Medical Low MCAT and GPA - Where to go from here?

[MusicDOc124]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I feel like I've experienced so much healthcare and patients that I should just be ready to dive on into med school.

What makes you think that? Working as a tech/PCA, etc for any amount of time does not equate to being ready to dive into med school.

Hi!

I kind of went through undergrad flailing and undecided on what to pursue after until about my last semester.
Currently, sGPA is 3.1, overall is 3.2 in BS in biology. I took the MCAT, scored 495. Obviously did not apply with those stats. I have worked as a scribe, care coordinator, and now as a PCA in a CVICU. I feel like I've experienced so much healthcare and patients that I should just be ready to dive on into med school.

Right now-- obviously would need to retake the MCAT. Should I focus on getting a bomb MCAT score, or look into post bac/MPH classes to improve my GPA? also, would MPH or upper level science classes be more beneficial? I don't want schools just to see that I have another degree, but rather that I have a deep understanding of science/medicine and can handle the rigor of school, which I don't think would be appreciated w/ an MPH. (honestly just fooled around far too much in undergrad). Advice is appreciated. thank you!!!!

Stop fooling around, get your GPA up. You're right, an MPH will not help you in this case. Either a post bacc or an SMP with a linkage.

@Goro have any advice on whether or not a post-bacc or SMP would be better for OP?

 

[Goro]

You need to show that you can handle med school AND retake the MCAT. Alas, you are nowhere ready to dive into med school.

Forget the MPH, and read this:

• Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

 

[MusicDOc124]

I never said my experience equates to being ready for med school. I’m fully aware that school is far more academic rigor than just patient experience. I meant that in the context of - I have a biology degree, I have endless volunteer experience, some research experience, and now- after taking a bit of time off academics and expanding my experience in healthcare, I feel as though I’m more well rounded and I’m just ready to go back to school in general. That statement wasn’t to be taken with so much weight, but to that, I’m not sure how just taking some more classes and raising my MCAT score would make one ‘ready’ for med school either. Those things can get me into med school, and I can feel like I’m ready, but I recognize that doesn’t matter until I can get in. Thanks for your advice nonetheless.

Your GPA is low in a less rigorous curriculum, and your MCAT is low on a shorter and less intense exam.

What makes you ready is figuring out how to study well enough to learn the material for class and the MCAT - demonstrated by GPA and MCAT score.

You’re not ready until you realize that and demonstrate it.