Low GPA....very confused

[NodForce]

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Hey all, I am a Louisiana resident. I just recently got some of my final grades for the semester before i apply for medical school, and lets just say they were less than ideal.

I had a 3.6 coming into the semester and planned on raising it right before i applied. It turns out that my gpa for this semester could be low as a 3.2 this semester. Would it be impossible for me to get in? If not what are my chances?

I havent taken my real MCAT yet. I am a little scared about that as well. I've taken several practice's, and I average about 31-32. Will this be high enough to "off-set" my GPA?

Other things I have are 1 year of research(no publications), 80 hours of volunteering/shadowing, and 1 year officer in AED. I also have worked a considerable amount throughout my college career. I dont know if that will effect me or not.

What I am really afraid of, is that my GPA trend has actually been slightly going down. I'm sure this will affect me negativly, but exactly how much?

tl;dr version

1. I could have about a 3.3-3.4 cGPA with a 3.2-3.3 bcmpGPA. Will I have a chance at any schools? (I am an LA resident)

2. What is the minimum MCAT score I could get to be considered w/ my GPA?

3. How much will my downward trend in GPA affect me?

4. What should I do in 2011 if I want to reapply again in summer/fall 2010?

 

[MilkmanAl]

1. LA has 2 very forgiving state schools. You should be competitive there if you hit your MCAT practice average.

2. I'd shoot for at least a 33. A 35 would be much more comfortable.

3. It depends on what classes you took during the downward trend. If it's all upper-level science, it won't hurt you as badly.

4. I'd get a clinical job or at least do some clinical volunteering. Actually, you should get on the volunteering thing immediately. It looks like you're very low on clinical experience. Remedy that ASAP.

 

[sarahl86]

LSU-NO and Tulane both have an average accepted GPA hovering between 3.6 and 3.7, MCAT of 29 and 31 respectively.

There will be no hiding your GPA but state schools are more lenient towards in-state residents. Your BCMP GPA is pretty low too...is there any way you can stay another semester to take more classes and boost it? The downward trend is going to hurt you so I'd take more classes to show that you can handle the upper-level work.

You're going to need a higher MCAT to balance it out, as well. Probably more like a 33-34 to be on the safe side, but definitely over a 31. Getting the school's average MCAT with a sub-par GPA will not "fix it." Your ECs could use a little work too - you're fine on research experience but you should get more clinical work as well and hopefully get a great LOR from a doctor you have built a good working relationship with.

The goal is always to try your best, so you need to hit those MCAT books and try your best to ace those finals this semester.

 

[ksmi117]

I agree with everything Al said. I think you'll have a good chance if you do well on the MCAT.

Oh, and just to clarify what sarahl said, LSU-S and LSU-NO only accept LA residents so that will be a great thing for you OP.

And Louisianans rock!!! 😀

 

[loveoforganic]

Concur 👍

 

[RUcereus]

Hey all, I am a Louisiana resident. I just recently got some of my final grades for the semester before i apply for medical school, and lets just say they were less than ideal.

I had a 3.6 coming into the semester and planned on raising it right before i applied. It turns out that my gpa for this semester could be low as a 3.2 this semester. Would it be impossible for me to get in? If not what are my chances?

I havent taken my real MCAT yet. I am a little scared about that as well. I've taken several practice's, and I average about 31-32. Will this be high enough to "off-set" my GPA?

Other things I have are 1 year of research(no publications), 80 hours of volunteering/shadowing, and 1 year officer in AED. I also have worked a considerable amount throughout my college career. I dont know if that will effect me or not.

What I am really afraid of, is that my GPA trend has actually been slightly going down. I'm sure this will affect me negativly, but exactly how much?

tl;dr version

1. I could have about a 3.3-3.4 cGPA with a 3.2-3.3 bcmpGPA. Will I have a chance at any schools? (I am an LA resident)

2. What is the minimum MCAT score I could get to be considered w/ my GPA?

3. How much will my downward trend in GPA affect me?

4. What should I do in 2011 if I want to reapply again in summer/fall 2010?

The real question you need to ask is what is causing you to make the marks you are in your courses. You about to apply to med school so i assume your a junior if not a senior and up to this point you have been a very successful student, whats changing? While a 3.3-3.4 GPA is not ideal its not the end of the world. Focus on your grades and the upcoming MCAT. 3.3 with an upward trend is much more favorable than a 3.3 with a downward trend that being said you if you are a junior you still have a year of upper divisionals, buckle down. good luck

 

[NodForce]

thanks for all the help guys, I just had to pick up alot more hours at work, and I've been taking some pretty tough classes lately as well. I will try my best to kick the MCAT's butt this june, and I will let you guys know the outcome! Another question: Would it be wise to apply early decision? because I heard if you do not get accepted in EDP, you will be late on all the other schools.

 

[ksmi117]

thanks for all the help guys, I just had to pick up alot more hours at work, and I've been taking some pretty tough classes lately as well. I will try my best to kick the MCAT's butt this june, and I will let you guys know the outcome! Another question: Would it be wise to apply early decision? because I heard if you do not get accepted in EDP, you will be late on all the other schools.

I wouldn't. It's just soooo risky, and especially with a lower GPA, being late is a bad thing. What school were you looking at? One of the LSUs?