define unique applicant? Please Help!

[Gwardafuy]

First time posting...

So I have yet to apply (waiting on my 8/15 MCAT), and I have inconsistent grades... roughly 2.8gpa OA, but this was brought down by a few classes with TERRIBLE grades. These grades were due to maintaining an athletic scholarship to pay for school; I had to make sacrifices academically to allow for the completion of my degree in conjunction with my sport. I'm a 2006 UW grad (and WA resident), athlete (national champion), and just finished my post bac at Penn. Also, I have good employment and research experiences. Furthermore, throughout my undergrad time, my father was sick with Lymphoma and my mother was in a nursing home due to MS. My father passed away my last year of undergrad work. Without going into details, these situations have made my journey pretty challenging, both economically and socially. I welcome all advice.

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[Mobius1985]

Your MCAT result will be key to how competitive your application is. Basically, you need to get a very, very good score. Did your undergrad grades show an upward trend year by year? What is your post-bac GPA? How were you scoring on practice MCAT tests before you took the real thing?

It's my understanding that a poor undergrad GPA will not be "forgiven" because you were on an athletic team. Your family circumstances might, however, help you there. I'd suggest you call your state med school admissions office, ask to make a phone appointment with a dean, discuss your circumstances with them, and see what they say. Then let us know how it went.

 

[RSAgator]

the GPA is going to be a HUGE obstacle to overcome. As usual mobius pretty much hit the important points. Your GPA as it stands is just too low for the extenuating circumstances to overcome (unless you were a rockstar in post-bacc).