Offsetting a BCPM GPA of 2.9/3.0 with MCAT

[ManimalJax]

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What MCAT score will offest a 2.9/3.0 BCPM GPA?

Or, is it that no score at all can offset such a low GPA?

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

What MCAT score will offest a 2.9/3.0 BCPM GPA?

Or, is it that no score at all can offset such a low GPA?

It would depend upon upward trend as well. But that's probably a good time to start thinking post-bacc or a masters to get the GPA up.

 

[RoadRunner17]

No MCAT score will offset a 2.9/3.0 GPA.

 

[armybound]

a 33+ would make a good start, but you do also need to demonstrate sustained academic improvement (several semesters with very high [3.8+] GPA) to go along with it.

 

[JaggerPlate]

What MCAT score will offest a 2.9/3.0 BCPM GPA?

Or, is it that no score at all can offset such a low GPA?

There is no equation to plug numbers into ...

I'd say 35+ --> SMP ---> apply.

 

[MilkmanAl]

If you manage to pull a 35+, I'd say just go ahead and apply to your state schools, a few private ones you might like to go to, and a bunch of DO schools. Applying to SMP's is a wise move, but you don't need to do that until after December or so when you'll already have a decent grasp on your likelihood of getting accepted.

 

[nVictus]

got a friend with a 37 and 3.0 that got in to a MD school

 

[ManimalJax]

Taking into account the fact that most of the people who have replied here have said that it isn't likely for an MCAT score to offset a bad BCPM, I would say that your friend's experience in an exception and not the rule.

What other stats did your friend have? How was he able to pull it off?

 

[MilkmanAl]

I got in with a 3.1/35 and a 2.9 BCPM. The stars have to align for someone with really lopsided stats to get a chance, but it does happen occasionally. I had lots of experience, a good amount of volunteering, and a near-perfect interview.

 

[coldweatherblue]

<3.0 looks bad.

if you can get an upward trend and get your BCPM to a little bit greater than 3.0, and have a stellar application otherwise you will have a chance. Seriously though I had a balanced MCAT +2 standard deviations and a 3.75 GPA with 3.4 BCPM and my interviewers all said "Well your MCAT is great and the rest of your application looks good, but your science GPA is pretty low. Why didn't you do well in your science classes? Could you not handle the material or do you just have poor study habits?" etc... blah blah. Just know that if you get interviews it will come up and be prepared to explain thoroughly.

if you are an academic rockstar and just fooled around and ended up with the low GPA, you might be able to study like mad for the MCAT and break 2+ standard deviations. Definitely 35+ would help. any < 33 and it will be hard convincing adcoms to accept you over the myriad of 3.6/31 applicants.

 

[chewsnuffles]

Out of undergrad = 38+
Out of a SMP/post-bac/masters = 33+

Both assume that you nail the interview when you do get one
But with those numbers, then a 3.00 or greater no longer looks horendous and may allow for interviews to appear

 

[Dulcina]

Out of undergrad = 38+
Out of a SMP/post-bac/masters = 33+

Both assume that you nail the interview when you do get one
But with those numbers, then a 3.00 or greater no longer looks horendous and may allow for interviews to appear

sorry to be naive, but what is an SMP? science masters program?

 

[GoSpursGo]

sorry to be naive, but what is an SMP? science masters program?

special masters program, I believe. No idea what it really is 😛

Personally, you've really gotta have a rockstar MCAT. 35+, at the least, and I'd say something closer to a 38 to truly offset what is really a poor BCPM GPA. 35 to maybe get an interview, 38 to have a really, really good shot at an acceptance. And this all assumes a strong application otherwise with regards to ECs and stuff; in general, I think one deficiency in an application (GPA, MCAT, clinical experience, research, leadership, weak PS) can be hidden if all other spots are at least average and most are above average. If any of those other spots is weak in ADDITION to your sGPA, I think you will find it very difficult to get an acceptance regardless of your MCAT score.

 

[Dulcina]

Special Masters Program. It was originally started at Georgetown but now lot of schools have such programs. The basis of the program is that you take most if not almost all of the same classes as the first year medical schools and often have to compete with them and be able to get the top of the top grades to get a chance to get into med school. it is a last resort way of getting into med school. But if you screw up u have shot your chance of med school in the foot.

wow. so do you repeat the first year of med school after you do the SMP? must make that year easier!

 

[Vihsadas]

wow. so do you repeat the first year of med school after you do the SMP? must make that year easier!

Yes you repeat it, and yes, some people think that it makes the first year easier (but this still depends on the school). I know at Gtown, if you did the SMP, you're actually exempt from taking those courses again as an M1 (too bad you're not exempt from the tuition!! ).

My advice to you is that you should be doing everything in your power to improve whatever parts of your app are weak. So yeah, slam the MCAT. Slam it hard and get a monstrous score...but you should also be focused on improving that GPA and getting as much clinical and volunteer experience that you can. Both will be what you need. If I were you, I'd try to get your GPA above a 3.0 at least, but really aim for a 3.2. If you nail the MCAT (36+ is my guess) you'll have a shot at some places.

 

[umean2tellme]

Aim for a 45 on that MCAT. My gpa and mcat arent the greatest, but I have lots of experience and good ec's/statements so I applied early and broadly, especially to my state schools. The key is also knowing where to apply and being realistic. I have a 3.2/28 and a 3.0 BCPM, so I didn't apply to Harvard. Do a little research and go with schools that have lower averages unless you have money to spare and really have your heart set on the school. Good luck 🙂

 

[RSAgator]

Others have chimed in and pretty much said it all. No MCAT will "offset" that GPA. All that you can do is to do as well as you can on the MCAT, participate in a program that demonstrates that despite your GPA you are in fact capable of succeeding in med school, and do whatever you can to add significantly to your application.

 

[SDN2013]

People are kidding if they tell you a 45 won't offset a 3.0 GPA. Get that 45 T MCAT, apply to WashU early decision, you are all set.

With a 45T, you'll be "God walking amongst mere mortals," who only have 44 or lower.

 

[P31woman]

Aim for a 45 on that MCAT. My gpa and mcat arent the greatest, but I have lots of experience and good ec's/statements so I applied early and broadly, especially to my state schools. The key is also knowing where to apply and being realistic. I have a 3.2/28 and a 3.0 BCPM, so I didn't apply to Harvard. Do a little research and go with schools that have lower averages unless you have money to spare and really have your heart set on the school. Good luck 🙂

My stats are similar to yours, I applied to those "out there" schools and I'm getting interview offers from them. Yeah I know it's not an acceptance (yet), but it's a great start. So definitely what works for one person isn't going to work the same for someone else...

 

[Bacchus]

If you live in a state with friendly states schools, (IE: not Pennsylvania or California), apply to your state schools if you have the money. However, I'd be hard-pressed to say an MCAT score, even a very high score, will offset a sub-3.0 BCPM. An upward trend may help, but only time would tell. Also, DO was mentioned above... unless you absolutely kill your MCAT score this won't be a legitimate option either. Focus on bringing up the GPA and then worry about the MCAT.

 

[LovelyBRass]

an MCAT scare

🙂 I'll say!