Hey everyone,
I'm from the University of Richmond and have had a bumpy first two years. I only have a cumulative GPA around 2.88 and have gotten mostly B's and B+'s in science courses. I want to wait to apply after senior year to get my grades up. I want to get my overall GPA up to a 3.2 with science around the same and hopefully do well on the MCAT. Is there still any hope? Thanks a ton.
Yes, there's hope. Actual GPA is important, but a strong upward trend is looked upon very favorably as well.
You need to focus. Look at what's holding you back in life. Is it a lack of sleep? Personal issues? Simply a lack of preparation? You've got to fix it (I had all three & I'm a *****). As someone who also had a bumpy undergrad career, there is no worse feeling than realizing that you missed an opportunity to fix your problems. It feels even worse when you see all of your friends get into medical school.
You should also be focusing on the rest of your application. Are you volunteering? Have you done research (not as critical in DO schools, but it can still help)? Are you involved in any organizations/important hobbies/leadership? Do you have clinical experience / shadowing? These are all things to consider that will make you a strong candidate. Schools aren't looking only for a GPA and MCAT. They're looking for a person who has lived a rich, productive, and successful life.
That said, GPA and MCAT are still critically important. Although I'm sure many admissions committees would be confident that a great person with lower scores could survive medical school and go on to be an amazing doctor, not many schools are willing to sacrifice matriculation stats too much. Unfortunately, with high stats comes prestige, and prestige opens doors.
Finally - the MCAT is your place to shine. Study well - there are plenty of resources on SDN on how to prepare for the MCAT effectively and efficiently. Set aside at least 2-3 months for prep so you aren't cramming information and practice in. Take the MCAT once and crush it. You don't want to have to worry about taking it a second time, and a strong first testing can be seen perhaps be used, along with an upward trend in GPA, as evidence of your maturity and ability.
Best of luck to you. You have an uphill battle ahead. Do what is necessary to secure the future you want.
