MD school chances: 29Q MCAT 3.14cGPA 3.12cGPA

[Bronxpremed]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am a first generation college graduate who grew up in the Public Housing projects in the Bronx, NY and have had to work since the age of 16 to help pay for my education. I recently graduated from a top 15 university and am really passionate about applying to medical school this cycle. I had a rough time adjusting to the courses of my college and that reflected in my poor academic performance during my first three semesters. I was required to take a semester off, during which I reflected on what had gone wrong and how I could remedy my academic performance. I was readmitted the following semester and have maintained a steep incline in my GPA. I have extensive shadowing experience, clinical experience, volunteering, and research. I am a co-author of a manuscript that is being considered for publication in Nature Cell. I am also submitting a first author article to Circulation research in the coming month. Here is a look at my academic trend ( I calculated based on AMCAS)
Freshmen:
Cumulative GPA: 1.43 (16 credit hours)
Science GPA: 1.06 (13 credit hours)
Sophomore:
Cumulative: 2.41 (24 credit hours)
Science: 2.89 (19 credit hours)
Junior
Cumulative: 3.56 (34 credit hours)
Science: 3.47 (19 credit hours)
Senior
Cumulative: 4.0 (33.1 credit hours)
Science: 4.0 (25.1 credit hours)

I also have a 29 Q MCAT (11PS 10BS 8VR). What do you think are my chances for an MD school? Also, what schools should I apply to?

 

[FrkyBgStok]

None. You might have a decent chance at DO schools.

 

[gmcguitar4]

First off, are you considered URM by AMCAS?

-if yes, then you might have a shot but it is hard to say with that really low GPA

-if no, then no you don't have a shot at MD schools.

Regardless, you should consider doing some post-bac work asap and also consider retaking your MCAT. The schools will see your hardship, but it will not compensate for way below average stats like yours. It only impresses them if you went through all that and you did very well despite the difficulty.

Easiest thing you could do is retake science courses you did krappy in and use the AACOMAS grade replacement for DO schools.

Any other EC's?

 

[Bronxpremed]

I would be considered Black, underserved, family income under 20,000, family assistance program and paid employment before the age of 16

 

[gmcguitar4]

Well considering you are identified as African-American, your chances go up dramatically. But this does not guarantee much. If I were you, I would look at taking a couple of summer and fall courses and get A's in them. That could substantially help you.

Definitely apply broadly to both MD and DO schools.

 

[Bronxpremed]

Thanks for the advice. I am currently taking an evening science course at a local university before submitting my application on June 1st, which will only increase my GPA slightly. I would take more courses but I am working full time as a Lab Manager/Researcher at my lab. Would medical schools notice that since I was readmitted, I have a 3.72cGPA and a 3.70sGPA with more credit hours and more challenging courses?

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

None. You might have a decent chance at DO schools.

Don't listen to this guy, he's a crazy DO homer.

I think you have a good shot (70%) considering your fantastic upward trend and the fact that you're an NY resident (lots of public schools). You could really increase your chances by doing some post-bacc work and applying next year but I would think you'd have a decent shot if you have justified explanations for your poor start and a strong PS.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you could take some post-bacc classes even after you apply and update schools after your first term with good grades.

 

[gmcguitar4]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you could take some post-bacc classes even after you apply and update schools after your first term with good grades.

This is correct..I did it..but didn't work in the end, reapplying this cycle 🙁

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

Also FWIW, I know someone with a lower GPA and MCAT that got 3 MD interviews this cycle. It's doable man.

 

[Bronxpremed]

Thanks for the encouragement. I am hoping that applying early and broadly will help me, as well. I will definitely look into taking additional courses in the summer and fall and update the schools to which I apply.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Yeah I am a crazy DO homer, whatever that means.

As a white male with a 3.1/29, you don't have a chance at MD. But being that you are a URM, I would say you have a chance. It isn't way solid, but it can be done. Apply broadly, refine your PS and keep up with the upward trend.

 

[411309]

What is a DO homer? lol.

 

[Thego2guy]

What is a DO homer? lol.

According to urbandictionary definition #2, a homer is: Someone who shows blind loyalty to a team or organization, typically ignoring any shortcomings or faults they have.

In any event, OP you're good. Apply, I think you'll get at least one acceptance. I'm a NYC resident as well, I honestly think that Downstate would take you, or Buffalo.

Unlike others, I think that if you can, instead of doing a post-bacc, you should retake your MCAT. Its quicker, and if you have the brains for it, it will give you a hefty boost. If you want to go the longer "sure" way, then definitely consider a post-bacc, but still apply to SUNY's, Jefferson, Penn State, NYMC, etc... and a few DO schools. SUNY's are your best bet man.

Good luck 👍

 

[N2Medicine]

This chart shows that with your GPA and MCAT score, your chances of being accepted are around 75%. A bit of Post-Bacc work to push your GPA up to a 3.2 and you raise your chances about 5%. This chart is for allopathic, not osteopathic.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=12108063#post12108063




EDIT: Anyone know how to scale down images without saving and changing the dimensions? This post is huge.

 

[411309]

According to urbandictionary definition #2, a homer is: Someone who shows blind loyalty to a team or organization, typically ignoring any shortcomings or faults they have.

In any event, OP you're good. Apply, I think you'll get at least one acceptance. I'm a NYC resident as well, I honestly think that Downstate would take you, or Buffalo.

Unlike others, I think that if you can, instead of doing a post-bacc, you should retake your MCAT. Its quicker, and if you have the brains for it, it will give you a hefty boost. If you want to go the longer "sure" way, then definitely consider a post-bacc, but still apply to SUNY's, Jefferson, Penn State, NYMC, etc... and a few DO schools. SUNY's are your best bet man.

Good luck 👍

Well that's stupid. I don't really see many negatives to DO. I actually prefer it over MD.

anyways back on topic : o

 

[TriagePreMed]

URM changes everything. You'd probably easily snatch up an acceptance from Meharry, Morehouse, or Howard, although other schools are probably attainable.

 

[flodhi1]

I am a first generation college graduate who grew up in the Public Housing projects in the Bronx, NY and have had to work since the age of 16 to help pay for my education. I recently graduated from a top 15 university and am really passionate about applying to medical school this cycle. I had a rough time adjusting to the courses of my college and that reflected in my poor academic performance during my first three semesters. I was required to take a semester off, during which I reflected on what had gone wrong and how I could remedy my academic performance. I was readmitted the following semester and have maintained a steep incline in my GPA. I have extensive shadowing experience, clinical experience, volunteering, and research. I am a co-author of a manuscript that is being considered for publication in Nature Cell. I am also submitting a first author article to Circulation research in the coming month. Here is a look at my academic trend ( I calculated based on AMCAS)
Freshmen:
Cumulative GPA: 1.43 (16 credit hours)
Science GPA: 1.06 (13 credit hours)
Sophomore:
Cumulative: 2.41 (24 credit hours)
Science: 2.89 (19 credit hours)
Junior
Cumulative: 3.56 (34 credit hours)
Science: 3.47 (19 credit hours)
Senior
Cumulative: 4.0 (33.1 credit hours)
Science: 4.0 (25.1 credit hours)

I also have a 29 Q MCAT (11PS 10BS 8VR). What do you think are my chances for an MD school? Also, what schools should I apply to?

And I know someone that didn't get any.

But don't let anecdotal evidence convince you, OP. Here's an accurate chart on your chances:

http://i42.tinypic.com/2a60e1e.jpg

So maybe by 70% he means more like 22%, which includes people with SMP's, Ph.D's, Peace Corp, and other things.

I'd listen to the crazy homer, but what do I know? It's like my opinion is based on something like facts.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=903000

Good luck OP!

 

[TriagePreMed]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=903000

Good luck OP!

I changed my answer when I realized the OP was considered URM. I was also under the assumption the OP was white.

 

[Thego2guy]

Well that's stupid. I don't really see many negatives to DO. I actually prefer it over MD.

anyways back on topic : o

Of course, 😉

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

Well that's stupid. I don't really see many negatives to DO. I actually prefer it over MD.

anyways back on topic : o

I have nothing against DOs and nearly matriculated to a DO school. They are equal to MDs.

I meant it in the sense that he gave the OP no shot at MD schools at all. It was a narrow-minded answer.

 

[Valvool]

My science GPA was 3.1 overall because I was non-science major and had an F in physics and a C in one of my chemistries. I retook physics, never scored less than 95% on any exam during the course, then had the physics professor write one of my letters of recommendation. Strategy worked, I was offered four interviews and had multiple acceptances, both MD and DO. Oh, and I took the MCAT twice, made 30 and 29 (I only retook because of obsolete score). And I am not a minority.

I think you have a good chance.