Science vs. Nonscience GPA

[locket154]

Hi guys, hopefully this question hasn't been asked before and I just missed it, but I wanted to know how much weight was put on the nonscience GPA vs. the science. I only have a 3.7 overall GPA but my science GPA is a 4.0 and I don't know whether I should be putting extra effort into MCAT studying to compensate for my low gpa. I'm due to take the MCAT in a couple of weeks and think I'll get around a 36 based on my practice test scores. I'm trying to work out if I should be shooting higher and plan on retaking it in the spring or focusing on my research. Any input would be appreciated.

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[Ariodant]

Not low, your GPA is within range. Science GPA is the kinda "non-diluted" GPA people use to measure your real performance in science courses, but unless it's ridiculously lower (like 3.0 when you have a 3.7 overall) and your MCAT is below range, you don't have to worry too much about it.

 

[ClarinetGeek]

I agree with the previous post. Non-sci of 3.7 is fine and with the science gpa of 4.0 you are golden. Plus a MCAT of 36 in combination is going to get you just about anywhere you want. Rock out on the MCAT and then focus on your research. Best of luck.

 

[locket154]

I've been basing my goal off the average scores on the UCSF website (3.85 gpa and 36 mcat) which I fall short of. Is this not typical of MSTP program stats? Thanks for the input!

 

[Ariodant]

For UCSF's MSTP, this year's stats are even higher than you have cited. But stats are average meant to be guidelines, not rules carved in stone. You see, if you got accepted with your 3.7 and someone else with their 4.0, you guys would have an average GPA of 3.85😀

 

[Neuronix]

I've been basing my goal off the average scores on the UCSF website (3.85 gpa and 36 mcat) which I fall short of. Is this not typical of MSTP program stats? Thanks for the input!

This is pretty typical of MSTP program accepted stats. They're remarkably constant across the top-20 programs. I think there's enough students with high 30s MCATs and ~3.9 GPAs that there's enough to go around to fill the top programs. The decider is strength of research experience, strength of interview, LORs, etc... Don't forget plain ol dumb luck. The school I attend now was the only one in the top-10 to give me an acceptance. It turned out that my interviewer loved my personal statement, whereas I know adcoms at other programs that don't even bother to read personal statements. Strange world eh?

Your GPA is ok. That 3.85 is an average, not a minimum. There's a standard deviation on that number (who knows what it is?) and I'll bet 3.7 is within 1 of those standard deviations. Score high on the MCAT (>36) so you're above average in that and have lots of research. Then good luck in Cali cause it's just super competitive.

 

[Caribou]

I'm of the opinion that once you reach a certain threshold, small differences in scores make very little difference. As long as you didn't fail your How To Be A Good Person 101 course, and you get (or approach) the MCAT score you've predicted, you're scores won't be your make-or-break. Your science GPA will play a bigger role for MSTPs and your overall GPA is plenty good by MD standards. In other words, don't stress about numbers. Your statements, letters and interviews are what matter now.