How will this trend be interpreted (aka how should I apply)

[driscoll1]

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Hello everyone,

Quick question. While my overall GPA stats are within "normal" range, I have a bit of a weird academic record. I had the epitome of the sophomore slump, getting straight Bs in the physics and ochem sequences (with a C in ochem II) and a horrendous 2.95 sGPA. Because I am a humanities major I have had only a few other science courses after this mishap, with about 3 "intro level" science classes (potentially seen as fluff) and 3 upper levels (redeemed myself with an A- in biochem).

My ECs are definitely above average. My question is this: should I generally think of applying to schools that have averages in the 3.7-3.85 range (assuming that my bump in both schedule rigor and "upward trend" will be appreciated), or should I apply primarily to those at the bottom of the GPA averages (assuming my app will be treated as if I have a 3.5-3.6 based on being wrecked by the pre-reqs and not having many upper-levels)?

My reason for the bad year was twofold. The primary reason is that I got through freshman year with a high GPA by grossly inefficient hard work. When I piled ECs on sophomore year AND classes got harder, my study methods didn't hold up. I think my record shows I fixed that Junior year with increased grades and increased rigor. I also was going through a drawn-out breakup from a 3-year relationship during sophomore year.

I know a lot depends on the MCAT, but if you could give me a general idea as to how adcoms will view my app I would appreciate it!

Overall:
cGPA: 3.81
sGPA: 3.66

High school (at 4-year uni)
34 credits @ 4.0 cGPA/sGPA

Freshman Year (13.5 credits/semester)
cGPA: 3.86
sGPA: 3.76

Sophomore Year (12.5 credits/semester)
cGPA: 3.31
sGPA:2.94

Junior Year (18 credits/semester)
cGPA: 3.93
sGPA: 3.82


Senior Year (18 credits/semester)
(only one semester)
assumed >3.85

 

[NotASerialKiller]

You rebounded from a bad year, your cGPA is very good and your sGPA isn't bad either. How should you apply? With enthusiasm! Worry about school selection after the MCAT.

 

[Goro]

100 % agree. Many schools reward rising trends.

You rebounded from a bad year, your cGPA is very good and your sGPA isn't bad either. How should you apply? With enthusiasm! Worry about school selection after the MCAT.

 

[GrapesofRath]

Your GPA is fine. Your MCAT will dictate where you apply. 508-514 range focus on lower tiers sprinkled in with some medium tier reaches. Get 517+ and you can perhaps start thinking about some bigger reaches, particularly if you research experience is significant.

 

[driscoll1]

100 % agree. Many schools reward rising trends.

Does that mean you would tend to look at me as equivalent to very slightly above my current GPA or view me as what it actually is or?

Also, will my class selection and individual grades now likely be heavily scrutinized due to the blemish on the transcript?

 

[driscoll1]

Your GPA is fine. Your MCAT will dictate where you apply. 508-514 range focus on lower tiers sprinkled in with some medium tier reaches. Get 517+ and you can perhaps start thinking about some bigger reaches, particularly if you research experience is significant.

I have 2000 hours of research with national poster presentations and a first author publication (should be fully accepted by the time I apply).

 

[GrapesofRath]

I have 2000 hours of research with national poster presentations and a first author publication (should be fully accepted by the time I apply).

Sounds good. Come back when you have an MCAT score. There's no real way to advice about how you should apply otherwise.

 

[driscoll1]

Sounds good. Come back when you have an MCAT score. There's no real way to advice about how you should apply otherwise.

I just wanted to make sure my academic record itself wouldn't be a red flag or hold me back from mid-tiers/upper mid tiers (places like emory, usc, case, etc) assuming my MCAT is in order with their averages. Thanks!

 

[Goro]

Will you chill?? Your record is admirable. You think you're the first pre-med tripped up by Orgo??

I just wanted to make sure my academic record itself wouldn't be a red flag or hold me back from mid-tiers/upper mid tiers (places like emory, usc, case, etc) assuming my MCAT is in order with their averages. Thanks!

 

[driscoll1]

Will you chill?? Your record is admirable. You think you're the first pre-med tripped up by Orgo??

A "slap in the face" like that is what I think I needed. Sorry, I guess I let the SDN neuroticism get the best of me. I really want to implement research into my career in a substantial way and thus want to go to a school with great research opportunities (which tend to be those with the highest stat averages), but you've put me at ease now. Thank you.