Dismal GPA, but solid MCAT?

[StormSpirit]

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Hey guys, I recently graduated from a Florida school with a subpar GPA (3.15s, 3.2c). I did get a 27 on the MCAT however (10B, 9P, 8V). At this point my undergrad GPA is already done, so would you guys think it is better to go do a SMP or postbacc, or try to retake the MCAT again to raise the score a bit?
I would like to go to NOVA, if I had a choice 🙂.

 

[osteohack10]

Your MCAT is competitive for DO, but if you could raise your GPA to a 3.3-3.4 you'd have a very solid shot (assuming good ECs). Being from FL will definitely help you out in terms of NOVA. Remember AACOMAS does grade replacement so retake any C/D/F's and see if that helps. I did a post bacc because I am a career changer and needed the pre reqs, but I can definitely see the merit of an SMP giving you a degree and some new marketable skills for a gap year.

 

[SLC]

I had a slightly worse GPA, and a 3-point higher MCAT. I was one of the original underdogs from the 2010-2011 cycle; and I think I had the lowest GPA to gain an acceptance from that thread.

I'd say you're in a tough spot. Your GPA won't get you auto screened anywhere; but may not be high enough to gain an interview invite or acceptance. Your MCAT is also close to the DO average these days. In my year, a 27 would have been a solid score anywhere; today it's merely average.

My advice would be to look into grade replacement, see if you can retake a handful of classes, focusing on your lowest grades from science courses first to get the sGPA and overall GPA up simultaneously. Then consider applying. In the meantime, see if you can learn anything specific about the schools that will help you craft a targeted application.

My school has a very specific mission, and part of the reason I got in was because my application (apart from my GPA) was exactly what the school looks for. When they called me to tell me I was accepted, they said "it was an easy decision" during their ADCOM meeting. I had a sGPA of 2.7 at the time mind you.

I think if you got up near a 3.5 you'd be good to go.

Best of luck.

 

[demayette]

Hey guys, I recently graduated from a Florida school with a subpar GPA (3.15s, 3.2c). I did get a 27 on the MCAT however (10B, 9P, 8V). At this point my undergrad GPA is already done, so would you guys think it is better to go do a SMP or postbacc, or try to retake the MCAT again to raise the score a bit?
I would like to go to NOVA, if I had a choice 🙂.

Your chances are not too bad at ACOM, VCOM, LMU-DCOM, LUCOM, PCOM-GA, WVSOM, SOMA, KYCOM... I think you should get into one of these schools.

 

[Dreamstoo]

Hey guys, I recently graduated from a Florida school with a subpar GPA (3.15s, 3.2c). I did get a 27 on the MCAT however (10B, 9P, 8V). At this point my undergrad GPA is already done, so would you guys think it is better to go do a SMP or postbacc, or try to retake the MCAT again to raise the score a bit?
I would like to go to NOVA, if I had a choice 🙂.

I know of an AA with a similar MCAT score and a 3.5cgpa/3.4sgpa who applied around August a few years ago and rejected from Nova. The MCAT is decent and the GPA is very subpar. It is reality. You may have a chance but if I had to recommend, I would recommend just doing postbacc classes.

 

[hallowmann]

OP, spend 1-2 semesters (anywhere, CC, state school, whatever) doing grade replacement to bring up that GPA to around 3.3-3.4. Any Cs or lower especially in sciences should be retaken. Then apply early and broadly.

I wouldn't recommend retaking the MCAT unless you think you could break 30. Your MCAT is right around average for DO matriculants, so you mainly need to focus on increasing your GPA.

 

[baxt1412]

agree with focusing on grades. if you can raise it a few tenths of a point and apply and still don't get in, then MAYBE retake your MCAT. but at that point you'd have to take more classes for the 2015 mcat.


like others have said, your mcat is fine for DO. start by retaking any F's... if you have none then retake D's... if you have none then retake C's. and i would suggest retaking the science courses preferably over the non-science classes as it will help you more long term in my opinion.

 

[deleted480308]

Hey guys, I recently graduated from a Florida school with a subpar GPA (3.15s, 3.2c). I did get a 27 on the MCAT however (10B, 9P, 8V). At this point my undergrad GPA is already done, so would you guys think it is better to go do a SMP or postbacc, or try to retake the MCAT again to raise the score a bit?
I would like to go to NOVA, if I had a choice 🙂.

I'm a fl grad with the same gpa and higher mcat.....never even had an ii at nova, but I did get into a different program who had a mission I lined up with

 

[StormSpirit]

Thanks guys, I'm probably going to continue with retaking some classes, and apply to a few SMPs as well as D.O school.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Thanks guys, I'm probably going to continue with retaking some classes, and apply to a few SMPs as well as D.O school.

SMP is a waste of money. Retake courses until you hit 3.4

 

[IslandStyle808]

Agree with AlbinoHawk, SMP is pointless for DO. You might as well retake courses and get your GPA to a 3.4.

 

[oOKawaiiOo]

SMP is a waste of money. Retake courses until you hit 3.4

3.4 sGPA or cGPA?

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

3.4 sGPA or cGPA?

Preferably, both.

 

[Goro]

You're fine for a lot of schools, even mine.
Gotta work on that self-esteem, Storm!

Hey guys, I recently graduated from a Florida school with a subpar GPA (3.15s, 3.2c). I did get a 27 on the MCAT however (10B, 9P, 8V). At this point my undergrad GPA is already done, so would you guys think it is better to go do a SMP or postbacc, or try to retake the MCAT again to raise the score a bit?
I would like to go to NOVA, if I had a choice 🙂.

 

[demayette]

3.4 sGPA or cGPA?

You are not that far... 4-5 classes will get you there.

 

[Life Eternal]

Just apply now. You have a good shot.

 

[oOKawaiiOo]

You are not that far... 4-5 classes will get you there.

I totally agree! I have some money to burn after working all summer and being single 🤔. I want to take a couple grade-replacement classes this fall qtr at a community college (lower tuition) to boost my GPA. However, I spoke to my college advisor, and he told me that I shouldnt. We did the calculation. If I did receive all A's, my GPA would bump from a 3.224 to 3.33. Do you think its worth it?
@Goro ?


I need some guidance

 

[baxt1412]

I totally agree! I have some money to burn after working all summer and being single 🤔. I want to take a couple grade-replacement classes this fall qtr at a community college (lower tuition) to boost my GPA. However, I spoke to my college advisor, and he told me that I shouldnt. We did the calculation. If I did receive all A's, my GPA would bump from a 3.224 to 3.33. Do you think its worth it?
@Goro ?


I need some guidance

Could you improve other aspects of your app with less or no money? (more EC hours, shadowing, MCAT)?

 

[Goro]

I think it's worth it if you'd like to go to some of the more competitive schools, like CCOM or the Touros.

I totally agree! I have some money to burn after working all summer and being single 🤔. I want to take a couple grade-replacement classes this fall qtr at a community college (lower tuition) to boost my GPA. However, I spoke to my college advisor, and he told me that I shouldnt. We did the calculation. If I did receive all A's, my GPA would bump from a 3.224 to 3.33. Do you think its worth it?
@Goro ?


I need some guidance

 

[oOKawaiiOo]

Could you improve other aspects of your app with less or no money? (more EC hours, shadowing, MCAT)?

150 hours of doc shadowing (family medicine, ortho hand surgeon, and hema/oncologist)
400 hours volunteering at a trauma-1 hospital
100 hours volunteering at miscellaneous events
MCAT? Taking it in 8 days.

I also work at an ER (28-33hrs/weekly)

I think it's worth it if you'd like to go to some of the more competitive schools, like CCOM or the Touros.

If it would increase my chances, then yes.

 

[baxt1412]

150 hours of doc shadowing (family medicine, ortho hand surgeon, and hema/oncologist)
400 hours volunteering at a trauma-1 hospital
100 hours volunteering at miscellaneous events
MCAT? Taking it in 8 days.

I also work at an ER (28-33hrs/weekly)



If it would increase my chances, then yes.

Oh ok, seems like the rest of your app is more than sufficient. Make sure you continue some volunteering until you matriculate. Good luck on your MCAT

 

[oOKawaiiOo]

Oh ok, seems like the rest of your app is more than sufficient. Make sure you continue some volunteering until you matriculate. Good luck on your MCAT

Thanks! Good luck on your endeavors!

 

[demayette]

I totally agree! I have some money to burn after working all summer and being single 🤔. I want to take a couple grade-replacement classes this fall qtr at a community college (lower tuition) to boost my GPA. However, I spoke to my college advisor, and he told me that I shouldnt. We did the calculation. If I did receive all A's, my GPA would bump from a 3.224 to 3.33. Do you think its worth it?
@Goro ?


I need some guidance

It's worth it... SDN is better resource than most college advisor when it comes to applying to med school... I never spoke to one college advisor and I am in med school now..

 

[oOKawaiiOo]

It's worth it... SDN is better resource than most college advisor when it comes to applying to med school... I never spoke to one college advisor and I am in med school now..

Congrats! I wish you the best.

I would admit, after he told me I shouldnt go back to school to raise my GPA, I felt disconnected with my college adviser. I had asked my college adviser, what was his reasoning?

1) I have 2 B.S degrees under my belt, both in science. I have a strong upward trend. I have already demonstrated Im capable of getting good grades.
2) The classes I plan on retaking were Intro to Chemistry and Physics, which I have C's in both classes (10 credit hours total). These courses are taken by freshmen and sophomores. The expectation is that Im a college graduate, I shouldn't take these courses. My true reflection should be based off of the MCAT score.