Here is the situation

[Golfusa24]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

3.4 Cumlative GPA
3.2 Science GPA
B.S.Biology
MCAT:
1st Attempt: 17Q (7VR,6PS,4BS)
2nd Attempt: Wrote on July 6 2012 (AVG practice test 24-25)
...The 1st attempt I had a sickness in my family and my father lost his Job at that time So I really was not in any shape to take the test but I was stubborn.

EC: Shadowed 3 Physicians (One was a D.O. in a rural area) over 500 hours
Missions Trip to Africa
Licensed Phlebotomist working in a hospital
Volunteered in a nursing home(1 month)

My application has already been verified but I am holding off on submitting to other schools until I get my MCAT score back early next month.

My questions are 1) Do I stand a chance this cycle at maybe the lower-tier D.O. schools if I receive a MCAT in the Mid-20's? and 2) Does anyone know if any of the 3 new D.O. schools accept Biochemistry instead of Orgo2?

 

[HalfListic]

Have you looked at podiatry? May be a good option...

To answer though, mid to upper 20s MCAT probably neede

 

[MedPR]

3.4 Cumlative GPA
3.2 Science GPA
B.S.Biology
MCAT:
1st Attempt: 17Q (7VR,6PS,4BS)
2nd Attempt: Wrote on July 6 2012 (AVG practice test 24-25)
...The 1st attempt I had a sickness in my family and my father lost his Job at that time So I really was not in any shape to take the test but I was stubborn.

EC: Shadowed 3 Physicians (One was a D.O. in a rural area) over 500 hours
Missions Trip to Africa
Licensed Phlebotomist working in a hospital
Volunteered in a nursing home(1 month)

My application has already been verified but I am holding off on submitting to other schools until I get my MCAT score back early next month.

My questions are 1) Do I stand a chance this cycle at maybe the lower-tier D.O. schools if I receive a MCAT in the Mid-20's? and 2) Does anyone know if any of the 3 new D.O. schools accept Biochemistry instead of Orgo2?

Long shot to get in with a low gpa and a low MCAT. Contact those schools and ask them.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

Have you looked at podiatry? May be a good option...

To answer though, mid to upper 20s MCAT probably neede

I don't understand what prompts such an attitude. The OP has 500 hrs of physicians shadowing. Isn't that enough to demonstrate his/her genuine interest in medicine?

OP, I'm not an expert here, but your GPA is on par with most DO schools, so I would think that an MCAT score of 26+ (with nothing less than 6) will get you some interviews.

Good luck

 

[dntke1518]

GPA can work... but as we all know the MCAT is not going to cut it... hope your scores come back better for you.

 

[DrMediterranean]

I don't understand what prompts such an attitude. The OP has 500 hrs of physicians shadowing. Isn't that enough to demonstrate his/her genuine interest in medicine?

OP, I'm not an expert here, but your GPA is on par with most DO schools, so I would think that an MCAT score of 26+ (with nothing less than 6) will get you some interviews.

Good luck

I'm thinking GPA is definitely a bit below average for most if not all DO schools though... Not quite on par. If he gets a 25 and applies widely I believe he will probably get in somewhere. Check the underdog threads in pre-osteo. He has no shot at upper tier schools and will probably have a very slim chance at others if he doesnt get at least a 25.

 

[HalfListic]

I don't understand what prompts such an attitude. The OP has 500 hrs of physicians shadowing. Isn't that enough to demonstrate his/her genuine interest in medicine?

OP, I'm not an expert here, but your GPA is on par with most DO schools, so I would think that an MCAT score of 26+ (with nothing less than 6) will get you some interviews.

Good luck

Hey, no attitude here? Why did you think that?

My brother is a podiatrist...he had a low MCAT, looked into, and now loves it. It's shorter and you get to do surgery....maybe you have something against pods but not me.

I told OP to go for mid to upper MCAT which is realistic. If they can't do that...podiatry is a great profession. The irony is that your comment indirectly bashes it, which isn't your
Intention, but don't assume thats an insult to suggest podiatry.

Hopefully you weren't confused by my answer OP, and good luck.


EDIT: While Im at it, I want to explain something. Whats worse than telling someone with too low of stats that they don't have a great shot at med school?The only thing worse is to tell them they have a decent shot. There are certain cutoffs that hard work and determination won't overcome. Thats just the truth.

As has been said many times, if OP can get the MCAT score (25-26+) needed, then great. But many people score lower than their practice average, sometimes significantly lower. So, what people in this situation need is to realize that they might not make it. They need to look into the possibility of other professions that they might like. Having a plan B is not an insult, its smart. If you don't find anything you like and you MUST become a doctor, I understand that! You might be headed to the caribbean, with some serious hurdles to jump. But people do it, some successfully some not.

...Hope for the best, Plan for the worst...

 

[Cloud 9]

I have no personal experience, however I have 5 friends who were all accepted to my local MD school with a 28. Which makes me think that a 24 or above for DO would be competitive.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Honestly, what ever prompted you to take the mcat when you're scoring barely above average? Well, if you can get a 25, apply broadly and pray. If you get a low score again, I hold similar sentiments to Half, consider podiatry.

 

[coolingglasses]

Ouch. I hope your second score comes back much higher.

 

[MedPR]

Hey, no attitude here? Why did you think that?

My brother is a podiatrist...he had a low MCAT, looked into, and now loves it. It's shorter and you get to do surgery....maybe you have something against pods but not me.

I told OP to go for mid to upper MCAT which is realistic. If they can't do that...podiatry is a great profession. The irony is that your comment indirectly bashes it, which isn't your
Intention, but don't assume thats an insult to suggest podiatry.

Hopefully you weren't confused by my answer OP, and good luck.


EDIT: While Im at it, I want to explain something. Whats worse than telling someone with too low of stats that they don't have a great shot at med school?The only thing worse is to tell them they have a decent shot. There are certain cutoffs that hard work and determination won't overcome. Thats just the truth.

As has been said many times, if OP can get the MCAT score (25-26+) needed, then great. But many people score lower than their practice average, sometimes significantly lower. So, what people in this situation need is to realize that they might not make it. They need to look into the possibility of other professions that they might like. Having a plan B is not an insult, its smart. If you don't find anything you like and you MUST become a doctor, I understand that! You might be headed to the caribbean, with some serious hurdles to jump. But people do it, some successfully some not.

...Hope for the best, Plan for the worst...

+1 billion. You've learned well, young grasshopper 👍 Lots of people on SDN simply can't handle the truth and it's disappointing. Stats are the most important part of your application. If you're too far below average, you're not going anywhere.

 

[SpecterGT260]

I don't understand what prompts such an attitude. The OP has 500 hrs of physicians shadowing. Isn't that enough to demonstrate his/her genuine interest in medicine?

OP, I'm not an expert here, but your GPA is on par with most DO schools, so I would think that an MCAT score of 26+ (with nothing less than 6) will get you some interviews.

Good luck

interest is insufficient. There are thousands of people with incredibly high interest. The primary metrics for acceptance are not interest but ability. The GPA and MCAT do not demonstrate the ability. It serves no purpose to accept someone to a program whose scores indicate they will likely fail out. Furthermore, podiatry is technically medicine and the poster you quoted was not necessarily being snarky. The OPs stats are fairly close to pod level. He is unlikely to get in to a US MD or DO school so pod, PA, or carib are the only remaining medical options.

 

[WorldChanger36]

Have you looked at podiatry? May be a good option...

To answer though, mid to upper 20s MCAT probably neede

OP would need at least a 20 to apply to pod schools.

Long shot to get in with a low gpa and a low MCAT. Contact those schools and ask them.

3.4 is not a low gpa. It is a lower gpa but well with in range of DO and MD schools.

 

[SpecterGT260]

OP would need at least a 20 to apply to pod schools.



3.4 is not a low gpa. It is a lower gpa but well with in range of DO and MD schools.

if you look at AAMC admissions stats, a 3.4 is very unlikely to net you admissions unless you are URM. It happens, but so does scratching off the winning lotto ticket while being struck by 2 bolts of lightning which wards off a UFO which had intended to abduct you for probing 👍

 

[WorldChanger36]

if you look at AAMC admissions stats, a 3.4 is very unlikely to net you admissions unless you are URM. It happens, but so does scratching off the winning lotto ticket while being struck by 2 bolts of lightning which wards off a UFO which had intended to abduct you for probing 👍

Actually I have looked at the stats and if you are applying to 15 allo schools with a 3.4 and at least a 27 MCAT you have a 36.5 percent chance of acceptance. Not the best but not out of the game. If he had a 30 MCAT it goes up to 53.7 percent. That is without any URM or a Special masters program.
People get into MD schools with a 3.4 but they often have a special master program if they want multiple acceptances at their home state.

 

[SpecterGT260]

Actually I have looked at the stats and if you are applying to 15 allo schools with a 3.4 and at least a 27 MCAT you have a 36.5 percent chance of acceptance. Not the best but not out of the game. If he had a 30 MCAT it goes up to 53.7 percent. That is without any URM or a Special masters program.
People get into MD schools with a 3.4 but they often have a special master program if they want multiple acceptances at their home state.

Right.... it is that simple 🙄
Do you understand what selection bias is? Or for that matter, the meaning behind these stats? It doesnt mean that you can just apply to 15 schools for 3 different cycles and have a near 100% chance of entry. If you think it is just a numbers game to apply with a 3.4, good luck to you and I wish you the best of luck in your career in bio sciences production.

 

[SpecterGT260]

I will get you started. The sum of all applicants with a 3.59 or lower constitutes only 52% of the total applicant pool. This means that a >3.6 constitutes half of the overall applicant pool. It would take some work, but compare that to percentile GPA for graduation (I am not sure where this is published). Sure, "of those who applied" had a 36% entry RATE (not chance..... and this is what I am getting at). This doesnt mean that you have this % chance if random applicant #9000 were to apply with such stats. As you eluded to there are other factors at work.

 

[WorldChanger36]

Right.... it is that simple 🙄
Do you understand what selection bias is? Or for that matter, the meaning behind these stats? It doesnt mean that you can just apply to 15 schools for 3 different cycles and have a near 100% chance of entry. If you think it is just a numbers game to apply with a 3.4, good luck to you and I wish you the best of luck in your career in bio sciences production.

This coming from the guy that was waving the AAMC flag just two posts ago is now bring up selection bias and starting a strawman attack. Nice...
Did I ever suggest what you just stated? Nope... If you don't change your stats your chances will actually decrease as stated by the AAMC.

Do you have any proof of selection bias? .... Even any reason to suggest it?

 

[museic]

Right.... it is that simple 🙄
Do you understand what selection bias is? Or for that matter, the meaning behind these stats? It doesnt mean that you can just apply to 15 schools for 3 different cycles and have a near 100% chance of entry. If you think it is just a numbers game to apply with a 3.4, good luck to you and I wish you the best of luck in your career in bio sciences production.

Common mistake that you guys are making with your stats here. Each application to a school is an independent event. I'm not sure where the ~35% for 15 allo schools came from but I doubt that was done correctly. It's just like Roulette. Just because 1% of the time 00 will be hit does not mean since 00 hasn't hit in 99 turns that it will in the next turn.


Edit: To make the op feel better, I had a 3.3/3.2 GPA and a 24P MCAT and got in. My EC's were great, as are yours, but you didn't do yourself any favors by getting a degree in Biology. Make sure you ham up the international experience, get great LORs, and write a UNIQUE PS. Everyone's mom has had surgery, everyone's been to the Ped Hemoc floor, etc. Make it something that represents you and tie it into being a doctor.

 

[WorldChanger36]

I will get you started. The sum of all applicants with a 3.59 or lower constitutes only 52% of the total applicant pool. This means that a >3.6 constitutes half of the overall applicant pool. It would take some work, but compare that to percentile GPA for graduation (I am not sure where this is published). Sure, "of those who applied" had a 36% entry RATE (not chance..... and this is what I am getting at). This doesnt mean that you have this % chance if random applicant #9000 were to apply with such stats. As you eluded to there are other factors at work.

Yes while this is true. This doesn't cover your accusations of selection bias nor is it a significant factor because the stats have been adjusted for. The only areas where this would be a factor are the outliers not the middle of the field. It becomes a problem if persay you had a 3.4 and a 38 MCAT, which is pretty rare, not so much if you have a 3.4 and a 30 MCAT. You can tell this because they give you an exact count.

Yes there are other factors at work but this isn't one of them ( that is significant) the factors I am focusing are either applicant centered ( like URM or special master program) or cycle centered ( school adjusting cut off or adding to a class size). These significantly shift the probability of acceptance.

 

[WorldChanger36]

Common mistake that you guys are making with your stats here. Each application to a school is an independent event. I'm not sure where the ~35% for 15 allo schools came from but I doubt that was done correctly. It's just like Roulette. Just because 1% of the time 00 will be hit does not mean since 00 hasn't hit in 99 turns that it will in the next turn.


Edit: To make the op feel better, I had a 3.3/3.2 GPA and a 24P MCAT and got in. My EC's were great, as are yours, but you didn't do yourself any favors by getting a degree in Biology. Make sure you ham up the international experience, get great LORs, and write a UNIQUE PS. Everyone's mom has had surgery, everyone's been to the Ped Hemoc floor, etc. Make it something that represents you and tie it into being a doctor.

You got in ahead of me here....

 

[SpecterGT260]

This coming from the guy that was waving the AAMC flag just two posts ago is now bring up selection bias and starting a strawman attack. Nice...
Did I ever suggest what you just stated? Nope... If you don't change your stats your chances will actually decrease as stated by the AAMC.

Do you have any proof of selection bias? .... Even any reason to suggest it?

This is not a straw man.... you said there was a 36% chance. That is a rate. There is a difference. And yes, the obvious difference between application average and UG graduation difference is evidence of selection bias. Are you suggesting that nobody is deterred from applying because of low stats?


The aamc data is good. If you know how to apply to everyone you will see how rare it is for a 3.4 to get in. I didn't contradict myself in any fashion concerned with waving the aamc flag 😕

 

[SpecterGT260]

Yes while this is true. This doesn't cover your accusations of selection bias nor is it a significant factor because the stats have been adjusted for. The only areas where this would be a factor are the outliers not the middle of the field. It becomes a problem if persay you had a 3.4 and a 38 MCAT, which is pretty rare, not so much if you have a 3.4 and a 30 MCAT. You can tell this because they give you an exact count..

I disagree. An "of those who applied" discussion does not accurately predict the norms. Compare the number of 3.4 GPA applicants to all applicants and that number is not 36%. This difference again suggests selection bias

 

[Golfusa24]

I appreciate the comments. I by all means would not be against podiatry but I really want to become a D.O. I feel if i can get my MCAT up that I should have a decent chance. To add also I have excellent LOR and a very unique personal statement. I also show a very strong upward trend in my grades (after my freshman year I had a 2.0 gpa, lost my scholarship and was advised that I was not cut out for college). After this experience I was either on the presidents list or deans list every semester. I would also be willing to take advantage of the D.O. grade replacement policy and retake a few courses if I had to. I have 3 excellent medical schools in my state but none of them are D.O. schools and even if i landed a 30 on the mcat I would still apply D.O. because I am sold on the philosophy and on omm.

 

[SpecterGT260]

Common mistake that you guys are making with your stats here. Each application to a school is an independent event. I'm not sure where the ~35% for 15 allo schools came from but I doubt that was done correctly. It's just like Roulette. Just because 1% of the time 00 will be hit does not mean since 00 hasn't hit in 99 turns that it will in the next turn.


Edit: To make the op feel better, I had a 3.3/3.2 GPA and a 24P MCAT and got in. My EC's were great, as are yours, but you didn't do yourself any favors by getting a degree in Biology. Make sure you ham up the international experience, get great LORs, and write a UNIQUE PS. Everyone's mom has had surgery, everyone's been to the Ped Hemoc floor, etc. Make it something that represents you and tie it into being a doctor.

I feel like this is what I was saying... are we agreeing or disagreeing? Also bear in mind that these are rates and not chances. This is an incredibly important thing to remember when talking admissions stats

 

[WorldChanger36]

I appreciate the comments. I by all means would not be against podiatry but I really want to become a D.O. I feel if i can get my MCAT up that I should have a decent chance. To add also I have excellent LOR and a very unique personal statement. I also show a very strong upward trend in my grades (after my freshman year I had a 2.0 gpa, lost my scholarship and was advised that I was not cut out for college). After this experience I was either on the presidents list or deans list every semester. I would also be willing to take advantage of the D.O. grade replacement policy and retake a few courses if I had to. I have 3 excellent medical schools in my state but none of them are D.O. schools and even if i landed a 30 on the mcat I would still apply D.O. because I am sold on the philosophy and on omm.

DO wise a 3.4 isn't bad at all ( and honestly for MD it is still ok) so if your goal is DO land a solid 27 on the MCAT and you should be ok. Don't be distracted by our minor side track. It happens on SDN.

 

[Poliscidoc]

Pissing match over statistics only on SDN

 

[SpecterGT260]

Pissing match over statistics only on SDN

You're sensitive 👍

 

[MedPR]

OP would need at least a 20 to apply to pod schools.



3.4 is not a low gpa. It is a lower gpa but well with in range of DO and MD schools.

I think you missed the part where sGPA is more important than cGPA. Regardless, 3.4 is low for MD and borderline low for DO.

 

[WorldChanger36]

I think you missed the part where sGPA is more important than cGPA. Regardless, 3.4 is low for MD and borderline low for DO.

Yeah a 3.2 sGPA isn't too good I agree with you there.

 

[HalfListic]

I think the big idea here too is that there needs to be some proof that the student can handle the academic rigors of med school.

So, if you have a low GPA (but within cutoffs) you can have a good shot if you have a higher MCAT, and vice versa.

While there are stories of 24, 3.2 getting in...usually a 3.2 needs a 28-29 or 30+ to have a good shot.

 

[MedPR]

i think the big idea here too is that there needs to be some proof that the student can handle the academic rigors of med school.

so, if you have a low gpa (but within cutoffs) you can have a good shot if you have a higher mcat, and vice versa.

While there are stories of 24, 3.2 getting in...usually a 3.2 needs a 28-29 or 30+ to have a good shot.

+1.

 

[Golfusa24]

The practice test that I took a while back I made (8PS,8BS,8VR)24Total, So the difference between an 8 in each section and a 9 in each section was 1-3 questions. Say you make 9's across the board for a total of 27, potentially thats only a difference of 3 questions. So are we saying that because someone gets 3 more questions right on a test that this means that they are more prepared to handle a heavy course load than the next guy? This is why certain adcoms look at the person as a whole, what they have accomplished, and there particular situation. I'm not disagreeing with you, I just want to offer another side of looking at things. Also, If you are an adcom, would you like and applicant that has average stats but has been exposed to osteopathic medicine and is sold out to becoming an osteopathic physician or would you want someone with above average stats but dont give two cents about becoming a D.O. so they are only applying bc of not getting accepted for MD? Again Just another way to look at things here.

 

[Goro]

At our school we look at the avg of all of your MCATs, not just the best or most recent. So, scoring a 25 would give you an avg of 21, which means our Dean, who is very keen on good MCAT scores, would low wait list you, if the AdCom didn't, and even if you impressed the actual interviewers.

Therefore, STRONGLY suggest that to be competetive, you score in the high 20s.

A word of advice here: taking a high-stakes exam when you're not ready, but merely stubborn, is a VERY bad move. Do NOT make this mistake again.

3.4 Cumlative GPA
3.2 Science GPA
B.S.Biology
MCAT:
1st Attempt: 17Q (7VR,6PS,4BS)
2nd Attempt: Wrote on July 6 2012 (AVG practice test 24-25)
...The 1st attempt I had a sickness in my family and my father lost his Job at that time So I really was not in any shape to take the test but I was stubborn.

EC: Shadowed 3 Physicians (One was a D.O. in a rural area) over 500 hours
Missions Trip to Africa
Licensed Phlebotomist working in a hospital
Volunteered in a nursing home(1 month)

My application has already been verified but I am holding off on submitting to other schools until I get my MCAT score back early next month.

My questions are 1) Do I stand a chance this cycle at maybe the lower-tier D.O. schools if I receive a MCAT in the Mid-20's? and 2) Does anyone know if any of the 3 new D.O. schools accept Biochemistry instead of Orgo2?

 

[MedPR]

The practice test that I took a while back I made (8PS,8BS,8VR)24Total, So the difference between an 8 in each section and a 9 in each section was 1-3 questions. Say you make 9's across the board for a total of 27, potentially thats only a difference of 3 questions. So are we saying that because someone gets 3 more questions right on a test that this means that they are more prepared to handle a heavy course load than the next guy? This is why certain adcoms look at the person as a whole, what they have accomplished, and there particular situation. I'm not disagreeing with you, I just want to offer another side of looking at things. Also, If you are an adcom, would you like and applicant that has average stats but has been exposed to osteopathic medicine and is sold out to becoming an osteopathic physician or would you want someone with above average stats but dont give two cents about becoming a D.O. so they are only applying bc of not getting accepted for MD? Again Just another way to look at things here.

ADCOMs only look at the "person as a whole" if their stats are acceptable. No ADCOM is going to look at someone with a 2.5/15. If they did, they would take more than 2-3 months to go through every single application they get. Your stats are what get you a second look.

Don't kid yourself, getting a total of 3 questions more doesn't sound like much, but consistently getting 9s is a harder than consistently getting 8s. I go at a 33 on my MCAT. That means I could've been only 3 questions away from a 36. That doesn't mean I had a high chance of getting a 36.

 

[MedPR]

At our school we look at the avg of all of your MCATs, not just the best or most recent. So, scoring a 25 would give you an avg of 21, which means our Dean, who is very keen on good MCAT scores, would low wait list you, if the AdCom didn't, and even if you impressed the actual interviewers.

Therefore, STRONGLY suggest that to be competetive, you score in the high 20s.

A word of advice here: taking a high-stakes exam when you're not ready, but merely stubborn, is a VERY bad move. Do NOT make this mistake again.

Do you round up? 33+28=61. Average = 30.5. What is my average at your school?

 

[shaggybill]

3.2 and 3.4 is definitely good if you can bring your MCAT up to a 24+. My stats were 3.2s and 3.33c, 27O, with a decent list of EC which you can see in my profile. The fact that you have a huge upward trend will speak volumes GPA wise. You have good ECs too. My first go-round at college was a disaster, but when I came back and applied myself, it really showed in my grades. Adcoms take note of that kind of thing.

Wait for your new MCAT to come back before you submit your app. Don't submit it if it's less than a 24. Study for two more months and then retake. My app wasn't submited until Sept, and not complete until early Nov and I had an acceptance at my top school by mid-Dec. Applying early is good, but in your case, you will hurt yourself if you apply with less than a 24, especially since your first score was so low.

 

[Goro]

We do not round up. Our avg is 29+...not quite cracking 30 yet, but getting there.

The key thing is, right or wrong, we look very unfavorably on MCATs of <24. I've found that MCAT actually has very little to do with how our students do, but I'm falling on deaf ears so far.

Do you round up? 33+28=61. Average = 30.5. What is my average at your school?

 

[MedPR]

We do not round up. Our avg is 29+...not quite cracking 30 yet, but getting there.

The key thing is, right or wrong, we look very unfavorably on MCATs of <24. I've found that MCAT actually has very little to do with how our students do, but I'm falling on deaf ears so far.

How well your students do in classes, on COMLEX, or both? I find it hard to believe that someone scoring in the 30th percentile on the MCAT will score much higher than the 50th percentile on COMLEX. Though if your experience has shown you otherwise, I'll take your word for it.

 

[Golfusa24]

When the going gets tough, let the tough get going! I've talked to several former students that are now Docs and some people actually grow up and change their work ethics in medical school while they may not have tried as hard in undergrad or certain circumstances may have been holding them back such as their Jobs, Family, etc... From what ive been told the MCAT is only to get you in school and after that its meaningless. Once you get in all that matters is your work ethics and execution on exams in medical school as well as the COMLEX and USMLE.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Yeah a 3.2 sGPA isn't too good I agree with you there.

It's less than half a SD from the mean. His main problem is his Mcat, a 17 is unacceptable and a 24-25 is still low.

 

[MedPR]

When the going gets tough, let the tough get going! I've talked to several former students that are now Docs and some people actually grow up and change their work ethics in medical school while they may not have tried as hard in undergrad or certain circumstances may have been holding them back such as their Jobs, Family, etc... From what ive been told the MCAT is only to get you in school and after that its meaningless. Once you get in all that matters is your work ethics and execution on exams in medical school as well as the COMLEX and USMLE.

Your optimism is refreshing. However, don't think that you can be an average student and then become a successful med student. My girlfriend had a 4.0 in UG and she worked her butt off to be bordering on top 25% in her class during pre-clinical years. You have to realize that if you can't perform in undergrad and/or the MCAT, you may not be able to perform in medical school.

 

[Poliscidoc]

Your optimism is refreshing. However, don't think that you can be an average student and then become a successful med student. My girlfriend had a 4.0 in UG and she worked her butt off to be bordering on top 25% in her class during pre-clinical years. You have to realize that if you can't perform in undergrad and/or the MCAT, you may not be able to perform in medical school.

I think the poster was talking about your last point "you may not be able to perform in medical school"

You may succeed and you may not your choice

 

[SpecterGT260]

I think the poster was talking about your last point "you may not be able to perform in medical school"

You may succeed and you may not your choice

Ability is not always a choice.

 

[MedPR]

Ability is not always a choice.

+1. If you work your ass off and only have a 3.0/20 to show for it, you will not succeed in medical school.

 

[HalfListic]

It's less than half a SD from the mean. His main problem is his Mcat, a 17 is unacceptable and a 24-25 is still low.

yep

 

[411309]

While there are stories of 24, 3.2 getting in...usually a 3.2 needs a 28-29 or 30+ to have a good shot.

cant wait to show you what happens with me this cycle then, lol.

For the record im 3.25 cum 3.29 science 26 mcat. Many people here fail to recognize that theres sooo many other factors that contribute here that saying "this gpa and mcat combo gives you a good shot" is really just a random guess without knowning state of residency and ECs. Because with regional bias and good ECs, you can be quite sucessful with lower end stats. Its hard for me to think a 3.2-3.3 average is bad btw, it's B+. Not exactly terrible. Applying wisely and early really do help too. I'm not pyschic I can't say how well ill do this cycle but I cant say I did everything I could to increase my chances so id say someone like the OP has a decent shot with a 25 mcat except at schools that average the total mcat scores, like goro mentioned or higher end schools.

 

[Golfusa24]

I will post my mcat score when I get it next month and I will go from there. In the meantime I'm studying and doing practice passages using TBR and the aamc's just in case but I am persistent about becoming a physician.

 

[411309]

I will post my mcat score when I get it next month and I will go from there. In the meantime I'm studying and doing practice passages using TBR and the aamc's just in case but I am persistent about becoming a physician.

own it

 

[HalfListic]

cant wait to show you what happens with me this cycle then, lol.

For the record im 3.25 cum 3.29 science 26 mcat. Many people here fail to recognize that theres sooo many other factors that contribute here that saying "this gpa and mcat combo gives you a good shot" is really just a random guess without knowning state of residency and ECs. Because with regional bias and good ECs, you can be quite sucessful with lower end stats. Its hard for me to think a 3.2-3.3 average is bad btw, it's B+. Not exactly terrible. Applying wisely and early really do help too. I'm not pyschic I can't say how well ill do this cycle but I cant say I did everything I could to increase my chances so id say someone like the OP has a decent shot with a 25 mcat except at schools that average the total mcat scores, like goro mentioned or higher end schools.

I can't tell if you are offended by what I said, but just in case...look at what I said again:

"While there are stories of 24, 3.2 getting in...usually a 3.2 needs a 28-29 or 30+ to have a good shot."

OP has 3.2 and a 17 MCAT. (This might improve, but, like I said before, it needs to be mid to upper 20's)

You have a 26, 3.3...you have average stats of some schools, so my comments don't apply to you. You will get in somewhere this cycle. Thats a far cry from 3.2, 17... So do you really disagree with my comment?

The first part of the process is getting an interview...if you don't have the numbers, those other things you mention never come into play.

So, really, its a simple formula. If you have below average GPA, you need above average MCAT to have a GOOD chance. (yes, you still have a chance if you are a bit below average)

So yep, just like your last line says (and like I mentioned in my previous comments), with a 25 (mid 20's is what I said)...OP has a decent shot, given their good ECs. But they need 28+ for a good shot.

This is a competitive game we're playing

**there's a difference between giving encouragement and giving feedback**