Low sGPA from Cornell- apply 2021-2022 cycle or SMP

[deleted1045261]

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[Goro]

Current junior at Cornell with a 3.6 cGPA and 3.2 sGPA.
Best case scenario, I will graduate with a 3.65 cGPA/3.32 sGPA.

I have decent research experience and non-clinical volunteering, but I am definitely lacking in terms of clinical experience. Unfortunately, the internship plans I had for this summer were canceled, and the possibility of shadowing/volunteering seem unlikely. My backup plan is to just study for the MCAT.

I was already planning to take a gap year to get more clinical experience and I know that without an MCAT score, there's no way to predict chances.
But, I'm trying to decide if it might be a better idea to study for the GRE instead of the MCAT and apply to masters programs like an MPH?

I know that Cornell is known for grade deflation, but I'm not confident that it's enough to save my low sGPA.
I do have a consistent upward trend in GPA, also pursuing a business minor and I am a URM from California.
Thanks for all the guidance!

You are correct
The sGPA is lethal for MD, but OK for DO.

 

[Goro]

Ethnicity????

 

[deleted1045261]

Ethnicity????

Hispanic and I can speak Spanish.

Would you recommend pursuing an SMP?

 

[Goro]

Hispanic and I can speak Spanish.

Would you recommend pursuing an SMP?

Not all Hispanics are URM. What have been your year by year GPAs?

 

[graden]

If you can actually achieve your best case scenario GPA, you wouldn't need a SMP as long as you have a high MCAT. Even a 3.2 is possible for MD but you'd need a score nearing the 520 range. I'd also prioritize clinical experience when conditions permit.

 

[Goro]

I am Puerto Rican. I had thought that was considered URM but I could be wrong.
By year, my gGPAs have been 3.42, 3.516 and 3.72.
AMCAS sGPAs have been 3.1, 3.15, 3.47

While a number of Md schools consider Puertorriqueños to be URM, I'm worried that the stats are still too low. I feel that one year of good performance isn't enough data points to show reinvention.

Thus, go for an SMP, and you could apply while in it, but do NOT take the MCAT while in the program. Do it either before, or after (in which case you delay you applying and also build the better app).http://quemas.mamaslatinas.com/ente...orriquenos-estrellas-latinas-boricuas-orgullo

 

[Goro]

Thanks for all you insight. I definitely have a lot to think about. I feel like I really let myself down in some of my science coursework, which is disappointing because overall, I have a decent LizzyM/WARS score but these obviously don't account for a low science gpa.
I am also relatively new to this forum and I was wondering about an SMP. Is an MPH considered an SMP? What other programs would be considered?
Thanks so much.

MPH will NOT help you. Those programs simply aren't rigorous enough. Ditto research MS programs. Do the SMP or a DIY post-bac. Of the former, they're a dime a dozen.

 

[deleted1045261]

If you can actually achieve your best case scenario GPA, you wouldn't need a SMP as long as you have a high MCAT. Even a 3.2 is possible for MD but you'd need a score nearing the 520 range. I'd also prioritize clinical experience when conditions permit.

yeah I am definitely planning on getting more clinical experience. I think I got my hopes up too much by reading about all of these low GPA success stories people have. I suppose I need to be more realistic and consider other career options as well. Thanks so much for your response!

 

[deleted889094]

You are correct
The sGPA is lethal for MD, but OK for DO.

I wouldn't say lethal. If you kill the MCAT, MD is possible. I had 3.5X cGPA and 3.2X sGPA, applied broadly, and got 3 II's and an A all at MD schools. But Goro is right in that you would have to really make up for it in every other way to have a chance with MD.

 

[deleted889094]

Yes, I know that I have a lot riding on my MCAT. I am just currently torn between putting everything I have into studying for the MCAT, or shifting my focus towards an SMP. I am planning to take some extra science courses my senior year and I can hopefully get my cGPA up to around a 3.65 and my sGPA up to about 3.32ish. I also feel that I am at a slight disadvantage being a CA resident, as I am not really a competitive applicant for any CA med schools.
I am not sure if attending Cornell will help me with any NY medical schools because I would be more than happy to stay on the east coast.

Goro knows their stuff. Do the SMP. Much safer route

 

[Goro]

I did not realize there were specific SMP programs. That makes so much more sense, thanks! Would an example of an SMP be the Boston University School of Medicine Master of Science in Medical Sciences Program? I am looking on the AAMC site now

Yes.
Drexel, all Touros, KCU, LECOM, EVMS, Mt Sinai, Tulane, Gtown and Rosy Franklin have them as well. These are the ones that just come to mind, offhand.