 2000+ hrs)
Neurogenetics lab (will finish will 1000+ hrs)
NEURON-Aging Research Program
Emerging Scholars Program (first year research program)
6 local poster presentations and conferences (will participate in more local, state, and national in the next year)
Hospice volunteer (clinical, aiming for 200-300 hours)
Shadowing (Neurosurgeon, 20 hrs, pediatric surgeon, ~30 hrs)
Nonclinical volunteering (leadership roles in different orgs, total 500+)
I've also worked part-time throughout my first/part of second year of college, which also stunted my academic performance along with other personal issues at the time and I'd like to try to show this throughout my application, too.

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[ophthoaspirant]

I recommend doing a post-bac to address your GPA. Even with a 520+ MCAT, a sub-3.5 GPA is hard to overcome imo.

 

[Buhgsy]

I think no one will be able to honestly give an opinion without the MCAT, but a sub 3.5 GPA is not a dealbreaker. I had a 3.5 gpa and 510 mcat and had >5 interview invites and multiple acceptances.

I think ultimately it just depends on what schools you apply to. Follow fencers general rules of applying broadly and I think chances are you will be fine.

 

[ophthoaspirant]

I think no one will be able to honestly give an opinion without the MCAT, but a sub 3.5 GPA is not a dealbreaker. I had a 3.5 gpa and 510 mcat and had >5 interview invites and multiple acceptances.

I think ultimately it just depends on what schools you apply to. Follow fencers general rules of applying broadly and I think chances are you will be fine.

I know a few people with even lower stats that also had success but other aspects of their background may have helped them (don't won't to bring up those aspects as they are controversial).

 

[Buhgsy]

I know a few people with even lower stats that also had success but other aspects of their background may have helped them (don't won't to bring up those aspects as they are controversial).

Genuinely... how is a comment like this supposed to help anyone? It doesn’t support the people who got in, and it definitely doesn’t support others reading this thread who are looking for real, constructive advice.

I mean vague insinuations about someone’s “controversial” background aren’t just unproductive... they undermine people’s hard work and encourage resentment instead of clarity. What’s the point of that, other than to quietly re-blow the dog whistle?

If you’re here to help others navigate a tough process, this isn’t the way to do it. Wishing people well and focusing on what actually matters costs nothing.

 

[ophthoaspirant]

Genuinely... how is a comment like this supposed to help anyone? It doesn’t support the people who got in, and it definitely doesn’t support others reading this thread who are looking for real, constructive advice.

My constructive and clear advice as their well-wisher is for them to strongly consider a post-bacc to address the low GPA. Since the application review process is holistic, sometimes there are other factors that offset weaker stats and help you get an A but by improving your GPA, you can improve your odds of success.

Congratulations on your success. There is no intent on my part to blow any other dog whistle.