Great EC's; OK grades...

[canjosh]

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Stats:
cGPA: 3.7
sGPA: 3.49 (will be 3.5 something after spring grades are released)
MCAT: take it 5/2/09 for the first time--expecting 30-33 based on practice exams
29 years old, white male, Texas resident

Background:
I've been a paramedic for 10 years, and have spent most of that time working in the hospital, so I'd say my clinical experience is excellent. I've worked full-time nights throughout college, so my course loads haven't been as heavy as many of my classmates...but, I have a mortgage, wife, and 2 kids to support. My LORs should be in the great to outstanding range. However, I'm afraid of getting screened out due to my somewhat low sGPA. The story behind that is that I had an 'WF' in college algebra 6 years ago--retook it and got an 'A'. Since then, all A's and B's for every class I've taken--so at least I've got an upward trend going on with the BCPM.

So, I'm definitely applying to all the Texas allopathic schools, and to UNTHSC/TCOM. I feel weird applying to only Texas schools though--any thoughts on expanding the horizons a bit?

Additionally, what do ya'll think about my chances at Baylor specifically...will they even get past my mediocre numbers? Thanks in advance for input!

 

[GoSpursGo]

Your numbers really aren't that bad. With your great ECs, I think you stand a very good shot in Texas. Definitely apply to Baylor; if you score anything in the 32-34 range, I bet they'll give you an interview since you're in state.

 

[canjosh]

Ok thanks. So do you guys/gals think I'd be safe just applying in-state? I'm really hoping for that Baylor interview, but it feels like a reach school to me. Hopefully, my MCAT score will be somewhere north of 32...

 

[sarahl86]

Ok thanks. So do you guys/gals think I'd be safe just applying in-state? I'm really hoping for that Baylor interview, but it feels like a reach school to me. Hopefully, my MCAT score will be somewhere north of 32...

There are no "safe" things to do in this process aside from applying well and to several programs: apply broadly but I do think with a strong MCAT score (33+), you will be in great shape for your in-state schools. Try to look at applying to at least 12 programs. It will be worth the money.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Ok thanks. So do you guys/gals think I'd be safe just applying in-state? I'm really hoping for that Baylor interview, but it feels like a reach school to me. Hopefully, my MCAT score will be somewhere north of 32...

Honestly I just did the apply in-state thing myself 😳 In retrospect, I'd toss a few applications around the country, just in case. As for where those programs would be... I'm no use to you there

 

[longhorn09]

3.7 and 33+ are decent. With your great ECs and consider that you're nontrad, you should get in somewhere within TX. I know a girl from UofH with a 30 got in Baylor anyway.

 

[canjosh]

As for where those programs would be... I'm no use to you there

Yeah I guess that's the mystery. It seems that if I can't get into a TX allopathic school, it's unlikely that I'd be competitive at another state's public institutions. Which I guess leaves me with private schools that aren't ultra competitive. Add the fact that I don't want to move my family to New England, and I'm left with places like Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, MCW, Creighton? I guess I could throw in the Chicago schools, but the high tuition coupled with the exorbitant cost of living seems prohibitive.

 

[canjosh]

Just wanted to revive this thread with my actual MCAT score, received today.
PS 11 VR 12 BS 11 WS P....34P

And, due to the way TMDSAS is calculating my GPA, my sGPA is lower at around 3.4. They are counting my EMT school as 'other science', even though it's vocational in nature. I'm putting this coursework as non science on the AMCAS (any input on this?).

Any specific advice on out of state schools? Baylor and UTSW are my current "reach" schools, any others to add? I'd consider myself competitive at all the other MD schools in Texas, and very competitive at TCOM. Was thinking of adding Wake, Arkansas, a couple of others. Need advice on lower tier out of state...thanks for any input.

 

[ackackack]

Last cycle my brother had similar grades to yours (he just had a slightly lower cGPA but a 3.6 sGPA with same MCAT) and he got an interview at Southwestern. He also had a TON of research which may have helped him get it but what was weird was that Southwestern was the only school he got an interview from...😕 So, I'm thinking that Southwestern likes great MCAT scores and will let it overshadow slightly lower GPAs as long as you have above average EC's, which you do IMO (plus nontrad).
Also, I'm in the same boat with my EMT grades...it dropped my GPAs a whole 0.4 points (which is a lot I think for something that shouldn't be weighted as much, like you said.) For AMCAS, I just listed it as an other science, as well and I'm just gonna let admissions do what they want with it

PS - thanks for the heads up about nevada and Arkansas, can't believe I missed that

 

[canjosh]

Did your brother end up matriculating at UTSW?

 

[ackackack]

No.
haha, but he also did apply pretty late at the end of Aug. which no doubt hurt his chances...

 

[canjosh]

Sorry to hear about your brother...is he reapplying this cycle?

Anybody else have input as to my original question?

 

[canjosh]

.

 

[witness23]

you will do fine. maybe a shot at baylor but we can't really comment on that. hope your applications are written well, enthusiastically and all that. good luck