LOW GPA, below avg MCAT

[FSU14]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So Physics and O-Chem screwed me over, and yes I know that they're prereqs, but nonetheless I did bad in them. My overall gpa is a tad over a 3.6. My science gpa is a bit over 3.3. I have a 33 on my MCAT- which I believe is a bit below the average acceptance. I'm from Florida. I'm not concerned about my ECs, or volunteering, shadowing etc. Just my GPA. Should I apply? I don't want to risk an SMP- I know it's high risk and high reward, but the risk is too high. It would take around 2 years of a postbacc to get my GPA to about a 3.5-3.6. And I probably should retake my MCAT right? Since i'm below average acceptance? I took it last January. I sent my primary last month with just 1 school because I don't know what to do.

 

[MI2015]

Hi there! I'm kind of in your boat. I have a 3.7/3.4 and a 512 on my MCAT (approx a 32 based off of percentages). I'm also concerned with applying. I'm in Texas, so I already sent in all my stuff. But my state is known for having high gpas so I'm also worried. I don't know much about Florida, but I think they have many schools right? Although idk how bad a 3.3 sgpa is. I know 3.4 is nothing to write home about, but hopefully we can get into some schools.
BTW: 33 is really really good! It's above average, so please don't retake it.

 

[confidentandgood]

I have a 33 on my MCAT- which I believe is a bit below the average acceptance.

It's not. In any way, shape, or form. A 33 on the old MCAT is a 513-514 on the new MCAT, above the average for most MD and all DO schools. Research this if you're doubting yourself.

I would highly encourage you to apply to more schools (broadly), especially if your EC's and shadowing are strong. Your sGPA is not going to kill your chances at every school with that MCAT. Please do not limit your chances by only sending a primary to one school.

 

[PreMedTex]

Man, the neurosis is strong here.
Seriously though, your stats look pretty good. Nothing except maybe your sGPA is "below average" and a 33 is easily competitive, to retake a 33 is a terrible idea. apply broad and you'll be fine. as a back up apply DO and you'll be more than competitive if you have good EC's.

 

[Hospitalized]

Plain and simple, you're an idiot for even thinking to retake a 33.

 

[FSU14]

I apologize for that. My premed advisor told me that it was low, and I naively believed her. She even double checked with the pre med department head. So they obviously know nothing. What about my gpa though? The 3.3 is as @Goro would say "circling the drain for MD schools" haha.

 

[Mansamusa]

You have decent stats for a state like Florida that has a lot of state schools. Take some science classes if you can before applying, but I think you still a have a okay enough chance with your state schools now (assuming everything else is good)

 

[FSU14]

You have decent stats for a state like Florida that has a lot of state schools. Take some science classes if you can before applying, but I think you still a have a okay enough chance with your state schools now (assuming everything else is good)

I have very good ECs , and have quite a bit clinical volunteering. I just read threads about low gpas and I always here the people say they need to do an SMP or only apply DO. And my premed advisor needs a new job evidently.

 

[PreMedTex]

A good thing to invest in is MSAR.

 

[FSU14]

A good thing to invest in is MSAR.

I have looked at it. The problem is my sgpa is at the 10th% in a lot of places, and below the 10th% at many more. And I heard that the people that get in with low sgpa like me are URM, amazing life stories, very unique EC like Teach for America, PeaceCorp etc.

 

[Mansamusa]

I have very good ECs , and have quite a bit clinical volunteering. I just read threads about low gpas and I always here the people say they need to do an SMP or only apply DO. And my premed advisor needs a new job evidently.

You may end up needing to do some post-bac classes (not SMP), but you are above the 10th percentile sGPAs for the Florida state schools. Your MCAT is also above most (all?) their averages (but only by 1 point). You are not a shoe-in, but you have a decent shot. Definitely get the MSAR.

Your state schools will be your best bet. And I'm at a school where I was 0.15 below the 10th percentile sGPA. I have interesting stories, but I'm white and my MCAT was at my school's average. There are other white people on this forum who are below the 10th percentile at their school. Don't count on it, but don't rule it out.

 

[FSU14]

You may end up needing to do some post-bac classes (not SMP), but you are above the 10th percentile sGPAs for the Florida state schools. Your MCAT is also above most (all?) their averages (but only by 1 point). You are not a shoe-in, but you have a decent shot. Definitely get the MSAR.

Thanks! I have a V shaped trend, and highlighted why in one of my essays, so hopefully I have a shot. I'm not picky at all. Although I would love to go to my alma mater FSU

 

[Mansamusa]

Thanks! I have a V shaped trend, and highlighted why in one of my essays, so hopefully I have a shot. I'm not picky at all. Although I would love to go to my alma mater FSU

If I remember correctly, FSU is very mission-oriented and only has a 28 MCAT average (the fact that FSU has such a low MCAT makes it even crazier that your advisors thought 33 was not good enough). If you can show that you match their mission, you have a good chance of at least getting an interview. Good luck!

 

[FSU14]

If I remember correctly, FSU is very mission-oriented and only has a 28 MCAT average (the fact that FSU has such a low MCAT makes it even crazier that your advisors thought 33 was not good enough). If you can show that you match their mission, you have a good chance of at least getting an interview. Good luck!

Right now i'm questioning what kind of qualifications these advisors need to work there. Is the mission to produce primary care physicians for the state of Florida? Because that seems to be the mission of a lot of state schools hahah (insert different state).

 

[LordH]

I apologize for that. My premed advisor told me that it was low, and I naively believed her. She even double checked with the pre med department head. So they obviously know nothing. What about my gpa though? The 3.3 is as @Goro would say "circling the drain for MD schools" haha.

You guys have a premed department? I've heard of advisers for health professions but never an actual department dedicated to premeds lol

 

[LuluLovesMe]

Gee I came into this thread expecting something like a 3.2/24 not a 3.6/33. You're fine OP. Aim for lower tier MD schools.