not so great GPA but decent mcat for MSTPs?

[bluelamin]

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hey guys. im interested in applying to mstp programs and i was wondering what kinds of schools i should be looking at based on my stats: 3.67 (cumulative) and 3.78 (science). 518 MCAT. also for my grades i screwed up 1st semester but have been pullin A's since then and especially in hard classes like pchem and diffeq and stuff. i have essentially 14 mo's of research experience and will probably have like 20 by the time i apply next yr. also my gpa will probably be higher than what it is now.

 

[purplerainbow]

With those stats you're capable of getting in anywhere. They won't hold you back. It's now time to focus very hard on productive research (not just the time spent doing it!)

 

[eteshoe]

Number wise you appear to be solid

 

[Fencer]

Agree. There will be some but not many programs who will screen you out due to those numbers. Particularly, if you got that GPA from a R1 or top liberal undergraduate institution, most programs will give you a pass if you were challenging yourself with advanced coursework. Admission officers have a book with GPA and MCAT from applicants and matriculants to MD schools. It gives us an idea of whether an institution "inflates" GPAs and how much.

 

[bluelamin]

I do attend a top 10 school (also being an R1). so are you saying that I'm at a disadvantage in that case?

 

[Fencer]

I do attend a top 10 school (also being an R1). so are you saying that I'm at a disadvantage in that case?

I clarified my statement. Most programs will give you a good look with a 3.6 from top Ivy as compared to a 3.9 from unknown small school.

 

[bluelamin]

based on this is it ok for me to apply to top 10 schools or should i focus my chances on 10-20 ranked schools instead

 

[Fencer]

If you are applying to top programs who often have 50-80 applicants per slot (see: https://www.aamc.org/download/321542/data/factstableb7.pdf ), you need to apply to at least ~ 10 dream, 5-10 match, and 5 safety schools. There are hundredths of similar or better applicants to the top 10 schools. I recall looking at the applicant table of a top 10 MSTP showing about 300 applicants who were interviewed there or given offers of acceptance to other MSTPs. About 75% of all MD/PhD matriculants are in MSTPs. There are many factors that decide why a top academic applicant is interviewed or not in a particular program, and for some borderline very good applicants, it is as to whether their essay connected with the AdCom reviewers.