Decreasing trend GPA and a low MCAT score: A Complex Situation

[oblongataforreal]

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Hello everyone,

I need your opinion and experiences on my very complex situation.
GPA: I attended a community college and took 42 credits with 4.00 GPA. Then I attended a 4-year undergraduate program and took 82 credits but with a decreasing GPA trend. I started with 3.7 but last semester ended up with a 3.5. The courses difficulty level increased dramatically but the GPA also drop down. The average of all credits is roughly about 3.75 overall with 3.6 in science. Last year when I applied my GPA in 4-year undergrad program was 3.67. So I have 0.2 drop in my GPA, which is awful. I am graduating this summer but I still have 9 more credit to take. If I get straight A's in these classes, my GPA will go up 0.1.
MCAT: I took the MCAT last year and got 27 (11-6-10). I was not going to apply for any school, but close to deadlines I made a mistake and submit the application for a few schools. Obviously, I didn't get into any of them.
EC's: I have volunteering, shadowing, research, and every other required or recommended EC


So, now I'm thinking of retaking the MCAT, but when? This summer? It's not very probable to adapt to the new test so quickly considering all the classes I'm taking over the summer. So, If I take the MCAT this fall or spring, then I'll have nothing to do next year, and the year after. Should I apply to a master's program for now? should I do a post bac before the deadlines (15 June)? Should I try to take another MCAT over the summer even though I'm tight in time? Should I just reapply with my previous MCAT and my current GPA? what do you think is the best I can do right now? I am totally confused and need you help. Please share your expertise.

Thank you,
Amir

 

[DrHart]

Don't worry too much your GPA. Any type of drop from a 4.0 should be expected for most students. A 3.75//3.6 is good for MD and DO. MCAT could use a bump. I'd say take it again. Post bac/masters programs are up to you. If you bump your score and keep busy (whether that be via classes, volunteering, working, etc.) you should be good

 

[oblongataforreal]

@DrHart thanks. so you think I should take the MCAT over the summer and apply this round so I avoid another glide year OR I better give it more time to bump it up significantly? And the masters or post bac's not gonna help? Or just not worth the time and money?

 

[NickNaylor]

If your plan is to apply this year, you should not wait until after the summer to take the test as your application would not be complete until later on in the cycle. If you'd prefer to take in the fall or spring, wait to apply until next year and perhaps get a research position or something else productive for the year.

 

[raiderette]

Don't take the MCAT without preparation.

 

[Petrichor1]

study for the MCAT. Your gpa is fine. Any type of post bacca in your case is a drop in the well in terms of money. Don't waste time.

 

[Hospitalized]

You're fine for DO if you want. MD you should retake MCAT, do some serious studying. You are capable of scoring higher.

 

[oblongataforreal]

Thanks for your input guys. It really helps me to decide what to do next.

 

[100D]

Would retake the MCAT if you are aiming allopathic, you were under-prepared the first time, and you were consistently getting higher scores on practice tests. Productive time off doing a year or two of research (while studying for the MCAT) actually helps a lot of applicants if you want to open more doors for yourself.

 

[oblongataforreal]

Perfect opinions. Thanks a lot! So right now I'm thinking:
I'll apply to some of the MD schools that accept low GPA and low MCAT this round. And then, I'll take the MCAT during next winter. If I get a higher score this time, next round, I'll apply to better schools, which I didn't apply before. If I didn't get a better score, at least, I won't lose another glide year.
How does it sound?

 

[candbgirl]

So you want to be a 3 time re applicant? Your plan doesn't make sense. You are reapplying with virtually the same application that got you rejected last cycle. Why would you do it again. Finish your degree then study for the MCAT. Then apply in June 2016. In the mean time do research or find a job.