How much does gpa affect chances for residency?

[Godsgirl16]

Hey guys. So I’m a P1 student and just finished my first semester. Some of my final grades have already been uploaded and I know for one class I have a C. I never get C’s ever so it feels like the end of the world to me. I knew even before starting school I wanted to do residency. But now I’m scared my gpa won’t be as good as others and I won’t be able to join Rho Chi in a year. I know gpa is just one part they look at but I really wanted to look competitive. I will try to have a leadership position my P2 year and I already gotten a job at Hopkins to get Hospital experience and to leave the CVS I’ve been working in for the past 16 months. Hopefully they can balance out my gpa. Maybe I’m overreacting but please I need some advice. Thank you.

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[Son_Goku]

You want to have at least a 3.5 GPA before rotation starts.

 

[beautifulrobot]

One C won't end your chances at residency, but you'll want to show an upward trend in improvement in grades over time, and as a P1 you still have time to do so. And I agree with Son_Goku, a competitive GPA for residency is a 3.5 or higher. You could still land a residency with a lower GPA, but you'll need to demonstrate with experience what you couldn't with grades. Also, find mentors and work on developing good relationships with the faculty at your school and other people in the profession early on - that will help you more than anything.

 

[Saiyo]

My friends with lower gpas and hospital experience got residencies. The ones with higher gpas and no experience didn't.

 

[Godsgirl16]

Thank you everyone for your input. I feel a little better now.

 

[Rockinacoustic]

Stop getting C's and go above and beyond as a hospital intern.

 

[PharmD.girl]

I wouldn't worry too much about one C. I received one B and one C in school and still graduated with a 3.94.

 

[SpartanDOnoharm]

For our residencies the most important thing is if you’re normal or not in an interview. Can I get along with you for a year? Then you’ve got a better chance.

 

[PharmHead]

Hospital experience is huge in the eyes of the residency programs. Try to work on things that might result in a policy change and volunteer for projects. Don't let everyone tell you GPA is everything.

 

[Son_Goku]

For our residencies the most important thing is if you’re normal or not in an interview. Can I get along with you for a year? Then you’ve got a better chance.

Yeah, how do you get that interview? GPA is the easiest thing to do limit the amount of resumes that needs to be checked.