MD/PhD...should I go for it?

[kyu516]

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[marctam86]

I would say a 33 is a good score to shoot for, and a 35+ will make you competitive.

But more importantly, how much research have you done? Reseach and the letters of rec that can attest to your skill in the lab are the most important factors in admission. You dont have to believe me, im just an applicant, but from what i've gleaned from the admissions folks i've met on interviews, a ton of quality reseach can make up for "average" numbers, but no grade can save your app if the school isnt convinced youd be a good researcher.

a good mcat score will help, the higher the better, but make sure that your research stands out.

 

[OncDoc19]

Hello!

I'm an undergraduate senior at a top public college who has been contemplating about applying to MD/PhD schools in June. My main concern is that my GPA is not competitive (currently 3.5/3.4 BCPM). With a GPA like this, what kind of MCAT score would I need to consider myself competitive?

Are there even any MD/PhD programs that consider candidates with a GPA like mine?

I'm very new to this process, so any words of advice would greatly help.

Thank you! 🙂

Your GPA is definitely below the average for many MD/PhD programs. Though Durfen last year had a similar GPA and got into a few top schools. He also had amazing research and multiple publications. It also seems that the number of applications are increasing which makes things more difficult. You need to shoot for the high 30's on the MCAT. The closer to 40 the better. But MD/PhD is not just about GPA and MCAT. You need to have a couple of years of research and great letters from your mentors. But hopefully you knew that already.

 

[jlamacc1]

Hello!

I'm an undergraduate senior at a top public college who has been contemplating about applying to MD/PhD schools in June. My main concern is that my GPA is not competitive (currently 3.5/3.4 BCPM). With a GPA like this, what kind of MCAT score would I need to consider myself competitive?

Are there even any MD/PhD programs that consider candidates with a GPA like mine?

I'm very new to this process, so any words of advice would greatly help.

Thank you! 🙂

The only real MD-PhD application "killer" is a lack of research experience. If you've covered your bases and have some productive lab time under your belt along with a few solid LORs to back it up, your application will be considered, even with the below average GPA. Furthermore, it is possible, to a certain extent, to "make up" for the GPA by (1) smoking the MCAT (mid-30s or higher) or, (2) by showing that your research and LORs are especially stellar (publications, glowing LORs, etc.). Also, try to finish your senior year strong, as an upward grade trend is worth something.

 

[OncDoc19]

If I graduated with a 3.5/3.4, would you all recommend that I do some postbacc work to up the GPA? I am a science major, and I've taken a boatload of BCPM credits, so it could theoretically go only as high as a 3.6/3.6.

That's not much of an increase so I don't think its necessary. Better to get a lab job or something.

 

[bubbachuck]

make sure you apply to your state schools if you have any. Non-MSTPs may be more lenient towards their own state residents (MSTP are not allowed to discriminate based on residency as a stipulation for their grant).