Any experiences with good GPA/good EC's, and mediocre sGPA and MCAT? How did you sneak in?

[cryhavoc]

Anyone who isn't a URM get into allopathic medical school when it seemed like they shouldn't? How many places did you apply to? How did you get lucky? Strategies? Thanks. I believe I am in the 20% chance of white people range.

I'm in the 42% chance range for GPA and MCAT (3.69, 27), but since my science GPA is pretty low (3.3-3.4), depending on this semester, I figured that even if no graph reports science GPA it, I got even lower chances (20%?).

I have lots of clinical/community stuff, and over a year of research.

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[FalconSlice]

Anyone who isn't a URM get into allopathic medical school when it seemed like they shouldn't? How many places did you apply to? How did you get lucky? Strategies? Thanks. I believe I am in the 20% chance of white people range.

I'm in the 42% chance range for GPA and MCAT (3.69, 27), but since my science GPA is pretty low (3.3-3.4), depending on this semester, I figured that even if no graph reports science GPA it, I got even lower chances (20%?).

I have lots of clinical/community stuff, and over a year of research.

This should be interesting

 

[NonTradJp]

There is a bit of info in the underdog threads. Sometimes successful applicants will list their stats and what they did to get accepted. There are many I would say that have far lower gpa/mcat combos then you who has interested and informative life experiences. However, I would say that your overall gpa isn't bad and your science gpa is okay. If you have lots of clinical and community, I bet you would have a chance. But would need to apply broadly. If you can boost your mcat just a bit, you'll have an even better chance.

Those are general comments but hopefully that can be a start.

 

[cryhavoc]

This should be interesting

I apologize, I did not mean to offend anyone, I saw there was a chart of acceptance by race, and went off of it. People usually ask if you are a URM so I thought I'd mention I was not.

There is a bit of info in the underdog threads. Sometimes successful applicants will list their stats and what they did to get accepted. There are many I would say that have far lower gpa/mcat combos then you who has interested and informative life experiences. However, I would say that your overall gpa isn't bad and your science gpa is okay. If you have lots of clinical and community, I bet you would have a chance. But would need to apply broadly. If you can boost your mcat just a bit, you'll have an even better chance.

Those are general comments but hopefully that can be a start.

I've been told by my adviser I have no chance. If I have some chance, I'd like to take advantage of it with any application tips. Thanks.

 

[FalconSlice]

I apologize, I did not mean to offend anyone, I saw there was a chart of acceptance by race, and went off of it. People usually ask if you are a URM so I thought I'd mention I was not.

No worries, just joshing you

 

[FalconSlice]

Anyone who isn't a URM get into allopathic medical school when it seemed like they shouldn't? How many places did you apply to? How did you get lucky? Strategies? Thanks. I believe I am in the 20% chance of white people range.

I'm in the 42% chance range for GPA and MCAT (3.69, 27), but since my science GPA is pretty low (3.3-3.4), depending on this semester, I figured that even if no graph reports science GPA it, I got even lower chances (20%?).

I have lots of clinical/community stuff, and over a year of research.

Anyway, to actually answer your question: Statistics are helpful for a global picture, but, unfortunately the interviews, acceptances, rejections, etc. you will receive are really only based on your individuality. All you can do now is write really good essays, applications, interview like a boss, and hope for the best.

 

[cryhavoc]

I actually do write like a boss when I need to but that doesn't matter if they throw your app in the trash for not hitting some minimum. My MCAT, while not stunning, is all 8+ in each.

 

[cryhavoc]

Repost on accident.

 

[JimmyB123]

Had better stats than you and didn't get into MD. It will be a HUGE uphill battle for you with those stats, I'm sorry. I wish you good luck though. Write a killer PS and secondary application.

 

[Goro]

Join the military and serve your country
Join the Peace Corps
Establish a successful foundation or charity.
Write a six-figure donation check to the school.


A 27 is circling the drain for MD schools. Barring residence in a 'lucky" state like LA or KS, I can think of about 5 or so schools where a 27 is above the 10th %ile of the matriculating class.

Those percentages you're quoting are skewed by people who live in lucky states, have significant ECs, compelling stories or being a legacy.

Anyone who isn't a URM get into allopathic medical school when it seemed like they shouldn't? How many places did you apply to? How did you get lucky? Strategies? Thanks. I believe I am in the 20% chance of white people range.

I'm in the 42% chance range for GPA and MCAT (3.69, 27), but since my science GPA is pretty low (3.3-3.4), depending on this semester, I figured that even if no graph reports science GPA it, I got even lower chances (20%?).

I have lots of clinical/community stuff, and over a year of research.

 

[cryhavoc]

Dodging bullets, malaria, or retake the MCAT.

Not sure which is worse.

 

[cryhavoc]

Okay, say I did retake this MCAT, I feel like I may have potential to improve on it. I scored pretty balanced and didn't get to study as long as I would have liked to (I was racing the clock before the old format went away). And my practice score average was higher than my actual test.

Keeping in mind my 3.3 sGPA (hurting me), and various EC's (helping just a little), what score would I have to get to have a reasonable chance of getting into an allopathic school with June 1st application turn in (of next year) and with August/September turn in (of possibly this year)? I wish there was a chart of sGPA and MCAT so I could predict chances based on potential increases in MCAT. My 3.69 looks decent for a lot of places but the charts assume good science grades? I would take a practice exam and see how I do. If I score high enough for the August/September parameter, I'd do it, if not I'd wait a year.

I'm only asking because I want some sense of risk-reward. If I take an extra year, and get the new equivalent of a 30 and apply to like 20+ schools, would I have a reasonable chance or did I just waste a year? What about a 32?

I know there are zero guarantees in any of this, I know I might not ever get into any type of school ever, but before making huge decisions like taking a whole year to be more competitive for MD vs. just attempting to go DO immediately, and hoping to rock my Step 1, etc., any honest input on chances with score increases would be totally invaluable to me.

I will say the one thing I will not do is take any more college classes. I'll do more research, volunteer, I might even consider PeaceCorpss, and I might bust my hump for the MCAT, but I will not take out anymore loans unless they are for medical school.

 

[Goro]

Well, the average score now is 31 for matriculants. You have a poor 27, so I recommend something the equivalent of > 31, more like a 33+, to balance out the 27, for those schools that will average scores (as recommended by AMCAS). A good number of schools will take the most recent, or best composite score, so doing well on take #2 is both expected, and will reward you.


For the sGPA, just target those schools whose numbers stretch down that low.

You're fine for lots of DO programs, including mine right now.

Okay, say I did retake this MCAT, I feel like I may have potential to improve on it. I scored pretty balanced and didn't get to study as long as I would have liked to (I was racing the clock before the old format went away). And my practice score average was higher than my actual test.

Keeping in mind my 3.3 sGPA (hurting me), and various EC's (helping just a little), what score would I have to get to have a reasonable chance of getting into an allopathic school with June 1st application turn in (of next year) and with August/September turn in (of possibly this year)? I wish there was a chart of sGPA and MCAT so I could predict chances based on potential increases in MCAT. My 3.69 looks decent for a lot of places but the charts assume good science grades? I would take a practice exam and see how I do. If I score high enough for the August/September parameter, I'd do it, if not I'd wait a year.

I'm only asking because I want some sense of risk-reward. If I take an extra year, and get the new equivalent of a 30 and apply to like 20+ schools, would I have a reasonable chance or did I just waste a year? What about a 32?

I know there are zero guarantees in any of this, I know I might not ever get into any type of school ever, but before making huge decisions like taking a whole year to be more competitive for MD vs. just attempting to go DO immediately, and hoping to rock my Step 1, etc., any honest input on chances with score increases would be totally invaluable to me.

I will say the one thing I will not do is take any more college classes. I'll do more research, volunteer, I might even consider PeaceCorpss, and I might bust my hump for the MCAT, but I will not take out anymore loans unless they are for medical school.

 

[xffan624]

Dodging bullets, malaria, or retake the MCAT.

Not sure which is worse.

There are many crappy things about the military and good reasons not to join, but only a small percentage of military people will actually see combat. Even fewer now that deployments have reduced dramatically with Iraq ended and Afghanistan winding down. That said there are plenty of good reasons to join as well (GI bill benefits among them). For your case, though, DO's your best bet for the fastest route to being a physician.

 

[youmed]

It seems like doing extremely well on the MCAT may be your saving grace. Really make sure to bust your ass and feel confident that you can score 33+ equivalent on the new MCAT before you even think about taking the exam. Aside from studying, you would still need to focus on expanding your extracurricular activities with meaningful experiences.

 

[ridethecliche]

Dodging bullets, malaria, or retake the MCAT.

Not sure which is worse.

From personal experience, I'd say that retaking the MCAT is worse than malaria.

 

[cryhavoc]

From personal experience, I'd say that retaking the MCAT is worse than malaria.

Obviously the new one is different (longer, more difficult) but I think my MCAT site had a Men in Black mind-wiper thing. I only remember urgently answering a lot of questions, my break being super short, recognizing the material for a bunch of them but not have the small fact memorized so probably missing it, and the verbal being a lot harder (scored 2 points lower than on practice average).

The preparation is the terrible part, I can't even remember the actual test. But I took it in the middle of finals week while having shifts at work. My mind was probably like, "Let's just repress this week . . ."

 

[ridethecliche]

I retook the 'old' one given that I applied for the class of 2019.

 

[Alejandro]

first of all, wow it's been a whiiiile. haven't been on the pre-allopath for about a year+. howdy peeps!

second: I probably fit in this boat to some extent. I remember people telling me to apply DO because I wasn't going to make it to an MD school.

Third: How I did it? Well, I think I see a lot of things that premed students do, that really aren't beneficial:

1) They talk a lot. (Yes, I talk a lot too) Meaning: they talk about how they're so committed to becoming a doctor, but their actions, their activities don't show for it.

2) I applied to 30+ places. This means, 30+ places I have a "shot" at going to. Now, if you're on the bottom of the list, that means YOU DO NOT PUT THE USNWR TOP 30 IN YOUR LIST OF PLACES YOU'RE APPLYING TO. What this means, is apply to 30 'chance' schools, and add a few reach ones in the top 30. Yes it's expensive, but seriously I don't want to hear it. I worked days, nights, and weekends to save my money for interviews, so if you're not fortunate to have mom and dad pay for you, trust me i've been there and sometimes it sucks, but you develop so much more character from going through it on your own and earning your way through it. Also, be aware of state schools that do not frequently accept OOS students.

3) They apply too late. I've probably personally advised/mentored like 50+ students and a recurring theme I see in unsuccessful candidates is that they haven't done their research on what the process entails. This means, apply on the first week, (in fact, the first day) it opens. figure out who is writin your letters. WHEN WILL YOUR MCAT BE READY BY WITH RESPECT TO YOUR APPLICATION? Don't assume things, find out exact dates and procedures yourself. My surgery attending said this: what happens when you assume? "you make an @$$ out of u and me." find answers to questions. nobody is pointing a gun to your head that you need to apply this year or else someone is going to take hostage of your family and hurt them....calm down people. if you don't have your stuff together by the beginning, don't bother. Wait, and present yourself as a smart applicant the following year. I'll be honest. I took a year off, thinking that's all i'll need. realized my mcat was going to be late, decided i'd be better off polishing all my stuff so i can apply and get into a school. (I'm quite happy with where i ended up, lol) The following year, I felt I did pretty darn well with my application cycle, and the extra gap year, make the process 10X easier, having not applied and having to redo essays and whatnot, with additional anxiety of being unsuccessful prior.

And sometimes I really just feel like: "-_- SMH wtf" when I tell people, "hey I don't think your stuff is all going to be in time, your stats are modest and you're not like shining with all of these bells and whistles on your app. take some more time and polish it for a better app next year." They get all defensive and 'hate me,' and then they apply, don't get in, and later when i follow up with them, they have nothing to say. (or they panick and they're like HELP MEE) Both are really bad outcomes, imo. I'm not trying to be a hater, i'm just trying to be realistic. Having gone through the process, and you can ask anyone, i swear ANYONE, about the process in applying, and nothing is more PAINFUL than having to reapply. Yet people don't think about that, and just apply anyway. Any of my classmates who had to reapply can tell you it sucked. financially, physically, and emotionally.

I think you can ask any attending physician out there that the quality of knowing yourself, is absolutely crucial. You need to know if your interventions will pay off in the long run for your patient. On the same token, I really respect an applicant who has that maturity to know what their limits are. I think its a very important quality to have as a physician.

A physician mentor once told me, "It's not a race. It isn't a popularity contest, or a status game. Medicine is a lifelong commitment, a way of life. Take your time and apply when you're ready."

I'm sure there are other things I can think of but i forgot them and i know i've already written enough. hiiiii again everyone! glad to be back. lol

 

[efle]

A 27 is circling the drain for MD schools. Barring residence in a 'lucky" state like LA or KS, I can think of about 5 or so schools where a 27 is above the 10th %ile of the matriculating class.

There were 54 MD schools with a 10th percentile among acceptees at 27 or lower last year

Best of luck havoc

 

[Goro]

And there's usually a VERY good reason for that!

There were 54 MD schools with a 10th percentile among acceptees at 27 or lower last year

Best of luck havoc

 

[efle]

And there's usually a VERY good reason for that!

Crazy how that many people with ~50th percentile MCATs can have other reasons that good. Like out of 60,000+ other medical applicants with higher stats nobody could top their ECs? Must be some really damn neat-o stuff

 

[Goro]

Keep in mind that the median MCAT score for matriculants is 31 which is at the 83rd %ile. With thousands of applicants, it's a sller's market and school's can afford to ignore people with the 60th %ile, which is where a 27 is.

So yes, those people in the 10th% for schools do have some neato stuff.

URM
Veterans
Compelling life stories
Killer ECs, like service in the Peace Corps.

And, not so killer: legacies. I just learned of someone very recently who scored an accept into a school east of the Ohio River, who had sub-stellar stats, simply because a parent was an alumnus of the school.

Well, there are som many people in the 75%

Crazy how that many people with ~50th percentile MCATs can have other reasons that good. Like out of 60,000+ other medical applicants with higher stats nobody could top their ECs? Must be some really damn neat-o stuff

 

[Alejandro]

For those with mediocre stats, focus on making yourself interesting. I guess one way I'd encourage this, is to stop being so afraid of doing something that isn't necessarily medical. Or, go hardcore and get really involved. I think a lot of people get stuck and do neither, just volunteer maybe once a week, and blah. (the problem is, you're neither showing that you're interesting as a person-cool life story in your gap year, nor are you showing you're truly dedicated lights out gung-ho medicine). I didn't have the gpa per se, but i worked my butt off during my gap year, and networked to get the jobs that I had. Used all the connections I knew (no, they weren't mommy/daddy connections) and ran with it. I guess maybe a life lesson is to never burn any bridges, and be friends with everyone you meet. You never know who you'll run into.

Story: Once I was volunteering at the hospital, just escorting a patient. Yeah, most premeds hate escorting. pushing wheelchairs, not doing anything clinical, blah blah blah. I loved it. It was fun talking to people about their stories and origins. One day, I had to take this guy out of the ED-getting discharged. Met the guy, we talked a bunch on the way out to the parking lot. He goes, "Hey, you seem like a cool guy. What do you want to do?" I tell him I wanted to go into medicine. He says, oh, great. "Let me help you out with that. Look me up, and I'll let you hang out with me in the OR." Wait, what? Turns out, the guy is one of the chairs of the surgical departments at the university hospital. So I stayed in touch with him over time, and yep, opportunites came. Just an example of making the most of an opportunity. Sometimes it also means you'll cold-email some people too. And you'll get rejected, or no replies. And that means you might need to keep trying. Whatever it takes. Just don't be a jerk or a nuisance, and who knows, the world is your oyster.