Chances- Low GPA

[Egg287]

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I am a molecular bio senior at the University of Texas and will be applying to pod schools this fall. When I graduate, my cGPA and scGPA will be ~2.9. My senior year I have worked hard for a ~3.4 (all sciences).

I had bad study habits for a year or two, and on top of that I always worked at least part-time. Now I am doing better; I am a research assistant and have clinical and volunteer experience. I am taking the MCAT soon.

Does anybody actually get accepted with stats this low? I am always reading that a high MCAT score could balance things out, but I have never seen somebody post an acceptance with a sub-3.0 GPA. What does my MCAT score need to be REALISTCALLY?

(top choice- nycpm)

 

[cougarblue84]

You want your MCAT score to be as much or more above average than your GPA is below average. If NYCPM is your top choice, I'd recommend asking them. They could give you the most accurate answer.

 

[Egg287]

Thanks for the advice. I will be studying hard for the MCAT and be making some calls.

 

[cougarblue84]

Also, found this from the NYCPM website:

"The profile of the average incoming first year student includes a 3.3 GPA and an overall MCAT score of 23. To be most competitive, you should possess a science and overall GPA over 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. It is recommended that candidates with less than a 2.75 grade point average consult the Office of Admissions prior to applying."

I'm sure some students are still admitted with a sub 3.0 GPA, but you'll want to do well on that MCAT. Good luck!

 

[DrGonz]

Just do well on the MCAT.. put some hard time studying in it and get an above average score on it. If you have some good extra carriculars that will help, and any volunteer/shadowing exp. Plus it seems like you have an upward trend in your grades, so that is always a strong point to your low gpa. Just to show that you have been maturing and doing better in school counts towards alot and, like i said, score well on the MCAT and you could pull and interview! 🙂

 

[Egg287]

Thanks for the good advice. Do you have any recommendations on which MCAT prep courses are best?

 

[cougarblue84]

Thanks for the good advice. Do you have any recommendations on which MCAT prep courses are best?

I took Kaplan and I'm a fan. I thought they provided a ton of study material and offered pretty much an unbeatable guarantee: You'll score at or above your final score on Kaplan's MCAT or you can either get your money back or retake the course. I scored two points higher on the real test than I did on my Kaplan final.

 

[Egg287]

Wow, that is a great offer. I'm going to compare prices and see if I can afford Kaplan.

 

[DrGonz]

Well just to give another point of view. I took Kaplan.... and hated it.. my teacher was some super genius girl that got a 40 on her MCAT and pretty much just expected us to know everything (yea im still upset about it) ha. But i ended up getting my refund after i complained a little bit and the next time i took the mcat i did better by just borrowing friends books (kaplans/prince review/ etc..) and studying with my buddy a few days out of the week. Just saying its different for everyone 🙂
ALSO!! check out khanacademy.org (or .com) This guy is a genius w/ words. He does videos on physics/chemistry/ and i think bio now. I watched almost all the chem and physics vids and they help alot. Im not sure if many people know about this guy, but i wish more did!
Hope that helps!

 

[Egg287]

That site is intense! I hope I don't get an instructor like you had. I've heard the courses aren't any more beneficial than studying on your own...but I personally couldn't make myself study on my own as hard as I would in a course.

 

[cougarblue84]

Yeah, I guess with any classroom you run the risk of getting a bad teacher. You'll probably run that risk regardless of which classroom prep course you choose. I personally really liked my Kaplan teacher, but I do think it's good to get your hands on a lot of different study materials. Kaplan also offers an "online only" option that is less expensive than the classroom but still provides you will all their study resources. Just fyi.

 

[Egg287]

Cheaper's always good! I imagine the program is more flexible that way too.