low gpa high mcat acceptances to med school

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jiy76

jiy76

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Hi i was just curious did anyone get into med school with high mcat and low gpa's and by low i mean like 3.0-3.3. please let me know which schools accepted you and what your stats were. I am in a tough situation I dont know what to do
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i did it doesnt look good either the students that got in did a masters or got into some medschool in the midwest i never heard of. I am so worried
 
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I got into 3 schools with a 3.cum, and a 2.9 science. 32 MCAT. I am waiting to hear from university of Washington where I interviewed a while back. I got accepted to 3 osteopathic schools, so yes it can be done.
 
hey md miracle which md schools did you get into? what was your gpa again? 3.0? the number is missing after the decimal.
 
i pm'ed ya.

and people with low gpas and high mcats get into all schools.
 
I would say it depends on how low the GPA is. A 3.2 or 3.3 coupled with a 33/34+ should leave you in good shape.
 
Do you guys think a 3.2 with a 34 mcat and good everything else but no research will give me a chance at a SUNY school? I want to stay as close to NY as possible
 
ahh the SUNYs....

well that gpa is not THAT bad and your mcat is impressive. did you come from a competitive undergrad?

well i do hope your ECs are very good. the sunys are tough to get into even if you are a ny resident. but im sure others can help you more on this topic.
 
I went to a CUNY school which was kinda tough but not as tough obviously as other schools. I will be doing research this fall and and maybe should include it on my transcript It doesnt have to be stonybrook which is pretty tough to get into I wouldnt mind downstate or upstate or any of the other 10 ny med schools
 
I had a 3.4 cum, i think my science gpa was 3.34 (this is with a low first yr gpa of 2.9), 34 mcat.

Got interviews at all the sunys i applied to and so far accepted to downstate & columbia.

i think you're in good shape for an interview at the SUNYs...upward gpa trend seems to help.

-b
 
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I got off to a terrible start due to various reasons (illness included) that really set me back quite a bit the climb back to gpa mediocrity was very tough emotionally and academically. If only had i known then what i know now i would be in a much better situation :(
 
wow miss bonnie u got into columbia?? are u a URM? thats a really tough school to get into congrats. If its between downstate and columbia u gotta go to columbia. nice :)
 
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Best of luck to you. May I reccomend you find a hobby to distract yourself. Even with outstanding grades and MCAT people find themselves waiting and waiting and bugging out when they don't hear from "The School". I would also suggest you apply to some DO schools, the education is equivilent and numbers are a little less important.
 
rgporter you couldnt be more right I need to find something to distract myself the thing is i'm so nervous nothing interests me except this one pursuit. I have been through a lot and while a DO is great its not what i want i will apply there anyway in case , but i'd hate to settle for it.
 
Originally posted by jiy76
wow miss bonnie u got into columbia?? are u a URM? thats a really tough school to get into congrats. If its between downstate and columbia u gotta go to columbia. nice :)
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i don't think korean american is considered URM. I'm a bit of a non-trad applicant though.
 
Originally posted by missbonnie
i don't think korean american is considered URM. I'm a bit of a non-trad applicant though.
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go korean americans! ;)

congrats on the columbia :)
 
ya i gotta second that congrats again :clap: I would do anything to be in your situation.
 
anyone else apply to the sunys with similar credentials? If so how did it go?
 
anyone else have this situation when applying to md schools?
 
Originally posted by jiy76
anyone else have this situation when applying to md schools?
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I had a 3.1 cum, 3.01 sci, check my mdapplicants. pm me if you have any questions.
 
thanks ex mike but you did an ms program at georgetown plus you went to one of the best schools in the country for undergrad and did incredible on the mcat and were still were rejected at suny downstate? why? what are they smoking? what happened there? congrats to you mike u deserve it (u deserve more acceptances) but i somehow feel more discouraged.
 
Originally posted by jiy76
thanks ex mike but you did an ms program at georgetown plus you went to one of the best schools in the country for undergrad and did incredible on the mcat and were still were rejected at suny downstate? why? what are they smoking? what happened there? congrats to you mike u deserve it (u deserve more acceptances) but i somehow feel more discouraged.
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I'm out of state for SUNY's so I kinda expected it. Many schools dont take into consideration your graduate record so thats probably part of it too. Heads u man. I think I'm just proof you can make up for a bad GPA. You can do it!
 
Thanks exmike from your lips to G-d's ears :) anyone else have a similar story?
 
I tend to think you're better off with a solid GPA and a mediocre MCAT score. When I applied a couple years ago (I'm reapplying now - long story), I had a 3.3 science GPA and a 39 MCAT and while I did get into a handful of schools, some comments from interviewers made me think they were a little leary of the combination. They all seemed to be wondering: why are her grades so bad?? JMHO.
 
I have a 3.3 and high-30's MCAT and just received an acceptance from a good school. I also took the Aug MCAT and wasn't complete until November (LORs).

No post-bac grades (I *am* currently taking a couple classes, but the grades won't be in until end of May).

I interviewed at SUNY downstate and have not heard back yet.
 
Originally posted by English Chick
I tend to think you're better off with a solid GPA and a mediocre MCAT score. When I applied a couple years ago (I'm reapplying now - long story), I had a 3.3 science GPA and a 39 MCAT and while I did get into a handful of schools, some comments from interviewers made me think they were a little leary of the combination. They all seemed to be wondering: why are her grades so bad?? JMHO.
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i dont think so. the mcat is the equalizing factor that compares students from all schools. i guarantee you that you will have had way more success compared to someone with a 4.0gpa and 27 mcat and similar ECs....
 
I believe I checked the MDapplicant.com site and found several GPAs UNDER 3.0 and some even with fairly low MCAT scores. They STILL seemed to get into medical school.

Now I know it's nice to get into a top tier medical school, but if your GPA is this low, should you really be picky?

My GPA is exactly 3.0 (considering I never had the intention of going to medical school then) and I'll be MORE than happy to get into ANY medical school. Beggars can't be choosers, right?

Any idea what sort of MCAT score I would need to secure at least a couple acceptances? :p
 
Originally posted by clumpymold
I believe I checked the MDapplicant.com site and found several GPAs UNDER 3.0 and some even with fairly low MCAT scores. They STILL seemed to get into medical school.

Now I know it's nice to get into a top tier medical school, but if your GPA is this low, should you really be picky?

My GPA is exactly 3.0 (considering I never had the intention of going to medical school then) and I'll be MORE than happy to get into ANY medical school. Beggars can't be choosers, right?

Any idea what sort of MCAT score I would need to secure at least a couple acceptances? :p
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30+ is the general consensus, 32-33+ would be safer.
 
Originally posted by Gleevec
30+ is the general consensus, 32-33+ would be safer.
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Ahhh, I see. Do you think there would be any chance of me getting into any reputable school with that GPA? What sort of MCAT score would I need?
 
I had a 3.1 (or 3.0...nothing exciting) GPA, a 32 MCAT, and I got in. However, there's more to that than just my grades.

My GPA breakdown is basically half-and-half-- my first 2 years were bad, my last 2 years were good, but if you average a 2.0 and a 4.0 you get a 3.0. To compensate for this I took time off, retook some classes, took more graduate-level classes, worked in clinical research job, worked as an EMT (ended up being captain of the squad and teaching EMT classes), and shadowed a physician.

I think you'll find that most people with stats like yours can get in BUT they have to work extra hard and find an alternate route. Most of these people take time off and use that time to really refine their application, fill in any holes, and do things to set themselves apart from the pack of fresh out of undergrad 3.7GPA/30MCAT applications. To tell the truth, the overwhelming majority of people in my class took time off and had to apply multiple times. So it is entirely possible to get in with a low GPA and a high MCAT, but because you won't get in on the basis of your numbers, you have to find an alternate route.

Best of luck to you!
 
"The line between actually very serious and actually very funny is ACTUALLY very thin."

SweetTea...you have a typo in your quote.

:thumbup:
 
Originally posted by doctorcynical
"The line between actually very serious and actually very funny is ACTUALLY very thin."

SweetTea...you have a typo in your quote.

:thumbup:
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Thanks...I'll fix that. It's Sweet Tea (note space), and if I remember correctly, you used to have a typo in your sig, too.
 
Originally posted by Sweet Tea
Thanks...I'll fix that. It's Sweet Tea (note space), and if I remember correctly, you used to have a typo in your sig, too.
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I am foreign. What is your excuse? :love:
 
Originally posted by doctorcynical
I am foreign. What is your excuse? :love:
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Well, obviously I hit the wrong key at the wrong time. It happens.

If you're going to be an ass, then do it via PM and save everyone else on this forum the nausea of having to read your posts. This is not the place for squabbling.
 
Well, the one exception (or advantage) I believe I have over anyone else applying, despite my horridly low GPA (3.0) and mediocre to decent MCAT scores (based on estimates since I have yet to take the exam) is that I have a condition. Nothing extremely serious or terminal (assuming I keep up with my infusions) but it's something I'm forced to live with my entire life (BE APPRECIATIVE FOR WHAT YOU GUYS HAVE, ALL YOU "HEALTHY" INDIVIDUALS!...but I'm sure most TRY to be that way).

The strange thing that I've noticed with doctors is that many (if not all) are giving advice and treatment to patients when they themselves have never even lived ONE day with the illness. If I were to get my car fixed, for example, and the shop has never done work nor has even owned my make, why would I even consider bringing it there (even though many STILL do)? That doesn't make sense to me.

Now, unless you've dealt with NUMEROUS cases, SPECIFICALLY with my condition, then I really shouldn't trust you, correct? This has been proven to me time and time again. I've lost faith in the entire system and have grown tired and extremely frustrated. I've received countless treatments that have simply been a waste of my time, money, and only increased my infections. I would think that if ANYONE experienced incorrect (or useless) treatment 4-5 consecutive times, of which you get even WORSE, you would begin to wonder (if not lose faith).

Anyway, I know it's probably another common "sob story" but I would think this makes me somewhat unique as an applicant (not to mention I'll be 28-29 when I finally apply :) ). I've been to the hospital more times than most people I know so, in a way, I don't feel it's "necessary" for me to volunteer at a hospital to see what people go through. I would, however, volunteer to HELP people.

Anyone have any comment(s) on this? Is this a common situation? Will this increase my chances of gaining acceptance (i.e., are there any educational institutions that have sympathy to applicants with pre-existing conditions)?

:confused:
 
well clumpymold,

there is no adcom out there that gives extra points for having a preexisting condition/illness. applicants such as yourself have asked similar things here on sdn and all given similar responses. if you are able to follow their technical standards guideline then you should not have a problem with the adcoms shying away from you because of your condition.

however it does sound like you have travelled a life of medical hardship which has presented its share of obstacles and challenges and i am assuming that it has contributed to your decision of becoming a physician. that will be seen as unique compared to the "typical" med school applicant.

and as to your comments about not going to a doctor that has not experienced your illness. i agree but there is a reason why we have specialities. you can go to the doctor that is an expert with your condition and that has hopefully seen other cases with your illness and know a good course to take in fighting it. if you case is very rare, then its going to be hard to find someone that has experience with it and thus i would have to say that it is better to go get it looked at than not just try and have the doctors to try and work on a solution.
 
Actually clumpymold...

I had a friend who had cancer as a child and part of the chemo damaged a growth plate in her hand. It was the doctor's negligence. Her hand was highly underdeveloped and basically looked deformed (she had minimal use of it).

Her gpa was rough a 2.8 and she had a 30 MCAT. She was a BME from Duke, and I know she got into at least two schools. I'm sure this was the main focus of her personal statement. Also, she's fairly adorable and I'm sure she interviewed well.
 
Originally posted by jlee9531
well clumpymold,

there is no adcom out there that gives extra points for having a preexisting condition/illness. applicants such as yourself have asked similar things here on sdn and all given similar responses. if you are able to follow their technical standards guideline then you should not have a problem with the adcoms shying away from you because of your condition.

however it does sound like you have travelled a life of medical hardship which has presented its share of obstacles and challenges and i am assuming that it has contributed to your decision of becoming a physician. that will be seen as unique compared to the "typical" med school applicant.

and as to your comments about not going to a doctor that has not experienced your illness. i agree but there is a reason why we have specialities. you can go to the doctor that is an expert with your condition and that has hopefully seen other cases with your illness and know a good course to take in fighting it. if you case is very rare, then its going to be hard to find someone that has experience with it and thus i would have to say that it is better to go get it looked at than not just try and have the doctors to try and work on a solution.
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Alright, newbie question, what's "adcom" stand for? :(

My brother is actually attending medical school in Ireland and he mentioned to me the only reason he believes he got accepted (considering all the other schools rejected him and the one most difficult institution accepted him) was because that institution was notorious for having sympathy to those with conditions. Not sure if it's 100% true though. They even had to agree to give him treatment (which runs upwards of $2-5k/month)!

I guess it's good to hear that I'm not a "typical" applicant. That puts me slightly at ease.

As far as going to a doctor who specializes in my condition, actually, ALL my doctors are specialists. I don't even have a primary care physician. My "primary care physician" in LA is my allergist. I wouldn't be so upset if they hadn't claimed to know what they were doing. Is it like some sort of sin for a doctor to say, "I really don't know"? Because that's honestly how I feel most doctors (if not all) that I've encountered think. My final visit to the my infectious disease doctor, after COUNTLESS visits, I chose to go AGAINST his advice and take a medication based on my experience. He strongly advised against it but he reluctantly agreed. Within a week, my numerous infections subsided. THAT made me think twice about the entire system.

Oh, and my condition is fairly rare. Having a deficiency, in general, is about 1:100,000. Having a complete absence is even higher (which is what I have). On top of that, I am an identical twin and so I've heard that we're the only two in the world like this. Yay, I guess :D
 
Originally posted by peterockduke
Actually clumpymold...

I had a friend who had cancer as a child and part of the chemo damaged a growth plate in her hand. It was the doctor's negligence. Her hand was highly underdeveloped and basically looked deformed (she had minimal use of it).

Her gpa was rough a 2.8 and she had a 30 MCAT. She was a BME from Duke, and I know she got into at least two schools. I'm sure this was the main focus of her personal statement. Also, she's fairly adorable and I'm sure she interviewed well.
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Wow, that's music to my ears. What's BME? Biomedical Engineer? If so, that's a pretty tough major to begin with.

Do you know which schools she got into? In a way, I'm sort of worried since I'm located in California and I've read that local schools tend to have a higher acceptance rate. But seeing that California is one of the hardest states to attend, I'm worried I'm at a slight disadvantage. I mean, I HONESTLY wouldn't mind attending some no-name institution in Ohio or something but would they, perhaps, not accept me if I'm from out of state? Plus, since I'm not doing this (AT ALL) for the money, I would prefer to pay as little as possible for tuition (hence the reason why UCSF or UCSD are my top choices). Unfortunately, I doubt they would even consider me. Or am I mistaken?

How about this? Anyone with LOW GPA and decent to high MCAT scores accepted to any of the top 25 schools?
 
adcom = admissions committee...

well cant really blame the doc for advising against something he really thought would work against you. you are a rare case and it is risky to takes chances esp with what is at stake. however in the end he did agree to it trusting your judgement as well. that says something at least. from this the doctor will learn and be able to help you out better.

with rare cases i guess its sometimes trial and error unfortunately but thats how we will have to learn.

just do well on the mcat ;).
 
Oh, and sorry to be off-topic, but I just noticed this. I have nearly 4000 posts in numerous other forums and not ONCE has anyone ever referred to me as "clumpymold". They always just say "clumpy".

I just saw it TWICE in a row. Wow. :eek:
 
Originally posted by clumpymold
Oh, and sorry to be off-topic, but I just noticed this. I have nearly 4000 posts in numerous other forums and not ONCE has anyone ever referred to me as "clumpymold". They always just say "clumpy".

I just saw it TWICE in a row. Wow. :eek:
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How can you have 4000 posts if it says you only posted 27 times?

Also would you prefer to be called "Clumps" or "Mold." ;)
 
Originally posted by Slickness
How can you have 4000 posts if it says you only posted 27 times?

Also would you prefer to be called "Clumps" or "Mold." ;)
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On OTHER forums. Not here. I only have 27 here. Do they count off-topic posts? It doesn't matter. I'm just so used to "clumpy" but "clumpymold" is my actual s/n. If you're lazy, "clumpy" is just fine. ;)


Oh, does it make a difference that I attended UCSD? My horrendous GPA is at least from a semi-decent institution. Not sure how Duke ranks though. I sure hope I'm seen as "adorable" though. I'm a small guy too. So maybe?


:p
 
She got into two UTexas schools and waitlisted at Drexel or some school like that. BME = Biomedical Engineer, good guess.

I think there is something to be said for petite girl powers. I couldn't imagine she'd leave anything but a positive feeling w/ any interviewer.
 
cmon guys no fighting we are side stepping the issue with all this he said she said crap. It seems from some of the posts that it is possible to get into a med school with a low gpa and high mcat just not very probable unless you do some extra work like a masters program or volunteering etc. I guess i will have to do maybe a special masters program to get in. I guess i have no prob with it i just hope it doesnt take me forever to get in. Besides all i want to do is get into some place like suny downstate near my hometown its not like i want to go to harvard or hopkins. Any other success stories are welcomed these posts have been a mixed bag
 
Originally posted by clumpymold
On OTHER forums. Not here. I only have 27 here.
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Do you mean on ValueMD.com or on the TPR forums? When you said other forums I thought you meant on the lounge forum or everyone forum on SDN.
 
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