Raising GPA?

[clopclop]

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How would you weigh the opportunity to (maximally) raise gpa

cGPA 3.50 -> 3.63
sGPA 3.50 -> 3.71

I'm currently in the middle of my 2nd year post graduation. My options are essentially to apply this upcoming cycle, or push back another year and apply to a few post-bacc enrichment programs. In particular there is one in my home state which is pretty cheap (15k). I'm studying for my MCAT now, so we'll see how that goes.

Otherwise my application I think is ok, ~4 years of research (no major pubs), good non-clin work, working on the clinical side. My major concern is my lack of science coursework (don't have anything past the pre-req sciences) and that my GPA is pretty borderline. It'd be nice to have my MCAT scores, but if I am going to apply to these programs I really get started before I'll find out.

I can alternatively probably find a local university to take a biochem course at and maybe biostats or something, which would ideally give me an extra science letter but not do (as) much for the GPA.

 

[FindMeOnTheLinks]

It depends on the schools you are aiming for. Depending on your mcat your GPA as is would be fine for low tiers and many mid tiers. If you're looking to stay in a certain geographic region or looking at higher prestige schools it might be worth it to invest in your GPA. The difference between a 3.6 and a 3.5 isn't all that important, but if you can bump your science GPA to a 3.7 that is a bigger deal. That is assuming that to an get all A's in whatever classes you take. Your EC's as you describe them seem pretty solid. It just goes back to the schools you want to apply to. I don't think the GPA boost would make a huge difference for most schools, and it's probably not worth it waiting another year to apply.

 

[Pierre Escargot]

I concur with @FindMeOnTheLinks. Your GPA could be just fine the way it is depending on what you're aiming at. Personally, if I'm in your situation and not aiming for top-tier programs, I would focus on the MCAT. A good score to complement your GPA will go a long way, I believe, and that way you could go ahead and apply as soon as next cycle.

As far as taking more science courses, I'm quite certain that many applicants and acceptees do only the prerequisites. So I think it's more of a beneficial option than something you should feel absolutely compelled to do. Either way, best of luck.

 

[clopclop]

Definitely focusing on my MCAT right now, it's kinda killing me. But I got a 39 on AAMC #4 yesterday, so I'm pretty pumped up about it. I guess I'm having trouble figuring out just how much my MCAT will be weighed compared to my GPA

 

[FindMeOnTheLinks]

Mcat is generally weighed heavier than GPA

 

[Pierre Escargot]

Definitely focusing on my MCAT right now, it's kinda killing me. But I got a 39 on AAMC #4 yesterday, so I'm pretty pumped up about it. I guess I'm having trouble figuring out just how much my MCAT will be weighed compared to my GPA

That's excellent; if you can consistently get scores in the mid-to-high-30s range on your practice tests, you should be in great shape. From what I've read, the AAMC practice tests are quite accurate in predicting what your actual score will be, give or take a couple of points. Don't worry too much or let test anxiety get the best of you and just keep grinding out practice tests/study sessions and you'll be good to go.

 

[clopclop]

I would like something in the Pitt/Mich/Weill/Emory/Vandy/Case/Sinai scene, obviously excellent schools and for most of em I'm right at their 10% (some above some below). And they all have high MCAT averages so I'm worried that even if I do really well that it's not like it'll make me stand out. I'm not tied to a region, but I do like the idea of being in a cool city / I'm very interested in research.

I know I don't strictly speaking need upper level sciences, but I have a pretty solid UG trend, and I'm thinking if I can showcase that the trend was real it might give me that edge.

I know that's not necessarily practical, but there's also the fact that if I got into my (pretty competitive) in-state program, it seems like I'd have a good chance of getting into the med school too (cheap with a very solid reputation)


Thanks for the advice!

 

[FindMeOnTheLinks]

I would like something in the Pitt/Mich/Weill/Emory/Vandy/Case/Sinai scene, obviously excellent schools and for most of em I'm right at their 10% (some above some below). And they all have high MCAT averages so I'm worried that even if I do really well that it's not like it'll make me stand out. I'm not tied to a region, but I do like the idea of being in a cool city / I'm very interested in research.

I know I don't strictly speaking need upper level sciences, but I have a pretty solid UG trend, and I'm thinking if I can showcase that the trend was real it might give me that edge.

I know that's not necessarily practical, but there's also the fact that if I got into my (pretty competitive) in-state program, it seems like I'd have a good chance of getting into the med school too (cheap with a very solid reputation)


Thanks for the advice!

If you want to get into one of those schools you will need to increase your GPA to have a solid chance. I have applied to 5 of the schools you listed and I can tell you that my GPA is better than yours and I have an mcat two points higher than the average at all of those schools, and I've had zero success. I know it is about more than numbers and this is just n=1, but if you are aiming that high you should do whatever you can to increase your GPA AND ace the mcat.