rejected from SGU + seeking advice

[Languorous Love]

What do you think my chances are of getting into a Caribbean MD school? My GPA is low from undergrad and from the SMP I did for the last 2 years. I have extensive community service, clinical, teaching, and research experience.

Undergrad GPA: 2.92
Undergrad BCPM GPA: 2.76

SMP GPA: 3.0
SMP BCPM: 2.9

MCAT: PS11, VR11, WSQ, BS11

I applied earlier this year for SGU (for Jan '08) and was rejected after my interview. The person who interviewed me said that my rec letters and overall application were great. When I called admissions, I was told that my GPA was too low and they only take applicants with 3.2 or higher. Doing the SMP (taking real US medical school courses) didn't make a difference to them.

I felt that my MCAT score demonstrated my knowledge of premed material and put me on a more even playing field compared to other applicants (because different schools have different grading standards). I thought the SMP would benefit my application, because medical students with the same grades as mine pass the medical curriculum.

Now I want to apply to other schools in the Caribbean: Ross, St. James, SABA, AUC. But I am worried that maybe I was deluded about my chances of getting in.
Is it unrealistic for me to pursue a medical education at any of these schools with my scores?

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[misao]

No. Never, Never quit, try Ross University. They are one of the best. They have good clinical spot in the U.S. and most States if not all, accept Ross graduates, good luck.

 

[AllIn4Life]

Wow man ur MCAT score is incredible.


Here's what I think: I am pretty much positive with your stats u can get into Ross and AUC and everything else for JAN 08 but hurry.

The only thing I gotta know more about is how the interview went because that may be the problem.

Did you get a chance to tell the interviewer about your personal characteristics and give them insights on you as a person that they dont know about just from looking at the application?

Most important: What is the reason your GPA does not reflect that MCAT score because I would expect your GPA to be in the 3.7ish range? Did you have personal circumstances that hindered your performance in school? That is probably a reason since you did not show much improvement from undergrad to SMP.

Do you have any skeletons in the closet? For example, are there a lot of withdrawals on your transcripts?

Remember stats are a major part of the application, but its also about how you present yourself at interviews. I had a low MCAT and 3.4-3.5 GPA but I was able to explain my situation to my interviewer when applying to Ross and ended up getting accepted. You just need to be convincing and be truthful and dont brag too much about yourself. The interviewer told me later on that what they usually look for is a humble, but driven candidate for medical school. Just keep that in mind.

I'm sure others can give you some better advice as well.

 

[AllIn4Life]

Also Remember In Life If You Want Something Bad Enough You Can Have It. Work You Ass Off And Never Give Up!!!! You Will Make It.

 

[AngryBaby]

Yeah if you scored a 33 on the MCAT then there's no reason why your science GPA should be a low as it is, I'm sure that raised a red flag with SGU (or any other adcom).

I don't know anything about your chances at other Carib schools other than Ross and I'd say you've got a very good chance of getting in there, in fact I'd be surprised if you weren't admitted. Their clinicals sound like a complete mess right now so check that out and make sure you're OK with that situation if you decide to apply to Ross.

Good luck

 

[Top Gun]

Yeah, definitely try the other Caribbean schools like Ross, AUC, and Saba.
And if all else fails, try for other Caribbean schools like MUA-Nevis, St. Matthew's, or AUA. By the way, how did you end up doing in your SMP? I'm surprised SGU didn't even look at that.

 

[Languorous Love]

In undergrad, I didn't have much guidance and chose classes by myself. I took on too many tough science courses together without knowing that most other students balanced out their workloads by taking easy classes. I didn't know about tutoring services at my school until my junior year. I also worked part time (~20 hours a week) and took on a lot of extracurricular activities. My grades didn't worry me, because I always scored around the mean on each exam. I figured that was average and at a good school like Berkeley, average wasn't bad. Overall, I didn't know what was going on and I didn't really have a plan.

After I graduated, I realized that I couldn't do much with my GPA. I tried to raise it by taking more upper div science classes through Extension, but after a quarter it didn't make much difference and I couldn't afford it anymore. So I did research and volunteered and eventually decided to pursue medicine. I took the MCAT, got a competitive score, and applied to SMPs to show I could handle a medical curriculum.

I got into an SMP at the last minute. I moved across the country, took the first apartment I could find, and started school well. Then my apartment got robbed before my biggest round of exams. I was in terrible shape during those exams and all my grades dropped drastically. I did okay for a while after that, but then I decided to work part time and do research. It took time away from studying. I learned the hard way that working up to 30 hours a week on top of full time school is a bad idea. Especially with medical courses.

Now people are telling me I have to take more classes to boost my science GPA. I don't want to do that. I know I made a lot of mistakes, but they taught me a lot about myself academically. There is no way I would work or take on more than I can handle while I'm in medical school. I'd spend all my time studying. I'm ready to begin now.

Thanks for all of your advice! I feel more hopeful now 🙂

 

[McGillGrad]

Apply to AUC, start in January and become an MD.

Simple as that. SGU does not offer any type of significant edge over AUC besides being on an episode of MTVu (university version of MTV)...lol

 

[bulletproof]

Agree with others who said to try AUC, SABA, or Ross.

I agree that Ross needs to sort out their clinical situation. They just added some clinical sites in Atlanta and Florida which should help, but they need to be more proactive like SGU in procurring larger contracts with organisations such as NY-HHC. If they don't sort this out asap, they will start losing applicants, and understandably so.

If you do interview with Ross, be sure and grill them about their ability to assure you Greenbook rotations for your MS3 year in an acceptable timeline. If they cannot reasonably assure you that, then by all means, I would look to a school that could. Good luck.

P.S. and by "reasonably assure" I mean guarantee.

 

[Meatwad]

You WILL get in somewhere. You have an excellent MCAT score, and a respectable SMP GPA (granted, not enough to impress US schools, but it's a B in medical school, which isn't exactly undergraduate biology...), in addition to great LOR's and volunteer experience according to you.

Like others have said, SGU is not > than AUC, Ross, and Saba as far as placing you into good residencies or anything like that. Plus, they are all California approved. You would literally be a shoe-in at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland (4 years, teaches in English, requires a BS with the normal pre-reqs and an MCAT score) and IS approved by California. You can see my post about it in the European forums here.

However, try AUC/Saba/Ross. You'll have some luck, I'm sure. Keep your chin up.

 

[PeepsLove]

If I were you I'd apply to AUG, the school in in Guadalajara Mexico but the classes are in english. My brother got in there with a bad MCAT and GPA. In his Third year he transfered to Ross and is now doing rotations in Chicago. With a 33 I think you'll get in.

 

[McGillGrad]

If I were you I'd apply to AUG, the school in in Guadalajara Mexico but the classes are in english. My brother got in there with a bad MCAT and GPA. In his Third year he transfered to Ross and is now doing rotations in Chicago. With a 33 I think you'll get in.

lol...so go to Mexico to end up in Ross?

That's a lateral move (at best).

 

[Tyerat]

Hi guys i have a question. I have applied to dental schools in america. the thing is i have had a transcript notation for misconduct in the past but it has been over for a long time now. my question to you guys is should i mention it to the dental school admission people or should i not mention it cuz it is off the records. please advice me guys.

 

[Meatwad]

Hi guys i have a question. I have applied to dental schools in america. the thing is i have had a transcript notation for misconduct in the past but it has been over for a long time now. my question to you guys is should i mention it to the dental school admission people or should i not mention it cuz it is off the records. please advice me guys.

😕😕😕

What about the title of this thread, in the Caribbean medical school section, made you think this was the appropriate place to ask that question? Go to the pre-dental section.

 

[Meatwad]

lol...so go to Mexico to end up in Ross?

That's a lateral move (at best).

Well, when you say it like that...

Lol, kudos

 

[JoeNamaMD]

What do you think my chances are of getting into a Caribbean MD school? My GPA is low from undergrad and from the SMP I did for the last 2 years. I have extensive community service, clinical, teaching, and research experience.

Undergrad GPA: 2.92
Undergrad BCPM GPA: 2.76

SMP GPA: 3.0
SMP BCPM: 2.9

MCAT: PS11, VR11, WSQ, BS11

I applied earlier this year for SGU (for Jan '08) and was rejected after my interview. The person who interviewed me said that my rec letters and overall application were great. When I called admissions, I was told that my GPA was too low and they only take applicants with 3.2 or higher. Doing the SMP (taking real US medical school courses) didn't make a difference to them.

I felt that my MCAT score demonstrated my knowledge of premed material and put me on a more even playing field compared to other applicants (because different schools have different grading standards). I thought the SMP would benefit my application, because medical students with the same grades as mine pass the medical curriculum.

Now I want to apply to other schools in the Caribbean: Ross, St. James, SABA, AUC. But I am worried that maybe I was deluded about my chances of getting in.
Is it unrealistic for me to pursue a medical education at any of these schools with my scores?

I know someone with a 2.6 and a 26 MCAT who got into the University of Sydney in Australia.

 

[Meatwad]

I know someone with a 2.6 and a 26 MCAT who got into the University of Sydney in Australia.

Was that their AMCAS GPA? Just curious, because as far as I understand it, Aussie schools calculate GPA as the last 3 years of coursework only. So, the guy with the 2.6 could have gotten F's in his freshman year, gotten himself straightened up, and then did well his last 3 years. This would give him a competitive GPA to the Aussies, but due to freshman year, his "real," GPA would still be crap (i.e. a 2.6).

Is this possibly his story?

 

[McGillGrad]

I know someone with a 2.6 and a 26 MCAT who got into the University of Sydney in Australia.

It seems that you know someone in every medical school in the world.

 

[Meatwad]

It seems that you know someone in every medical school in the world.

Well I've got this friend with a 2.0/18N at Harvard...

 

[McGillGrad]

Well I've got this friend with a 2.0/18N at Harvard...

LOL...


Carl Rocks!

 

[ShyRem]

I absolutely know a guy who went to AUC with a 2.5-2.7 GPA and a 19 MCAT. Yup, 19 MCAT. Accepted to AUC without a problem. Of course, once at AUC he had to repeat an entire year 'cuz he failed most of his classes. Apparently, as long as you keep paying them money, you can stay there as long as it takes to get out.

 

[Meatwad]

I absolutely know a guy who went to AUC with a 2.5-2.7 GPA and a 19 MCAT. Yup, 19 MCAT. Accepted to AUC without a problem. Of course, once at AUC he had to repeat an entire year 'cuz he failed most of his classes. Apparently, as long as you keep paying them money, you can stay there as long as it takes to get out.

Lol, damn...

BTW, when was this? 10 years ago? 5 years ago? Last year?

 

[Meatwad]

LOL...


Carl Rocks!

Don't you know it, Fry-man.

 

[Marsdgrove33133]

That’s great that you all know some people who have gotten in to Caribbean schools. Let me ask you guys. What is the lowest GPA/MCAT score you have heard of that have gotten in to these schools and tell me from what school they came from and if they repeated any science courses? Thanks people and good luck to you all.👍
I had a meeting with AUC rep here in Coral Gables Fl and he made it sound very competitive. He went on to explain that if a student had a, for example, 2.8 from a respectable undergrad science program (i.e. UCLA, UF, etc) vs. a student who has a 3.0/3.1 from a school like FSU it would seem that more than likely the 2.8 student would receive a spot in the Fall class. However he mention that this would be for fall class since its more competitive. Anyway what do you guys think?

Thanks again
Mars

 

[Meatwad]

That’s great that you all know some people who have gotten in to Caribbean schools. Let me ask you guys. What is the lowest GPA/MCAT score you have heard of that have gotten in to these schools and tell me from what school they came from and if they repeated any science courses? Thanks people and good luck to you all.👍
I had a meeting with AUC rep here in Coral Gables Fl and he made it sound very competitive. He went on to explain that if a student had a, for example, 2.8 from a respectable undergrad science program (i.e. UCLA, UF, etc) vs. a student who has a 3.0/3.1 from a school like FSU it would seem that more than likely the 2.8 student would receive a spot in the Fall class. However he mention that this would be for fall class since its more competitive. Anyway what do you guys think?

Thanks again
Mars

About what? The man himself told you it's competitive and they'd rather take the upper-tier grad. What info you looking for? Stats? It's safe to say everyone knows a kid with a 2.5/22 who got in, but don't count on it getting you in.

 

[oldpro]

About what? The man himself told you it's competitive and they'd rather take the upper-tier grad. What info you looking for? Stats? It's safe to say everyone knows a kid with a 2.5/22 who got in, but don't count on it getting you in.

World is ever changing:

2.5 and 22 why they got in?
10. Low apps that semester
9. Years ago
8. Lots of other things like research/volunteering
7. applied for a few cycles and got lucky
6. super good LOR's
5. under represented group
4. IVY undergrad
3. Age
2. Parent Doctor that talked to school

AND DUM ROLL Please
#1..........Knows people high up in the School!!!!!😎

 

[oldpro]

I know someone with a 2.6 and a 26 MCAT who got into the University of Sydney in Australia.

DIdn't know Australia was in the Caribbean?

But these days of 2.5 and 2.8 getting accepted are fast disappearing

Competition is getting harder and harder.

 

[seemstress]

What do you think my chances are of getting into a Caribbean MD school? My GPA is low from undergrad and from the SMP I did for the last 2 years. I have extensive community service, clinical, teaching, and research experience.

Undergrad GPA: 2.92
Undergrad BCPM GPA: 2.76

SMP GPA: 3.0
SMP BCPM: 2.9

MCAT: PS11, VR11, WSQ, BS11

I applied earlier this year for SGU (for Jan '08) and was rejected after my interview. The person who interviewed me said that my rec letters and overall application were great. When I called admissions, I was told that my GPA was too low and they only take applicants with 3.2 or higher. Doing the SMP (taking real US medical school courses) didn't make a difference to them.

I felt that my MCAT score demonstrated my knowledge of premed material and put me on a more even playing field compared to other applicants (because different schools have different grading standards). I thought the SMP would benefit my application, because medical students with the same grades as mine pass the medical curriculum.

Now I want to apply to other schools in the Caribbean: Ross, St. James, SABA, AUC. But I am worried that maybe I was deluded about my chances of getting in.
Is it unrealistic for me to pursue a medical education at any of these schools with my scores?

u didn't even get offered their mph program??

 

[Yourmother]

Well I've got this friend with a 2.0/18N at Harvard...

Meaty,

Your the best! I swear we were brothers in the another life. Your replies always crack me up.

 

[JoeNamaMD]

Call the admissions office and see if you can appeal the decision, or maybe if you can qualify for the FOM or MPH program.