Lopsided MCAT / GPA

[TarHeel55]

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Any thoughts about how a 40 MCAT balances a 3.52 BCMP?

The BCMP is 3.25 undergrad/4.0 post-bacc. Overall 3.73.

Just scrolled MDapplicants, and I'm feeling depressed. The difference between a 3.7+ BCMP and a 3.5+ BCMP is like falling off the Grand Canyon.

Of course, MCAT/BCMP doesn't take into account "intangibles." Still, MDapplicants has me depressed.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

A 3.73/3.52 BCPM with a 4.0 post-bacc is a good place to be. Don't stress -- especially if you have that 40 MCAT in the bag.

 

[DrMidlife]

MDApplicants includes less than 5% of applicants. Hardly something to get upset about. Its value is in anecdotes, not trends.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

MDApplicants includes less than 5% of applicants. Hardly something to get upset about. Its value is in anecdotes, not trends.

Great point -- also remember it's a self reporting site with no verification. Take the profiles with a healthy portion of iodized sodium chloride.

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

Schools weigh GPA and MCAT differently. With those numbers, and an otherwise well-rounded application, if you apply broadly, you will find someone that favors your split. My numbers were in the same ballpark and I was accepted to 2/7 schools to which I applied.

 

[TarHeel55]

Thanks for the advice, guys. Jota, congrats on UTSW!

 

[QofQuimica]

Any thoughts about how a 40 MCAT balances a 3.52 BCMP?

The BCMP is 3.25 undergrad/4.0 post-bacc. Overall 3.73.

Just scrolled MDapplicants, and I'm feeling depressed. The difference between a 3.7+ BCMP and a 3.5+ BCMP is like falling off the Grand Canyon.

Of course, MCAT/BCMP doesn't take into account "intangibles." Still, MDapplicants has me depressed.

Two pieces of advice for you:

1) If MDApplicants is depressing you, then stop reading it. Seriously. There's nothing good going to come out of demoralizing yourself before you even begin.

2) Apply broadly. You're the dude(tte) with the humanities PhD, if I recall correctly. You're going to be an interesting candidate to someone with that background, a 40 MCAT, and a total UG GPA that is *average*, not substandard. You're not like everyone else who's applying this year, but you don't have to be. You'll figure out soon enough which schools like maverick applicants like yourself; just make sure you apply to enough schools to give yourself a good chance.

Best of luck to you. 🙂

 

[TarHeel55]

Thanks so much, Q. I've learned so much from reading your posts. Your insight and encouragement is always uplifting.

No more searches on MDapplicants for me.

 

[dia009]

i know a guy with a stellar mcat. didn't ask what it was,
and an okay gpa. 3.6-ish.
he just got into stanford a little while ago.
he's definitely an interesting guy though.

 

[PeepshowJohnny]

You're in a similar situation to a friend of mine, killer MCAT, average gpa.

Basically, from what he's told me, I think you'll get a lot of interview requests but they're all going to be skittish about accepting you because med schools do NOT want "Super smart guy who doesn't apply himself". Just be prepared to know answer questions in the vein of "Your performance on the MCAT suggests you could have performed better in undergrad." I'd suggest pointing at your upward trend as proof of your increased maturity and acceptance of responsibility or something o fthat nature.

 

[Sir Buckethead]

just out of curiosity, you have already taken the mcat right?

 

[Haemulon]

I would not worry. Your in a good place and should be able to make an excellent case for admission. Especially with that impressive MCAT and your post-bac performance. If your EC's are decent and you chose your schools well you will have a good season. Good luck!

 

[TarHeel55]

Thanks for your responses, guys. I'm encouraged by what you say.

Yes, I did take the MCAT. The May 31 administration.