Northwestern Grad - Low GPA, taking MCAT this Spring

[ChicagoGrad55]

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This is one of my first forum posts on SDN! Thus far, I have just been reading other threads about the application process, MCAT prep, so on and so forth. I wanted to post a thread and ask for possible feedback about my chances of getting into medical school this application cycle. Any suggestions, questions, concerns, and thoughts would very much be appreciated!

I am a 23 Y.O. female from Chicago, graduated from Northwestern University in June 2013. I was on the "premed track" for the first two years of college but struggled academically and dealt with a myriad of personal issues (many of which I plan to talk about in my personal statement). I finished my last six quarters of college with a 3.1, 3.5, 3.5, 3.9, 4.0, 3.9... I hit my stride at the very end. Unfortunately, I finished the majority of the premed requirements in those first two years, which disqualified me from taking a post-bacc program at Northwestern or many other institutions. Btw, I graduated with Psychology Major and 3.22 (which was a HUGE improvement from where I started).

In college I participated at the Mental Health coordinator for my sorority, organized a Public Health Brigade to Honduras, and participated in a Depression Lab.

After college, I bought a one-way ticket to South America and traveled until the beginning of 2014. I came back and immediately started volunteering at a children's hospital in Chicago as well as working in another clinic for underserved/uninsured populations. I took Biochemistry and got an A - it has very much helped me with MCAT prep so far. (Taking examkrackers right now and the books are AWESOME. Seriously, if you need MCAT prep get these books)


I have spent my entire life shadowing doctors as both my parents work in the field.
By the time I apply I will have 300+ hours of hand-on clinical experience and some research experience.
I am planning on taking the MCAT this May and applying directly to about 25 schools.

Considering the upward trends in my grades, graduating from a Top 12 University and my experience thus far - what are my chances looking like?

 

[s5260205]

You stand no chance at any MD schools unless you do well in a Special Master's Program. The upward trend seems to be only in your last year, and I doubt graduating from Northwestern counts for much. Additionally, your extracurriculars are very standard for a pre-med and perhaps lack diversity in your experience (no community services, no volunteering activities beyond hospital/clinic, no student organisation, no hobby, basically nothing that stands out). Your extended travel in South America will have to be justified to the admissions. Whether it's positive or negative to your applications depends on how you explain your experience.

Your best bet is to do well on MCAT (ideally 30+) and apply to DO schools. You should also calculate your sGPA. If it's lower than 3.0, you would need to retake courses to replace any with C/D/F grades.