Below 3.0 gpa Support Group/Thread

[Goro]

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Feels surreal writing this right now and my original post doesn’t feel like over 2 years ago. But hopefully a final update. Going to take @Goro up on the school list offer in addition to the ones I have listed below if possible.

Final numbers calculated by mappd:
AMCAS
cGPA: 3.03
sGPA: 3.12

AACOMAS:
cGPA: 3.08
sGPA: 3.19

(Upward trend of 98 credits at a 3.97)

MCAT: 514 (129,127,131,127) 89%

Experiences:
Clinical: 10,000+ as resp therapist split working at lvl 1 trauma center, LTACH, and rural hospital
Volunteer: ~400 split between asthma summer camp counselor, soup kitchen, and through leadership as a founder of a non-profit that helps connect addicts with scholarship opportunities in my area
Research: ~1500 hours over 2 years (2022-current) in genomics and now in epidemiology, 4 publications (2 first author literature reviews)
Posters: 2 which were presented at global anesthesiology conference (only contributing author)

LOR: 4; Genetics prof, ER physician and prof at MCG, pulmonologist, and PI for lab who taught me in a grad course for human physiology

white male, 34 married with a 1 yr old daughter, Georgia resident with strong SC ties

MD: MCG (and all regional campuses), Mercer, Emory, USC-Columbia, Greenville, Tulane, EVMS, Va tech, Pitt (weird connection here)

DO: all schools in GA, SC, FL, AL, and TN and UNECOM

Planning to submit both AMCAS and AACOMAS on or within a day or two of May 28

I suggest the following:
I recommend:

Dartmouth
Pitt
Mayo
Mt Sinai
Temple
UCSF
EVMS
Hofstra
Emory
Jefferson
U VM
Miami
Drexel
Albany
Tufts
NYMC
TCU
Your state schools
Rush
Loyola
Rosy Franklin
Tulane
Wake
MCW
SLU
Creighton
Wayne State
Netter
NovaMD
NYU.LI
Gtown
GWU
All VCOMs
all PCOMs
all LECOMs
Nova
ACOM
KYCOM
ACOM
KCOM
MUCOM
both NYITCOMs
ARCOM
DMU
UIW
Sam Houston State

 

[Willybsknees]

Got an A today from ACOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought this process would never end at times but today made it all worth it. Every single second. There were days that I absolutely doubted if this would be a reality for me, much less this early in the cycle.

 

[Calizboosted76]

Got an A today from ACOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought this process would never end at times but today made it all worth it. Every single second. There were days that I absolutely doubted if this would be a reality for me, much less this early in the cycle.

ACOM is a an amazing school that ACTUALLY looks at the whole applicant. Congratulations and welcome to the ACOM family.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Got an A today from ACOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought this process would never end at times but today made it all worth it. Every single second. There were days that I absolutely doubted if this would be a reality for me, much less this early in the cycle.

I just read your older posts. I thought I had a long lead time with 4 years but damn brother! You worked for this so hard, God bless and good luck. ❤️❤️❤️

 

[BoiledBagels]

Hey everyone,

I'm sure this has been mentioned so often, but I cannot reiterate how much I appreciate you creating this forum, MajorUnderDog. Also, I wanted to thank all of you guys out there who are so encouraging and understanding. It's intimidating (and demoralizing) to read most of the other threads out there. But first I want to ask a question that has been bothering me for a long while. If I have a sGPA that is below 3.0, and the school specifically states that their minimum sGPA is a 3.0, should I even consider applying? This is in regards to MD schools.

Just a little bit about me: I graduated from college last year, and I have a 3.4 cGPA and probably have around a 2.7-2.8 sGPA. Unfortunately, I did not do so hot freshman year (a couple of C-'s in my pre-requisites). I retook one of the pre-reqs at a school closer to home and did well, but am not sure if that will necessarily help me that much. Sophomore year I had an upward trend & Orgo went amazingly well until Junior year when that dang Physics class gave me another 2 C+'s. But along came my senior year, and I was awarded the Dean's list for both semesters and TA'd for an upperlevel biology course. I have one publication under my belt and will be attending a medical meeting at the end of this month that published my abstract. Currently, I am writing a manuscript as first author and will be submitting to a journal very soon and have been doing clinical research for the past year. As you can see, I focused more on research and gaining experience than going back to school to improve my sGPA. I am not a good test taker, so even with a prep course, I kept scoring in the mid 20's for my MCAT. I felt okay about the MCAT I took recently and am hoping and praying that I got in the upper 20's.

I understand that MD schools are more intense in their screening process, but I am wondering if the minimum is really that strict, and if I should just go ahead and apply since I will have had a total of 2 years off by time I matriculate and have heavy clinical experience? I will definitely be applying to DO schools and state schools (both of which, I am truly thankful for), but I am not going to give up so easily on going to an allopathic school if given the chance!

Hello all, this was my post on May 14, 2014. I noticed an alert on my SDN profile linked to this thread. I feel old; I can't believe it's been 10 years.

Wanted to share updates on my end and hope my story can serve as encouragement to someone out there. I ultimately took 4 years off after college, did cancer research and applied to medical school during that time (had a dream early on to do oncology). I was accepted into a DO program in-state, matched into an IM program at a community hospital out-of-state, was a PGY-3 chief resident, and just last month started my heme-onc fellowship at a university hospital. The journey was long and hard but worth it.

I remember how much I appreciated this thread. Hold onto your dreams and keep striving. Keep supporting each other. Wishing everyone all the best!

 

[BobbyKoch]

speaking of feeling old... this thread also periodically pings my notifications and this place was a source of inspiration and hope for me as well. so I will jump on the update train.

started post-bacc in 2014, after being out of school for 6 years. no prior science or quantitative experience (art degree ftw). battled through the premed requirements at a state school while working various labor/service jobs. finished the bare min pre-reqs with a ~2.9 sGPA and ~3.0 cGPA. took the brand new 2015 MCAT with essentially no clue what I was in for and scored somewhere around 498-499. applied anyway as a hail mary and needless to say, unsuccessful in my first app cycle with those stats!

retook MCAT x2 506-->510. started GPA rehab and got to around 3.2 sGPA/cGPA. applied again, state MD schools and other low rank possibilities and literally EVERY DO school that takes a significant portion of OOS applicants. got two interviews at new schools, waitlisted, and never came off. took another year rehabbing GPA and in this time my 510 basically expired at most schools, so, I took it again. 514. applied broadly MD and select DO schools. two interviews again, accepted to KCU class of 2023.

I truly enjoyed preclinical, loved most of my rotations, passed all of COMLEX and Step 1 and 2 on first attempt. felt most at home in psych and applied broadly. matched to my number 1 university psych program and I'm now PGY2. this is the best job I've ever had and I look forward to working in a way that I never thought would be possible. I have objective evidence that I've been useful to a few people along the way and this is truly the biggest reward for a 10+ year journey. so, I hope if you're reading this and feeling like the mountain in front of you is insurmountable I encourage you to keep going. one foot in front of the other.

 

[pbairdakts]

ACCOMAS cgpa = 2.54, sgpa= 2.1, non-science = 2.85

No kids, single, live alone with my dog, work part time, volunteer at two different organizations, and now I am retaking classes part time

I finished all of my undergrad degree requirements in the spring so I wanted to get my diploma/graduate and then stay at my university as a post-bach But my school has this goofy policy have only allowing non-degree seeking students to only be allowed to take classes for 2 semesters then no more.


So my advisor basically told me to just file for graduation whenever I get accepted to grad school. I can keep taking as many classes as I want/need for as along as I want. I just can't apply for graduation lol. I could graduate then seek another degree but then I would have to be taking more classes I don't need.

So technically I can't call my self a post-bach but I have finished all my degree requirements. All there is to do now is start retaking all my F classes and work my way up through the C's...

My schedule looks like this:

Summer 2013: Microbiology- 3 credits
Ochem Lab- 2 credits


Fall 2013: Microbiology Lab- 2 credits
History of Science- 3 credits
Genetics - 3 credits


Spring 2014: Immunology - 3 credits
Ecology - 3 credits
Algebra&Trig - 4 credits


Summer 2014: Ochem 1 - 3 credits
Ochem 2- 3 credits


Fall 2014: Gen. Biology I - 4 credits
Gen. Chem I - 5 credits


Spring 2015: Physics I - 4 credits


Summer 2015: Physics II - 4 credits


After that I don't know what else to take. I'll have every F and C replaced except Spanish I which is 5 credits....


I take the mcat this September 12th. So I know I need to score really really well on it....

Yikes!! How did this turn out?

 

[pbairdakts]

I know there are more than several of us out there lurking on the forum that have below a 3.0 gpa. I thought it would be good idea for us to have our own support group/thread to support each other on our journey to repairing our low gpa's and gaining admission to med school.


Many threads around here can be so competitive and imitating it makes it hard for us to come out of the shadows and really discuss things and get support and advice. There's nothing for us to be judgmental or ashamed about.

What matters is that we've owned up to our mistakes from the past and learned from them. We might have been in a bad place before but now we are in a much better place. We've learned from the mistakes and we don't let them define who we are now.


So I'm creating this thread so we can come here to discuss things as openly as you want or don't want. There's no need to get specific if you don't want to. Its totally anonymous but it is suppose to be supportive. I like the old adage, "Rising tides raise all ships"


So come here, we can discuss plan's of action to repairing our gpa's, mcat studying strategies, volunteering, working, research, relationships, life experiences, past experiences, etc.


Or if you just need to vent.

I know it seems like an impossible climb we have to go but it can be done. We only have 1 life to live on this planet so why not make it a good one and go after the things you want to accomplish...?

I refuse to accept any notion of giving up, no matter how some may say its a delusional dream that won't ever happen.

Everyone deserves a second chance. At-least I believe so. And it seems more and more med schools are also today.


So for those who have less than a 3.0 gpa, come here and make a pact with each other and yourself. If med school is really what you want, then you will make a pact with each other that we won't let each other give up nor give up on ourselves.

Soon enough we will be posting success stories of getting accepted into med school and we'll look back on this and be amazed on fast the time flew by and smile because it'll all be worth it...

Hey so i have a 2.51 Overall and failed out of college in 2013. Returned in 2021 pre-med, since I’ve been getting great grades and have a 3.87/3.85 BCPM in the 55 new credits I’ve done. However I’m worried my grades will
Keep me down for Med school…even though that was me 13 year ago…

 

[PandaBaer]

I had a 2.1 UG gpa, majored in biochem so it was both c and s. Now, I'm a 4th year applying gen surg. It's totally possible to comeback. Make sure you have a clear explanation of what is different and how you've changed. Time heals all wounds.

 

[pbairdakts]

I had a 2.1 UG gpa, majored in biochem so it was both c and s. Now, I'm a 4th year applying gen surg. It's totally possible to comeback. Make sure you have a clear explanation of what is different and how you've changed. Time heals all wounds.

Thank you! I’m trying to go into surgery as well. I’ve been meeting all kinds of people giving me hope.

 

[late_to_launch]

2.01 ugpa --> 60 credits of DIY postbacc As --> 2.56 ugpa --> 4.0 SMP --> 518 MCAT --> MD acceptance

A lousy gpa doesn't define you. Small steps do.

 

[Cath Up]

2.01 ugpa --> 60 credits of DIY postbacc As --> 2.56 ugpa --> 4.0 SMP --> 518 MCAT --> MD acceptance

A lousy gpa doesn't define you. Small steps do.

Huge comeback. Phenomenal work. Well done!

 

[late_to_launch]

Huge comeback. Phenomenal work. Well done!

Thank you!

 

[hr2dr]

Guys, I'm joining the group.

• Undergrad: cGPA: 2.26/ sGPA: 2.69 (non-science degree)
• Master's: cGPA: 3.35 (non-science degree so probably doesn't even count)
• 10+ years career in non-health field.

Now going back to complete post bacc for pre-reqs/gpa improvement so I can apply for SMP. You all are inspiring me and hope I'll be coming back to give updates 🙂

 

[LMaster]

Guys, I'm joining the group.

• Undergrad: cGPA: 2.26/ sGPA: 2.69 (non-science degree)
• Master's: cGPA: 3.35 (non-science degree so probably doesn't even count)
• 10+ years career in non-health field.

Now going back to complete post bacc for pre-reqs/gpa improvement so I can apply for SMP. You all are inspiring me and hope I'll be coming back to give updates 🙂

This is somewhat similar to my situation minus the masters.

High 2s undergrad GPA.

But across two bachelors so very difficult to pull up without years of post bac courses which isn’t realistic.

Main thing I’m curious about is how difficult it is to get into a decent SMP if you do some retakes and demonstrate near 4.0 in those retakes along with a strong MCAT.

If I’ve got good odds, then strongly considering this path. But if I’m going to do all that and have maybe a 50/50 or worse shot….not sure I can justify that risk to reward

 

[Pearlsandgold]

Total credits: 105 credits
So my undergrad degree had units that converted to credits and I also included by dual enrollment courses
I have a biology degree but am missing certain prereqs because I was just a mess in undergrad.
Current cgpa: 2.6

I work full time right now as a medical assistant and the plan so far is. There's lots of down time and I'm reconciling the fact that my original plan of going full time to school would have probably ****ed me over financially and then academically so now I'm splitting courses at my local CC and 4 year. I got into the 4 year's medical lab scientist program and I've only taken out 3k in loans for my first bachelor's. I'm just worried I won't be able to support myself on student loans and a part time job when I have rent, am buying a car (I need one in my state), and just graduated college recently. I finally found stability with this job and I don't want to ramp things up and end up unable to focus because I'm worried about money.

The goal is to apply to an SMP. Mainly the Georgetown special masters program.

Spring 2026:
Precalculus
Public Health


Future sequence (order dependent on class availability)

Also I need to get a 4.0 in 42 credits to get to a 3.0

Calc
Orgo 2
Statistics
Physics 1
Anatomy and Physio 1

Physics 2
Biochem
Higher level bio course
Anatomy and physio 2

Genetics (retake bc I got a D)
Biochem 2
Higher level science
Higher level science
Higher level science
Higher level science

Unsure of when to start studying for the MCAT

 

[hr2dr]

This is somewhat similar to my situation minus the masters.

High 2s undergrad GPA.

But across two bachelors so very difficult to pull up without years of post bac courses which isn’t realistic.

Main thing I’m curious about is how difficult it is to get into a decent SMP if you do some retakes and demonstrate near 4.0 in those retakes along with a strong MCAT.

If I’ve got good odds, then strongly considering this path. But if I’m going to do all that and have maybe a 50/50 or worse shot….not sure I can justify that risk to reward

So I had my first advisor appointment for my post bacc that I’ll start in January at a state school. She said to not even worry about the cGPA because it’s not going to get to the 3.0 but fully focus on a 3.8-4.0 in all my post bacc courses. She actually shared a few stats of previous students that got in this cycle with (3.0-3.5) sGPA and under 500 mcat. So she said it was doable but she helped them with their personal statement, mock interviews and clinic/volunteer hours to really build their story. From what she shared - for non-trad students , it’s more about the story and what experience they bring. Based on her outline - I should be done with post bacc courses by Fall 2027 and dedicate all of Spring 2028 to mcat/applications by June. So will keep you all posted! If I don’t get in that cycle - will try an SMP. But when I shared that with her, she said that’s an option but felt like I wouldn’t need it. We have 4 in-state med schools of which 2 only accept in-state students and the others have a little bit of lower criteria for in-state applicants. Plus a new med school just opened up. So I’m hoping there’s some flexibility with the new school as well.

I’m concerned about the risk to reward too. I have a very cushioned job right now. I work remotely also. I’ll be 41 by the time I apply but I don’t want to always look back and wonder if I tried. Trying to get my finances in order right now so I can step away from work once I get accepted to a med school. Wishing you the best!

 

[nobadwaves]

So I had my first advisor appointment for my post bacc that I’ll start in January at a state school. She said to not even worry about the cGPA because it’s not going to get to the 3.0 but fully focus on a 3.8-4.0 in all my post bacc courses. She actually shared a few stats of previous students that got in this cycle with (3.0-3.5) sGPA and under 500 mcat. So she said it was doable but she helped them with their personal statement, mock interviews and clinic/volunteer hours to really build their story. From what she shared - for non-trad students , it’s more about the story and what experience they bring. Based on her outline - I should be done with post bacc courses by Fall 2027 and dedicate all of Spring 2028 to mcat/applications by June. So will keep you all posted! If I don’t get in that cycle - will try an SMP. But when I shared that with her, she said that’s an option but felt like I wouldn’t need it. We have 4 in-state med schools of which 2 only accept in-state students and the others have a little bit of lower criteria for in-state applicants. Plus a new med school just opened up. So I’m hoping there’s some flexibility with the new school as well.

I’m concerned about the risk to reward too. I have a very cushioned job right now. I work remotely also. I’ll be 41 by the time I apply but I don’t want to always look back and wonder if I tried. Trying to get my finances in order right now so I can step away from work once I get accepted to a med school. Wishing you the best!

Hey HR2DR,

I, too, just had a conversation (actually a few) with advisors and mentors and we are in somewhat similar situations. 42 y/o male applying this cycle and am currently finishing up my DIY postbacc. Like you, my cGPA is less than desirable. If my math is correct, I'll have a 3.1 at the end of this semester with the last 45 credits of 4.0. The premed advisor here said verbatim what your advisor said and added that there is no need for me to take any more courses - which I thought was surprising. He said that now I should focus on doing well on the MCAT, start drafting my personal statement, and attain/maintain good volunteer opportunities if I could squeeze them in. He also showed me some VERY INTERESTING stats. Those applying to MD schools from this university last year, of the 11 who were accepted, their GPAs ranged from 2.8-3.4 and their MCATs were 494-508. Needless to say, I was shocked.

I also had a conversations with the anonymous help forum on here who were gracious with their time and echoed my advisors recommendations. Then I had a conversation with a Jack Westin advisor (they offer free 30min calls) and they said the same thing...as well as trying to sell some of their product lines.

So anyhow, you are not alone on the journey and your advisor's advice echoes what I have heard as well.

Good luck!

 

[hr2dr]

Hey HR2DR,

I, too, just had a conversation (actually a few) with advisors and mentors and we are in somewhat similar situations. 42 y/o male applying this cycle and am currently finishing up my DIY postbacc. Like you, my cGPA is less than desirable. If my math is correct, I'll have a 3.1 at the end of this semester with the last 45 credits of 4.0. The premed advisor here said verbatim what your advisor said and added that there is no need for me to take any more courses - which I thought was surprising. He said that now I should focus on doing well on the MCAT, start drafting my personal statement, and attain/maintain good volunteer opportunities if I could squeeze them in. He also showed me some VERY INTERESTING stats. Those applying to MD schools from this university last year, of the 11 who were accepted, their GPAs ranged from 2.8-3.4 and their MCATs were 494-508. Needless to say, I was shocked.

I also had a conversations with the anonymous help forum on here who were gracious with their time and echoed my advisors recommendations. Then I had a conversation with a Jack Westin advisor (they offer free 30min calls) and they said the same thing...as well as trying to sell some of their product lines.

So anyhow, you are not alone on the journey and your advisor's advice echoes what I have heard as well.

Good luck!

Definitely needed to see this today! The stats are always surprising to me too. Also - super impressed with your 4.0 in post bacc. Haven’t Even started yet but getting to the 3.8-4.0 program gpa is giving me the most heartburn right now. I’ve been out of school for so long and working full time. Hoping I can pull through. Fortunately I’m remote so have a lot of flexibility but still have active projects/meetings every week. What helped you the most to achieve the 4.0 in your post bacc courses? Any online resources or study materials?

Currently I’m finishing up a course for med assistant and sitting for the cert exam at the end of this month so I can start applying for paid weekend/night clinical roles. For volunteer work, secured a solid ongoing opportunity with a local program that supports neurodiverse children in developing social skills and also doing some hours at the local hospital in their ED as part of their volunteer program. Will have a really full plate, but know I’ll have to make the next 2 years count as I need to get in at least 400 clinic/volunteer hours per my advisor…. So trying to get all this stuff wrapped up before starting post-bacc in January so I can plan accordingly on how to dedicate my time to my course load in addition to the volunteer/clinic hours/work. Just have to remind myself - it’s not a sprint. But anyways, really excited for you and looking forward to seeing some good updates from you this cycle!

 

[nobadwaves]

Definitely needed to see this today! The stats are always surprising to me too. Also - super impressed with your 4.0 in post bacc. Haven’t Even started yet but getting to the 3.8-4.0 program gpa is giving me the most heartburn right now. I’ve been out of school for so long and working full time. Hoping I can pull through. Fortunately I’m remote so have a lot of flexibility but still have active projects/meetings every week. What helped you the most to achieve the 4.0 in your post bacc courses? Any online resources or study materials?

Currently I’m finishing up a course for med assistant and sitting for the cert exam at the end of this month so I can start applying for paid weekend/night clinical roles. For volunteer work, secured a solid ongoing opportunity with a local program that supports neurodiverse children in developing social skills and also doing some hours at the local hospital in their ED as part of their volunteer program. Will have a really full plate, but know I’ll have to make the next 2 years count as I need to get in at least 400 clinic/volunteer hours per my advisor…. So trying to get all this stuff wrapped up before starting post-bacc in January so I can plan accordingly on how to dedicate my time to my course load in addition to the volunteer/clinic hours/work. Just have to remind myself - it’s not a sprint. But anyways, really excited for you and looking forward to seeing some good updates from you this cycle!

I think there are a few things that have aided me in getting a 4.0:

1. Physical textbooks. Yeah, I’m old school - but I simply do not retain information reading a book on a computer versus when I read a physical textbook. Along with this, I can load a few books in a bag, leave electronics in the car, and go to the library with no option but to study.

2. Physical flash cards. Yep, the 3x5 magic paper pieces that tattoo information into my gray matter. But seriously, the act of making flashcards has you make way more connections versus copying and pasting into something like Anki or relying on someone else’s hot take in a Quizlet deck.

On the topic of flash cards and organic chemistry, I would use black pens for normal bonds and carbons, blue pens for atoms that will be doing something (I.e. nucleophilic attack), and red arrows for pushing arrows. The color coding helped immensely first at just memorizing reaction mechanisms - but eventually growing to understand them. Yes, believe it or not, you CAN understand organic chemistry.
For flash cards in general, I would also highlight certain parts of flash cards that would tie concepts together for me.

3. Workout. Non-negotiable. Everyday. First thing. If you wish to have a clear mind, this is the only way.

4. Advocate for yourself - this is your one shot so treat it incredibly seriously.
For instance, I have not had to do a single group project or lab since doing my postbacc. What happens, without fail, is that you will be assigned a project and no one will do the work, put in the effort, or do work that is up to any level of competency. Create a paper trail and tell the professor or TA that you will no longer be participating in things such as this. The only pushback I ever received was the classic line of “group work is how it works in the real world.” My response was that in the real world I fire people and hire ones who will do the work. You are there to work, not babysit or corral cats - your time and money should be respected and appropriate boundaries need to be established sometimes. This is just one instance and there will be more times when you’ll need to speak up to protect your opportunity.
I really cannot emphasize how important this is.

5. There are now tons of educational resources out there to help you study and/or self learn. First, I would highly recommend your textbooks. Although I don’t read the online books, they often have very helpful videos attached to their online learning centers.
Secondly, buy the textbook problem answer book when you know you have a hard class. They are typically pretty cheap. Whenever I had a difficult concept I would do the problems in the book at the ends of the chapter and check them against the answer books. This was a game changer when it came test time.

Third, YouTube. DM me if you want me to give you links (I’m typing this on my phone right now).

Fourth, DO NOT RELY ON AI CHATBOTS. This is why you’ll see students fail around you!!! People will use ChatGPT, Chegg, etc to do their homework for them and then show up to the test to get a 43 on it. Then there will be a massive curve - meanwhile you worked your tail off to get a 97 without the curve.

Fifth, use AI chatbots. Take a PowerPoint, upload it to ChatGPT or similar, ask it to create a 30 question multiple choice test based only on the information found within the uploaded slides. Another way to use it is to have it explain difficult concepts to you - but only after you’ve read your textbook and listened to videos. This ensures you can parce out any misinformation. And there are other ways they can be helpful, but if you have them do the work for you, you will not perform come test taking time.

Sixth, go to office hours. Office hours with a professor are probably the only thing worthwhile at any university unless they have a great library - because libraries are irreplaceable. If you are struggling on a subject just go and ask them. And, they are generally pretty cool people with great stories, so ask them about it. They’d probably want to know what a nontrad like yourself is doing there.

I’m excited for you as well. Just do the work and you’ll do great. I started my postbacc in summer 2024 and I can’t believe I’ll be taking the MCAT and applying this spring. Once you start the time is going to fly by.