Could use some help, not sure what to do :(

[ThomasTrain]

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So a friend of mine has the following stats:

Overall GPA: Around a 2.8 or 2.9
Science GPA: Around a 3.1
Shadowing: ~100hours with D.O
Research: ~A year or so
MCAT: Not taken
Degree: Biology from Undergraduate Institution
Volunteer: Abroad service projects, and a few general service events
Organizations: AMSA, Chemistry club, etc..

Here are my questions:
1) Does this low GPA put him out of the running for allopathic schools?
2) What about ostepathic?
3) Would a high MCAT counteract the low GPA?

Thanx guys.

 

[JESSFALLING]

1) Does this low GPA put him out of the running for allopathic schools?

Your chances are very low unless you improve your app significantly. If you had a 35+ MCAT & were a URM, then maybe.....but not likely. Your ECs seem weak too. You need clinical experience. Shadowing =/= clinical experience.

To improve your chances for MD you should consider the following:
a.) improve your ECs, especially the clinical aspect.
b.) do post-bacc work to get your GPAs both above 3.2-3.3
c.) excel on the MCAT
d.) then, consider a SMP to demonstrate that you can handle MedS-level coursework
e.) apply very broadly

2) What about ostepathic?

Your chances are better here. You can improve your AACOMAS GPA much faster due to grade replacement. You may still need to consider an SMP. Several schools, e.g., LECOM, will offer you an interview if you do well in their respective SMP. This might be a good foot in the door for you.

3) Would a high MCAT counteract the low GPA?

99th percentile high? Maybe......but you shouldn't count on that. The MCAT is only one aspect of your application.

P.s. Next time you're brushing your teeth, please wave 'hi' to your friend for me. Cool:

 

[RelicLTD]

Great advice above. /thread