Ross, SGU- Chances?

[islandmed10]

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Hi Everyone!

I've been reading SDN for a bit now, but this is my first post, so I apologize if I am posting this in the wrong area!

A few questions: Does anyone know how Ross and SGU view multiple MCAT attempts? Also, do either of these schools have a minimum science GPA?

I applied to both SGU and Ross in August, and have received an interview for Ross but still haven't heard anything from SGU. I am a little worried I might not be accepted at either place because I have a low science GPA and multiple MCAT attempts. I am a non-trad student, have worked as a clinician at a major academic medical hospital for over 5 years, have a masters degree, and lots of health care related ECs including an ICU family information group, volunteering as a subject-expert at the local science museum and volunteering with an animal research lab. Here are my stats:

cGPA: 3.3
sGPA: 2.6
MCAT (best of each section): 28S
MCAT (individual): 23S

Do I stand a chance at SGU or Ross? Will I get MERP'd at Ross?

Thanks in advance for any advice and information!

 

[Richardh]

to islandmed10-avg gpa for sgu is in the range of 3.0-3.5 and the avg mcat for sgu is in the range of 25-27. i think sgu tends to look at the most recent score. the school isn't listed (under the aamc website mcat score release page) where you can choose which mcat scores you can send out.

 

[Richardh]

if you have taken multiple times as long as you have shown improvement i think you will be fine. the great thing about sgu in my opininon is that my friend who applied there was accepted after taking more than 7 times the mcat. she was a pre-med who happen to take one of the last paper based mcat exam in april but she didn't do well. she then retook it in sept but didn't do well again (i don't know why she didn't study hard). the following year mcat was now given in computer based formate. she took it now on the computer and (as you guessed it) didn't do well. at this point already 3 tries she has attempted the mcat. but strangely, she was showing some improvment 👍 finally on her 7th or so attempt this year she got a score within the avg. she applied and got accepted in the august class of this year 🙂

 

[Richardh]

congrats though for getting an interview invitation at ross 😀 i don't know if you will get merp'd at ross. avg gpa for ross is in the range of 2.5-3.0 and the avg mcat for sgu is in the range of 20-25. i think ross tends to look at the best mcat score.

 

[Richardh]

the great thing about ross from what i've heard is that my other friend who applied there was accepted after scoring a 22 all 3 times. he was desperately trying to improve and he even explained it clearly during his interview. he got accpted a year ago and he is currently in his 2nd year.

 

[islandmed10]

Thanks for all the advice and information! Your posts are encouraging to say the least I have my interview with Ross soon, so hopefully I will have some good news before the new year. Thanks again!

 

[schandan13]

Hi Everyone!

I've been reading SDN for a bit now, but this is my first post, so I apologize if I am posting this in the wrong area!

A few questions: Does anyone know how Ross and SGU view multiple MCAT attempts? Also, do either of these schools have a minimum science GPA?

I applied to both SGU and Ross in August, and have received an interview for Ross but still haven't heard anything from SGU. I am a little worried I might not be accepted at either place because I have a low science GPA and multiple MCAT attempts. I am a non-trad student, have worked as a clinician at a major academic medical hospital for over 5 years, have a masters degree, and lots of health care related ECs including an ICU family information group, volunteering as a subject-expert at the local science museum and volunteering with an animal research lab. Here are my stats:

cGPA: 3.3
sGPA: 2.6
MCAT (best of each section): 28S
MCAT (individual): 23S

Do I stand a chance at SGU or Ross? Will I get MERP'd at Ross?

Thanks in advance for any advice and information!

What is your most recent MCAT score ? Avg entering class at SGU has MCAT in high 20s and GPA of anywhere between 3 and 3.5. Till about 27-28 you should be safe. Lower than that, you probably would get put in the foundations program.

 

[Richardh]

good luck islandmed10 👍

 

[islandmed10]

Thanks again for all the advice. I am still hoping to hear from SGU about an interview soon, but if I can at least get into one program, I will be happy.

My most recent MCAT is a 23. I retook because of the PS- my biggest problem was I was shaky on my some of my math/physics, so I studied really hard for *only* that section, got an 8, but then dropped in my VR section (my bio is good, all 9 or higher). My science GPA is low mostly because of a few C's in physics and one semester of general chemistry. I wrote a really good (well, I think...🙂 ) essay on the optional essay for SGU explaining this, and how I successfully changed my study habits, test skills, etc and show an upward trend in grades for upper-division science courses (immunology, cell bio, biochemistry- all B or better) so I am hoping the ad com will consider this when reviewing my file (I applied for Aug 2011). All my pre-reqs are from a post-bacc program from a very good university.

My file for SGU still says "sent for initial review" but at least I have the Ross interview. Both schools sound great, so I am keeping my fingers crossed. Thoughts, anyone??

 

[schandan13]

All reasons aside, for the AdCom it does boil down to stats. August classes are usually more competitive than January classes so keep that in mind as well. With a 23, your chances at getting admitted to the MD program directly don't look too bright. I know of people with 25-26 that were put in Foundations. The rule is that a high GPA can't compensate for a low MCAT but a high MCAT can easily do the same for a low GPA. You probably will be offered the Charter Foundation Program with that score, but again, thats just my $0.02.

You will be notified via email that if you are being granted an interview, whether it's for the MD or the Foundations program. Gluck ! 👍

 

[Richardh]

hi schandan13! was wondering if you happened to do SGU's KBT GSprogram? (i know i probably should post this under sgu but if you happen to check this post) can you give me your insight.

mainly right now i want to know if students who decided to pursue this program end up having the same passing rates in their classes for term1 and term2 as students who are in grenada?

 

[schandan13]

hi schandan13! was wondering if you happened to do SGU's KBT GSprogram? (i know i probably should post this under sgu but if you happen to check this post) can you give me your insight.

mainly right now i want to know if students who decided to pursue this program end up having the same passing rates in their classes for term1 and term2 as students who are in grenada?

Well last term their averages were pretty close to ours, somewhere around the same actually. But their class is half our size (maybe even lesser), so our average is taking more people into account. There are advantages and disadvantages to the Newcastle program. It doesn't have NJ approval yet, so if you go GSP, rotations and residency chances are eliminated. The faculty is newer and i hear living is very expensive in Newcastle. On the contrary, smaller class size means a better prof:student ratio which can give you the added advantage of interacting with the prof more. Testing is however the same, to the point that even the timings of the exams are co-ordinated. Some of the faculty members in GND have been around for 20 years or something. But, review sheets, practice questions go back and forth so there is no advantage there really.

IMHO, it's really a personal choice. If you like city life, don't mind the cold and have extra cash (~living expenses), i say GSP is a sound choice.

 

[Richardh]

thanks schandan13! helped me alot to get a good idea. you're the best 😀

 

[Shoushu]

thanks schandan13! helped me alot to get a good idea. you're the best 😀

yeah good ideas by schandan13