GPA Question

[SilverBandCry!]

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After what point does GPA not matter and other factors like MCAT, and ECs become more important? After a 3.8 or 3.9?

Thanks!

 

[Kikaku21]

After what point does GPA not matter and other factors like MCAT, and ECs become more important? After a 3.8 or 3.9?

Thanks!

Depends on where you are applying. I'd say if you are above average at the school you are applying, its probably not the GPA that keeps you out of that school.

At most schools a 3.7 would be just fine.

At top 20 schools, where the averge GPA is north of 3.7, maybe a 3.8-- Really everything matters, and its hard to make these kind of calls. The only numbers we have a mean and median. Try to beat those.

 

[akinf]

I'd say anything after 3.8. After that, MCAT, after that ECs, then after that interview. Reference letters I doubt can ever get you in, but they can probably keep you out if they are not good or aren't meaningful.

 

[Bluntman]

Reference letters I doubt can ever get you in, but they can probably keep you out if they are not good or aren't meaningful.

I disagree. If I was an adcom member, after the initial "good-enough" screening I'd care much more about the candid opinions of people who have worked closely with you than about a 3.7 vs. 3.8 or 32 vs. 34.

 

[linuxizer]

I disagree. If I was an adcom member, after the initial "good-enough" screening I'd care much more about the candid opinions of people who have worked closely with you than about a 3.7 vs. 3.8 or 32 vs. 34.

Agreed. Never underestimate the power of a series of knock-out rec letters. The trick is knowing when you have them (hint: if an interviewer hasn't specifically mentioned your letters un-prompted, then you don't have a clue how good they are). Having done great work doesn't guarantee you great letters. There's how you're perceived, how good a writer your reference is, etc. It's a bit of a crapshoot.
Ari