Is there a big difference between a 2.9 GPA and a 3.0?

[maludinesha]

Hey guys,

So I am stressed to the max about my GPA. I am taking my MCATs later this summer and its even putting a damp on me to study. I just need someone to se the record for me straight.

Currently ended Junior year. I am an English major, bio minor who just came out of a rough semester spreading myself too thin with extracurriculars (Sports Editor of the school newspaper, EMT, working on malaria research, job). I thought that I could handle all the work, but the result? My cummulative GPA is a 2.9 because I got a D in Evolution. I know med schools place a large emphasis on science gpa, and this class just tanked me. My sGPA is about a 2.7 now.

Please let me know what I can do from here. For example. What are my chances into a carribbean school because I am open to that. Definitely interested in Ross and SGU. I am applying for schools in for fall 2010. As far as the MCAT goes, what do I need?

Sorry this is so long. I've never felt this hopeless before and I could really use some advice.

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[Mobius1985]

There are a few DO schools that will accept an application with a GPA as low as 2.75, but many that will look at a 3.0, but you'd need a high MCAT score for them to seriously consider you. For MD schools, I doubt you have any chance without an MCAT of 43 (which I say because of one SDN poster with a 2.92 and 43 who got an acceptance). Your low sGPA might keep even DO schools from taking you though. You could consider asking your question on Pre-Osteopathic's "What are my chances?" thread. The good news is: If you retake your lowest classes, their application service will use only the retaken grade to figure your application GPA, which could help you if you're willing to redo a lot of classwork.

I've heard that if you have good credit there is a Caribbean school that will take you. SDN's International Medicine Forum can give you an idea of which they are.