NIH F30 and Grades

[Green Plant]

Hi all. How important would you say undergraduate grades are for an NIH F30 application? Overall I had a 3.7 but I did have three C's that I'm worried I'll get called out on. Has anyone on here received an F30 despite having C's or lower on your biosketch?

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[Fencer]

F30s are based upon the science, the environment, training record of mentor, training plan, and the individual. If you have done well in medical school, have good step 1, have a manuscript (preparation or submitted), a few presentations, and good LORs, you might find a comment from one reviewer but it won't be the reason to sink your application. Much more often, other factors are the key to sinking an otherwise great application, not a 3.7 with a couple of C's. FYI-I have reviewed >300 F30/31s.

 

[Datypicalpremed]

Mind as well ask since I just submitted my F30:

Is a 30 mcat (about 509 on current scale) worrisome? Grades, step 1 and other factors are otherwise good.

 

[Fencer]

FYI... MCAT is not longer required to be reported in F30 or MSTP applications. Place it if you have a high number, but otherwise, don't show it. It is not too low, but you might get a critique from one (or more) reviewers. Same is for USMLE Step 1. If you don't place them, reviewers might comment but it is not required either.

See: G.240 - R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form