Consider my application?

[Sadness]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey everyone, so I am really distressed about my stats since applications are rolling around. I was flipping through the MSAR picking out possible universities and I didnt realize how few schools I actually even have a long shot at. I go to a top tier California University (aaah california...🙁🙁🙁) but I know that doesnt help at all. This is me on paper:

cGPA: 3.48
sGPA: 3.34
MCAT: 31R (10 10 11 R)

ECs:
clinical care extender
Research with pending publication (2.5 yrs)
Tutor for bio (1.5 years)
Peer Mentor
CPR instructor
Healthcare Management Program

I am still asking for letters of rec (I know, very late...). My bad grades came early on with 3 C's occurring in my first 2 quarters of college and my GPA showing gradual rise over the next 3 years. However, my GPA last quarter was a disaster and was only a 3.4. I was going to do a SMP but I don't think I can fork over 40,000 without a guarantee into medical school and I also have to finish up some classes for the summer overlapping with the start dates of many programs. The MSAR has sooo many schools in 2007 that didn't even consider any science GPA's below 3.4 and I'm confident that the applicants in 2008 have even better stats. So what do you think? I know I'm in the "if you're lucky" range but I'm not sure I can see myself objectively.

If I reapply next year, I just don't see how my GPA can jump to acceptable levels. Should I try to take more random science classes? I'm also taking Spanish this quarter as a PASS FAIL and that may just ruin my AMCAS GPA if I reapply. Should i drop the class and retake later?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!
🙂

 

[BigD311]

i see plenty of schools in the MSAR where you are in the range.

 

[JJMrK]

You probably don't have a shot at CA schools, but anything is possible (especially if you're an URM). Otherwise, apply broadly and good luck.

 

[Mobius1985]

Without a higher GPA, I think most MD schools are a long shot for you, since you have no forgiving state school, unless there are other modifying factors you haven't mentioned. Two other choices are 1) retake the MCAT and get a 33+, or apply to DO schools, two of which are in your home state. If you are only willing to consider MD schools, don't apply this year.

If you take a class P/F, it won't effect your GPA in any way, even if you fail it. The grade will appear, but isn't in the calculation.

 

[PhoenixBlaze500]

Sadness...

There were many applicants (now medical students) that had much worse stats, including applicants that applied just a year ago...

http://www.mdapplicants.com

 

[nina7123]

As long as you're an interesting person with good communication skills,
I don't see why you would have too many problems. Be sure that you apply to lots of schools out of CA (but still apply to those CA schools! you never know what they're looking for)...

Fortunately, it isn't all about numbers 🙂