I confess. I do not have a 4.0 but everyone else seems to !

[confusedburger]

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I am an older premed. I am almost finished with my two years of science classes/prereques. I had a 4.0 for the last 18 months but blew up this past semester. I got an A- in O-chem and an A- in a grad class I was taking as well as a "W" in physics. My GPA is now a 3.92 for the last 18 months ( my previous grades from undergrad were not good but were so long ago they probably wont count against me much ).

Anyway, there are many other non-trad premeds at my U or ( pre-PA or pre-pharm, ect ) and NONE of them have admitted to getting anything but an "A". Not one of them has gotten less than an "A".

So I am curious to know if other non-trad premeds have less than a 4.0. I am a little concerned about being the only non-trad premed without a 4.0 since coming back to school.

 

[packerfan]

I have a degree from 1984 with 3.33 for science , 3.6 non-science then a 4.0 with 13 crredits post bacc to complete requirements. I had a 27 (10 v 9 ps 8 bs and Q) MCAT . I am NSU class 2010 ( only applied to NSU and Miami). Still waiting on Mami to reply. So there is your non 4.0 candidate.

 

[unfrozencaveman]

I pulled in a 3.8 as a post-bacc, and I had the same experience with my classmates. No one fessed up to ever getting less than an A. And people were VERY tightlipped about their grades-- which I found surprising coming from people who had been around the block, and you would think wouldnt care about what people thought.
Still, our postbacc program required us to maintain a 3.8, so everyone was under a good amount of stress. But everyone was such a spaz about it, no one would admit to being in trouble, and then would just not show up for classes the following semester. When I started there were about 20 postbaccs in my year. At the end of the following summer, there were 2.

So, not everyone has a 4.0. I busted my hump and couldnt manage it. And you'll be fine with out it, for sure.

 

[bubbleyum]

i seemed to notice this trend among non-trads doing post-bad works as well. sure, they all had bad gpa's in undergrad, but then had 4.0 for all their post-bac classes. i don't know if i'm dumber or what, but i busted my hump while working full-time as well, and got a B in orgo2. our school does not give out A-minus type of grades...

you are not the only one!

 

[Law2Doc]

I am an older premed. I am almost finished with my two years of science classes/prereques. I had a 4.0 for the last 18 months but blew up this past semester. I got an A- in O-chem and an A- in a grad class I was taking as well as a "W" in physics. My GPA is now a 3.92 for the last 18 months ( my previous grades from undergrad were not good but were so long ago they probably wont count against me much ).

Anyway, there are many other non-trad premeds at my U or ( pre-PA or pre-pharm, ect ) and NONE of them have admitted to getting anything but an "A". Not one of them has gotten less than an "A".

So I am curious to know if other non-trad premeds have less than a 4.0. I am a little concerned about being the only non-trad premed without a 4.0 since coming back to school.

The rule of thumb is "mostly A's". Depends of course on what kind of undergrad GPA you had. But assuming you are rehabilitating yourself, it's not the end of the world to get an A- or B+ here and there, and maybe one B is fine, but absolutely don't make it a habit - the overwhelming bulk of the grades should be A if you can manage it.

 

[JamieMac]

First of all, good topic. I also wonder if what I am pulling is going to be good enough (3.4) to get into an MD program. I had a chem prof last semester that said he expected to fail 40% of the students in the class (which he did). It was his second year of teaching, and although very smart...he turned out to be a bad teacher. I was very disappointed with a B that was 1/2 % from a B+. Since it is likely that I'll be even busier with work this term AND I have to take the same chem prof again, I scaled back to 1 class and 1 lab vs two of each. I want to give myself the best chance possible to get an A this time. Unfortunately, I believe that I will be overlooked by some schools since my GPA will likely be under 3.5. I think this is very sad since many of the kids that we compete with have NO job or any major responsibilities. Hopefully, I'll be able to make it up on the MCAT...hard to say.

 

[jjmcentee@hotma]

yeah, its pretty crazy, one easy bit of wisdom you can bring as a non trad is that everyone lie's about there GPA.

It's bad. let me tell you why.

Most people do it to protect they're own image. Most people really don't care except they want to measure themselves up to other. And this is all just fine, but, when there is someone in the conversation that feels small because of this, then maybe
they don't apply to school when they should
they think less of themselves because someones lies.

I have seen more people pack up their dreams because than I have seen people truly fail because in the application process.

I had a 3.41 overall, and a 3.1 science and math. I'm an MS1, got into a number of schools, had alot of choices.

By the way, it doesn't stop in premed, it's pretty rempid in med school too. People, everyone is a genius, everyone is brilliant, no one ever screwed up before, I watch people lie to eachother everyday. And I just say, my how fragile we are. We all need to see counciling.

anyways.

 

[BubbleHead]

I am an older premed. I am almost finished with my two years of science classes/prereques. I had a 4.0 for the last 18 months but blew up this past semester. I got an A- in O-chem and an A- in a grad class I was taking as well as a "W" in physics. My GPA is now a 3.92 for the last 18 months ( my previous grades from undergrad were not good but were so long ago they probably wont count against me much ).

Anyway, there are many other non-trad premeds at my U or ( pre-PA or pre-pharm, ect ) and NONE of them have admitted to getting anything but an "A". Not one of them has gotten less than an "A".

So I am curious to know if other non-trad premeds have less than a 4.0. I am a little concerned about being the only non-trad premed without a 4.0 since coming back to school.

GPA... LOL... Not the most important thing on your application. Be more concerned about MCAT scores. Weak GPA (and 3.92 is not weak) can be overcome by solid MCAT scores. 4.0 can be sunk by a low MCAT. YOU NEED TO ADDRESS the "W" on your transcript directly and stop pulling out of courses. I've rejected med school interviewees that had unexplained "W" grades. And don't worry about all those 4.0 GPAs, med school will rock your world even if you pulled 4.0. 😱

 

[Law2Doc]

Weak GPA (and 3.92 is not weak) can be overcome by solid MCAT scores. 4.0 can be sunk by a low MCAT.

To some extent this is true, within a range. But everything counts and you really can't be "weak" in anything in this process.

 

[nikibean]

Out of curiosity, what do you consider a weak MCAT, bubblehead?
Is an even spread better? Is 10 in each section really the magic number?
Just wondering...

 

[BubbleHead]

Out of curiosity, what do you consider a weak MCAT, bubblehead?
Is an even spread better? Is 10 in each section really the magic number?
Just wondering...

10, 10, 10 is much beter than 10, 12, 8 or 14, 8, 8. I agree that any weakness is going to be questioned by everyone. That being said any weakness can be overcome if you address it head on. If someone says, "your score or grade was a little low here" you reply "It was really bad, I know that and I addressed that issue in this way and this way by doing this and this and it payed off in this way". Everyone drops the ball once, but the real question is what did you do about not dropping the ball ever again.

Pre-med is about difficulty of courses, people take some of the hardest classes there. Medical school is about volume, after you demonstrate you can learn anything on your own, we ask you to learn everything about everything all at once. For example, a 2 semester post-bacc program covering Genetics, BioChem, ORGO I and II with lab, Microbiology, Physiology, and Advanced Microbiology will give you a leg up in medical school for about 6 weeks and then everything is all new.

No fear, no second guessing yourself, no looking back to see where others are... You must know yourself and know medicine is the way for you. Any doubt will be obvious to people interviewing hundreds of applicants and reading thousands of applications every year of their career. How can you pick the right person for medical school? It's like the Sesame Street game where you look at all the objects an pick the one that doesn't fit. You can do it with any group, pick which one fits and which doesn't. Try to get to know as many Docs and med students as possible and you'll know what programs are looking for in an applicant.

To answer your question scores differ depending on EO factors, but in general a 26 is WEAK. A 27 is Weak. A 28 is weak. A 29 is borderline. A 30 (10 x3) will get you many interviews if everything in your application is in order. ADDRESS ALL WEAKNESSES HEAD ON IN YOUR ESSAY. Any "W" grades, any "weak starts", and then focus on your strengths and leave them with a picture of you as the perfect mortal willing to heal, care, and cure your fellow man. Sounds silly, but if you can't do it, then look at yourself in another field. Magic is knowing you are on this path because you love helping people... so if you have it, then tell people because we're looking for you.

 

[Bubblehead-to-MD]

Bubblehead,
Being a submarine officer, I couldn't help but notice your userid...how long have you been out of the community? What are you up to right now?

I actually have some questions regarding your transition, if you don't mind answering...my e-mail is [email protected]

I just transferred to my first shore duty assignment, and I am planning on applying to med school this summer, with taking the MCAT in April. Any tips for my specific situation would be greatly appreciated!

 

[relentless11]

I had a crappy GPA as an undergrad (<3.0), and did post-bacc for a year and a half (3.4). Now in grad school and have a 4.0. Loooonnnggg process..haha. I personally know a lot of people with "high GPAs" that don't get in, and know a lot of people with high GPAs that do. It just depends on who's looking at your application, and what you got your "A's" in (among many other variables).

One of the things that I learned over the years is to not compare yourself to others, but figure out how to improve upon yourself. 🙂

 

[QofQuimica]

One of the things that I learned over the years is to not compare yourself to others, but figure out how to improve upon yourself. 🙂

This is the best advice on this thread. 👍

 

[razen_x]

Just to give folks worrying about their GPA some peace of mind, I had a 3.4 in undergrad, ~3.6 post-bac, and in spite of that I've had 12+ interview invites and 1 acceptance so far. I started this whole post-bac thing with the mistaken impression that you had to get all A's to be considered competitive for admission into med school and I was really worried when I started applying, but I've since learned that that is by no means the case. Of course straight A's would be ideal but if your GPA isn't the best you can definitely make up for it with the rest of your app (i.e. stomp the MCAT).

 

[ExtraAverage]

Just to give folks worrying about their GPA some peace of mind, I had a 3.4 in undergrad, ~3.6 post-bac, and in spite of that I've had 12+ interview invites and 1 acceptance so far. I started this whole post-bac thing with the mistaken impression that you had to get all A's to be considered competitive for admission into med school and I was really worried when I started applying, but I've since learned that that is by no means the case. Of course straight A's would be ideal but if your GPA isn't the best you can definitely make up for it with the rest of your app (i.e. stomp the MCAT).

If razen's numbers give you peace of mind then mine will land you in Nirvana: 3.01 undergrad; 3.8 post bacc; 29MCAT and 6 acceptances (2 M.D. 4 D.O.) by November. How's that for a pick-me-up?

 

[kimmcauliffe]

3.7 here. But don't forget that there is more than just your GPA that will beef up your resume.

 

[FoughtFyr]

I am an older premed. I am almost finished with my two years of science classes/prereques. I had a 4.0 for the last 18 months but blew up this past semester. I got an A- in O-chem and an A- in a grad class I was taking as well as a "W" in physics. My GPA is now a 3.92 for the last 18 months ( my previous grades from undergrad were not good but were so long ago they probably wont count against me much ).

Anyway, there are many other non-trad premeds at my U or ( pre-PA or pre-pharm, ect ) and NONE of them have admitted to getting anything but an "A". Not one of them has gotten less than an "A".

So I am curious to know if other non-trad premeds have less than a 4.0. I am a little concerned about being the only non-trad premed without a 4.0 since coming back to school.

Here is my "far from 4.0" story...

I am a cauc. male. I have a 2.8 undergrad GPA with my degree in Community Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana (The degree is with honors - I transferred in late). I worked full-time as a firefighter/paramedic throughout school. I have an MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I finished my pre-reqs there during my first year and I continued to work as a firefighter/paramedic and EMS instructor. My second year I was placed on full academic scholarship. I took my MCAT and scored a 30 (11, 9, 10). I applied to medical school (21 schools) with little sucess (1 waitlist). I also did EMS research leading to a "best clinical paper" award at the World Congress on Trauma. After my MPH, I got a job for a municipal consulting firm, and was tasked 1/2 time to the Major Incidents Investigation Team of the U.S. Fire Admin. (solely based on my MPH). I also reapplied to medical school, in a controlled fashion (3 applications). I was accepted to the University of Illinois at Chicago and will graduate in two weeks with my MD. Many of my classmates hold MPH degrees or will achieve them this year from the MD/MPH program. My strongest letters of rec. were from faculty holding joint appointments to the School of Public Health and the College of Medicine. After obtaining my MPH, I felt as though my admission was assured, and it was.

I am a living example of the adage "there is always a way." I have one "D" (unfairly awarded IMHO) on my undergrad transcript, an unimpressive GPA, and a passable MCAT, but I am graduating from my #1 choice medical school and am now in my #1 choice for residency in a competitve field. I based my application (both to residency and medical school) on demonstrating that while I may not be the smartest applicant, I am the hardest working. That worked for me (twice!). As it was later described to me when I was on the adcom, my MPH "gave them the excuse" to admit me despite my grades. An MS would not have led me to the career I had begun after grad school (one I could still be happily employed at if I did not get in), and a post-bacc program would have been even less helpful. I am happy with all of the choices I have made, and if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't change a thing.

PM me if there is anything I can do to help or support you...

- H

 

[njbmd]

Hi there,
I had a very competitive undergraduate GPA, graduate GPA (neither 4.0) and MCAT score. I was much older than anyone on this board when I applied and I was very successful including a full-ride tuition scholarship. If I could do this back in 1997, anyone here can do this. The key to acceptance is a complete package. One thing does not override or "make up" for another. Present the most complete admission package that honestly shows you in most unique, honest and best manner.

It will be your whole application and not one particular element that will get you into medical school. Have you overcome difficulties? Are you providing for a family and still managing to maintain a solid GPA? Have you prepared for the MCAT and taken this test successfully? Do you honestly love to serve your fellow humans (and I DO mean SERVE)? What besides interest, will make you a good physician? Are you a good communicator? (Remember Ronald Reagan? He was not a great intellect but he was very good at communicating with the masses).

As someone wisely said, "Stop comparing yourself to others." Only you can live your life according to what is best for you and those who love and depend on you. Put the things that make you shine in your application and do not look back.

njbmd 🙂

 

[x_prometheus_x]

If razen's numbers give you peace of mind then mine will land you in Nirvana: 3.01 undergrad; 3.8 post bacc; 29MCAT and 6 acceptances (2 M.D. 4 D.O.) by November. How's that for a pick-me-up?

Hey, I have a 3.2 ugrad gpa and im applying to post baccs now. Where did u do your post bacc? Was it a 1 or 2 yr program? I've applied only to Temple so far because I read about their linkage. Did u do post bacc full time? Did u have extraordinary ec's? Sorry for all the questions but your story is great and I nedd a role model.

Thanks!!

 

[misparas]

I have a 3.44 overall, 3.24 science, and 29 MCAT.

I want to be a D.O. I applied to four schools and got accepted to every one of them.

A 3.92 is awesome. Don't fret.

 

[rgerwin]

Are you kidding me? This is the second post today where someone is scared of failing with an amzing GPA? Where do you get this stuff? Do some research, and you'll easily find on this forum that many people don't have a 4.0. Take the physics again, you'll be fine. Don't blow the MCAT.

I am an older premed. I am almost finished with my two years of science classes/prereques. I had a 4.0 for the last 18 months but blew up this past semester. I got an A- in O-chem and an A- in a grad class I was taking as well as a "W" in physics. My GPA is now a 3.92 for the last 18 months ( my previous grades from undergrad were not good but were so long ago they probably wont count against me much ).

Anyway, there are many other non-trad premeds at my U or ( pre-PA or pre-pharm, ect ) and NONE of them have admitted to getting anything but an "A". Not one of them has gotten less than an "A".

So I am curious to know if other non-trad premeds have less than a 4.0. I am a little concerned about being the only non-trad premed without a 4.0 since coming back to school.

 

[neoncandle]

Ha, I love to brag about how I got into a great medical school with less than perfect grades. Not sure why.. just seems fun.

 

[relentless11]

Ha, I love to brag about how I got into a great medical school with less than perfect grades. Not sure why.. just seems fun.

My friend had a 2.9 undergrad GPA, and got into dental school (thats was his goal)...although not related to the pre-med forums, he always joked about his GPA. "Thank you thank you, i have a 2.9" 😉

Smart guy, just like all of us, we had some reason why our GPA is not perfect..haha. Aslong as we keep trying (and improving) and stay positive. 🙂