Bad start in college, and then straight A after a gap year

[HFT]

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Hello guys,

My major is electrical engineering, and I'm in a situation in which I described in the title. I started doing pre-med until the second semester of my sophomore year, but before that I took some hardcore classes (in math and CS, and my major, of course) which really pulled my GPA down (like 2.7-2.8 in first 2 years). I took real analysis in my freshman year and got a D (yes, in freshman year...), and even worse I took differential equations in CC when I was in high school and got a C (it counts in AMCAS I think). Other than that I took abstract linear algebra (got a B). I also took a CS course (computer architecture) and got a C in it.

I took a gap year between my sophomore year and junior year because my physiological condition badly affected my college studying, and I had severe OCD (it's actually since high school) which made reading almost impossible for me.

After that I started working on my pre-med courses and got straight A (so basically my Bio GPA and Chem GPA are 4.0, but the Math GPA is bad and does affect the overall BCPM GPA severely). My BCPM GPA is 3.61 and my overall GPA is 3.6. I got a 39 on MCAT (VR 11 PS 14 BS 14). I also have some special EC.

Should I even bother applying to top schools as Harvard and Yale with this GPA?

 

[ulikedaggers]

Yes, definitely apply.

 

[Pacna]

I would apply just for the peace of mind. Don't know unless you try.

Also have backups.

 

[astromfs]

This is just wrong.

 

[Euxox]

This is just wrong.

Why do you say that? With a 3.6 and a 39 MCAT, the OP falls within the range of people who can realistically apply to top schools. I'm not saying that the OP's going to get in to one because that 3.6 GPA will definitely be something that he will have to overcome with strong ECs, strong letters, strong essays, and a bit of luck. But if you don't even apply to top schools, your chance of getting in automatically falls to zero. So it is definitely worth applying as long as the OP remembers that this is not a sure shot and that he needs to apply to a broad range of schools.

 

[HFT]

I ask this because the average GPA of MD acceptance is 3.5-ish, and I'm only a bit above it. (In fact, even somewhat below for my overall)

 

[HFT]

I would apply just for the peace of mind. Don't know unless you try.

Also have backups.

Why do you say that? With a 3.6 and a 39 MCAT, the OP falls within the range of people who can realistically apply to top schools. I'm not saying that the OP's going to get in to one because that 3.6 GPA will definitely be something that he will have to overcome with strong ECs, strong letters, strong essays, and a bit of luck. But if you don't even apply to top schools, your chance of getting in automatically falls to zero. So it is definitely worth applying as long as the OP remembers that this is not a sure shot and that he needs to apply to a broad range of schools.

Thanks for the replies 🙂
I will apply then. I guess I'll probably have things to explain if there are interviews lol

 

[Musty Goose]

What did you do during your gap year that helped you make a 180 turn?

 

[SN12357]

Trend does matter. Go for it if you have strong ECs, just don't ONLY apply to top schools.

 

[LostinLift]

This is just wrong.

I assume he's saying this is wrong because it is such an outrageous question, in terms of stats OP is more than qualified to apply to top schools with a very realistic shot of getting accepted.

 

[HFT]

What did you do during your gap year that helped you make a 180 turn?

I actually had a good study habit and did try to study hard... but there were problems in my brain and kidney that made me constantly fatigue and fall asleep unconsciously (basically not able to concentrate for even a short time); plus the OCD made me almost impossible to read.

So mentally I had no problem and I viewed pre-med as a new start, and in the gap year what I basically did was just to treat my brain and kidney problems. I didn't change my study habit much; just that this time I'm able to concentrate and "input" materials to my brain 🙂

 

[bambam92]

That 39 MCAT is is huge! Yes, your GPA is on the lower side for top tiers, but they will take into account your strong upward trend. I would mention your condition and how you overcame it--as the subpar grades all seem to be from when you were suffering from the condition. This should hopefully be considered as well. With that MCAT apply away to any top tier that interests you! A 39 MCAT is roughly 99.4 percentile, awesome job!

 

[Whack Get Out]

Hello guys,

My major is electrical engineering, and I'm in a situation in which I described in the title. I started doing pre-med until the second semester of my sophomore year, but before that I took some hardcore classes (in math and CS, and my major, of course) which really pulled my GPA down (like 2.7-2.8 in first 2 years). I took real analysis in my freshman year and got a D (yes, in freshman year...), and even worse I took differential equations in CC when I was in high school and got a C (it counts in AMCAS I think). Other than that I took abstract linear algebra (got a B). I also took a CS course (computer architecture) and got a C in it.

I took a gap year between my sophomore year and junior year because my physiological condition badly affected my college studying, and I had severe OCD (it's actually since high school) which made reading almost impossible for me.

After that I started working on my pre-med courses and got straight A (so basically my Bio GPA and Chem GPA are 4.0, but the Math GPA is bad and does affect the overall BCPM GPA severely). My BCPM GPA is 3.61 and my overall GPA is 3.6. I got a 39 on MCAT (VR 11 PS 14 BS 14). I also have some special EC.

Should I even bother applying to top schools as Harvard and Yale with this GPA?

I was in a similar situation: same MCAT, but wasn't able to pull my GPA as high as yours in the end. I did end up getting into medical school, but I can't comment on your chances at top-tier private schools. Don't neglect ECs, and apply broadly. There's no such thing as a sure thing when it comes to med school admissions these days.