GPA issues: same number from UG to Post-Bacc

[Ronald Kris]

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I'm thinking about taking the post-bac requirements after I finish my masters degree. My major was not in the sciences as UG and my masters is not either: its in a quantitative business field in a cohort filled to the brim with former engineering/math students. My GPA will likely be 3.4 cumulative in both. While I am going to try for the highest grades possible in the science courses I take, if I come out with a 3.4 in those too, am I competitive for US medical schools (both osteo and allo)? Assuming I get the equivalent of 27 or 28 on the MCAT? The schools range from joke 4-year UG at a pay-go to a top research university known for STEM for grad school and post-bac.

 

[Goro]

I suggest that you forget about MD schools, but you should be OK for DO schools.

 

[Bru]

3.4/28 isn't going to cut it for MD unless you get lucky with state schools or some such. I'd suggest a mix of lower tier MD/DO but MD is not super likely. Or URM would also help.

Also, don't worry about the master's GPA. Unless it is a SMP or similar program it wouldn't really be looked at. You should crush post-bacc which would in turn raise your cumulative undergrad GPA and since you've had little science you would have a very good sGPA.

27 is a full 4 points under the average matriculant MCAT score so that's not ideal either.

 

[Ronald Kris]

also worth mentioning is that I have two options: shoot for a true post-bacc or take the courses at the school I'm currently doing a masters at, but as a non-degree student. Does that make a difference in the eyes of adcoms? I did once have a prior career in the field in which I currently study, tho I did that before coming to grad school.