Low GPA, High MCAT

[becool5]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello,
I know this is difficult to answer, but I have a 3.2 GPA and I plan on studying for the the MCAT over the next year and taking it in Jan of 08. I plan on taking a post-bac or SMP program after that, however I was wondering if its possible to get into medical school with a really high MCAT score? I have heard of other people doing this. My pre-med adviser said that most med schools dont accept people like this because they are seen as "good exam takers" however doesnt a high MCAT score mean you can succeed in med school? Again I know this is difficult to answer and will probably start a debate, but I just wanted to see if anyone has personal experience with this. I am planning on taking a post-bac/SMP program to raise my GPA but it would be nice to by-pass this (mostly because of money). Also, I am looking primarily at DO schools. Thanks!

 

[braluk]

People have done it. No application is strictly about numbers. I don't know why premed advisors are so quick to trounce on applicants like us, when every part of an application is taken into consideration. That said, having a low GPA is akin to having one of your arms or legs cut off. The rest of your body MUST compensate for it and should be very strong to support the deficits in your application. Thus, your LORs, MCATs, trends in grades, personal statement, extracurriculars need to be on point and stand out in order to lower some of the red flags that are raised with any low grades. Taking an SMP will further strenghten it. If you're considering DO schools, you will probably have a better chance of getting in on your first pass at med school applications, rather than allopathic schools. Good luck with this!

 

[relentless11]

Hello,
I know this is difficult to answer, but I have a 3.2 GPA and I plan on studying for the the MCAT over the next year and taking it in Jan of 08. I plan on taking a post-bac or SMP program after that, however I was wondering if its possible to get into medical school with a really high MCAT score? I have heard of other people doing this. My pre-med adviser said that most med schools dont accept people like this because they are seen as "good exam takers" however doesnt a high MCAT score mean you can succeed in med school? Again I know this is difficult to answer and will probably start a debate, but I just wanted to see if anyone has personal experience with this. I am planning on taking a post-bac/SMP program to raise my GPA but it would be nice to by-pass this (mostly because of money). Also, I am looking primarily at DO schools. Thanks!

A high MCAT doesn't neccessarily indicate success in med school. There have been studies that showed high MCAT scores correlating with better performance on USMLE step I exams, but conversely, academic performance being more associated with doing well in classes. Students with good GPA and MCAT scores tend to do better overall, specifically in the clinical years.

However this is not to say that a person with your specs, or a person with a high GPA and low MCAT could do any better, worse, or the same. These studies showed correlation, not neccessarily agreement. I must also note that these studies were aimed towards MD schools rather than DO schools. So yea thats more or less the "evidence-based" response.

I agree that its not totally a numbers game, but the numbers do help in terms of MD schools (e.g., screening). However, I do agree that GPA is a better indicator of performance a long period of time under rigorous conditions (e.g., full time courseload), vs. the MCAT, which assesses you ability to handle the basic sciences, and verbal reasoning in a standardized format over a 1 day period. Since the USMLE step I exam is also a standardized test, you can see why MCAT may correlate with it. Where as your med school biochemistry class relies on your ability to manage time (with other classes and obligations), and the effectiveness of your study skills. Clearly this relates more to your experience during your academic career. Regardless, the debate between what is better, MCAT or GPA is ongoing. This is why most schools weigh MCAT and GPA EQUALLY, therefore doing well in one may not make up for the other. If MCAT was so important, than there wouldn't be much competition for post-bacc and SMPs, conversely if MCAT was so trivial, then Princeton Review, and Kaplan wouldn't booked full of students each year for their prep classes. Good luck!

 

[MasonPrehealth]

Hmm... I'm not sure who your advisor is, but there are probably other circumstances that your advisor might think would flag your application.

In and of itself, a high MCAT score makes your application favorable (no doubt about it). An excellent GPA can also do the same. Having both raises your profile even more. But you can blow off all of that easily if you do not have personal dedication towards becoming a health professional. This means having significant experience in the health professions, getting good mentoring and advising, and understanding the challenges facing the profession. Knowing what you're getting yourself into and why you chose this specific path makes a big impression.

 

[becool5]

I graduated from college and the pre-med adviser I met with is new to the college I graduated from. She didnt look over my file, she just made that statement based on my gpa alone. I realize there are other factors to consider including one's dedication to the field. I just wanted to get a sense of other peoples experience with this. I am prepared to take an SMP to hopefully compensate for the low GPA, but I wanted to see it would be likely to get accepted with a high mcat score (especially at DO schools).

 

[silkworm]

I have had some success (2 acceptances) so far with a pretty similar GPA (BCPM: 3.18), and a high MCAT. But other factors such as research, ECs and education history, definitely also contributed, so it's not just about the MCAT. I am in a SMP currently, but the schools don't have the grades yet.

In summary: I don't think your premed advisor is giving you good advice.