GPA Worries

[deleted1138671]

---

Members do not see this ad.

In college, I wanted to learn quickly about a lot of subjects. I was a starving child gobbling food at a buffet, except I starved for knowledge instead of food.

I took classes in bioengineering/econometrics/neuroscience/computer science/public health/urban planning/architecture/advanced organic chemistry/Spanish. I took >20 units every semester just for intellectual curiosity. I loved studying all these subjects. I worked fast and learned quickly. I didn’t dislike subjects that people normally dislike (i.e. ochem/physics/maths) and in fact enjoyed them because of the intellectual stimulation.

But my gpa took a hit. Not too terrible, but hovers around a 3.3. Now I regret taking these classes. I look at classes I got Bs in, like Medical Imaging or Machine Learning, and wish I just was a regular premed who majored in one subject and followed the straight and narrow path. I don’t feel curious or excited anymore; just fear and dread about getting into med school.

 

[Proudfather94]

In college, I wanted to learn quickly about a lot of subjects. I was a starving child gobbling food at a buffet, except I starved for knowledge and it was classes I took instead of food.

I took classes in bioengineering/econometrics/neuroscience/computer science/public health/urban planning/architecture/advanced organic chemistry/Spanish. I took >20 units every semester just for intellectual curiosity. I loved studying all these subjects. I worked fast and learned quickly. I didn’t dislike subjects that people normally dislike (i.e. ochem/physics/maths) and in fact enjoyed them because of the intellectual stimulation.

But my gpa took a hit. Not too terrible, but hovers around a 3.3. Now I regret taking these classes. I look at classes I got Bs in, like Medical Imaging or Machine Learning, and wish I just was a regular premed who majored in one subject and followed the straight and narrow path. I don’t feel curious or excited anymore; just fear and dread about getting into med school.

3.3 puts you into DO territory with a killer MCAT and they will notice the classes you have taken and ask you about it. You'll stand out.

 

[eigen]

I have students with GPAs in that range that get into MD programs, and more that get into DO programs. In and of itself, that GPA won't kill your chances, IMO.

Focus on what makes you stand out as an applicant: do you have lots of clincial experience? Done a lot of community/volunteer work? Strong research experience?

You may need to look at doing post-bac work (either DIY or a program) or a graduate program.

I would also suggest you take a step back and consider why you want to go into medicine, if it is still what you want to do, or if all of the other classes you've taken might have gotten you interested in other areas where you'd be just as happy to work.

 

[deleted1138671]

I have students with GPAs in that range that get into MD programs, and more that get into DO programs. In and of itself, that GPA won't kill your chances, IMO.

Focus on what makes you stand out as an applicant: do you have lots of clincial experience? Done a lot of community/volunteer work? Strong research experience?

You may need to look at doing post-bac work (either DIY or a program) or a graduate program.

I would also suggest you take a step back and consider why you want to go into medicine, if it is still what you want to do, or if all of the other classes you've taken might have gotten you interested in other areas where you'd be just as happy to work.

I have about 4k research hours and publications in computational neuroscience. And I’m applying for MD/PhD programs, which is why I’m more worried about my GPA.

I honestly would be happy in any of these other fields. However, I am MOST happy in medicine. But if something happened and I couldn’t become a physician, I could still see myself living a fulfilling life as an architect, software dev, urban planner, translator, playback singer, or any number of other careers.

I could even be happy as a stay-at-home mother without career ambition. But the difference is whether I’m simply happy or whether I’m truly fulfilling my purpose in life as a physician-scientist.

 

[eigen]

FWIW, I'd actually worry less about the GPA for MD/PhD programs given your research experience.

Given your interests, would you consider applying to comp. neuro programs for a PhD absent the MD?

 

[deleted1138671]

FWIW, I'd actually worry less about the GPA for MD/PhD programs given your research experience.

Given your interests, would you consider applying to comp. neuro programs for a PhD absent the MD?

I like the clinical aspect too much to be able to let it go…

 

[Goro]

In college, I wanted to learn quickly about a lot of subjects. I was a starving child gobbling food at a buffet, except I starved for knowledge instead of food.

I took classes in bioengineering/econometrics/neuroscience/computer science/public health/urban planning/architecture/advanced organic chemistry/Spanish. I took >20 units every semester just for intellectual curiosity. I loved studying all these subjects. I worked fast and learned quickly. I didn’t dislike subjects that people normally dislike (i.e. ochem/physics/maths) and in fact enjoyed them because of the intellectual stimulation.

But my gpa took a hit. Not too terrible, but hovers around a 3.3. Now I regret taking these classes. I look at classes I got Bs in, like Medical Imaging or Machine Learning, and wish I just was a regular premed who majored in one subject and followed the straight and narrow path. I don’t feel curious or excited anymore; just fear and dread about getting into med school.

A 3.3 is fine for DO schools.

But for MD, read this:

• Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

I think that 520+ is the sweet spot for getting in to MD with a 3.1-3.3ish GPA

Lower and I would focus on DO and low tier MD