Advice Please

[ncb]

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Should I apply this year?

I have a 3.33 undergraduate engineering gpa and a 3.35 postbacc gpa (8 courses). My MCAT is a 33M (13PS 10B 10V). I also have one year of clinical work experience. I realize my gpa is less than spectacular. Do you think I should apply this year with my current stats or take some upper level bio courses next year and hope to boost my postbacc gpa to at least a 3.5? Thanks.

 

[146233]

You definitely stand a chance this year, so long as you have some decent EC's to go with that clinical experience. It's up to you, but if you have the money, I'd consider applying this year and letting schools know on your AMCAS that you intend to take some future higher level courses. If you're going to apply this year, though, you need to get in gear and get that AMCAS submitted.

That said, if you don't apply this year, you need to make the extra time worth it. Get A's. With only 8 courses in it, you can significantly improve that post-bac GPA, which will greatly help your chances. At least this time you won't have to worry about studying for the MCAT while you're studying for classes!

Your decision.

 

[MSmentor018]

Should I apply this year?

I have a 3.33 undergraduate engineering gpa and a 3.35 postbacc gpa (8 courses). My MCAT is a 33M (13PS 10B 10V). I also have one year of clinical work experience. I realize my gpa is less than spectacular. Do you think I should apply this year with my current stats or take some upper level bio courses next year and hope to boost my postbacc gpa to at least a 3.5? Thanks.

APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!!! when you fill out your secondaries, your gpa will change a tad depending on what courses you submit. for ex, you need O chem 1 and an upper level. I used biochem instead of O chem 2 b/c I did better at it. that raised my gpa. same with bio. plus you've got a good mcat score. numerically, you'll get in somewhere...unless you want to wait another year, don't be shy, apply broadly. good luck!👍

 

[SunshineNYC]

I think it's good enough to get in... those are higher stats than I had and I got in... anyway... just apply now, beceause I was a little late on applying and it definitely hurt me. You're already on the late end actually, but just do it immediately, and then send in your secondaries immediately after receiving them as well. Good luck!

 

[cabinbuilder]

Holy cow, with that MCAT and you are unsure???? APPLY or you will never know. I have a friend who wasn't going to apply because her MCAT was a 24. She interviewed and was accepted at 4 schools!!! Be sure you have a great essay. The essay will kill you if its boring. Remember you have to make them want to meet you, they get that through the essay. APPLY. Quit contemplating and obsessing, just do it.👍 MY own MCAT was a 24, graduated last year.

 

[ncb]

Thanks for your positive advice everyone. I'm going to get going on my primary application this weekend and get it in immediately.

 

[Pemberley]

Should I apply this year?

I have a 3.33 undergraduate engineering gpa and a 3.35 postbacc gpa (8 courses). My MCAT is a 33M (13PS 10B 10V). I also have one year of clinical work experience. I realize my gpa is less than spectacular. Do you think I should apply this year with my current stats or take some upper level bio courses next year and hope to boost my postbacc gpa to at least a 3.5? Thanks.

Apply -- but don't get your hopes too far up. Defeating a 3.3 is not the easiest thing on the planet. (I did it, but barely -- check mdapplicants.com for some more 3.3 horror stories. Don't use it to say "what GPA do I need?" -- it's not good for that.) Some schools, I firmly believe but don't actually know for a fact, just cash your secondary check, spreadsheet-sort you to the bottom of the list, and never look at you again.

That being said, raising GPAs takes time, and you might as well increase your chances by applying early (and possibly, though we devoutly hope not, often.)