Should I even apply?

[TYinadvance]

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Hi Everyone,

I’m aware it’s extremely competitive to get into MD/PhD programs so I’m worried that I have no chance considering my grades aren’t too hot. Figured I should reach out for all the advice I can get.

UG: B.S in Molecular Biology and Chemistry with a 3.4 GPA
Currently getting my Master’s in Biotechnology: GPA 3.6
Volunteered abroad in a pediatric hospital as well as a Labor/Delivery unit in college
Worked in my undergrad research group for 3 years (Basic research): 1 Nature paper with 1 under review, multiple presentations and received Best thesis
Joined another lab in my masters for about 2 years (Translational with a heavy focus in Bioinformatics): 1 paper and a presentation at a national conference
Lead engineer in a start up
Currently doing a drug discovery internship at a pharmaceutical company (Reverse Translational)
Getting my EMT certification now for more patient hours/exposure
Planning on taking the MCAT soon

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[Fluorescentboy]

I don't think the GPA is doing you any favors, research looks good, do you have any shadowing? You need enough clinical hours to answer why the MD in a convincing way but research is still the most important factor. I'm not sure how a 3.6 in a master's would look, in normal MD admissions they tend not to look at non-SMP GPAs closely, but often because they are inflated.

It is really hard to say anything without an MCAT. A 510 vs a 520 would likely lead to different recommendations.

 

[TYinadvance]

I don't think the GPA is doing you any favors, research looks good, do you have any shadowing? You need enough clinical hours to answer why the MD in a convincing way but research is still the most important factor. I'm not sure how a 3.6 in a master's would look, in normal MD admissions they tend not to look at non-SMP GPAs closely, but often because they are inflated.

It is really hard to say anything without an MCAT. A 510 vs a 520 would likely lead to different recommendations.

I've done a lot of shadowing so I think I could answer the why MD question easily but I understand what you're saying. Once I take the MCAT hopefully I'll have a better idea

 

[TYinadvance]

With 2 pubs and 1 in Nature, I think you could be a really solid candidate. Were you the 1st author?

No I was 2nd for both

 

[Ludwig2000]

No I was 2nd for both

Still pretty impressive if you’re 2nd author in Nature, provided we are talking the literal journal “Nature” and not a Scientific Reports article that, when posted on Facebook, says “nature.com” on the thumbnail, which makes a bunch of rubes say “Zomg you published in NATURE??????!!!”

Your GPA isn’t great but I know some people at least at a mid tier MD PhD with similar, so probably not a deal-breaker if everything else is strong

 

[Fencer]

You should be fine. Submit ASAP, make sure your transcripts are sent to AMCAS, and get your LORs to upload/sent to AMCAS. While your pubs will carry you, your MCAT will truly define what group of MSTPs/MDPhD programs you will be competitive... There are just a handful of programs who won't be considering you but .... PM me if you want to discuss more openly.