Interview coming up

[rx001]

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I have an interview coming up in a week. I have been in a dilemma to bring up one of my positive academic performances
Let me go over the background briefly.

Out of my high school wanted to become a doctor, thought doing a EMT course would give good insight into the profession. The summer out of high school did a EMT course in a community college. My performance was bad. My GPA ended at 2.92. The reason for that being not aware of GPA implications for Medical school and also the EMT course is a difficult one to get good to great gpas. The course covered so many topics without going into depth of any of them. From then I took my courses seriously and never looked back. my GPA for undergrad with Bio chem major was 3.97. Got 2 A-s and no Bs. Now my overall GPA stands at 3.87 because of low EMT gpa. My MCAT is 515.

This I feel is one big achievement from an academic perspective along with my other clinical and non clinical experiences. I take my academics seriously and I also feel Medical schools need people who are serious in academics. I want to bring this up during an open ended question on why you are best suited for Medical school.

Does this make sense.

Let me know.

 

[Goro]

Never bring attention to a negative.

Let your transcript do your talking for you.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Obviously the perceived blemish on your academic record was not enough to convince the committee to not invite you.

You are not the only one who has dual enrollment courses. Tell the truth, and even mention how much you learned from that course if prompted. But you don't need a long story arc like you are Frodo Baggins. Confirm what you do to understand the material in your upper level science courses, and you should be fine.

 

[Saxappeal1]

Goro is right. Don't bring attention to the negatives. However, you do need to be honest about when an admissions member asks you about negatives. Improvement is highly important to emphasize, but NEVER lie or try to sugarcoat. Answer directly and honestly, because if you get caught in an embellishment or a lie, pretty sure it could be a dealbreaker.
And MrSmile12 is right too. They invited you to interview. If this red flag was big enough they wouldn't have invited you at all.

 

[LizzyM]

I often use the metaphor of the blemish. If you were going on a first date and had a huge zit on your chin, would you feel the need to point it out to your date and give an explanation for it? No, although they can see it, you would want to draw the conversation toward things that would reflect positively and create a good impression. Talking about your blemish would not be a good move.

If you are asked about your grades in the EMT course, of course you should answer honestly, "It was very rigorous and there was no grade inflation. I worked hard and was relieved to have earned my B and B- "(or whatever you earned). However, I do think it is unlikely that anyone would drill down and ask you about those courses taken before you even started college. There are much more important things to talk about for the interviewer (I've been doing interviews for ~20 years).

 

[SahilMehtaMD]

Great advice above - there is no need to call attention to a negative on your application. I would also add that (if asked) you should be honest about why you had a low GPA, but focus on what you learned & how you grew from that experience. Admissions committees love to see reflection and maturity when it comes to topics like this. Best of luck on your interview!

 

[Saxappeal1]

I agree with @SahilMehtaMD. Don't try to make excuses for your low GPA, be honest but also try to highlight the positives that you applied to overcome that hurdle.

 

[Rachapkis]

The advice you received is on point. Your grades speak for themselves. Use your achievements to show that you understand what it means to be a doctor, have the traits to be a good doctor (compassion, empathy, cultural competence, etc.), and have the necessary work ethic and experience to perform well.