Advice

[bt044]

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Hi Everyone!
I graduated from a top 50 public undergraduate school in 2013 with an over all gpa of 3.43 in biology. I have also taken all the pre-reqs that are required by medical schools. I am currently doing a thesis based Masters in biomedical sciences where I am working in a research lab at a medical school in Houston Texas.
I am seriously considering applying to medical school (MD and DO) because I really enjoy the patient interaction aspect of medicine. I realize that my undergrad gpa is not so great so I am considering taking upper division science classes as post bacc at either Rice or University of Houston after I complete my Masters. I also understand that mcat and extracurricular play a role in admissions but right now I am mostly worried about my gpa.
Do you think making all A's in upper division classes as a post bacc for a year would help my chances?
Is it worth re-taking pre-reqs?

This is my first post here, it would be really great to hear feedback!
thanks a lot!

 

[keels99]

For DO, a 3.43 is fine.

 

[llamasarefuzzy]

I'd try applying: you can always take the extra classes during the year if you don't get in, but it can't hurt to try!
From what I understand, 3.43 gpa in DO is right in the middle of the pack, so other aspects of your app can really make you stand out

 

[bt044]

I'd try applying: you can always take the extra classes during the year if you don't get in, but it can't hurt to try!
From what I understand, 3.43 gpa in DO is right in the middle of the pack, so other aspects of your app can really make you stand out

thats true, thanks for the reply!

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Yea your MCAT will determine where you have a good shot at. As others have discussed, the averages at DO schools range from 3.4-3.7. So you are definitely in the running. A 24 MCAT will push you closer to the 3.4 schools and a 28 MCAT will push you towards the 3.7 schools. So there is another half to the equation.

Also be aware that AACOMAS (the DO application) takes into account course retakes. This can dramatically change your GPA sometimes. My AMCAS GPA is roughly 3.2 which is obviously completely out of range. My AACOMAS GPA is 3.6 which is competitive... Just as an example...
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[Tri4thlete]

I would highly consider doing extensive shadowing or even a job at a hospital (not research, something patient oriented) before you apply so you know what you're getting into 🙂

I think people highly underrate patient experience these days and only focus on numbers. Your numbers look pretty good for DO already, I would go out and get some experience. Cheers

 

[Mad Jack]

Your chances depend on your sGPA, cGPA, and uGPA. You've given us only your cGPA, which doesn't much help, as your uGPA or sGPA could be substantially lower. The other thing your app will hinge on is your MCAT and patient care exposure.

 

[futuredoc7576]

hello everyone,
I'm wondering if I can get some advice... I retook the mcat on july 2, got my score on august 5th and didn't do so well (barely hit a 20) this was my second try.
My application is already processed. Sucks to have the mcat ruin your cycle 🙁 but I'm debating on whether to retake the mcat before the new one comes out. If I retake the mcat in October, will I be too late in the game for an interview? I'm so bumped out. Would you guys recommend to retake the old version, given that I definitely need improvement in my testing technique, content knowledge, etc...

 

[keels99]

hello everyone,
I'm wondering if I can get some advice... I retook the mcat on july 2, got my score on august 5th and didn't do so well (barely hit a 20) this was my second try.
My application is already processed. Sucks to have the mcat ruin your cycle 🙁 but I'm debating on whether to retake the mcat before the new one comes out. If I retake the mcat in October, will I be too late in the game for an interview? I'm so bumped out. Would you guys recommend to retake the old version, given that I definitely need improvement in my testing technique, content knowledge, etc...

I applied in February and still got in. You need a significant bump in your MCAT score, however.