sGPA vs cGPA auto-screens

[zappyapples]

I've been posting a good bit these past few months, just have a lot of questions, apologies.

I'm preparing to apply to SMPs this semester (taking MCAT in March, will have my cGPA above 3.0 once I graduate if all goes well).

I'm aware many schools screen out GPAs under 3.0 which is why I'm taking this fifth year to raise my cGPA above 3.0 (2.9 presently), but I neglected to consider that my sGPA is much lower. I just calculated it and it's at 2.6, which I obviously do not see myself raising above 3.0 before I graduate.

Will this be problematic once I begin applying to med schools in the future? I would like to put myself in the best possible position to make it into MD schools before I put a lot of money into an SMP, so I would like to know if this is even advisable anymore considering my sGPA will remain well below 3.0 once I apply.

If not, I am even thinking about a second bachelor's if that is what it will take. This is tangential, but I have an interest in physics and would not be too upset using this opportunity to take 1.5-2 years to get a degree in it before applying to SMPs or med school. Though I will apply to SMPs now if I can help it, ideally. Thanks for any help.

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[ntds]

each medical school has their own method of screening:

cGPA
sGPA
post bac GPA
grad GPA
last 60 credits GPA
last 90 credit GPA
special permission (call/write in)
etc.

the best thing for you to do is start building your list.

things to consider:

* crush the MCAT, DO NOT TAKE unless you are going to CRUSH it
* only go to SMP that has guaranteed linkage
* 2.6 suggests you do not have a solid foundation in BCP, why not do a DYI postbac at a community college, an SMP may do more damage then good.
* are you mentally OK? if not, get help. shore that up before starting all this.

Read through Goro's guide to rebuilding.

I am sure others will have differing opinions. Hopefully this helps you a little more reflect and fine tune.

 

[zappyapples]

each medical school has their own method of screening:

cGPA
sGPA
post bac GPA
grad GPA
last 60 credits GPA
last 90 credit GPA
special permission (call/write in)
etc.

the best thing for you to do is start building your list.

things to consider:

* crush the MCAT, DO NOT TAKE unless you are going to CRUSH it
* only go to SMP that has guaranteed linkage
* 2.6 suggests you do not have a solid foundation in BCP, why not do a DYI postbac at a community college, an SMP may do more damage then good.
* are you mentally OK? if not, get help. shore that up before starting all this.

Read through Goro's guide to rebuilding.

I am sure others will have differing opinions. Hopefully this helps you a little more reflect and fine tune.

Thanks, that is reasonable.

About the points you made:
- I’m feeling good about the MCAT, doing pretty well on my practice FLs
- This is a good point, would it be an absolute waste to attend one without guaranteed linkage then?
- The 2.6 is from classes that I’ve failed earlier in my undergrad career that I’ve since retaken. I feel a lot more confident in my foundational knowledge now. I also did get straight As last semester and I feel that I’m beginning to learn to study effectively which makes me feel better about an SMP.
- I’ve got my mental health under wraps yes.

Not trying to make excuses, just trying to paint a better picture of where I’m at.

As for building a list, do you have any recommendations as to what med schools might eventually consider an app like this so I have an idea of what I’d be dealing with? Preferably MD though I will obviously apply DO as well.

 

[Goro]

As for building a list, do you have any recommendations as to what med schools might eventually consider an app like this so I have an idea of what I’d be dealing with?

There are many MD and DO schools that reward reinvention. BUT, it's a waste of time to this point to even think of schools you'll be applying to until you complete your reinvention process.
Read this:

• Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Read the SDN Admissions Guide on How to Choose a Postbac/SMP. Check for schools offering solid MCAT prep (and thus may not require it for admission). Taking the MCAT before you start your SMP could result in a bad first score which could set you back for articulation entry if you overestimate your preparation.

 

[Willybsknees]

I've been posting a good bit these past few months, just have a lot of questions, apologies.

I'm preparing to apply to SMPs this semester (taking MCAT in March, will have my cGPA above 3.0 once I graduate if all goes well).

I'm aware many schools screen out GPAs under 3.0 which is why I'm taking this fifth year to raise my cGPA above 3.0 (2.9 presently), but I neglected to consider that my sGPA is much lower. I just calculated it and it's at 2.6, which I obviously do not see myself raising above 3.0 before I graduate.

Will this be problematic once I begin applying to med schools in the future? I would like to put myself in the best possible position to make it into MD schools before I put a lot of money into an SMP, so I would like to know if this is even advisable anymore considering my sGPA will remain well below 3.0 once I apply.

If not, I am even thinking about a second bachelor's if that is what it will take. This is tangential, but I have an interest in physics and would not be too upset using this opportunity to take 1.5-2 years to get a degree in it before applying to SMPs or med school. Though I will apply to SMPs now if I can help it, ideally. Thanks for any help.

It’s good that you’re thinking about all of this now but please don’t let it consume you. Focus on the task at hand, which is demonstrating academic capability through reinvention. You (like us reinventors) will never have the flashy, pretty gpa and it doesn’t matter. It’s about transcript repair and stacking solid grades in difficult coursework as well as crushing the mcat. It doesn’t even matter if it’s just slightly above 3.0, which is what mine is. You need to get that sgpa above 3.0 if possible it will make your life a lor easier come application time. My best advice and what I did was get off here, get off Reddit, and get after it. Whether you decide to do an SMP, post-bacc, or diy that’s your focus. Listen to the mods here because it works

Signed,
Reinventor with 10 As and a 3.05/3.15