Slim or close to none?

[SoonToBeDoc]

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Hey guys,
Here are my stats: 2.45 science GPA, 2.65 overall GPA, taking the MCAT next weekend (hoping to score in the AT LEAST 30), going to start a research paper in the fall. Retaking 3 science class in which I got a D and 2 C-'s. Give it to me straight? How do my chances look? I've gotten rejection letters from DMU and MidwesternU and a secondary from KCOM. Let me know...thanks. I appreciate it.

 

[crazy250]

you have close to none shot of getting in, even if you score above a 30.

 

[DrMom]

I'd recommend you save your application $ (at least any further $) until you've retaken those classes and have an MCAT score back. With AACOMAS, the repeated grades will replace the original ones in the computed GPA so you could end up with a notably improved GPA.

As things are now, your chances aren't great, but with replaced grades and a great MCAT you could end up with a decent chance.

 

[doc3341]

I would defientely recommend doing a post bac and then applying.

 

[Amy B]

Great advice Drmom. I would also say to wait and get those classes redone, get a better grade in them and then reapply. The replaced grades will bring your GPA up if you do better in those classes.

You need a great MCAT score. Good luck.

With the retakes being better and a decent MCAT then your chances will be much better!!!!!

 

[nico05]

I am kind of in the same boat. I graduated with a 2.65 (Im post bacc now) and have spoke with tons of people to evaluate my chances. DEFINITELY take those classes over again and make sure you kick ass. Also look into taking a few upper level courses. Go with your strongest area (bio, chem, physics) and do real well. Hold off on applying too. When you have all of your stuff together (solid GPA and MCAT scores) then go ahead and apply. Good Luck 👍

 

[PublicEnemy]

yeah, several schools now wouldn't even send you secondaries. so definitely consider the postbac route. the difference you can make in just 1 year is tremendous. imagine taking your 8 worst grades and just replacing them with a bunch of A's. you're a 2.45 now? i don't know how many total science classes you have, but you could actually end up with a really decent gpa by retaking those classes and doing well.

 

[uclabruin2003]

take everyone's advice to heart. please retake the classes and think about doing a post-bacc. hopefully you can also pull off a good/decent mcat score while studying for your post-bacc.....good luck. you can do it!

 

[MedSchoolFool]

I was at a information session at PCOM on Wednesday. Their advice was to have at least a 3.0. They said that what matters more than your overall GPA is an upward trend in GPA. It's hard to offset the effect of bad grades on a GPA, but set a goal of making high grades from here on out. Two or more years of A's or B+'s should demonstrate your new found determination to be in med school.

Also, don't underestimate noncurricular experience such as volunteer work. The impression I got from PCOM is that they care a great deal about an applicant's interest in people. The social aspects of medicine seem to mean a lot to them in deciding whom to give an acceptance letter to, so do all you can to make yourself outstanding in this respect.

The good news is that they do go beyond the sheer numbers when looking at an applicant. Emphasize those qualities that can't be reflected in a GPA or an MCAT score. Medicine is about more than intelligence. Especially in osteopathy where the holistic approach is stressed. You can do it.

JJ

 

[racystacey07]

Don't quote me on this, but I believe that many schools have a cut-off of a 2.75 GPA. This means that they will not even look at your app if it is below this. It sounds like you are passionate about medicine, so don't give up! I recommend looking into a masters program. If you keep taking undergrad courses, it will take forever for you to boost your GPA to a 3.0 because you have already taken so many classes. Look at the Postbacc forum on here. That might help you out 🙂 Good luck!

 

[Freakingzooming]

i agree with what is said here. Don't spend the time and money right now to apply cuz it will be for naught or little chance. I think you should retake those classes as you said and focus all your attention now to the MCAT which is coming up in a couple weeks? don't worry about hte secondaries.

Trend is important like someone else here has said. If you can boost up some of those grades, you have a great shot at improving your application.

 

[OnMyWayThere]

You'd be suprised at how much difference retaking classes will make on AACOMAS. Unlike amcas, it replaces the grade so you might find yourself above a 3.0... I think getting A's in the retakes will really improve your chances, until then the systems are automically gonna send rejections due to cutoffs and not even review your application further. Best of luck to you.

 

[SoonToBeDoc]

Thanks I appreciate everything you guys said. I truly do. Unfortunately, I already applied last month. There is a lot more to my application than just what I said so I'm still holding onto the little hope I have left. I've gotten secondaries from KCOM and UMDNJ. Part of me says, "not a chance" and part of me says "you'll never know if you don't". If i don't get in this year, then there's always next year or Masters or post-bacc like you guys suggested. I'll keep you guys updated on what happens. I have a few more things lined up to strengthen my application so we'll see which school is willing to see what I can offer.

 

[group_theory]

If i don't get in this year, then there's always next year or Masters or post-bacc like you guys suggested.

DO NOT APPLY NEXT YEAR unless you have retaken (and replaced) those classes. Even if you do extremely well on the MCAT, that 2.45 science GPA will tank your application. Everyone will tell you that med school is tough (and science heavy), and admission committee want to see some evidence that you can handle the workload.

Needless to say, when you do retake those classes, do well in them. I think theoretically you can take them a 3rd time (and have that score replace the other 2), but admission committee will be less forgiving, and that A on the third attempt (although hard earned) will be devalued in their eyes.

Whether you want to do a postbac or masters is up to you. There are pros and cons to both options. See your premed advisor for more personalized advice and recommendation.

P.S. My advice to you is to not fill out the umdnj secondary for the following reason
1. you have a low science and overall GPA
2. you have no MCAT score - it will be late October/November when the score will be received, hence you are behind in the process
3. umdnj-som is a small school with a small class size (<100)
4. umdnj-som is a state school, while you are applying as a california resident

Now, you might have other factors that mitigate these concerns that you haven't mentioned on this board. That is why I recommend you see your premed advisor, so that you can receive personalized advice and recommendation.

Good luck with the MCAT and good luck w/ the future 🙂

 

[FutureDocDO]

Thanks I appreciate everything you guys said. I truly do. Unfortunately, I already applied last month. There is a lot more to my application than just what I said so I'm still holding onto the little hope I have left. I've gotten secondaries from KCOM and UMDNJ. Part of me says, "not a chance" and part of me says "you'll never know if you don't". If i don't get in this year, then there's always next year or Masters or post-bacc like you guys suggested. I'll keep you guys updated on what happens. I have a few more things lined up to strengthen my application so we'll see which school is willing to see what I can offer.

If you managed to get a few secondaries, I personally do not think it would hurt to fill them out and see if you'll manage to get an interview or two. I would limit myself to less than 5. It's not like it's going to drain your bank account. Who knows, someone on the adcom might have a soft spot in their heart(s). Plus, it will give you a chance to see what the interview process is like and if you have to go through it again next application cycle it will give you an edge over the first-timer. Just a thought.

 

[Tas]

I can't give much hope to you, I've got slightly higher gpa than you and did well on the mcat. I've not gotten in yet, but I did want to say --

if it's your PASSION - do NOT give up.

 

[FutureDocDO]

I can't give much hope to you, I've got slightly higher gpa than you and did well on the mcat. I've not gotten in yet, but I did want to say --

if it's your PASSION - do NOT give up.

So Tas, are you reapplying this year? Or, are you doing a postbacc? Just curious.