Should I even bother?

[purplekat]

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Well, I guess i'm facing reality right now and before I submit my app in a week or two, I just wanted to know if i should even bother submitting it with a science GPA of ~2.5 and overall of 3.1 (I did have a double major though, if that counts) I plan to take the MCATs in Aug. So is there even a MCAT score that I could get to off-set that or should I just save myself some $$$ 😕 Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dhoonlee]

.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

BCPM of 2.5 is hard to overlook with any MCAT, if you can realistically boost that GPA by next cycle, I'd wait. If there's no chance, then might as well try now.

 

[purplekat]

BCPM of 2.5 is hard to overlook with any MCAT, if you can realistically boost that GPA by next cycle, I'd wait. If there's no chance, then might as well try now.

That's a little hard because I already graduated (except for one class that i have to take at a community college this fall, which I will get an A in) so i guess I could just apply to like 10 schools or something.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Yeah, might as well then. Nothing to lose cept some bucks.

 

[calstudent]

purplekat:
first, great avatar
second, 2.5 BCPM is very tough; however, i do suggest a post-bac program. double major has some impact, but the # is the #. there have been some other threads on this. i am thinking, if you get in it would definitely be awesome.
however, it is not just the cost financially, but also psychological of not getting in, especially if you don't have an MCAT yet. go all out for the MCAT, get a good score there, take some classes in science at a community college or through a post-bac, and work hard, and i think you'll have a better chance.
i hate to be pessimistic at this point, but it is, of course, just my opinion
good luck

 

[bmischen]

if this is NOT a repeat thread, then search for a similar thread asking the same question...
good luck!

 

[jlee9531]

do a postbacc program or something. save yourself some money.
if you feel confident with the mcat you should take it and hope to get a hella high score...mid 30s would be nice. that score should last you 3 years and that should be enough time to finish a post bacc and raise that gpa and apply.

 

[Bones2008]

Don't apply. Just don't do it. Do a postbacc or some other graduate work or something. Your GPA is way to low. It may sound harsh, but I can promise you spending a grand and then not getting in is a lot harsher. You don't have to give up, but you are honestly gonna have to ACE a few more years of school to prove yourself. Taking the August MCAT puts all applicants at a disadvantage. Given your GPA, this is a really bad idea to apply. Follow jlee's advice and wait on it.

 

[LP1CW]

On your practice exams, where are you scoring? If you're in the 30's take the exam. If not, don't even bother to take it.

Take additional courses in a postbac program, upper level classes, demonstrate that you can handle a full load. I'm talking about one class per term. I'm talking about 3 or 4 classes with labs. All of us can nail an A with only one class. Get A's at this level and prove yourself. Then in two years, take the MCAT and apply. AIM for 2006. That's not that far away. I think a 2.5 is a no.

 

[rockit]

I think that you'd be wasting your money to apply right now. Your grades just aren't good enough. If you can get your BCPM over 3.0 or go to a graduate program, then your chances will improve.

 

[Fermata]

Pretty much what others have said.

All hope is not lost, but it's gonna take some work for that GPA to look respectable.

Take care.

 

[Datrix]

Well, I guess i'm facing reality right now and before I submit my app in a week or two, I just wanted to know if i should even bother submitting it with a science GPA of ~2.5 and overall of 3.1 (I did have a double major though, if that counts) I plan to take the MCATs in Aug. So is there even a MCAT score that I could get to off-set that or should I just save myself some $$$ 😕 Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I say if you can, wait a year and do what others have suggested which is the Post-Bac program. This way it allows you to not only boost your GPA up but also gives you more time to study for the MCAT which you can take in April. By taking it in Aug it will delay your application because schools will not look at your application until your MCAT scores are in. So I say take another year to rock the MCAT in April and try to take some classes to increase your GPA. Don't trip it can be done. 😀

 

[vtucci]

I would recommend graduate school- law, public health, public policy- something to make you stand out from the crowd (that is why I did not recommend an MA in biology). You could work for an international humanitarian group- MSF or one of a thousand different groups.

You should also enroll in a formal post-bac program- one with excellent advising and possiblity some linkage program and do some advanced science classes. Give it a couple of years and then apply- your chances will improve dramatically.

Good luck.