BCPM gpa and cumulative gpa

[basketballfan]

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Hey guys,

I'm currently a junior right now and planning to take the MCAT in the spring and apply this summer!

My BCPM is a 3.465 and my cumulative is around 3.624...do I have a good shot at medical schools with a low BCPM gpa?

Thanks!

 

[Catalystik]

Besides the raw number, trend is important too. So is the strength of the MCAT score, which can compensate. And the leniency of the school to which you apply.

What state are you from?
Why is the BCPM low?
Do you have an upward science grade trend for the last two-three semesters?

 

[basketballfan]

I go to Ohio State. I didn't do so well during my freshman year, I got a few Bs and B pluses. I do have an upward trend on both of my GPAs right now. I'm hoping to do well this year to bring those two up.

I have done some volunteering at our local free clinics. I'm working in a research lab and hold a few leadership positions as well.

That's as far as I got. Any suggestions?

 

[Catalystik]

You are fortunate to be from a state with some fairly forgiving med schools. Do you think you can mange to get some As in upper-level Bio before you apply? What science classes are you taking this semester? And what courses did you plan for the next?

Don't forget to plan on some physician shadowing. And some regular nonmedical community service would be nice to see too.

 

[basketballfan]

Hopefully I can get As in the next few quarters by the time I apply. At best I can raise it to a ~3.58, I'm not planning on taking many science classes since I'll be taking the MCAT in the spring. Currently I'm taking biochem and an ochem lab, which is kicking my butt.

I'm going to take molecular genetics class, as that is my major and anatomy as well. I have shadowed a few doctor but maybe 10 hours or so.

thanks a lot!

 

[Catalystik]

Considering that the average MD acceptee had a cGPA 3.67/BCPM 3.61/MCAT 31.1, if you can get up to a BCPM of 3.58, I think you'd be in decent shape. Hopefully, you are very motivated to get those A grades.

 

[basketballfan]

Thanks a lot!

I will try to keep motivated!

Also, would my stats be good for a DO school? I have been thinking about both DO and MD schools but still haven't made up my mind about which one to go with yet.

 

[Catalystik]

Also, would my stats be good for a DO school? I have been thinking about both DO and MD schools but still haven't made up my mind about which one to go with yet.

The average entering DO student had a 3.47/3.36/26.49, so your stats would be quite competitive. Many apply to both types of schools in the same cycle.