gpa is low but ECs are excellent

[premedgirl11]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey everyone - just was wondering what my chances are: just completed my sophomore yr at academically rigorous private university in the south. cGPA: 3.2 and sGPA: 3.0. I plan to take the MCAT next spring. I make a lot of Bs and some As (2 Cs- one as an intimidated freshman and another during a summer bio class when I had mono 🙁)....I have worked hard on my GPA and it has improved steadily every term.

My premed adviser is convinced I could never get into medical school (specifically my home state of NC) but I think my 300+ hrs of shadowing doctors, 400+ hrs of research experience, 100+ volunteer hrs, and 2 leadership positions (with opportunities to increases these hrs over junior year along with my gpa) gives me a chance, especially because I would have excellent recommendations. Is it true that my GPA will keep me out of med school despite good ECs and the fact I think I could nail an interview?

What do ya'll think? Thanks for your time!

 

[JJMrK]

With a great MCAT score you'll have a shot.

 

[premedgirl11]

Great as in 30+? Sorry, just wanted to make sure.

Thanks!

 

[WaterBird]

I haven't heard of a lot of people who were saved by their ECs. You need to bring the GPA up in addition to doing well on the MCAT - lots of schools won't even read your secondary with a 3.0. Don't worry - you have plenty of time. But it might mean your odds will be best if you apply after your senior year (ie take a gap year) as that will give you more time to improve your GPA.

 

[Mobius1985]

Your ECs look nice, but they aren't enough to trump such a low GPA. Your BCPM GPA is of particular concern, as it currently says you'll struggle with medical school classes.

Lets look at some scenarios: If you get straight As for the next year, your GPA can go up to 3.46. With an MCAT of 33 you might have a chance at admission somewhere. If you get straight As through your senior year, your GPA would be up to 3.6, which is near the median of accepted students (3.65). Then you'd have a shot at admission with an MCAT of 31. These scenarios assume you'll also be raising your BCPM GPA by taking upper-level science classes. They do not assure you of getting into a NC school.