Moving this thread over to my fellow URM's to see what you think about my stats

[dreamtobeMD]

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Hey guys,
I originally posted this thread under "what are my chances," but I would like to know what my fellow URM's think about my stats as I am pretty bummed about my gpa. Please let me know what you think regarding my chances of getting into a CA Allo school.

Thanks

(Original Post)

Hey guys I am new to this so seeing that so many of the people on this forum have crazy high GPA's is really making me depressed. I plan on taking the MCAT early next year. Here are my stats and tell me what you think...
*GPA (overall) 3.58
*GPA (science) 3.60
(GPA's are estimated because I still have to take a few more classes that I WILL get A's in-I have to! So this estimated GPA might be higher by the time I apply)
*Major: Psychology
*Minors: Chemistry and Microbiology
*CA resident
*State undergrad school
*Hispanic Female 26 years old
*EC (will start April 09, before that worked for 3 years part time at a hotel/catering position) but this is what I WILL do...
1. Do research in microbiology, cellular, or organic chemistry from April until I apply.
2. Volunteer at a hospital starting in the summer
3. Join a premed club for minorities at school
4. Do volunteer work for the American Cancer Society
* My grades have definitely gone in an upward trend (Community college 3.30, State school 3.47, Current State school 3.73)

I REALLY want to go to a school in CA and I don't care which one! I REALLY don't want to be a D.O. =( I am so upset because the reason my gpa is so low is because of low grades in math classes my first year at a community college! I have recieved A's in all science and chemistry courses that were taken all at a 4 year university! I recieved A/C+ (lab), A/A, A/A in general chem and B-/A-, A/A, A/A in organic chemistry and I will be taking the full year of biochemistry which I definitely plan on getting A's in!

If you guys can let me know if I still have a chance to get into a school in CA I would really like to know because I am feeling really down about everything, I never had any guidance and have been doing everything myself! Its sucks because those low grades I recieved when I wanted to be a psychologist!

If you could let me know what you think I would apppreciate it. I know that I haven't taken the MCAT yet and I know that score is really important but believe me I will study for 6 mths and study my a** off to try to make my chances better.

Thxs!

 

[redlight]

relax, you DEFINITELY still have a good shot.

don't feel pressured to do research. if it interests you, go for it, but you don't need it for all cali schools.

yeah you need more clinical. start shadowing and volunteering asap. also consider ECs that you'll enjoy and will help paint a picture of what is important to you, what you find fun, what you are talented in, etc.

as far as mcat, low 30's should be good enough but aim as high as possible. getting the overal matriculant average (31-32) should be your min goal. but i wouldnt retake if you get 30. but i suggest you not take the mcat untill you get into the 30s consistently.

also don't neglect getting those LORs!

keep getting those A's and you should be fine.

 

[LovelyMD]

I pretty much agree with redlight.

Keep in mind that schools not only see your overall GPA, but they will see your GPA broken down by year, and the science GPA's and non-science GPA's will be broken down by year as well. So they will definitely see your upward trend in grades.

At this point, I think your main concerns should be everything else besides your grades. Definitely put a lot of time and effort into doing as well on the MCAT as you can. Your GPA is good, but with a bad MCAT score your GPA can only help you but so much.

Don't forget about the importance of LOR's. Make sure you're getting to know people who can write POSITIVE letters for you. You'd be surprised at how a lukewarm letter can sometimes make the difference between an acceptance and a waitlist/rejection, even when applicants have nice stats.

Also, when do you plan to apply to med school?

 

[dreamtobeMD]

Well I plan to apply next year in June (literally the first minute it opens). I already have 1 teacher that I am getting a LOR from (My ochem teacher who I have known for a year. I have recieved the highest grade on all of his exams and classes and he knows me pretty well and knows how dedicated and motivated I am) and I plan to get another from my research professor (whom I will be working with for over a yr by the time I apply. I will be doing stem cell research) and lastly, from the hospital where I am currently trying to become a volunteer at.

 

[What up doc]

get a balanced 30+ mcat. best of luck 👍