Crappy GPA unusual EC

[fillmore]

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I have a 3.1 BA in Econ from a good private school in CA (C '00) and more recently took most of the pre-med requirements with a BCPM of 3.65. Had a kidney transplant at the Mayo Clinic in 01 which sparked my interested in medicine. Expect to score 30-33 on MCAT...will I get screened out or will any of the schools place emphasis on my exposure to the healthcare system.

Would appreciate any advice.

 

[stinkycheese]

You won't get screened out from most schools since your total GPA is above 3.0. But don't rely on your experience as a patient to catapult you to a special category of applicants, either -- it neither excuses nor makes up for your lower GPA, unfortunately. Also, having a kidney transplant is not an extracurricular activity, and if that is your only exposure to the healthcare profession, then you will need to gain exposure through volunteering before being considered by medical schools. Being a patient doesn't qualify as healthcare exposure for most medical schools, I believe, since then pretty much anyone would have the necessary exposure to apply (everyone's a patient), and they need to know that youve seen medicine from the other side. But definitely apply, you have a great story and will hopefully have enough interviews granted so that you may share that story and see what happens.

 

[VFrank]

Well, I would hardly call getting a kidney transplant an EC -- it's more like something that just happened to you. I'm sure they'll find it interesting, though, that you spent some time on the other side of healthcare.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

How are your other EC's? I'd imagine if you have clinical and research experience on top of your life experience, you should be in good shape, especially if you nail the MCAT.

 

[fillmore]

How are your other EC's? I'd imagine if you have clinical and research experience on top of your life experience, you should be in good shape, especially if you nail the MCAT.

Sorry I didn't elaborate. I dropped out of undergrad to figure out health issue, I earned 4 F's because I didn't withdraw in time; otherwise I'd probably have a 3.4. As for actual EC's I have a year of clinical experience in a nephrology department....no pubs no research.

Thanks for the comments.

 

[calstudent]

That's better. Surgery isn't an EC, but definitely something unique that you should discuss in your PS.
I think that you just need to explain your bad semester, and then you will be in decent shape, because a 3.4 is in the ballgame.

 

[Senor.Frog]

I agree that a kidney transplant is not an EC. But man, a transplant! That is some serious stuff. Don't listen to what anyone tell's you unless they themselves have had a transplant.

Man, I have been in hospitals and have been around transplant patients. I can't imagine being in school in such a state. Bravo to you for coming back strong!

Anyways, definately include that experience in your PS. If you really want to "tie-in" the notion that you had your calling when you had a kidney transplant, it wouldn't hurt to look into the field of transplant surgery. Because if that tickles your interest it would make a strong primary &/or secondary essay.

Well, you definately have a unique experience, something most applicants cannot write about. Use it to your fullest advantage. Good luck to you! Cheers!