Does initial screen look at sGPA?

[DylanE]

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So I transferred out of a community college with a 2.86 to a UC and have since held a 3.8. While at city I didn't know what I wanted to do and took random philosophy, anthro, and language classes, nothing math or science related. I've done the math and figured that if I hold my GPA for this last year I should be able to graduate with a cGPA of 3.4-3.5, with sGPA of about 3.75. My concern is that a cGPA that low might get me automatically rejected from a bunch of schools. Is there any hope that it will get noticed off the bat that I transferred and went from a 2.8 to a 3.8 for 3 years? Or will that kind of detail not get looked at until later in the process?

 

[TheMightySmiter]

So I transferred out of a community college with a 2.86 to a UC and have since held a 3.8. While at city I didn't know what I wanted to do and took random philosophy, anthro, and language classes, nothing math or science related. I've done the math and figured that if I hold my GPA for this last year I should be able to graduate with a cGPA of 3.4-3.5, with sGPA of about 3.75. My concern is that a cGPA that low might get me automatically rejected from a bunch of schools. Is there any hope that it will get noticed off the bat that I transferred and went from a 2.8 to a 3.8 for 3 years? Or will that kind of detail not get looked at until later in the process?

I wouldn't worry about it; a cGPA of 3.4 won't keep you out of any automatic pre-screen. Adcoms will generally take a look at your whole app, including sGPA, before screening you out. And a lot of schools will consider your app for the whole season.

 

[carnelian]

So I transferred out of a community college with a 2.86 to a UC and have since held a 3.8. While at city I didn't know what I wanted to do and took random philosophy, anthro, and language classes, nothing math or science related. I've done the math and figured that if I hold my GPA for this last year I should be able to graduate with a cGPA of 3.4-3.5, with sGPA of about 3.75. My concern is that a cGPA that low might get me automatically rejected from a bunch of schools. Is there any hope that it will get noticed off the bat that I transferred and went from a 2.8 to a 3.8 for 3 years? Or will that kind of detail not get looked at until later in the process?

It depends on the med school. But a cGPA of 3.4-3.5 will definitely not screen you out at most med schools, and many schools will notice the strong upward trend almost immediately. Just apply broadly, and you should be fine.

 

[kpcrew]

Some schools look at the sGPA more since science classes tend to be more rigorous and relevant.

 

[boshtrich]

Unless we're talking about a school like UCSF, the pre-screen GPA should be pretty low (<3.0) since they want your money. Your GPA will not get your auto rejected and is in range with many schools. Your MCAT score will go a long ways in determining interviews.