Newbie calling on the experienced...

[Kayscarpetta_PA]

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Graduated with a B.S. in Biology (1998) and a M.S. in Pathology (2003). Obviously I graduated undergrad 8 years ago...I now do autopsies/gross pathology/breast cancer research...so that is my work experience in a nutshell since 2003.

are these old BCPM grades still valid and accepted by Med Schools? I did repeat 2 semesters of ORGO to review for the MCAT with an A in both.

If my GPA is low from undergrad (which it is because I worked full time the entire 4 years) does a 3.4 from my Master's program play a more important role?

Of course, the higher the MCAT's the better. But while I can work on MCAT scores (which I took for the first time last Sat) I cannot undo what I did when I was 20.

Anyone have a similar situation or can shed some light on this without me paying $1000 to Kaplan consulting?

 

[Scottish Chap]

Graduated with a B.S. in Biology (1998) and a M.S. in Pathology (2003). Obviously I graduated undergrad 8 years ago...I now do autopsies/gross pathology/breast cancer research...so that is my work experience in a nutshell since 2003.

are these old BCPM grades still valid and accepted by Med Schools? I did repeat 2 semesters of ORGO to review for the MCAT with an A in both.

If my GPA is low from undergrad (which it is because I worked full time the entire 4 years) does a 3.4 from my Master's program play a more important role?

Of course, the higher the MCAT's the better. But while I can work on MCAT scores (which I took for the first time last Sat) I cannot undo what I did when I was 20.
Anyone have a similar situation or can shed some light on this without me paying $1000 to Kaplan consulting?

You'll be fine at most schools since your current activities are still consistent with the thought process needed in the sciences. MY BCPM UG grades were 10 years old, but I was involved in basic and medical research for years after those were earned. Nobody seemed to care. It won't hurt to contact schools you intend to apply to, though.

Medical schools place most weight on the undergraduate GPA and it's unfortunate that many fine applicants still have to 'do time' for sins of old--whatever the reason. It's also unfortunate that medical schools won't listen to bonafide reasons for a low GPA in the past. You have control over your future, though.

Your M.S. GPA will be listed separately on your AMCAS form. If your UG GPA is <3.0, it will definitely be an issue for allopathic medical schools. Do well on the MCAT and consider a special graduate program affiliated with a medical school (those that will consider your performance in medical school classes taken over a year in their decision to admit you to their medical school). I'll let those enrolled in such courses expand upon that point as I don't know a lot about them. Good luck!

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

Your GPA will be an issue. Even your 3.4 Graduate GPA is low by Medical School admissions standards (Average GPA of Medical School Matriculants is about 3.65.) That could be overcome with a good MCAT score, but your past GPA will always be something that is getting in your way.

Otherwise, I agree with the advice that Scottish Chap gave you. Good Luck!