Grades eh but MCAT okay- have a guess?

[waterlily7]

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Hey everyone- I have been freaking out in my mind about where I should be applying to and found this forum: any advice will be taken with relief 🙂

Science GPA 3.11, Cum GPA 3.07, MCAT 36
Post Bacc GPA (all science) 3.47

ECs: Volunteered for 2.5 yrs in a clinical volunteer program, ~400 hours of floor time (ER, ICU, Main OR, Telemetry) and ~600 hours on the leadership team as a department coordinator. Eventually was hired and had a paid position as Interim Program Director while they searched for someone who was not full time in school as a replacement heh.

One year of Undergrad Research in a molecular bio lab. Honestly, I probably picked a bad year to do this- I was pretty busy between volunteering and classes, but I can still explain what I was working on and had a good time.

2 years working as an ER Technician before moving to pursue post-bacc studies.

Those are the biggies on my app- but since I am a bit late in applying this cycle (still minus one letter of rec), I am thinking about waiting until next year to submit everything. What do you guys think? Do I stand a chance at any MD schools, or should I just apply to the Caribbean and DO?

Also, in terms of this next year, I'm unsure of what to pursue- I'm thinking of going back to my ER Tech job since it paid well and I loved the clinical aspect of it, but I'm also thinking of doing Americorps or possibly trying to find a research gig...

Thanks for your read time 🙂

 

[Naijaba]

Hi waterlily7,

If you want to go MD:

Take 1-2 years off and enroll in a post-bacc program that will count towards your undergraduate GPA. Neither your ER Tech job nor Americorps will make up for your GPA. Your MCAT is excellent and it will still be valid then. Get your GPA up to 3.4 and apply early & broadly and you will get some interviews.

If you want to go DO:

I don't know if DO applications are considered 'late'; but based upon your numbers you have a decent chance.

If you want to go Caribbean: Don't, it will be an unnecessary headache in light of your MCAT score.

 

[Stratego]

I need more information to answer you. What is your cumulative GPA if you include the postbac work? BCPM GPA with postbac? And what state are you a resident of? Can you get a letter of recommendation from a physcian you've shadowed? What is your community service activity, since your clinical experience is paid?

Doesn't Americorps require a two year commitment?

 

[mrmilad]

With a 3.47 Post Bac and a 36mcat plus some of the intense EC's that you have you could definitely have a shot at the lower tier schools. It is probably a little too late this cycle, but if you have the money I would apply to a couple of schools like 5ish and see how it plays out? If not then wait it out and maybe more post bac work to raise the gpa a little more.