Low GPA, otherwise Decent Applicant, considering SMP but still need good Advice

[omsies]

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I posted a thread some time ago that was similar to this one, but I'm shifting focus this time:

- 3.3 cGPA, 3.1 BCPM GPA - obviously low, from a top undergraduate chemistry program

- 32R MCAT (12P/9V/11B) - this is my most recent and highest score, I've had it scored twice before with slightly lower stats

- ECs include current full-time employment with a large laboratory equipment company, 1.5 years academic research, 1 year ER scribe, summer-long rural health fellowship in India, RA for 2 years, health-related publication in school cultural magazine, and several additional leadership/volunteer positions

- CA resident, top choices are CA schools but I obviously will be applying OOS as well

As I understand, my MCAT is average for a matriculant, my ECs are average to above average, and my GPA is significantly below average, and is the main factor keeping me from my desired programs. Whenever I talk to family and friends about medical school admissions, they heavily emphasize that I'm still a good candidate, that schools will give weight to my GPA since it is from a very difficult program. But, from my last posting and my general impression of the admissions process, I don't think that this really matters, which is unfortunate, but I won't dwell on that.

I would like advice in my approach. My ultimate goal is to land either an MD/MPH or MD/PhD program in a California school. The first one is obviously more feasible, the second much more of a stretch, considering my lack of a scientific publication and such. I am very strongly considering an SMP program, since it seems the best way to make up for my lackluster GPA and thereby shoot for my dream schools, but if I were to do an SMP I would prefer it to be next year, to save money from this job and such.

My main concern is whether or not it is worth it for me to apply to schools in this upcoming cycle, or to just go for an SMP next year and apply concurrently. I have a very strong feeling that applying for this cycle will be demoralizing, as well as a waste of money. I think I have a shot at an MD program somewhere in the country, but I would be ecstatic to have a shot at CA schools and/or MD/PhD programs, which I'm pretty sure I don't as of now. Would an SMP improve those chances significantly as well, or are those primarily to get into the MD program for that school itself?

Please respect that I am posting this with the MD prefix, and as such, am not looking for any advice in regards to DO programs. I am not ruling that option out, but it is not what I am requesting help with.

I know it seems like I already have a general plan for my approach, but I just wanted some feedback, in case there are other options I haven't considered, or things about my general profile that I could use suggestions on.

Any suggestions or pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

 

[flodhi1]

I posted a thread some time ago that was similar to this one, but I'm shifting focus this time:

- 3.3 cGPA, 3.1 BCPM GPA - obviously low, from a top undergraduate chemistry program

- 32R MCAT (12P/9V/11B) - this is my most recent and highest score, I've had it scored twice before with slightly lower stats

- ECs include current full-time employment with a large laboratory equipment company, 1.5 years academic research, 1 year ER scribe, summer-long rural health fellowship in India, RA for 2 years, health-related publication in school cultural magazine, and several additional leadership/volunteer positions

- CA resident, top choices are CA schools but I obviously will be applying OOS as well

As I understand, my MCAT is average for a matriculant, my ECs are average to above average, and my GPA is significantly below average, and is the main factor keeping me from my desired programs. Whenever I talk to family and friends about medical school admissions, they heavily emphasize that I'm still a good candidate, that schools will give weight to my GPA since it is from a very difficult program. But, from my last posting and my general impression of the admissions process, I don't think that this really matters, which is unfortunate, but I won't dwell on that.

I would like advice in my approach. My ultimate goal is to land either an MD/MPH or MD/PhD program in a California school. The first one is obviously more feasible, the second much more of a stretch, considering my lack of a scientific publication and such. I am very strongly considering an SMP program, since it seems the best way to make up for my lackluster GPA and thereby shoot for my dream schools, but if I were to do an SMP I would prefer it to be next year, to save money from this job and such.

My main concern is whether or not it is worth it for me to apply to schools in this upcoming cycle, or to just go for an SMP next year and apply concurrently. I have a very strong feeling that applying for this cycle will be demoralizing, as well as a waste of money. I think I have a shot at an MD program somewhere in the country, but I would be ecstatic to have a shot at CA schools and/or MD/PhD programs, which I'm pretty sure I don't as of now. Would an SMP improve those chances significantly as well, or are those primarily to get into the MD program for that school itself?

Please respect that I am posting this with the MD prefix, and as such, am not looking for any advice in regards to DO programs. I am not ruling that option out, but it is not what I am requesting help with.

I know it seems like I already have a general plan for my approach, but I just wanted some feedback, in case there are other options I haven't considered, or things about my general profile that I could use suggestions on.

Any suggestions or pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Your family is wrong and you are correct. You are applying from a CA state and applying with that low of a GPA will not be wise. You should definitely enroll in a SMP get your SMP GPA > 3.7 ( anything over 3.5 is acceptable but the higher the better). You could read my MDapp since I applied with a low GPA and wrote a lot about helping students with the same issue. If you have any questions please let me know. Best of luck!

 

[sirdudeness]

From what I've read you most likely have no chance at a CA school. It sucks but unfortunately it's the truth.

I know due the funding CA won't let you double major but you need to do some GPA repair and get it up to a 3.4 at least, but since your already at 3.3 I would suggest 3.5ish and some more EC. SMP would not be worth it for how much it costs and it makes no guarantee (plus if you mess up you can kill your chances of going to medical school).

I would abandon CA schools and try New York, I've read that they like CA students for some reason.

 

[aldrich]

I'm in the same boat as you omsies; check your messages.

 

[Jamie561]

I posted a thread some time ago that was similar to this one, but I'm shifting focus this time:

- 3.3 cGPA, 3.1 BCPM GPA - obviously low, from a top undergraduate chemistry program

- 32R MCAT (12P/9V/11B) - this is my most recent and highest score, I've had it scored twice before with slightly lower stats

- ECs include current full-time employment with a large laboratory equipment company, 1.5 years academic research, 1 year ER scribe, summer-long rural health fellowship in India, RA for 2 years, health-related publication in school cultural magazine, and several additional leadership/volunteer positions

- CA resident, top choices are CA schools but I obviously will be applying OOS as well

As I understand, my MCAT is average for a matriculant, my ECs are average to above average, and my GPA is significantly below average, and is the main factor keeping me from my desired programs. Whenever I talk to family and friends about medical school admissions, they heavily emphasize that I'm still a good candidate, that schools will give weight to my GPA since it is from a very difficult program. But, from my last posting and my general impression of the admissions process, I don't think that this really matters, which is unfortunate, but I won't dwell on that.

I would like advice in my approach. My ultimate goal is to land either an MD/MPH or MD/PhD program in a California school. The first one is obviously more feasible, the second much more of a stretch, considering my lack of a scientific publication and such. I am very strongly considering an SMP program, since it seems the best way to make up for my lackluster GPA and thereby shoot for my dream schools, but if I were to do an SMP I would prefer it to be next year, to save money from this job and such.

My main concern is whether or not it is worth it for me to apply to schools in this upcoming cycle, or to just go for an SMP next year and apply concurrently. I have a very strong feeling that applying for this cycle will be demoralizing, as well as a waste of money. I think I have a shot at an MD program somewhere in the country, but I would be ecstatic to have a shot at CA schools and/or MD/PhD programs, which I'm pretty sure I don't as of now. Would an SMP improve those chances significantly as well, or are those primarily to get into the MD program for that school itself?

Please respect that I am posting this with the MD prefix, and as such, am not looking for any advice in regards to DO programs. I am not ruling that option out, but it is not what I am requesting help with.

I know it seems like I already have a general plan for my approach, but I just wanted some feedback, in case there are other options I haven't considered, or things about my general profile that I could use suggestions on.

Any suggestions or pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

I agree that an SMP is the correct response here. Also, every low GPA premed thinks they went to a rigorous, top program with significant grade deflation.

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