How does GPA offset a low MCAT score?

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Ikarium

Ikarium

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What cumGPA and sciGPA is necessary to offset a 24MCAT (mine are cGPA = 3.7; sciGPA = 3.6)?

How many grade points would equate to +1 on MCAT score? (i.e. 24MCAT = 25-26MCAT with a GPA of 3.8)
 
Ikarium said:
What cumGPA and sciGPA is necessary to offset a 24MCAT (mine are cGPA = 3.7; sciGPA = 3.6)?

How many grade points would equate to +1 on MCAT score? (i.e. 24MCAT = 25-26MCAT with a GPA of 3.8)
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Certainly can't speak for every place, but in general that sort of thing doesn't exist. There are enough applicants with both strong grades and strong MCAT scores that there's no need to consider how one could offset another.
 
I'm afraid that your GPA can only offset so much, and a 24 is too low for consideration at the best DO schools.

As I understand it, MCAT matters more in admissions than GPA. How do you feel about a retake?
 
Ikarium said:
What cumGPA and sciGPA is necessary to offset a 24MCAT (mine are cGPA = 3.7; sciGPA = 3.6)?

How many grade points would equate to +1 on MCAT score? (i.e. 24MCAT = 25-26MCAT with a GPA of 3.8)
Click to expand...

My stats are nearly identical to yours. LizzyM score sets a tenth of a grade point equal to a point on the MCAT (gpa x 10 + MCAT=LizzyM). From what I can tell it just depends on the school, like PCOM, NSU, AZCOM seem to put more emphasis on the MCAT, which kinda sucks for people like us.
 
Ikarium said:
What cumGPA and sciGPA is necessary to offset a 24MCAT (mine are cGPA = 3.7; sciGPA = 3.6)?

How many grade points would equate to +1 on MCAT score? (i.e. 24MCAT = 25-26MCAT with a GPA of 3.8)
Click to expand...

I recall reading one of the DO schools admissions information and they specifically said that they care more about the interview and the person's GPA.

That being said, I wouldn't say that every DO school accepts people like that.

Also, I have a 25 on the MCAT and a 3.9 GPA, so I am really hoping that every DO school DOES accept people like that. 😛

But as for "off setting" a score? I suspect it's more of an all or none type thing. If you did bad on your MCAT but your GPA isn't much higher than average, they probably won't look at you any differently.
 
I wish I knew too. My stats are similar to yours and I am applying right now =(. Extra curricular may help.
 
Radon XP said:
I'm afraid that your GPA can only offset so much, and a 24 is too low for consideration at the best DO schools.

As I understand it, MCAT matters more in admissions than GPA. How do you feel about a retake?
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Eh, a 3.7/24 will get you some love at a few places. Obviously it's not strong enough to ensure you an acceptance, but it'll get you a few interviews as long as you apply to 10+ places.

Also, it's hard to say which matters more to admission. For MD schools it's almost clear that your gpa has a larger effect, for DO school it seems like it might be the other way around.
 
serenade said:
Eh, a 3.7/24 will get you some love at a few places. Obviously it's not strong enough to ensure you an acceptance, but it'll get you a few interviews as long as you apply to 10+ places.

Also, it's hard to say which matters more to admission. For MD schools it's almost clear that your gpa has a larger effect, for DO school it seems like it might be the other way around.
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I argued that case on SDN last year and people were saying I was wrong... From what I have seen, someone with 3.2 c/sGPA and 28 MCAT has good chance of getting into several DO schools... On the other hand, a 3.4 c/sGPAs and 34 MCAT score might not get you a lot of love at MD...
 
serenade said:
Eh, a 3.7/24 will get you some love at a few places. Obviously it's not strong enough to ensure you an acceptance, but it'll get you a few interviews as long as you apply to 10+ places.

Also, it's hard to say which matters more to admission. For MD schools it's almost clear that your gpa has a larger effect, for DO school it seems like it might be the other way around.
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I disagree. Why then do M.D schools accept people with higher MCAT scores compared to D.O ? D.O schools in general look at the whole person
 
Columbia09 said:
I disagree. Why then do M.D schools accept people with higher MCAT scores compared to D.O ? D.O schools in general look at the whole person
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Because most people applying to MD schools have higher GPAs and MCAT scores relative to DO applicants.
 
Columbia09 said:
I disagree. Why then do M.D schools accept people with higher MCAT scores compared to D.O ? D.O schools in general look at the whole person
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First, that has nothing to do with what I said.

Second Look up sector9's data. a 3.5/30 has less chance of getting in than a 3.8/27, etc. Gpa has a larger effect.

Third drop the D.O schools in general look at the whole person crap. D.O schools are just as motivated by stats as are MD schools. D.O schools just have lower stat applicants applying and will accept lower stat applicants because they need to fill their class with students who will attend their school.
 
serenade said:
First, that has nothing to do with what I said.

Second Look up sector9's data. a 3.5/30 has less chance of getting in than a 3.8/27, etc. Gpa has a larger effect.

Third drop the D.O schools in general look at the whole person crap. D.O schools are just as motivated by stats as are MD schools. D.O schools just have lower stat applicants applying and will accept lower stat applicants because they need to fill their class with students who will attend their school.
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okay buddy 😎
 
Columbia09 said:
You're really aggressive I see with presenting your answers 😛 Going back to topic, can the OP stats give him/her a chance at NYCOM or NY Touro if he/she is a NY resident ?
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Nah, the internet doesn't communicate emotions nor intention. I'm just pretty direct. Also Touro and NYCOM are both private schools and really interested in applicants with extremely high stats ( 27+, 28+ respectively).
 
serenade said:
Nah, the internet doesn't communicate emotions nor intention. I'm just pretty direct. Also Touro and NYCOM are both private schools and really interested in applicants with extremely high stats ( 27+, 28+ respectively).
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NYCOMs incoming class though was 80% from NY. Not sure about Touro but I hear it's the same for them about.
 
Columbia09 said:
NYCOMs incoming class though was 80% from NY. Not sure about Touro but I hear it's the same for them about.
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Yes, NYCOM is majority NY. But it's still very competitive.

Touro-NY I feel is more diverse.
 
What if somebody applies to DO schools with stats that would be competitive for MD? Would the schools think that the applicant is only applying to have a "backup" and reject him?

e.g. Let's say somebody has a 3.7/34 and applies DO.
 
Radon XP said:
What if somebody applies to DO schools with stats that would be competitive for MD? Would the schools think that the applicant is only applying to have a "backup" and reject him?

e.g. Let's say somebody has a 3.7/34 and applies DO.
Click to expand...

Depends whether or not you can communicate your interest in Osteopathic medicine.
 
Radon XP said:
What if somebody applies to DO schools with stats that would be competitive for MD? Would the schools think that the applicant is only applying to have a "backup" and reject him?
Click to expand...

No. All medical schools want to get the best people they can. They aren't going to reject someone who is "too good"; they'll extend an acceptance and if the person turns them down, ohwell.
 
There's no magic formula. Just try to get hold of the school info on avg GPA and MCAT and see where you fit in. People get in with 24s, but not at all schools.



Ikarium said:
What cumGPA and sciGPA is necessary to offset a 24MCAT (mine are cGPA = 3.7; sciGPA = 3.6)?

How many grade points would equate to +1 on MCAT score? (i.e. 24MCAT = 25-26MCAT with a GPA of 3.8)
Click to expand...
 
Ikarium said:
What cumGPA and sciGPA is necessary to offset a 24MCAT (mine are cGPA = 3.7; sciGPA = 3.6)?

How many grade points would equate to +1 on MCAT score? (i.e. 24MCAT = 25-26MCAT with a GPA of 3.8)
Click to expand...

Your stats are good enough to get into a DO school. Apply to 10-13 schools. If you don't make it in, retake the MCAT and reapply. You're probably fine though.
 
serenade said:
First, that has nothing to do with what I said.

Second Look up sector9's data. a 3.5/30 has less chance of getting in than a 3.8/27, etc. Gpa has a larger effect.

Third drop the D.O schools in general look at the whole person crap. D.O schools are just as motivated by stats as are MD schools. D.O schools just have lower stat applicants applying and will accept lower stat applicants because they need to fill their class with students who will attend their school.
Click to expand...

Interesting I always kinda thought it was the other way around. That some like me (3.5/25) has less of a chance of getting in that say a 3.0/28
 
Doctor Bob said:
No. All medical schools want to get the best people they can. They aren't going to reject someone who is "too good"; they'll extend an acceptance and if the person turns them down, ohwell.
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Not what I heard. I heard that they try to protect their yield, hence the rejections of "overqualified" applicants.
 
Radon XP said:
Not what I heard. I heard that they try to protect their yield, hence the rejections of "overqualified" applicants.
Click to expand...

Schools don't really care about interviewing "overqualified" applicants since they can always blow air about how high their accepted averages are. They'll book their class in a way that makes sure it'll be full regardless.
 
serenade said:
Yes, NYCOM is majority NY. But it's still very competitive.

Touro-NY I feel is more diverse.
Click to expand...

I just called up NYCOM admissions. She said that they look at the whole application and it's not just about the MCAT. She also said that they put A LOT of emphasis on shadowing and that it's one of the things they look for.
 
Columbia09 said:
I just called up NYCOM admissions. She said that they look at the whole application and it's not just about the MCAT. She also said that they put A LOT of emphasis on shadowing and that it's one of the things they look for.
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They also want mcat scores in the high 20s and BS scores as high as possible.
 
Radon XP said:
Not what I heard. I heard that they try to protect their yield, hence the rejections of "overqualified" applicants.
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Based off of ur high school knowledge?
 
Columbia09 said:
She said that she knows a couple of students who were accepted with 24s or 25s. All in state of course
Click to expand...

"Couple"
Meaning a small number.

Anyways, they're pretty clear this year they want an 28 average and won't interview most ppl with under that score. But who knows, they might flop.
 
touchpause13 said:
Based off of ur high school knowledge?
Click to expand...

I'm in college. I joined SDN when I was in high school. Do you see that "2 years+" under my username?

Seriously tired of having to explain this. How can I get rid of the h.SDN designation?
 
For the OPs original question, I would say GPA of 0.1 = 1 MCAT point

So here's what you do - look at the school's average that you're interested in. For example, if a school's average is a 3.4 & 26, you would need a min 3.6 to equalize your 24. That is, assuming the school weighs MCAT and GPA equally.
 
whatever5 said:
For the OPs original question, I would say GPA of 0.1 = 1 MCAT point

So here's what you do - look at the school's average that you're interested in. For example, if a school's average is a 3.4 & 26, you would need a min 3.6 to equalize your 24. That is, assuming the school weighs MCAT and GPA equally.
Click to expand...

Where did you get this information?
 
I think it can, but it is much harder for a GPA to offset an MCAT score. One issue you have is if your GPA is too high it almost hurts you more. (Of course in the end a higher GPA is always better) If you have a 4.0 and a 24 MCAT then they see a disconnect and wonder what went wrong. They consider if the college you attended for undergrad was too easy or your choice of major was chosen so that you were taking easier classes. Of course all of that can be checked by looking into other information on your application, but it does seed the question, "What went wrong?". Perhaps you are a bad test taker. Which is an issue since you will be taking even more difficult exams in the future.

It helps and of course the higher the better, but I feel like it works much better the other way around. If you get a 3.0 or 3.1 which might be slightly lower than you want, but get a 35 or 36 on the MCAT then that in my opinion is a better replacement than a 3.9 GPA and a 22 or 23 MCAT.

Also the above posters mentioned a LizzyM score which is helpful when comparing. Just be ready for those above questions.
 
Blackxp said:
I think it can, but it is much harder for a GPA to offset an MCAT score. One issue you have is if your GPA is too high it almost hurts you more. (Of course in the end a higher GPA is always better) If you have a 4.0 and a 24 MCAT then they see a disconnect and wonder what went wrong. They consider if the college you attended for undergrad was too easy or your choice of major was chosen so that you were taking easier classes. Of course all of that can be checked by looking into other information on your application, but it does seed the question, "What went wrong?". Perhaps you are a bad test taker. Which is an issue since you will be taking even more difficult exams in the future.

It helps and of course the higher the better, but I feel like it works much better the other way around. If you get a 3.0 or 3.1 which might be slightly lower than you want, but get a 35 or 36 on the MCAT then that in my opinion is a better replacement than a 3.9 GPA and a 22 or 23 MCAT.

Also the above posters mentioned a LizzyM score which is helpful when comparing. Just be ready for those above questions.
Click to expand...

Why do people compare the mcat to the comlex or usmle. Other then the bio section they are very different. I don't think there will be calc based physics on it
 
MCAT is a good predictor of board scores based on AAMC data...not necessarily how good of a doctor you will be but board scores are measurable.

According to AAMC, 27-29 MCAT and a 3.8-4.0 GPA will give you a 65% chance of MD acceptance
A 30-32 MCAT and a 3.4-3.6 MCAT is a little lower at 52%.

But, it you have a 33 MCAT you still have a 50% chance as long as you have at least a 3.2. Even with a 4.0, a 24 MCAT will give you about 40% chance....I take that to mean that MCAT is more important, and I think DO schools want a high MCAT as much as MD.
 
CarlosDanger said:
MCAT is a good predictor of board scores based on AAMC data...not necessarily how good of a doctor you will be but board scores are measurable.

According to AAMC, 27-29 MCAT and a 3.8-4.0 GPA will give you a 65% chance of MD acceptance
A 30-32 MCAT and a 3.4-3.6 MCAT is a little lower at 52%.

But, it you have a 33 MCAT you still have a 50% chance as long as you have at least a 3.2. Even with a 4.0, a 24 MCAT will give you about 40% chance....I take that to mean that MCAT is more important, and I think DO schools want a high MCAT as much as MD.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately it means the mcat out weighs the gpa. Excuse me while I vomit
 
Keep in mind the same tricks for GPA don't really apply to MCAT. If you have a low MCAT it's tough to claim you had a "bad year." You definitely can demonstrate an upward trend. If were unfocused but have matured and improved study habits, talk is cheap cause it's easier to demonstrate that with a single MCAT test vs trying to cover up a 4-year cGPA.

If you have a good GPA but a lower-than-average but previously-accepted MCAT, why not give it a shot. In the meantime, I would be studying the MCAT content and format and just retake. Or wait for the MCAT2015.
 
sylvanthus said:
The MCAT should outweigh GPA. GPA is too variable between majors, colleges, etc. the MCAT is the only standardized way to compare applicants.
Click to expand...

The GPA is an accumulation of four years of work while the MCAT is a test that you take on one day. It's very hard to game a GPA for years and people will eventually have to take classes that are very challenging (i.e organic). Though I do agree that a GPA from a higher tier school should be looked at differently compared to a GPA from a cc. But that's a general rule there are probably teachers at ccs that are just as hard as teachers from Harvard. So yes it makes sense to have the great equalizer, however the GPA should still out weight it. Just my opinion and I know some schools do in fact weight the GPA more.
 
Columbia09 said:
The GPA is an accumulation of four years of work while the MCAT is a test that you take on one day. It's very hard to game a GPA for years and people will eventually have to take classes that are very challenging (i.e organic). Though I do agree that a GPA from a higher tier school should be looked at differently compared to a GPA from a cc. But that's a general rule there are probably teachers at ccs that are just as hard as teachers from Harvard. So yes it makes sense to have the great equalizer, however the GPA should still out weight it. Just my opinion and I know some schools do in fact weight the GPA more.
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But then the accumulation of four years of easier vs harder work can add up to a *lot* of difference in total workload. The test that takes only 8 hours doesn't allow for that difference. Really they're both important factors, if only for initially screening applicants by the thousands. Once your past demonstrating you can pass 1-day test or a jump through the 4-year post-secondary hoop... it's the interview that shows them a life-long person.

I think it would be interesting to see if schools with the same LizzyM but different avg MCATs/GPAs actually intended for their distribution or if it happened a whole lot more by random chance than we make it out to be.
 
Columbia09 said:
The GPA is an accumulation of four years of work while the MCAT is a test that you take on one day. It's very hard to game a GPA for years and people will eventually have to take classes that are very challenging (i.e organic). Though I do agree that a GPA from a higher tier school should be looked at differently compared to a GPA from a cc. But that's a general rule there are probably teachers at ccs that are just as hard as teachers from Harvard. So yes it makes sense to have the great equalizer, however the GPA should still out weight it. Just my opinion and I know some schools do in fact weight the GPA more.
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There is so much grade inflation out there, that no, it is not hard to game the system and get a good GPA.
 
Columbia09 said:
Why do people compare the mcat to the comlex or usmle. Other then the bio section they are very different. I don't think there will be calc based physics on it
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I'm pretty sure there's no "calc based physics" on the MCAT. I mean, I took it like a year ago, but I think I would have remembered calculating the electric field created by a charged cone or something.

Also, the medical career is literally filled with standardized tests. You need to be able to do well on them to actually become a doctor, so yeah the MCAT is important. Also there is a decent calculated correlation between MCAT score and board score.

Columbia09 said:
Unfortunately it means the mcat out weighs the gpa. Excuse me while I vomit
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This is really school dependent. Obviously both stats are very important, but some schools weigh the MCAT more, some weigh the GPA more, and some either have no rule or weigh them equally. That said, I think most schools in general weigh the MCAT a bit higher...

sylvanthus said:
The MCAT should outweigh GPA. GPA is too variable between majors, colleges, etc. the MCAT is the only standardized way to compare applicants.
Click to expand...

...probably for this reason.

sylvanthus said:
There is so much grade inflation out there, that no, it is not hard to game the system and get a good GPA.
Click to expand...

Not to mention, take a ton of easier classes or have a smaller credit load per semester to ace the semester.
 
Last edited:
sylvanthus said:
The MCAT should outweigh GPA. GPA is too variable between majors, colleges, etc. the MCAT is the only standardized way to compare applicants.
Click to expand...

It sucks but its true. I know many of the factors can be seen by an adcom. Such as the difficulty of the university, course load by semester, major, etc but its alot of information to sift through. The MCAT is a single number that can compare two 3.8 GPA's at two different universities (With different situations)

Also considering that choice of professor is not listed. You could have two students within the same program taking the same courses with drastically different GPA's but essentially the same level of intellect. I have had some professors that give out A's for free and others that I have had to fight for.

Not that I like the idea that a single test can essentially ruin four years of complete and utter dedication and hard work. But its how it is. Also it is a good indicator of your ability to succeed on the board exams. Which unfortunately do matter during medical school. In the end, does it show how awesome of a doctor you might be? Maybe not, but I guess no system is perfect 🙁
 
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