Getting into med school with a 3.2 GPA

[crystalkii]

Hi, I just graduated from UCLA with a 3.2 cuGPA (mostly B's) which is extremely low compared to the GPAs of other applicants. My MCAT score is coming out tomorrow so I'm hoping that will make up for my low stats.
I have done extensive amount of extracurricular activities: NIH scholar, UCLA research scholar, missionaries in Africa ( I spent 8 months in Ghana last year and am going to the country again in a month to work as a health educator), 4 years of research, some sports competition experience. After summing up my profile, do you think I stand a chance getting into a medical school, or possibly in a MD/MPH program if I apply in mid-August?
If not, should I go for a postbac/master to boost up my GPA? How helpful is that for my future application?


I feel like MCAT and application have eaten up my life, there are so many missionaries I want to go but Im stuck here struggling to get into a medical school. Don't get me wrong though, I want to specialize in Cardiology sooooo badly and eventually I will get an International Medicine license and practice medicine overseas.

Update: scored 504 on MCAT: 128 bio, 128chem/ochem, 123 verbal and 125 psy. What should I do?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[DO2015CA]

wait for your mcat score to come back in order to see if you're competitive.

 

[Kpw101]

Would change your profile pic if that's you. Don't want anything identifying you if you don't mean to.

 

[mw18]

Would change your profile pic if that's you. Don't want anything identifying you if you don't mean to.

Honestly, those specific ECs in tandem with the 3.2 probably do a pretty good job of that as well.

 

[crystalkii]

Would change your profile pic if that's you. Don't want anything identifying you if you don't mean to.

I don't really care atm but thanks for pointing it out though!

 

[crystalkii]

Honestly, those specific ECs in tandem with the 3.2 probably do a pretty good job of that as well.

I only found a few medical schools with the 10-90th percentiles fit my GPA. Should I apply to those only or can I aim for some better ones still?

 

[mw18]

I only found a few medical schools with the 10-90th percentiles fit my GPA. Should I apply to those only or can I aim for some better ones still?

You can't really make a good list until you have an MCAT score. I would worry about applying mid-august, but maybe some of the adcoms can shed some light on how much that would hurt you. If those schools that you found don't show a ton of preference to a certain demographic (in-state, HBCU, Religious mission that you don't fit, etc) then I would absolutely apply to them. You have to take everything you can get. Even with a great MCAT score, you're still going to be a tough applicant to judge. They say high MCAT/Low GPA applicants are the toughest ones for adcoms to decide on. I would apply broadly MD, and I would apply to DO schools as well.

 

[Abraxas305]

Need a high MCAT score. It's pretty hard in general even for high GPA/MCAT Cali applicants. EC's sound nice though. I'd say if you score within 85%+, apply broadly. If you have the cash to blow, I'd recommend applying to only a few UC's for the sake of trying, but most of them have a high stats pool of applicants of which to choose from so you really have to stand out in some way, provided you don't get screened first.

 

[crystalkii]

Need a high MCAT score. It's pretty hard in general even for high GPA/MCAT Cali applicants. EC's sound nice though. I'd say if you score within 85%+, apply broadly. If you have the cash to blow, I'd recommend applying to only a few UC's for the sake of trying, but most of them have a high stats pool of applicants of which to choose from so you really have to stand out in some way, provided you don't get screened first.

What's your range of "high" MCAT score?

 

[crystalkii]

wait for your mcat score to come back in order to see if you're competitive.

You can't really make a good list until you have an MCAT score. I would worry about applying mid-august, but maybe some of the adcoms can shed some light on how much that would hurt you. If those schools that you found don't show a ton of preference to a certain demographic (in-state, HBCU, Religious mission that you don't fit, etc) then I would absolutely apply to them. You have to take everything you can get. Even with a great MCAT score, you're still going to be a tough applicant to judge. They say high MCAT/Low GPA applicants are the toughest ones for adcoms to decide on. I would apply broadly MD, and I would apply to DO schools as well.

Do you have any DO schools that you recommended?

 

[DO2015CA]

What was your mcat and I can give you a list of DO schools you are competitive for

 

[Ryomagoku]

Newer DO schools are in your favor

 

[Abraxas305]

What's your range of "high" MCAT score?

Idk to be honest, but from what I've read, you should be in a range that's higher that the average MCAT score for your state to compensate for the GPA.

 

[Abraxas305]

I would only apply DO given your score. In all honesty, I don't think you have a shot at MD given your current stats and it will do you no favors being in Cali.

 

[DO2015CA]

If you score high enough any DO school is doable is why a gpa/mcat scores will guide you. a 3.2/500 will only allow the newest to be even possible (yet still hard) but a 3.2/505 puts a lot in range and then a 3.2/510 put in striking distance

 

[Abraxas305]

If you score high enough any DO school is doable is why a gpa/mcat scores will guide you. a 3.2/500 will only allow the newest to be even possible (yet still hard) but a 3.2/505 puts a lot in range and then a 3.2/510 put in striking distance

I thought a 3.2 was considered below average? My buddy had a 3.34/507 and he told me his advisor said he wouldn't be competitive enough for DO schools so he ended up going for a masters instead.

 

[DO2015CA]

I thought a 3.2 was considered below average? My buddy had a 3.34/507 and he told me his advisor said he wouldn't be competitive enough for DO schools so he ended up going for a masters instead.

Never ever ever ever ever listen to a premed advisor unless they are associated with a med school. The average gpa for DO is 3.4 so there is going to be more and less. You are going to want a 3.4+ if you mcat is low competitive. But as long as you have an equivalent to a 29-30 then a 3.2 is fine

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I thought a 3.2 was considered below average? My buddy had a 3.34/507 and he told me his advisor said he wouldn't be competitive enough for DO schools so he ended up going for a masters instead.

Your buddy would have gotten into multiple DO schools. DO is more lenient with a high GPA vs. low MCAT and vice versa. The average MCAT score for DO is a 503ish so anything above that combined with a 3.2+ puts you in striking distance for most schools.

 

[summergirl]

Cali+504+123 subsection+3.2-URM just doesn't equal to MD as far as I can see. You might be fine for DO if you apply early and broadly. If you insist on MD, then you have to raise that GPA and retake to kill that MCAT (think 515+, preferably 520+).

 

[crystalkii]

Your buddy would have gotten into multiple DO schools. DO is more lenient with a high GPA vs. low MCAT and vice versa. The average MCAT score for DO is a 503ish so anything above that combined with a 3.2+ puts you in striking distance for most schools.

Is it still too late to apply? Also, do you know if doing a Master in Global Med in SC will make my application far more better than without a master degree?

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Is it still too late to apply? Also, do you know if doing a Master in Global Med in SC will make my application far more better than without a master degree?

Give me a run down of your app: Stats, ECs, etc. No masters don't usually help. If they are in the context of your interests and you did one because you have an interest then yeah it will add to your uniqueness but just doing one to "make your med school app better" doesn't do anything.

 

[SwordOfTheMorning]

Cali+504+123 subsection+3.2-URM just doesn't equal to MD as far as I can see. You might be fine for DO if you apply early and broadly. If you insist on MD, then you have to raise that GPA and retake to kill that MCAT (think 515+, preferably 520+).

For MD, she needs a big GPA and MCAT boost for sure. Might have to do a post-bacc or SMP. But you're killing it by saying 520+ as if they just hand those out while exiting the testing center.

 

[crystalkii]

Give me a run down of your app: Stats, ECs, etc. No masters don't usually help. If they are in the context of your interests and you did one because you have an interest then yeah it will add to your uniqueness but just doing one to "make your med school app better" doesn't do anything.

Can I message you my info instead?

 

[crystalkii]

What was your mcat and I can give you a list of DO schools you are competitive for

Heyy it's 504 =D

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Can I message you my info instead?

Absolutely

 

[DO2015CA]

Heyy it's 504 =D

Any school is in striking distance besides the coastal touros and Midwestern campuses

 

[NeuroPA]

take a year off, do a post bacc, and raise your GPA. In the mean time get a job as a CNA or EMT to gain critical experience.

 

[NeuroPA]

If your looking for an SMP in Cali look into Western, although its D.O they have a SMP that's one year.

 

[NeuroPA]

unless your fighting for daddies approval, don't discount D.O medical schools. Any person that claims that M.D > D.O has never spent a day in the field. When your spearheading a trauma assessment no one cares what school you went to or what your title is....

 

[DO2015CA]

unless your fighting for daddies approval, don't discount D.O medical schools. Any person that claims that M.D > D.O has never spent a day in the field. When your spearheading a trauma assessment no one cares what school you went to or what your title is....

It's getting to that point that is the problem. Having the disadvantage can really affect you if your mentality is competitive specialty or bust. It's better to work on your application and apply again than to take DO. Yes, DOs have a shot at any specialty but they do have to fight uphill to get the resources that most MD schools offer heir students. (My school doesn't have a urologist on the board to help mentor me) I have no desire for urology but that's an example. Not everyone that gets in can be the special snowflake

A DO school is fine if you are gunning for ortho but are also interested in pmr or non-surgical sports medicine. You can shoot for ortho and if it doesn't happen then land the less competitive one. It's the or bust mentality that makes it a worse choice. Of course not all MD are going to land the ortho spot, but wouldn't you rather not shut off a significant amount of residencies because of the school you went to?

 

[crystalkii]

If your looking for an SMP in Cali look into Western, although its D.O they have a SMP that's one year.

Should I do a SMP or Postbac with my GPA? Some people said

It's getting to that point that is the problem. Having the disadvantage can really affect you if your mentality is competitive specialty or bust. It's better to work on your application and apply again than to take DO. Yes, DOs have a shot at any specialty but they do have to fight uphill to get the resources that most MD schools offer heir students. (My school doesn't have a urologist on the board to help mentor me) I have no desire for urology but that's an example. Not everyone that gets in can be the special snowflake

A DO school is fine if you are gunning for ortho but are also interested in pmr or non-surgical sports medicine. You can shoot for ortho and if it doesn't happen then land the less competitive one. It's the or bust mentality that makes it a worse choice. Of course not all MD are going to land the ortho spot, but wouldn't you rather not shut off a significant amount of residencies because of the school you went to?

That's my primary concern of going to DO school. I want to specialize in Cardiology or something else because I tends to perform better when topics are being narrowed down.

 

[crystalkii]

I am also considering some SMPs and Post-Bacc as well. Do you guys have any programs that you recommended? Should I go for a Post-Bacc or SMP, considering my own situation?
Again, thanks for allllll your helps!!!

 

[NeuroPA]

masters proves little to nothing about why you want to be in medicine. Not to mention they are mostly 2 years in length. SMP's are 1 year (usually), and are attached to a medical school. Meaning, you are pretty much learning first year med school curriculum. To adcomm this is much better than a masters in public health.

 

[iwh]

Gimme a run down of all of your stats. I see right now its a cGPA of 3.2 and an MCAT of 504. what's the rest?

Do NOT do an SMP if you're aiming for DO schools, total waste of money and time.

 

[crystalkii]

masters proves little to nothing about why you want to be in medicine. Not to mention they are mostly 2 years in length. SMP's are 1 year (usually), and are attached to a medical school. Meaning, you are pretty much learning first year med school curriculum. To adcomm this is much better than a masters in public health.

Thanks! How about the difference between a SMP and Post-Bacc?

 

[iwh]

Thanks! How about the difference between a SMP and Post-Bacc?

SMP is a specialized masters program. It's a set in stone program, you need to apply and get accepted to. It is a ton of money. You might not get into med school afterwards. If you get a 4.0 or close to, you pretty much are guaranteed a spot. The thing is, you're taking med school classes. So it's VERY high risk/high reward. ONLY do an SMP if you're aiming for an MD school.

A post-bacc could just mean you take classes on your own (ala carte) after you graduate (post- baccalaureate). There are some good post-bacc programs that you can try, but it's cheaper/easier to just do it on your own, if you majored in a science and took most of your prereqs during your main undergrad.

 

[femmegoblue]

I had very similar stats, 3.1 and 502, did a medical master's at a medical school (NOT an SMP, but all basic medical science courses) and am sitting on one acceptance and had two additional interviews. I got a 3.9 in the program, which is exactly what I needed. Don't throw away money on an SMP at GT, Loyola, or another school that offers you a bs "interview" at the end. These are honestly designed for people with your GPA and freakishly high MCAT scores (35+). Either take an all science masters at a cheap school, or just take post-bacc (upper level) and get 20+ credits of A's. You could also do grade replacement, but personally I wanted to show rigor in classes that were similar to medical school (pharm, anatomy, physio) instead of sitting in freshman level physics 1 and 2. You could probably submit as is next cycle and get acceptances at newer schools (ACOM, BCOM), but since you'll be sitting on a gap year, may as well take courses to boost your GPA.

 

[femmegoblue]

Also, I agree: MPH is a complete waste of money and time at this stage of your journey. Wait until you graduate medical school/are in med school to pursue public health, it will do NOTHING for your science GPA.

 

[crystalkii]

Gimme a run down of all of your stats. I see right now its a cGPA of 3.2 and an MCAT of 504. what's the rest?

Do NOT do an SMP if you're aiming for DO schools, total waste of money and time.

I had very similar stats, 3.1 and 502, did a medical master's at a medical school (NOT an SMP, but all basic medical science courses) and am sitting on one acceptance and had two additional interviews. I got a 3.9 in the program, which is exactly what I needed. Don't throw away money on an SMP at GT, Loyola, or another school that offers you a bs "interview" at the end. These are honestly designed for people with your GPA and freakishly high MCAT scores (35+). Either take an all science masters at a cheap school, or just take post-bacc (upper level) and get 20+ credits of A's. You could also do grade replacement, but personally I wanted to show rigor in classes that were similar to medical school (pharm, anatomy, physio) instead of sitting in freshman level physics 1 and 2. You could probably submit as is next cycle and get acceptances at newer schools (ACOM, BCOM), but since you'll be sitting on a gap year, may as well take courses to boost your GPA.

Hi femmegoblue! Congrats on your acceptance! Do you mind telling me the master program you did? How's the master degree strengthen your application? I called a few Post-bacc programs today and I just feel like a Post-bacc is not something that I want to do during my gap year. It's a waste of money especially when I am done with the MCAT and all science pre-req. Also, a year of Post-bacc will only boost my GPA from 3.2 to 3.4 max-not helpful at all. My goal for the gap year is to increase my GPA, esp the sGPA. What's your suggestion? A SMP, Post-bacc or Master program? Thankss!

 

[crystalkii]

SMP is a specialized masters program. It's a set in stone program, you need to apply and get accepted to. It is a ton of money. You might not get into med school afterwards. If you get a 4.0 or close to, you pretty much are guaranteed a spot. The thing is, you're taking med school classes. So it's VERY high risk/high reward. ONLY do an SMP if you're aiming for an MD school.

A post-bacc could just mean you take classes on your own (ala carte) after you graduate (post- baccalaureate). There are some good post-bacc programs that you can try, but it's cheaper/easier to just do it on your own, if you majored in a science and took most of your prereqs during your main undergrad.

I am aiming for a MD school since I want to specialize in the future. I was told by the CSU-East Bay Post-bacc admission that MD always prefer looking at your performance at Post-bacc > SMP. Is that true? Will enrolling in SMP increased my sGPA?

 

[iwh]

I am aiming for a MD school since I want to specialize in the future. I was told by the CSU-East Bay Post-bacc admission that MD always prefer looking at your performance at Post-bacc > SMP. Is that true? Will enrolling in SMP increased my sGPA?

You can specialize if you go to a DO school. And no, it will not raise your sGPA. You'll have a separate GPA for your SMP, and to have a sure shot at med school, you'll need a 3.8+ in the SMP, which is all med school classes. Like I said, high risk but high reward if you do well


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[crystalkii]

You can specialize if you go to a DO school. And no, it will not raise your sGPA. You'll have a separate GPA for your SMP, and to have a sure shot at med school, you'll need a 3.8+ in the SMP, which is all med school classes. Like I said, high risk but high reward if you do well


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Is the sure shot only limited to the linkage MD schools?

 

[iwh]

Is the sure shot only limited to the linkage MD schools?

Nope, not at all. 🙂


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

@femmegoblue: Thank you for posting this! Candid information about what to do during gap years is rare. I have seen plenty of successful people take the path you took (post-bacc classes at either a community college or university extension) getting great grades while at the same time staying active in terms of clinical experience and possibly research. You have proven that you (a) have the academic ability to succeed in medical school and (b) a willingness to recognize a shortcoming in your application and actively overcome it. I have no doubt that admissions committees were impressed by how you took the bull by the horns and went out and got great grades. Spending a boatload of money (and in most cases taking on debt) is not necessary.

@crystalkii: The harsh reality is that with so many 3.6 GPAs and higher out there, you are starting in a hole. You need to pile up a bunch of A's in post-bacc classes and get your MCAT a little higher (ideally by 6 points or more). Right now both of your numbers are below the national average for accepted and matriculated applicants to both MD and DO. I have seen plenty of low GPA students get solid MCAT scores, so it can definitely be done.

General: SMPs and formal post-bacc programs with links can be worthwhile if you are in the top of the class. As mentioned before, it's a high risk, but if you know you'll be able to focus and get stellar grades, it could be worth it. Unfortunately, I have seen some of the unsuccessful people who didn't link despite great numbers, and it is very disheartening to see someone with $50K in debt and all the ability of the linked students not in medical school.

 

[JOHN M]

WOULD LOVE TO HEAR HOW YOU DID ?

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Thread is two years old, not really appropriate for this forum, and the OP hasn’t been active for over four months. Closing.