GPA Clarification

[heroicvagabond]

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I've read through most the GPA threads throughout the forum in consideration for my chances at residencies. I was hoping to get some clarification on a couple things, and possibly get some suggestions on how I can better set myself up for residencies.

My first question is GPA gets dropped around here a lot and the general consensus is a minimum of 3.0 to be considered for residencies (while outliers do exist, 3.0 is the minimum goal). Is this GPA including 4th year APPE rotations, or only didactic?

I am currently a P2 with a 2.7 GPA and I am unsure if I will be able to pull my GPA above a 3.0 by the end of P3 year. I do have a couple things going for me:

• Year round hospital internship
• Summer pharmacy management internship at managed care site
• Summer directed study elective (with possible poster presentation)
• Strong work history and undergrad research background
• Leadership positions and achievements in multiple organizations

I'm sure it depends on the certain residency location an their requirements but which GPA is usually the one taken into consideration, since mid-year occurs before the end of P4 year.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[GoldfishPharmD]

You'll have all of P3 year to buckle down and get it past a 3.0. Does your school give grades for P4 year? If so, they should be added to your GPA if you get your transcripts submitted when they are put into the mix.

 

[pharmdpharmd]

I would really try to schedule my rotation at potential residency sites.. Even if you manage to get to 3.2, the odds are not in your favor. However, if the program knows you well and your work ethics and critical thinking abilities. That can get an interview and vastly improve your odds

 

[kmoogs]

Extracurriculars are great to talk about interviews but don't help if you can't secure the interview invite. Like Goldfish mentioned, it depends on if your school gives grades for P4 APPEs. If so, then you'll have a chance up to P4 Fall Semester/Quarter to raise your GPA. Though if you're at 2.7 right now, you'd need a B+/A- average in every single class starting this spring semester to break 3.0 by time P4 starts (~3.3 grade points per class). I'd shoot for at LEAST a 3.2 overall GPA, which amounts to and average 3.7 grade points per class for rest of P2 through end of P3. It's not an impossible task plus it would make a great story to tell during interviews. Unfortunately, my GPA barely broke 3.2 after P4 grades and this was an issue that came up several times during my interviews. Something to keep in mind, GPA isn't always reflective of actual intelligence or applied knowledge in a clinical setting but in the overall scheme of things, directors typically have the experience that applicants with lower GPA may not always apply themselves to school and more often than not are a waste of time during interviews. Best way to prepare for a weaker-than-average GPA is to show dramatic improvement and have letter of recommendations that can paint a story that indicates your GPA is not reflective of your actual ability shown while on rotation. Sorry about all the run on sentence (personal pet peeve) but it's way too early for me to be thinking.

As for which GPA is taken into consideration, transcripts are submitted to PhorCAS around early December. It's possible to get P4 fall grades into your final application package but that's really pushing the edge of the deadline for two main reasons: 1) your school admin will go on holiday and possibly NOT send your transcript on time and 2) phorCAS goes on holiday and delays your transcript verification process. From my experience, the process takes ~2 weeks, so it's best to do this step ASAP. Usually it will be up to P3 GPA (but some programs do request for P4 Fall transcript to be submitted after the deadline, read all the fine print in the application instructions!).

 

[nervoushabits]

GPA was my biggest obstacle when I was searching for a PGY-1. I was not given a single interview during my search until I applied to the program that I am at now. I had many excuses that ranged from not having a national officer position or an MBA to a program straight up telling me I was a victim of the situation. My GPA was a 3.1 or a 3.2, I don't really remember anymore because after your first year, it doesn't really matter. I eventually applied to my program and am the first resident in my program. If you have a lower GPA and know of newer programs that might be getting accredited, you might have a better chance at getting an interview than you do at other institutions. I would also try your best to avoid large academic medical institutions that will be getting a ton of applicants - not because you aren't good enough, but because they are going to look at that GPA and tell you no. I had tons of volunteer work and extracurriculars, and was even told by one of the programs that my application was very well received and my letters of rec were flawless, but apparently, it wasn't good enough. Your best bet would likely be searching for those smaller institutions, community programs (which are really hit or miss as they are becoming more and more popular), or newer programs in your area.

 

[PharmBeanz]

My school doesn't do GPA for APPEs. I think it's up to the program which GPA they look at in the application. I have heard many do not look at GPAs with APPEs in them as they can be an easy "boost".

My GPA was 3.35 without APPEs so I strategically applied to certain programs. I agree with others when they say apply to smaller places and try to get rotations at places you want to do a residency. Work hard, be humble, and let the preceptors see you work hard. Stay late sometimes, come in earlier and be sure they see it. Ask for assignments and give every project your all. Start working hard in your classes and get to know a faculty or two you might want to write a letter for you. Have them see how hard you're working and their LOR will write itself. I really think you have the time to make your app stronger so I believe you'll be successful.

 

[heroicvagabond]

I appreciate the feedback everyone. I really am working to improve the GPA, P2 year Cardio and ID modules have just done a number on my GPA. Hoping to work on it much more for P3 year and to improve my chances. My credentials and resume/CV speaks for itself, just afraid most people won't even look at it due to the GPA factor, which is disappointing but reality. Any tips on standing out above the GPA?

I am really interested in Managed Care and looking to get a residency in that field. My school offers numerous opportunities for LAPP (hospital rotations) which would help me stand out but would it matter if I'm focused on managed care?

 

[pharmdarling]

When reviewing candidates at my program, we generally will not consider a candidate for an interview if his/her GPA is <3.0. The only way such a candidate would be considered would be either 1) The individual has done rotations with us and is therefore already known by the preceptors or 2) There is something else extraordinary about the application. Either way, if there is a desire to interview a student with a <3.0 GPA, the director of pharmacy needs to approve the request before we can do so. That being said, I second the recommendation to try to obtain rotations at sites where you might be interested in a residency. I am not saying all programs follow this policy, because I'm sure they don't. I just thought this might be helpful info for someone.