i know its been asked to death, but MY CHANCES? please help

[adisatr4]

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1. GPA: 3.3
2. SCIENCE GPA: 3.3
3. MCAT OVERALL: 36
4. 200+ hours of ER volunteering complete
5. can speak farsi
6. i know ASL (sign language)
7. plenty of involvement in college clubs and organizations (Bio club, Chem club, Operation smile club, etc.)
8. Class Senator for two years in my graduating class
9. 30+ hours Habitat for Humanity Volunteering complete


Do i have a chance at getting in any MD school in the US???? 🙁🙁🙁🙁

 

[BluntSurgeon]

I'd say you have a very very slim chance for some of the lower tier US allopathic schools (refer to MSAR for the actual names). Honestly it's that GPA taht's keeping you down because everything else seems perfect. Also you are an overrepped minority in medical school (assuming this because you speak farsi), and many of my persian/middle eastern friends have had to overcome this barrier as well. I hate to say this but have you looked into either applying to osteopathic (DO) or SMP programs (to raise your GPA)?

 

[adisatr4]

I'd say you have a very very slim chance for some of the lower tier US allopathic schools (refer to MSAR for the actual names). Honestly it's that GPA taht's keeping you down because everything else seems perfect. Also you are an overrepped minority in medical school (assuming this because you speak farsi), and many of my persian/middle eastern friends have had to overcome this barrier as well. I hate to say this but have you looked into either applying to osteopathic (DO) or SMP programs (to raise your GPA)?

yeah i figured someone would say that but its true. i thank you for your honesty....no, I'm only considering MD.....at least I only want to consider MD...🙁

 

[sindadel]

If you're currently a junior, I suggest waiting to apply until after your senior year. Raising that GPA would make you much more competitive. If you're a senior, plan to take a fifth year. This is assuming that you have a strong upward trend and can make A's in upper division science classes.

You don't mention leadership and research; and your community service hours are quite low, so an extra year would also give you a chance to flesh out some of those things and become a more interesting applicant. Don't be scared of a gap year - maybe arrange to do something like Teach for America, which would be a very interesting thing to talk about in interviews and it's the last chance for a year "off" you'll have for a long time.

 

[ziggyd0c]

i think it's crazy to say the threadstarter only has a "very very slim chance" at the "lower tier allopathic schools".

look at the acceptance rate for similar stats, it's decent: http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/2008/mcatgpa-grid-3yrs-app-accpt.htm

 

[sindadel]

I think the OP has the potential to be a really GOOD applicant and right now, s/he would probably have a tense application cycle, and come off the waitlist somewhere eventually. One more year of work will probably make a lot of difference.

Stats are only one look at a candidate. They say nothing of the non-academic qualities.

 

[Pghboy18]

I'd say you have a very very slim chance for some of the lower tier US allopathic schools (refer to MSAR for the actual names). Honestly it's that GPA taht's keeping you down because everything else seems perfect. Also you are an overrepped minority in medical school (assuming this because you speak farsi), and many of my persian/middle eastern friends have had to overcome this barrier as well. I hate to say this but have you looked into either applying to osteopathic (DO) or SMP programs (to raise your GPA)?

This answer typifies the SDN attitude. If you're not 4.0 and 40, don't bother. Take the advice that you get on these forums with a grain of salt.

I think that although your GPA is on the low side, the rest of your application could be very interesting to a medical school. I don't think it would hurt to apply this cycle and have a backup plan in case it doesn't work out.

 

[adisatr4]

thank you all for your help...i guess have too much pride to go on for a fifth year just to take extra classes and such to boost my gpa...but i guess your right: if that one more year difference gives me that extra boost....then hell, its worth it