cavolley said:
Hi all,
I'm new here to SDN. I have recently graduated from undergrad with a degree in Biology and Biochem. My GPA is 3.0 and my MCATS were 22. I do a great volunteer and work history. I have just recently sent my applications to LECOM (Erie and Bradenton), VCOM, WVCOM and UNECOM (I'm a Virginia Resident). Does anyone have any encouraging stores about acceptance stories with these stats? Anyone have advice? I have also applied to a few postbach programs. Thanks all!
Having been through the cycle twice, I'll have to say that the best advice given to me wasn't the post like the one above that talks about having below average MCAT scores and getting in---it was one which told me to 'chug along and keep in mind you MAY NOT GET IN'.
Yes, there are exceptions, but they are just that, exceptions. I grasped onto the "exceptions" story, thinking I will be one of them. Sure, my GPA and MCAT score was below the mean on this and that school, but I figured since so-and-so on this board had gotten interviews/acceptances with similar stats or below, I would also have a shot---I was wrong.
My second try, I applied DO and found my stats well within range of DO schools and I had no problems getting interviews and acceptances---so my only advice to anyone struggling with subpar numbers is: GET YOUR NUMBERS UP!!!
Looking for people who got in with poor scores isn't going to help you get in, it's just giving you false hope.
I suggest you focus on taking classes, doing post-bacc and raising your undergrad GPA up. Else, do a masters in biol so you get something useful out of the year spent in school. Also, retake the MCAT, really focus on your weak areas.
People say DO schools looks 'beyond the numbers'----I'm not sure I completely agree with that. DO schools accepts MCAT and GPA at lower ranges than MD schools but they still have certain standards. Having an MCAT score at or above their averages would go a long to smoothing your path to acceptance.
You evidently had a tough four years double majoring in bio and biochem---so stress that in your app when you get a chance, but still show that you have the stuff to make it through medschool by doing well on your MCAT and raising your GPA. I don't believe any amount of extra volunteer work or extracurriculas---save for a Nobel Prize in Medicine---will cover up poor grades and score. That's just my opinion from what I've been through.
I'm pretty happy to say, after raising my MCAT score by three points and attending both a post-bacc (for half a year) and doing a masters with bridge program, I got acceptance to one of my top choices last November and am awaiting an answer from the local state MD school (they said they wouldn't look at the masters' students apps until this year). All in all, I'm not dissatisfied, but I had to focus on my weak spot and really be a numbers ***** for the last year and get them up.
Good luck with you app!