Can I even get an interview? with my GPA?

[ahgahg]

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Hi everyone,

I recently graduated from UTenn, Knoxville.
I am trying to get into a DO school for the year starting 2009.

I don't have a very good overall GPA.
I spent my first two years at Mcmaster in Canada and then I tranferred to UTenn, Knoxville.

My GPA from UTenn,Knoxville is 3.67 (last two years) and from McMaster 2.34 (first two years).
My science GPA from Utenn is 3.78

I was working part-time while attending Mcmaster.
Also, I had some physical problems the first two years.
I had a serious lower back problem. Had even the bone scan done.
I had torn my ACL and meniscus in my second year. Didn't have the diagnosis/surgery done until the end of the academic year.

My list of Extra-curricular activities looks like this,

1. I did two years of Immunology research at UTenn and the expecting the study to be
published (as one of the authors) in IOVS journal soon.
2. Also, was a member of Research Journal Club.
3. Have a rec from a DO.
4. Volunteer experience at a hospital as an ER assistant
5. Member of a Health Pre-Professinal Society
6. Organized Blood Donation Camps.
7. Spent about 4-5 months in India as a part of a Medical Camp in rural
areas held by Orthopedicians.
8. Volunteered as a recruiter for a Political Party
9. Teacher's Assistant at a Community Service place.


I recently took the MCAT and got a 20O.
I will be reappearing for the test. Being that said, I am wondering If I even stand a chance at getting an interview with my GPA.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[BrianD]

I'd worry more about your MCAT than your GPA right now. It's hard to say what your chances are without all the pieces of the puzzle.

 

[DocJulez]

ya, def score well on the mcat (in ur case i'd def aim for the 30's area to offset the gpa). Then in ur primary apps and essays prove that u've had an upward trend in ur marks as years have passed. a lot of schools care about that, ur consistantly gettin better, and pushing urself. show's u've got drive.

also, i graduated from McMaster last year. So depending on how long ago u were there, we mite have been there at the same time. were u in science? i was in science/kin. hmmm, small world 🙄

good luck

 

[EEL08]

I think you should just work on increasing your MCAT score and you should have a good shot. As a side note, I always laugh when I see the name McMaster. I'm a dorky American I know but all I can think about are things like McDonalds, Mcmuffin, McDreamy and McSteamy. 😛

 

[ahgahg]

So anything under a 30 won't get me in?

 

[Gold 5]

So anything under a 30 won't get me in?

No, I wouldn't say that. To get in or at least pass the initial computer screen you normally need an undergrad GPA of 2.75+ (combined I think). Your science GPA also needs to be above this. Your MCAT score, you really want to try and get above a 27 if possible. Will they accept a lower MCAT? perhaps but if you already have a low GPA, that is two weights around your neck.

At the end each school is different, some schools will not accept you unless your GPA is above 3 (the min I have heard is 2.75) or a set MCAT score. DO schools really do look at the whole package so other things such as medical experience can help you get in.

 

[Aidan]

I think you should just work on increasing your MCAT score and you should have a good shot. As a side note, I always laugh when I see the name McMaster. I'm a dorky American I know but all I can think about are things like McDonalds, Mcmuffin, McDreamy and McSteamy. 😛

Have you seen the Grey's Anatomy parody? youtube it

 

[123880]

IMO, the 3.67 would seem to offset the 2.34. Especially because the 3.67 came after. And the science gpa looks good. I would think if he got the MCAT up a few points, he'd be rocking. The ECs look good.

All of this is coming from someone who hasn't gotten in yet. Wait-hasn't applied yet. So take my opinion with a giant grain of salt.

Oh. and he graduated from UT. Does anything else really need to be said? (kidding)

 

[EEL08]

Have you seen the Grey's Anatomy parody? youtube it

Nope, I will have to check it out. Thanks for the tip. 🙂

 

[meggielou]

you have an upward trend in your GPA, so I'd just study my bum off for the MCAT and get at least a 25, or at least show improvment in every section. Good luck!!

 

[Powdermonkey]

IMO, the 3.67 would seem to offset the 2.34. Especially because the 3.67 came after. And the science gpa looks good. I would think if he got the MCAT up a few points, he'd be rocking. The ECs look good.

All of this is coming from someone who hasn't gotten in yet. Wait-hasn't applied yet. So take my opinion with a giant grain of salt.

Oh. and he graduated from UT. Does anything else really need to be said? (kidding)

I agree, MCAT needs to come up to be a competitive applicant. I only had like a 3.25, and still made it in, so with your GPA, and a decent MCAT, your will be rockin.

Volsgirl - The only thing better is if he were to graduate from UF 😉...... And when are you applying? I could have sworn you were already in, but maybe thats just from reading your stuff in the lounge. Oh well...

 

[VALSALVA]

IMO, the 3.67 would seem to offset the 2.34. Especially because the 3.67 came after. And the science gpa looks good. I would think if he got the MCAT up a few points, he'd be rocking. The ECs look good.

All of this is coming from someone who hasn't gotten in yet. Wait-hasn't applied yet. So take my opinion with a giant grain of salt.

Oh. and he graduated from UT. Does anything else really need to be said? (kidding)

I agree with this post. The EC's are great...almost overkill. GPA trending WAY up. MCAT needs some work for sure but that's doable. If I were an interviewer, I'd be most concerned about a relapse of poor academic performance due to physical problems or whatever. In other words, "What can you say or do to guarantee that your grades won't tank again if you had more physical problems?"