downward trend

[simbalimba]

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I have a downward trend in my gpa. First semester freshmen year I got a 4.0 and after completing my first semester junior year I received a 3.0. My gpa is still around a 3.4, science gpa is around 3.3. I know that I have to crush my classes this semester but wanted to know if there is still hope for me if I applied this coming summer. Also are there certain schools that view mcats as being more important than gpa? If so I would really appreciate it if you guys could list em for me.

 

[jkhamlin]

I have a downward trend in my gpa. First semester freshmen year I got a 4.0 and after completing my first semester junior year I received a 3.0. My gpa is still around a 3.4, science gpa is around 3.3. I know that I have to crush my classes this semester but wanted to know if there is still hope for me if I applied this coming summer. Also are there certain schools that view mcats as being more important than gpa? If so I would really appreciate it if you guys could list em for me.

With that GPA, you are probably fine, especially your science GPA. It depends, though, on what your MCAT is. Often if you start with a 4.0, there is nowhere to go but down.

 

[Testy McAterson]

i don't think your gpa will hold you back from interviews, either--more likely (if anything) you might be asked about the slight decline during the interview. only one interviewer asked me why my last semester gpa was a 3.0 when my first semester gpa was a 4.0. i was taken aback for a second (here i thought my mcat was the weakest link, not my 3.4/3.6 gpa)--but answered honestly that while taking multiple upper level science courses and balancing a job and leadership activities was a good experience and a lesson in time management, it might have led to an increase of Bs (and one or two c's). she thanked me for my honesty, complimented my cumulative gpas, and followed my lead by moving the conversation to my college job and leadership activities.

my suggestion: do your best this last semester but know you definitely aren't a lost cause (at least gpa, wise 🙂).

 

[simbalimba]

The problem is that I have had a 3.0 gpa the last 2 semesters. My science gpa is a 3.5 but I havent taken any upper level science courses. The reason for the decline was that first my father became bed ridden and I had to help around the house and then as soon as he got better my mother had surgery. And all of this was while I was balancing a job and I enjoy teaching a lot and have been a sunday school teacher for a few years. I feel that I can explain the reason for the huge drop off in the last few semesters but I don't know if it will be good enough, Im worried that they might say that I should apply again the following year after I have showed some consistency. Also if anyone knows which schools value mcat more than gpa?

 

[jkhamlin]

The problem is that I have had a 3.0 gpa the last 2 semesters. My science gpa is a 3.5 but I havent taken any upper level science courses. The reason for the decline was that first my father became bed ridden and I had to help around the house and then as soon as he got better my mother had surgery. And all of this was while I was balancing a job and I enjoy teaching a lot and have been a sunday school teacher for a few years. I feel that I can explain the reason for the huge drop off in the last few semesters but I don't know if it will be good enough, Im worried that they might say that I should apply again the following year after I have showed some consistency. Also if anyone knows which schools value mcat more than gpa?

If your story is convincing to them, I think they'll understand. This has been my experience going through two application cycles, failing the first time, and getting in the second. I know others here have had similar experiences, and they will agree. I think you are worrying too much about this. Just be ready to explain the situation. You will get plenty of chances in the application process.

As for your MCAT vs. GPA question, it is hard for anyone to really know that one. Schools tend to want both to be good, and seem to weigh them about the same. If they don't seem to reflect the same aptitude, then they start to question things. I really don't think you have a problem here unless your MCAT is below 25.