Low Undergrad GPA, high grad GPA

[drsean]

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Hi everyone, great forum.
I have a question for anyone who is willing.
My undergrad gpa= 3.1 Grad gpa 3.9 MCATs 21M
I'm finishing up my Masters at Quinnipiac in the Pathologist Assistant program and many of the classes I've taken are similar to the second year of med-school. I'm hellbent on being a pathologist so do you guys think I have a chance of getting in to medschool? I'm thinking of applying early decision to UVM. Any help will be extremely appreciated.

 

[The Philosopher]

Sean

I am anti-early decision unless your numbers are out of this world. You got a 21 MCAT? I wouldn't apply early decision, and with that kind of score, i would apply to a huge range of schools.

Your GPA looks wonderful because the 3.9 is very recent and it shows who you are NOW at this moment, and the courses look tough. You just need to study up for the MCAT and ace it (not saying that you can't get in with your present scores), but I might go ahead and apply (it's just an opinion---you know yourself best).

It also depends if you're a URM, and also the extenuating circumstances, LOR's, what schools you apply to, yada yada yada...

 

[trout]

The 3.9 is excellent and you should have no problems with that. However, the 21 is a little low and maybe an enormous barrier to you. I would recommend retaking the mcats. You generally have to have "above average" stats to get in early decision. Also, UVM can be more competitive than their stats list for out of staters...

 

[monchi]

I have similar GPA stats, but what's important are the undergrad science grades. If they're good, then you have a chance. Some schools won't even look at your application unless those meet a minimum criteria. My grad grades weren't even factored in at those schools. But schools are not all the same, and some schools did glance at my grad grades, so don't lose hope there.
You're going to have to raise that MCAT score though. I recommend a Kaplan course anad lots of practice. And, as mentioned by The Philosopher, have stellar LORs, ECs, etc.

 

[mpp]

At some schools, your graduate grades are not taken into consideration during the initial screening process so expect some rejections outright due to the undergrad GPA and low MCAT. It will be very difficult to be accepted into medical school with a 21 MCAT. I would suggest retaking the MCAT. If you do not wish to retake the MCAT, apply to a very wide range of schools.

Acceptances thorugh The Early Decision Program are usually reserved for those with outstanding criteria. I would not recommend applying EDP due to your low MCAT score.

 

[relatively prime]

Umm... retake the MCAT! If anyone tells you not to retake the MCAT they are giving you bad advice. You NEED to retake the MCAT.

 

[lola]

i would definitely agree with relatively prime. as much as you probably don't want to, you really need to improve your mcat if you want to be seriously considered by schools. if you want the honest truth, i'd suggest not applying this year unless you are fairly certain you could improve your mcat score by taking the august mcat. sorry for the bad news 🙁 nothing can make up for both low undergrad gpa AND mcat scores.

 

[drsean]

Thanks guys,
I appreciate everyones advice.
I pretty much figured my MCAT score was crap.
I took it cold no studying so hopefully if I put a little time in I can bring it up.

 

[relatively prime]

drsean: Actually... for taking it cold... 21 isn't bad. I bet if you studied for 2-3 months like most people, you could get a 30.

 

[Daredevil]

DEFINITELY take this August's MCAT

 

[Merlin.1]

Good thread guys,

Ok, my GPA is 3.58, MCAT 39Q. My concern is that I'm a Canadian resident, will my GPA work against me when applying at an American school?

Thanks in advance

 

[mpp]

No.

 

[The Philosopher]

Dr. Sean,

Well...I dunno what the policies are for foreign applicants, but if you are considered "foreign" because of being Canadian, I would assume that it's going to be difficult to obtain acceptance into a US medical school, unless you were truly outstanding. Now, that MCAT of your's is awesome, but the GPA *might* be troublesome. If you apply to a wide range of schools, I would think that you should get into some of them.

But, if I were you, I would either try to establish residency in the US (if the states is where you want to practice). Try calling some medical schools too. Many do not accept foreign applications, and in addition, to those that do accept them, federal loans, etc. to pay for medical school are difficult to allocate.

My best advice would be to call the schools that you are wanting to apply to and just ask them. Actually, emailing them would be better because then you can get all your thoughts organized, as well as the Dean's response on writing. If you need the names/numbers/contact info/etc., let me know. I can give you a list.

Also, go to the MCAT/medical board on <a href="http://www.medicalgold.com" target="_blank">www.medicalgold.com</a>

Ask this same question to Gower. He is an experienced advisor who can probably guide you better than I can.

Good luck, and keep us updated!