Help: Lower than average GPA, What to do?

[jait412]

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Hi looking for a little hope...

My ultimate goal was always being a medical doctor one day, and I have no plans on giving up so quickly.

I will be graduating May 2011 from University of North Texas with a BA in Biochemistry, Ill probably have a overall GPA of 3.2-3.3, and a science GPA of 3.1 to 3.2

I haven't taken the official MCAT yet, but averaging scores of 25 to 27 on Princeton practice tests, I pushed back my date from Sept 11 to Jan so I could dedicate a little more time during the semester and winter break to hopefully up the scores to the 33-35 range.

I have just started working as a physician's scribe and most likely start volunteering at the local hospital for the next two semesters for at least 4hours per week.

I will be applying to UNT Health Science Center Masters program for Medical Sciences which is a one year program (mid-May to mid-May next year) and then to Medical schools in Texas the following summer for (hopefully) admissions in Fall 2012.

What are my odds of getting in this year and any information to improve my chances?

On a side note, I am graduating with a BA in Biochemistry in 3 years from graduating high school (took on 37 hours of dual enrollment credits during high school, which contributed much of the low GPA). Don't know if med schools take that into any consideration.

 

[milkycow]

I was getting similar princeton scores as well, I think my highest princeton was a 27 or 28, the first aamc I took however I got a 31. I started at a 14 on princeton for my first test so i would take an aamc and see where you stand.

 

[jait412]

Yea, I am pretty confident that my MCAT scores will be on par, but just troubled by my low GPA. I guess what i really want to know is will my application stand out better if I do complete a masters with a high GPA? I am a much better student than I was in high school and my first year of college.

Anybody's input on this will be much appreciated, especially if you've gotten into medical schools with a similar situation, thanks!

 

[Catalystik]

The medical masters program at TCOM is much more likely to help you (if you can perform very well), than a traditional masters program. What are the program's criteria for acceptance?

 

[jait412]

Yeah, sorry I should have made that more clear, the master's program to which I am applying to is at TCOM, at the UNTHSC. Their requirements are a bachelor's with a competitive GPA (anything above a 3.0) and have at least taken one MCAT as well as completed the med school application (for TCOM and the common app), though you are allowed to apply even if you haven't heard back from medical schools.

I fit the criteria and I am certain I can bring my MCAT scores into the 32-36 range at least.

Assuming I finish the program with a strong GPA, does it add that much to my credentials to make me a competitive applicant?

If so, when should I apply and which medical schools (including out of state) should I consider applying too?

UTSouthwestern is long shot, yet my top pick, but I'll definitely go whereever I get in!

 

[Catalystik]

Anecdotally (from SDN) I understand that the program is very helpful if you have excellent academic performance. Speaking with one of the program's counselor's could give you more specifics.

Have you considered spending another year in undergrad to get the maximal improvement in your GPA first? You might ask if doing so has a chance of putting UTSW within your reach. Do you already have the intensity of research experience that they like to see? And the other usual and customary ECs?

 

[jait412]

I'm at that point where a semesters worth of A's would raise my cGPA by .1ish, I think the masters program would be more beneficial since it would take me another year and a half to get my undergrad GPA to that 3.5 -3.6 level. What are your thoughts on this?

I have plenty of nonclinical volunteer hours and heavily involved with three different organizations. I lack research experience, but I can get involved this upcoming school year.

I hope with a masters, 33+ MCAT, and clinical and research experience will give me a good shot at acceptance in any Texas program by fall 2012.

 

[Catalystik]

What is your college GPA, excluding the high school dual enrollment?

 

[jait412]

3.5+, depending how i do these next two semesters

 

[ThaliaNox]

It would be more useful to know what your GPA actually is right now, not what you hope it will be when you graduate.

For any hopes of UTSW, you need to get involved in research immediately. Start contacting professors in areas that interest you right away. Make sure you have a general idea of what their research topic is, so they know you are actually interested in THEM, not just checking research off your list of things to do.

It sounds like you have a lot of work to do. Come talk to us again in a year when you have an MCAT score and grades from the upcoming year. I rather doubt you'll be ready to apply for next year, but the one after is certainly a possibility, when you have grades from the medical masters.