HPAC gave me a low score...

[Frenchick]

---

Members don't see this ad.

So I chose to use HPAC review from my university and they gave me a score of 2/5. Apparently, the reason is that I took all of my prerequisites at community college. First of all, I went to CC because I couldn't afford a four year university at the time. I worked full time and still managed a 3.85 GPA. Once I transferred to a 4 year university, I took all upper level courses (pchem, endocrinology, human physics, biochemistry, orgo 1&2, genetics, virology, etc...). I managed a 3.93 GPA and just graduated with a major in bio and 2 minors. I would think the fact that my GPA at at a top tier university is even higher than that of CC despite the upper level courses I took should at their university should overshadow taking prereqs at CC. It sucks because I really wanted to use their review and send it out to med schools I'm applying to. Do you guys think this is as unfair as I do or is this normal?

 

[theseeker4]

So I chose to use HPAC review from my university and they gave me a score of 2/5. Apparently, the reason is that I took all of my prerequisites at community college. First of all, I went to CC because I couldn't afford a four year university at the time. I worked full time and still managed a 3.85 GPA. Once I transferred to a 4 year university, I took all upper level courses (pchem, endocrinology, human physics, biochemistry, orgo 1&2, genetics, virology, etc...). I managed a 3.93 GPA and just graduated with a major in bio and 2 minors. I would think the fact that my GPA at at a top tier university is even higher than that of CC despite the upper level courses I took should at their university should overshadow taking prereqs at CC. It sucks because I really wanted to use their review and send it out to med schools I'm applying to. Do you guys think this is as unfair as I do or is this normal?

Don't bother with their review. Your record speaks for itself, and any negative ding by a review will hurt your chances more than having the review will help. Having upper-level sciences at a university that you performed well in will more than make up for having pre-reqs at a CC for all but the handful of med schools that won't accept CC pre reqs at all. Apply without the review and don't worry about it, the lack of a review is not going to affect your chances of getting into med school.

 

[Person0715]

Is that the only reason they gave for your low rating? Were there other factors as well? Did you have an interview with them to explain why you took the prereqs at a CC?

But man, that really sucks, though, I would advise against not using the committee letter since med schools may see that as a red flag. Is it too late to explain your situation and have the rating adjusted?

 

[GoPelicans]

How well known is your UG amongst med schools OP? In any case, I would skip the committee letter.

 

[Frenchick]

Is that the only reason they gave for your low rating? Were there other factors as well? Did you have an interview with them to explain why you took the prereqs at a CC?

But man, that really sucks, though, I would advise against not using the committee letter since med schools may see that as a red flag. Is it too late to explain your situation and have the rating adjusted?

There weren't any interviews, but when I called them for feedback I was told that my CC credits are the problem. I don't think the rating can be adjusted and I only get one shot 🙁

 

[gettheleadout]

There weren't any interviews, but when I called them for feedback I was told that my CC credits are the problem. I don't think the rating can be adjusted and I only get one shot 🙁

Just apply without it.

 

[DokterMom]

No interviews? And little regard for CC classes. I can understand paying 'very little attention' to CC classes, but to actively 'downgrade' someone for taking them makes little sense either.

So what did they based their "score" on then? Did you send them your personal statement?

But regardless, don't submit a 2/5

 

[Plecopotamus]

So I chose to use HPAC review from my university and they gave me a score of 2/5. Apparently, the reason is that I took all of my prerequisites at community college. First of all, I went to CC because I couldn't afford a four year university at the time. I worked full time and still managed a 3.85 GPA. Once I transferred to a 4 year university, I took all upper level courses (pchem, endocrinology, human physics, biochemistry, orgo 1&2, genetics, virology, etc...). I managed a 3.93 GPA and just graduated with a major in bio and 2 minors. I would think the fact that my GPA at at a top tier university is even higher than that of CC despite the upper level courses I took should at their university should overshadow taking prereqs at CC. It sucks because I really wanted to use their review and send it out to med schools I'm applying to. Do you guys think this is as unfair as I do or is this normal?

I think it is ridiculous, but I don't think there is much you can do aside from not use their letter.

Fortunately, most schools that care about whether you have a committee letter also have a secondary prompt asking to explain why you aren't using one. You can write "due to my completion of prerequisite courses at another institution, etc."

 

[Doc Surge]

How did you get the committee to tell you the score that they assigned to you? When I got my committee letter they said that they cannot tell me the score that they will assign me, but if they were going to give a poor score they would tell me that they don't recommend I apply.

 

[Frenchick]

No interviews? And little regard for CC classes. I can understand paying 'very little attention' to CC classes, but to actively 'downgrade' someone for taking them makes little sense either.

So what did they based their "score" on then? Did you send them your personal statement?

But regardless, don't submit a 2/5

I submitted my personal statement, resume, picture, transcripts of course, letters of rec, and a chart of my BCPM classes and GPA.

How did you get the committee to tell you the score that they assigned to you? When I got my committee letter they said that they cannot tell me the score that they will assign me, but if they were going to give a poor score they would tell me that they don't recommend I apply.

My school will call/send you an email that your review has been completed and give you your score.

 

[Person0715]

How did you get the committee to tell you the score that they assigned to you? When I got my committee letter they said that they cannot tell me the score that they will assign me, but if they were going to give a poor score they would tell me that they don't recommend I apply.

At my school, the committee tells us the scores sometime in July after they send the letter.

 

[DokterMom]

Could it have been your statement?

 

[Me321]

Hey OP, here is a thread I made about applying with an unflattering committee score. My sincere advice: skip the committee at all costs http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...rating-7-10-will-this-destroy-my-app.1031186/

 

[Frenchick]

Could it have been your statement?

I doubt it since when I called for feedback, I wasn't told anything about my personal statement.

 

[Optimus-Prime]

I tried to get out of sending a committee letter but its not easy. If they graded you on the basis of CC attendance then the adcoms will see that, good ECs + a nice MCAT and you'll be fine.

The question is what other factors could have caused the grade?

 

[Plecopotamus]

I doubt it since when I called for feedback, I wasn't told anything about my personal statement.

I think you should call them back.and ask what else contributed. They may consider a 3 acceptable, and maybe the cc credits took you from a 3 to a 2 . . . but the more I think about it, it seems ridiculous that they'd bring you from a 4 or 5 to a 2.

what are your ECs? MCAT?
how do you feel about your LORs? PS?
who read your PS?

 

[tantacles]

Hey OP, here is a thread I made about applying with an unflattering committee score. My sincere advice: skip the committee at all costs http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...rating-7-10-will-this-destroy-my-app.1031186/

What was the outcome, if you don't mind my asking? Were you able to procure an acceptance to an allopathic medical school?

 

[mrh125]

Screw the committee, work on getting to know the faculty and get some solid science and humanities rec letters (it's good to have 1). I had a similar experience with undergrad premed advisors, they sucked and just gave me garbage advice and discouraged me (sound familiar?)