Should I wait a year?

[gatordentalgal]

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**** This is an old username from about 10 years ago when I was in college so please excuse the dental reference. I do not want to be a dentist.

So I'll try and keep this short. I'm a PA that wants to apply to medical school. My undergrad GPA is 3.2 (I know that's low) and my MCAT is in the percentile range of a 35-36. The reason for this difference is immaturity from undergrad 10 years ago and I think being a PA gave me a strong background in biology and biochemistry. Anyway, I can possibly raise my GPA to a 3.4 with postbacc work if I wait another year. Should I wait another year or apply with my current credentials? BTW my graduate school GPA is 3.5 but reading the threads I don't think that counts for much. I've never applied before also.

 

[SpartanWolverine]

Your current credentials would be good for most DO schools but you would have a difficult MD season (likely a few interviews but slim chances for acceptances).

 

[BurghMed]

Even for DO you might have a difficult time. Although your work experience is great, the combination of a very low MCAT and gpa immediately rules you out for MD, imo. I suggest you retake the MCAT. Post bacc would help you with regards to your gpa, but a weak MCAT does you no favors and is an equally limiting factor.

 

[gatordentalgal]

Even for DO you might have a difficult time. Although your work experience is great, the combination of a very low MCAT and gpa immediately rules you out for MD, imo. I suggest you retake the MCAT. Post bacc would help you with regards to your gpa, but a weak MCAT does you no favors and is an equally limiting factor.

I'm sorry, I think you misread my MCAT score.

 

[SpartanWolverine]

Even for DO you might have a difficult time. Although your work experience is great, the combination of a very low MCAT and gpa immediately rules you out for MD, imo. I suggest you retake the MCAT. Post bacc would help you with regards to your gpa, but a weak MCAT does you no favors and is an equally limiting factor.

I took the initial post to mean ~95-97th percentile on the MCAT (equivalent of a former composite of 36). This is quite competitive with a 3.2 for DO schools. Of course if they meant 35th-36th percentile my answer would be different...

 

[gatordentalgal]

I took the initial post to mean ~98-99th percentile on the MCAT (equivalent of a former composite of 36). This is quite competitive with a 3.2 for DO schools. Of course if they meant 35th-36th percentile my answer would be different...

yes I was comparing it the old scoring system and not 35th-36th percentile

 

[BurghMed]

My apologies, I misread that. Scratch everything I said. Your gpa is a bit low for MD but you are well suited for relatively easy entrance for DO. A successful post bacc would allow you to then have a fantastic MD cycle if you apply broadly. Unfortunately the 3.2 hurts you. But that doesn't mean you couldn't get into a few schools with your wealth of experience. Good luck!

 

[moisne]

DO's have a much lower GPA acceptance. GOod luck!

 

[Goro]

You're accept bait at my school and many other in the DO world.

**** This is an old username from about 10 years ago when I was in college so please excuse the dental reference. I do not want to be a dentist.

So I'll try and keep this short. I'm a PA that wants to apply to medical school. My undergrad GPA is 3.2 (I know that's low) and my MCAT is in the percentile range of a 35-36. The reason for this difference is immaturity from undergrad 10 years ago and I think being a PA gave me a strong background in biology and biochemistry. Anyway, I can possibly raise my GPA to a 3.4 with postbacc work if I wait another year. Should I wait another year or apply with my current credentials? BTW my graduate school GPA is 3.5 but reading the threads I don't think that counts for much. I've never applied before also.

 

[gyngyn]

That's a 495 or around a 22.
Tough going, for sure.

 

[TooMuchPressure]

That's a 495 or around a 22.
Tough going, for sure.

I think he meant 35-36 on the old MCAT if I am not mistaken.

 

[gyngyn]

I think he meant 35-36 on the old MCAT if I am not mistaken.

I hope you are right!

 

[gatordentalgal]

I think he meant 35-36 on the old MCAT if I am not mistaken.

You are correct. Thank you everyone for your feedback!