The **NEW & IMPROVED** official low gpa thread...

[relentless11]

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I stand no chance at a Canadian school and was told the US is much easier.

I don't know about that. I would say that its just as hard to get in because:

1) Public (a lot of schools) med schools prefer in-state residents.

2) Per AAMC, the average undergrad GPA for those that matriculated was: 3.63 (science: 3.56, nonscience: 3.7). While a mean MCAT of 29-30. Schools usually treat GPA and MCAT equally therefore your GPA will hurt you despite a high MCAT.

3) Depending on which state, it may be harder to get into any school even if you are a resident. Like say California at UCSF, the overall GPA for the class entering in 2005 was 3.79, science GPA was also 3.79, with an average MCAT of 33-34. The site also has an FAQ that states (http://www.medschool.ucsf.edu/admissions/apply/gettingstarted.aspx#started_review):

"I’m not a U.S. Citizen; are the application requirements different for me?

The UCSF School of Medicine accepts applications from foreign students who have completed a minimum of one year of college in an accredited U.S. college. It is very difficult to gain entry, however, without holding a permanent resident visa or US citizenship.

I’m Canadian. Can I apply to UCSF?

In most post-bacc programs, you are NOT guaranteed admission to a med school. There are some that link you to specific schools however their pre-reqs are more strict, and are extremely competative to get into. Scripps down in Southern California links into some east coast schools, however having taken the MCAT rules you out of hte program since the program is for those that changed careers. Additionally, these programs usually require at least a 3.0 GPA, as in that lets you apply, but doesn't guarantee you getting into the program. Lastly, these are really expensive to do."

Yes. Although we require that foreign applicants complete a minimum of one year of college in the U.S., this requirement is waived if the college study was at an English-speaking institution. It is very difficult to gain entry, however, without holding a permanent resident visa or US citizenship.

This should be representative of what most other schools (or at least schools in CA) are like. You might want to consider the costs of moving to the US, getting legal residence, doing post-bacc, applying, and all the while trying to be competative enough to meet and hopefully exceed the GPA/MCAT stats. Hope that helps.

 

[EMDream]

I don't know about that. I would say that its just as hard to get in because...

I was kinda under the impression that if you ahve under a 3.8 GPA just forget it. UoT and another one I looked at both have cut offs like that. McGill's is around 3.5 but only accept around 10 non Quebec students.
I am not even going to waste my money and I have a 3.67 :/ (but I imagine my science GPA is pretty stinky (Biochem C+ Org I C+ Trig C+ and Gross Anatomy C) There are considerably fewer Canadian schools and for some reason tehy are really picky. Maybe because in Canada an A is usually an 85% >:| I goto a US school and it's 93!

 

[relentless11]

I was kinda under the impression that if you ahve under a 3.8 GPA just forget it. UoT and another one I looked at both have cut offs like that. McGill's is around 3.5 but only accept around 10 non Quebec students.
I am not even going to waste my money and I have a 3.67 :/ (but I imagine my science GPA is pretty stinky (Biochem C+ Org I C+ Trig C+ and Gross Anatomy C) There are considerably fewer Canadian schools and for some reason tehy are really picky. Maybe because in Canada an A is usually an 85% >:| I goto a US school and it's 93!

That is definately strange. I can under the higher selectivity due to less schools. Kinda like vet school over here. Yea if A's are 85% and up, then that might bump the GPA's a tad higher, but to what extent I don't know since i'm not in Canada..haha. I wish an A was 85%=D. I think the best I had was an 89.5% was the lowest A-..haha.
🙂

 

[squeakyuk]

That is definately strange. I can under the higher selectivity due to less schools. Kinda like vet school over here. Yea if A's are 85% and up, then that might bump the GPA's a tad higher, but to what extent I don't know since i'm not in Canada..haha. I wish an A was 85%=D. I think the best I had was an 89.5% was the lowest A-..haha.
🙂

In the UK 70%+ is an A, which you think would be easy but if they're making a 70 an A it's assumed it's harder to get.

 

[izzbozzed]

Duke University 1997
Classical Studies/Chemistry
2.07 BCPM(several F's), 2.56 total
graduated 1141/1191
😡

Worked temp jobs for a year. Finally got job as a organic chemistry research tech.

23 hours sci cont. ed. at Duke for ~3.5 (combination of grad courses and undergrad; 3.68 for last four courses)

Changed jobs and started synthesizing PET tracers (radiopharmaceuticals) at Duke Med Center.
MCAT in 2000: 12V,13P,12B,Q
2 interviews, 1 waitlist in 2002
🙁

Now in MA Medical Science at BU. Doing neuropharmacology research thesis.
3.75 GPA 👍
applying for Fall 2005. Retaking MCAT this August (expired).


Oh, yeah, and I turn 30 this summer.

Singing Devil,

I have a similar application (GPA: 2.6, BCPM: 2.43, MCAT: 37 (13 VR, 12 BS, 12 PS), BS Biochemistry Univeristy of Maryland, may 2005). I am trying to avoid ending up in your situation (that is, having to retake kaplan and the mcats). Do you have any advice for some one in my position? I have taken one class at UCLA since graduating (Anatomy, got an A) and have applications in at Drexel IMS and G-Town SMP. If I don't get in to those programs I will take classes non-degree at the University of New Mexico (I would like to go to med school there and am originally from New mexico).

Thanks!

 

[Kuba]

So I need some advice about when/where to apply. I have a 3.2 gpa with a 2.95 science gpa. The BCMP is so much lower because i got an F my 4th semester in Advanced Calc 😱 , then I retook it and only got a C+. so i have 8 crappy credits of math, but yet an A in Calc 1. I'm a junior now and got a 3.6 last semester and shooting for a 4.0 this one. I'm taking Kaplan MCAT prep and have been getting 30-32 on the practice tests so far, with a lot of studying left.
I do research in t cells, and have been working in a big hospital ER for the last year and a half. I work through school also as an RA so I am always really busy.
So do you guys think I should apply as early as I can in the summer and what schools should i apply to (md/do?). Basically, What are my chances?! Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[relentless11]

So I need some advice about when/where to apply. I have a 3.2 gpa with a 2.95 science gpa. The BCMP is so much lower because i got an F my 4th semester in Advanced Calc 😱 , then I retook it and only got a C+. so i have 8 crappy credits of math, but yet an A in Calc 1. I'm a junior now and got a 3.6 last semester and shooting for a 4.0 this one. I'm taking Kaplan MCAT prep and have been getting 30-32 on the practice tests so far, with a lot of studying left.
I do research in t cells, and have been working in a big hospital ER for the last year and a half. I work through school also as an RA so I am always really busy.
So do you guys think I should apply as early as I can in the summer and what schools should i apply to (md/do?). Basically, What are my chances?! Thanks for the advice guys!

ALWAYS apply early. If you can't wait till the following cycle. Although its possible to get in applying, your chances are significantly amplified if you do it early. At least apply to DO. I don't know what to say about MD. I mean I know people with low GPA's, but they had some other defining feature that got them in. It will probably depend on your MCAT. If you can get 30+, I'd just apply MD too.

 

[Singing Devil]

Singing Devil,

I have a similar application (GPA: 2.6, BCPM: 2.43, MCAT: 37 (13 VR, 12 BS, 12 PS), BS Biochemistry Univeristy of Maryland, may 2005). I am trying to avoid ending up in your situation (that is, having to retake kaplan and the mcats). Do you have any advice for some one in my position? I have taken one class at UCLA since graduating (Anatomy, got an A) and have applications in at Drexel IMS and G-Town SMP. If I don't get in to those programs I will take classes non-degree at the University of New Mexico (I would like to go to med school there and am originally from New mexico).

Thanks!

I'm really on here very rarely, just checking out to see if anybody needs any advice (med school is VERY busy), but luckily I happened to stop by when you called my name. So, surprise, surprise, I'd recommend an SMP. I'm partial to BU's because I went there and I like the research thesis option, I love Boston, and I think BU is a better med school than Georgetown or Drexel if you do well in the program, but it's up to you. I don't think that non-degree classes are going to carry the weight of this program--it's going to be uphill. SMP's carry name recognition with medical school committees, and that will cause them to look past that undergrad GPA a bit.

One more thing that could help you--time. You'd be surprised how much good a little time in the working world, or a strong graduate degree with a research thesis/dissertation, can do you. Time doesn't cure all wounds, but it makes bad GPA scars look better, if only because they're far enough away that they get a little blurry--adcoms tend to be a little near-sighted in that sense, but that works to your advantage. Also, volunteer your ass off. And do some hardcore science research. Publish something if you can (doesn't matter if you're 2nd or 8th authore).

More than anything, you should take your pedigree, whether its a c.v. or a resume with a transcript and MCAT scores, and go talk to some adcom directors. This is a summer project, but well worth it, and you'll learn a lot. Pick a few schools that you have a good shot at. Important: if you don't get a good vibe at your local state school about your application, even with repair, don't get your hopes up. Schools will either forgive your past mistakes, or they won't. There is no in-between, unfortunately. Many schools refuse to look past such things. Another thing is to look up and down the spectrum. Pitt is known for taking non-trads, really smart non-trads, but non-trads nonetheless. In contrast, my application didn't get a second glance a school like Vandy (which is lower ranked). I had a friend get into Emory and UVa, but got waitlisted at UNC and Duke. Meanwhile, I got no love at all from Emory, but got into UNC outright and interviewed at Duke. there's a lot of this that is a crapshoot. Do your homework, and try to talk to schools where you really think you'll have a shot. SMP's help tremendously in this research process.

Okay, I'm spent. gotta go do work.

At the coffee shop dropping Hamiltons like Aaron Burr,

SD

 

[CytochromeP450]

*bump*

Anybody on this boat (i.e. low gpa) this application season? If so, what were your results?

 

[PurpleHaze]

2.95 GPA, 25 MCAT - accepted at UMDNJ-SOM and Meharry Medical College. Lots of medically related extracurriculars, leader in several organizations, and all that jazz.

There is hope people!

 

[emerald03]

So I'm finally posting on this thread. MY UGrad GPA is 2.6 (BCPM 2.5 -- Bio major) from an Ivy. I really didn't have the discipline to do well and I had health issues to deal with as well. In any case, both are behind me. I graduated in 2004 and have been teaching biology at a boarding school for the past 2 years. I applied late in this past cycle (I was in denial about the GPA) and didn't get any interviews. I chatted with AdCOMS and was told that my GPA was the only part of my app I really needed to deal with. THere's no upward trend.

I have done quite a bit of research into formal post-baccs but wanted to know if anyone has used a la carte work to boost their GPA and then applied successfully from that point? If so, would it be worth it to retake some of my prereqs (I got 2 Ds) or just jump into upper level courses?

Thanks.

 

[windycitycassie]

Oops, I sort of posted my own thread in this forum, when I could have posted it in this thread, I'm sorry!

Here it is, edited to fit this specific thread more. 🙂


I have 3.16 GPA from Knox and a B.A. in history there. I did take chem and calculus my 1st year, but I am definitely retaking them due to C grades in them.

I was thinking of taking one of the pre-med post bac programs offered by Northwestern or Loyola in Chicago and try for a 4.0 in those programs and then the MCAT. Should that be enough to get my GPA high enough for a med school, or should I get a 2nd undergrad degree instead? I know NW's is through their continuing ed division, though.

Luckily I work for a large health care company (not doing clinical work) that makes it a bit easier to get accepted to a heath care career opportunity program to get good volunteer experience, too.

Thanks.
Cassie

(PS Yes I know a lot of people here have under a 3.0, just wondering in which case it is better to get a 2nd degree vs. the post bac pre-med route I am considering)

 

[biocmp]

So, if I were pursuing dental school, and my gpa when I graduate will be around a 2.7-2.8 in biology. What choices do I have as far post bac or SMP's? I would love to apply to Boston's but they stipulate you must have a 3.0 I will go anywhere that will help my chances of getting into a dental school. I take the DAT at the end of this summer.

I have done research, but I see people recommending smp's to people who don't have GPA's high enough to get in. What should I do. I will graduate in a year.

 

[junebuguf]

Oops, I sort of posted my own thread in this forum, when I could have posted it in this thread, I'm sorry!

Here it is, edited to fit this specific thread more. 🙂


I have 3.16 GPA from Knox and a B.A. in history there. I did take chem and calculus my 1st year, but I am definitely retaking them due to C grades in them.

I was thinking of taking one of the pre-med post bac programs offered by Northwestern or Loyola in Chicago and try for a 4.0 in those programs and then the MCAT. Should that be enough to get my GPA high enough for a med school, or should I get a 2nd undergrad degree instead? I know NW's is through their continuing ed division, though.

Luckily I work for a large health care company (not doing clinical work) that makes it a bit easier to get accepted to a heath care career opportunity program to get good volunteer experience, too.

Thanks.
Cassie

(PS Yes I know a lot of people here have under a 3.0, just wondering in which case it is better to get a 2nd degree vs. the post bac pre-med route I am considering)

Its hard to tell from what little youve mentioned. Have you taken all the pre-req courses? how did you do? Do you have any kind of a trend in your gpa from your freshman to senior year? Good/Bad? Is time a factor (want to get to med school asap, but at greater risk for applying and failing to get admitted)? Do you test well (MCAT)?

In general, a second bachelors is ok if:
1) You havent taken the vast majority of pre-reqs
2) You test well (and so expect to do reasonably well on the MCAT)
3) You are willing to spend the two years or so to complete its requirements before applying

A second bachelors will help prove you can handle the science (but is less impressive than an SMP). If you want to fast-track, complete the pre-reqs in your first year, and then jump into an SMP, possible applying the same year. That would entail a full-time commitment, however.

 

[ismelllikepoop]

the thing about all of these low gpa's is unless there are extenuating circumstances with your situation, or you REALLY didn't care about school back then and now have grown up, medschool (im not there yet but my brother already finished) is going to be a truckload harder than some intro to genchem course. not to put anyone necessarily off by these statements, but if you are having a genuinely hard time with these courses, then you might want to think about some other career path. imho

 

[relentless11]

So, if I were pursuing dental school, and my gpa when I graduate will be around a 2.7-2.8 in biology. What choices do I have as far post bac or SMP's? I would love to apply to Boston's but they stipulate you must have a 3.0 I will go anywhere that will help my chances of getting into a dental school. I take the DAT at the end of this summer.

I have done research, but I see people recommending smp's to people who don't have GPA's high enough to get in. What should I do. I will graduate in a year.

My friend got into dental school with a 2.95, but his DAT scores were in the 95th percentile.

medschool is going to be a truckload harder than some intro to genchem course. not to put anyone necessarily off by these statements, but if you are having a genuinely hard time with these courses, then you might want to think about some other career path. imho

You speak the truth. Gchem is cake compared to what the med students have to take and deal with. I've taken a few med school courses, and with just 2 med school courses in one quarter, it was probably many times more work than a full-time quarter as an undergrad. I got A's though 🙂

I think a common mentality with pre-meds is to just get by with those undergrad classes, while believing that they will be "more motivated" to do well since they're already in med school. Too bad performance as an undergrad loosely translates how you will perform as a med student (academically).

 

[windycitycassie]

Its hard to tell from what little youve mentioned. Have you taken all the pre-req courses? how did you do? Do you have any kind of a trend in your gpa from your freshman to senior year? Good/Bad? Is time a factor (want to get to med school asap, but at greater risk for applying and failing to get admitted)? Do you test well (MCAT)?

In general, a second bachelors is ok if:
1) You havent taken the vast majority of pre-reqs
2) You test well (and so expect to do reasonably well on the MCAT)
3) You are willing to spend the two years or so to complete its requirements before applying

A second bachelors will help prove you can handle the science (but is less impressive than an SMP). If you want to fast-track, complete the pre-reqs in your first year, and then jump into an SMP, possible applying the same year. That would entail a full-time commitment, however.

Thanks for the reply. 🙂
My GPA trend is upward, but I also have a year out of the country in Japan my senior year... The only classes I had were pre-calc, cal I, and chem I and II.

I am sort of looking at Northwestern's program (it is at their continuing studies school though) which would have me taking chem, organic chem, 200-level BIO (and I have a gen bio class in a month, too). http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/pdp/cpdp/health/premed_plan.cfm I am just not sure about the 'continuing studies' school and if it'll be looked down upon, but maybe I should post a separate thread on that?

So, I don't have most of the pre-reqs done even for the MCAT at least, I suppose. Due to that it is either take something like that Northwestern course, or get a 2nd Bachelor's in a science I guess. In my case I was just a complete idiot in college (didn't study or do homework for example), I'm sure I can get an A in any class I take now.

Oh, I test well.

 

[johnjuan]

Mine may not be as bad. After my first year of undergrad I was asked to take some time off from the school. I had a 1.33 gpa. I just did not feel motivated to be in school. I came back ten years later and within 2 years I have raised my gpa to over a 3.5. I was excepted to a local DO school in a special program that allows me to use my first year of med school as my senior year. How awesome is that. I am about to be 31. Never give up and just do your best.

 

[chaeymaey]

Mine may not be as bad. After my first year of undergrad I was asked to take some time off from the school. I had a 1.33 gpa. I just did not feel motivated to be in school. I came back ten years later and within 2 years I have raised my gpa to over a 3.5. I was excepted to a local DO school in a special program that allows me to use my first year of med school as my senior year. How awesome is that. I am about to be 31. Never give up and just do your best.

Are you in the UTD/TCOM program?

 

[mshheaddoc]

Hey guys, did anyone just maybe get a 3.5 in their post bacc after horrendous GPA? Just curious 😳 I'm not going to ace my classes the way things are going ... BUT I'm up to a 2.88 cum! Granted I think that includes my 3.4 MBA GPA but who cares at this point. I need a 3.0 cum to apply to my state school. Hoping to have it by next summer so I can apply!

 

[junebuguf]

Hey guys, did anyone just maybe get a 3.5 in their post bacc after horrendous GPA? Just curious 😳 I'm not going to ace my classes the way things are going ... BUT I'm up to a 2.88 cum! Granted I think that includes my 3.4 MBA GPA but who cares at this point. I need a 3.0 cum to apply to my state school. Hoping to have it by next summer so I can apply!

Grad gpas are calculated differently by AMCAS and do not count towards your overall AMCAS undergrad gpa. Just so you know, in case your state school screens applications electronically and automatically rejects those with less than a 3.0

Also, AMCAS is really evil about assigning grade points--you are a little screwed if your school uses -/+ grades and you have accumulated several of those. For instance, at UF (which only hands out + grades, but no - grades), a B+ is worth 3.5 grade points, but on AMCAS its only worth 3.3 grade points. Similarly, an A- is also only worth 3.7 grade points, though at most places that hand out - grades, an A- would be worth 3.75. Little things like those really draw down overall averages.

 

[mshheaddoc]

Sorry I should have explicitly stated I will not be applying MD the first time around. And the state cut off is a cum 3.0 including any graduate work. I realize without a 30+ MCAT I'm pretty much toast. But I was wondering if anyone had gotten in with similar stats. I anally have an excel spread sheet which calculates my AMCAS and AACOMAS gpa's 😳

 

[relentless11]

I anally have an excel spread sheet which calculates my AMCAS and AACOMAS gpa's 😳

Its all good, I have one of those, plus graphed my grade trends out once..lol. Ups and downs, then it just goes flat..haha.

 

[Gabby]

Sorry I should have explicitly stated I will not be applying MD the first time around. And the state cut off is a cum 3.0 including any graduate work. I realize without a 30+ MCAT I'm pretty much toast. But I was wondering if anyone had gotten in with similar stats. I anally have an excel spread sheet which calculates my AMCAS and AACOMAS gpa's 😳

I've used regular GPA calculators, but where can I get the excel spread sheet that can give me the AMCAS and AACOMAS GPAs?

 

[liverotcod]

I've used regular GPA calculators, but where can I get the excel spread sheet that can give me the AMCAS and AACOMAS GPAs?

People as anal as msheaddoc and myself create our own, by careful reading of the amcas and aacomas instructions.

 

[Sundarban1]

People as anal as msheaddoc and myself create our own, by careful reading of the amcas and aacomas instructions.

I have one also 🙂

 

[Nakisarin]

Grad gpas are calculated differently by AMCAS and do not count towards your overall AMCAS undergrad gpa. Just so you know, in case your state school screens applications electronically and automatically rejects those with less than a 3.0

Also, AMCAS is really evil about assigning grade points--you are a little screwed if your school uses -/+ grades and you have accumulated several of those. For instance, at UF (which only hands out + grades, but no - grades), a B+ is worth 3.5 grade points, but on AMCAS its only worth 3.3 grade points. Similarly, an A- is also only worth 3.7 grade points, though at most places that hand out - grades, an A- would be worth 3.75. Little things like those really draw down overall averages.

Hey sorry if this a repeat question, but there were definately wayyy too many postings to sort thru!
(FYI - yay to everyone who worked their tails off to get where they are today, it gives me a ray of hope!)
So, I was wondering - do they (postbac/grad school) take majors into the low gpa criteria? I have a 2.9 in Biomedical Engineering from Hopkins. A 2.9 in that program, let alone surviving, is a feat in itself. However when compared to a 3.5 in oh lets say, Basket Weaving ,I look like an idiot!
Any advice?

 

[mshheaddoc]

People as anal as msheaddoc and myself create our own, by careful reading of the amcas and aacomas instructions.

Way too right. That way I can manipulate as I wish *evil grin*


If you'd like I do have a science GPA cal/cum GPA excel sheet I'll post on here. My advisor gave it to me. IF I can figure out how to upload it on here. It won't let me!

 

[Gabby]

Way too right. That way I can manipulate as I wish *evil grin*


If you'd like I do have a science GPA cal/cum GPA excel sheet I'll post on here. My advisor gave it to me. IF I can figure out how to upload it on here. It won't let me!

I'd love it if you would! I tried to create a generic one after reading what you guys were saying and I just can't get it right.

 

[liverotcod]

You'll have to zip an excel spreadsheet.

 

[mshheaddoc]

booger. lemme try it again



Ok, lets see if this works!


YAY! Ok directions ... if you delete something, (like a whole row of information while not actually "removing" the row) there are hidden columns that have values.

If anyone has any questions about excel, I can help but if you don't know what I'm talking about you'll get lost 😛

 

[Gabby]

Thanks! I'm working it now!

 

[Oculus Sinistra]

I have a question maybe someone here can answer.

I have $15,000 in undergrad loans
I would love to do something like the BU SMP

however

These SMP's should cost, what
about $50,000 between tuition, books, etc + living expenses

so going into medical school
I would already owe $65,000 in debt

wouldn't that impact my ability to get loans enough to cover my full four years of medical school (I'm figuring anywhere between $100-200k)?

I wouldn't want to do the SMP and then not be able to afford med school...

 

[Singing Devil]

I have a question maybe someone here can answer.

I have $15,000 in undergrad loans
I would love to do something like the BU SMP

however

These SMP's should cost, what
about $50,000 between tuition, books, etc + living expenses

so going into medical school
I would already owe $65,000 in debt

wouldn't that impact my ability to get loans enough to cover my full four years of medical school (I'm figuring anywhere between $100-200k)?

I wouldn't want to do the SMP and then not be able to afford med school...

No. When you are a medical student, you can borrow obscene amounts of money--the default rate for medical school loans is one of the lowest for any kind of loan. The only problem is how large you want your post-medical school loan burden to be. If you get into a state school, you can reduce that burden significantly (which would be good in your case, since you'd enter with ~$110k.)

 

[mshheaddoc]

I'm pretty sure that you reduce your eligibility for medical school loans with graduate education loans. Granted, you are allowed up to about $138K in grad federal loans total. This doesn't include perkins if you are eligible.

I don't think you can probably get the full $50K in Federal Loans, so part of it will have to be private loans or your parents help.

How much can I borrow?

Perkins Loans

The Student Loan Comparison Chart shows the maximum Perkins Loan funds you can receive, depending on whether you're an undergraduate student or a graduate or professional student. But, the amount you can borrow might be less than the maximums given. Unlike for Stafford Loans, we provide each school participating in the Federal Perkins Loan program a certain amount of Perkins Loan funds each year. When all funds are used for that award year, no more awards can be made for that year. So, submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as you can so you can be considered for these funds.

Stafford Loans (Direct and FFEL)

See the amounts in the chart here. You'll see that your loan limits depend on what year you are in school, whether you're a dependent student , and whether you receive "subsidized" or "unsubsidized" Stafford Loans.

Subsidized Stafford Loan
If you demonstrate financial need (see here), you can borrow a "subsidized" FFEL or Direct Loan to cover some or all of that need. For a subsidized loan, the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while you're in school at least half time, for the first six months after you leave school, and during a period of deferment—a postponement of loan payments. (Click here for information on deferment.)

The amount of your subsidized loan cannot exceed your financial need.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
You might be able to receive loan funds beyond your subsidized loan limit or even if you don't have demonstrated financial need. In that case, you'd receive an unsubsidized loan.

To determine the amount of your unsubsidized loan, your school will use this equation:

Unsubsidized Loan equation

For an unsubsidized loan, you're responsible for the interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it's paid in full. You can pay the interest as you go along. Or, you can allow the interest to accrue (accumulate)—for example, while you're in school—and have the interest added to the principal amount of your loan later. This means the interest will be "capitalized." Note that if interest accumulates, the total amount you repay will be higher than if you paid the interest all along.

You can receive a subsidized loan and an unsubsidized loan for the same enrollment period as long as the combination doesn't exceed the annual loan limit.


Maximum Annual Loan Limits for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct and FFEL (Federal) Stafford Loans

Graduate or Professional Student
$18,500 for each year of study—No more than $8,500 of the annual amount may be in subsidized loans.

Maximum Total Debt from Stafford Loans When You Graduate

$138,500—No more than $65,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

The graduate debt limit includes Stafford Loans received for undergraduate study.

To get more information about your case specificially refer to this site:\
http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/p...006/english/types-perkinsandstaffordloans.htm

You won't run out of funding options more likely but expect a higher interest rate as you accrue more loans and your credit declines slightly. This is also from personal experience.

 

[Singing Devil]

I'm pretty sure that you reduce your eligibility for medical school loans with graduate education loans. Granted, you are allowed up to about $138K in grad federal loans total. This doesn't include perkins if you are eligible.

I don't think you can probably get the full $50K in Federal Loans, so part of it will have to be private loans or your parents help.


To get more information about your case specificially refer to this site:\
http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/p...006/english/types-perkinsandstaffordloans.htm

You won't run out of funding options more likely but expect a higher interest rate as you accrue more loans and your credit declines slightly. This is also from personal experience.

There's some truth to what you're saying when it comes to Stafford Loans, but the limits for Stafford Loans are different for med school vs. professional school. For instance, you can take out $38,500 each year in Stafford Loans under the MedLoans program, and the total aggregate is ~180,000. I would contact a specific school if you're really worried. The people at BU also might be instructive since they put a lot of people into medical school.

The MEDLOANS program, which is sponsored by the AAMC and includes several kind of loans, including Federal, is here:

http://www.medloans.com

 

[mshheaddoc]

oooh nice! Thanks singing devil. I couldn't find where those loans were.

 

[EvilAngelfish]

Hi guys! Just wanted to share an update on my quest to redeem my ridiculously low GPA and get into med-school.

It seems that I have passed the first roadblock - getting into a postbac.
I applied to 7 (most of the NY programs, Duquesne, UConn, and Harvard Extension).
2 rejections, 5 acceptances.
(by the way, UConn sends the most delicate rejection letters...)
I've chosen the Harvard Extension program (because it's affordable and highly reccommended). I'll be starting this fall.

I know this is only the first step on a very long journey but it's a step in the right direction. Now I just have to a)build a flawless postbac record and b)rock the house on the MCAT.
Well, one step at a time.

EvilAngelfish

 

[mshheaddoc]

Congrats! I kinda messed up on the flawless post-bacc record but I'm doing right by myself now! Its all bout experience. Best of luck!

 

[chopper]

Grad gpas are calculated differently by AMCAS and do not count towards your overall AMCAS undergrad gpa. Just so you know, in case your state school screens applications electronically and automatically rejects those with less than a 3.0

Also, AMCAS is really evil about assigning grade points--you are a little screwed if your school uses -/+ grades and you have accumulated several of those. For instance, at UF (which only hands out + grades, but no - grades), a B+ is worth 3.5 grade points, but on AMCAS its only worth 3.3 grade points. Similarly, an A- is also only worth 3.7 grade points, though at most places that hand out - grades, an A- would be worth 3.75. Little things like those really draw down overall averages.

Unless AMCAS has changed in the past year, they WILL take into account if you go to a school with '+' grades only. In fact, AMCAS will automatically do this for most schools. If not, there is a way to input the right number when you fill it out. In fact, if you went to multiple schools, it will assign the grades separately based on the individual school's grading scheme.

So, it is actually a benefit to go to a school that only gives '+'s. 3.5 vs 3.33 for a B+.

 

[fade2blck7683]

I am going into my junior year at Stony Brook University (undergrad Biology major... what else right ?? lol). It's embarassing, but my GPA is a 2.5, however I know I am not the only one who goes through tough times.. I have received one "F" for the past 3 semesters.. These all came from DEC classes that I did not take seriously, and i dug myself a big hole.... Anyway, I kind of lost track of where I was going the past 2 years.. I guess I wasn't sure of what it was exactly that I wanted to do with my life.... I'm still unsure, but I am heading towards dentistry. To sum it all up, I was hoping to be able to talk to others who have the same problems that I have, and what they did to pull themselves through.. Any advice would be great.. Thanks

 

[mshheaddoc]

Concentrate for the next two years. You can bring it up. Do well on the Dat. Maybe some activities that you have a passion for to show committment. Also don't be afraid to search out some dental-post-baccs after you graduate to boost up your GPA.

Just remember to stay positive and focuses. Many like you have overcome these hurdles!

 

[Lbgem]

I have to say this thread is pretty awesome. It gave me some hope that what I'm working for is definitely possible. So my horror story of GPA's..

Overall: 3.2 BCPM: 2.5 MCAT: Took it in April and awaiting results (guessing 25+)

Went to UC Berkeley and had a lot of problems with family that led to serious depression. Only reason my cum. GPA is okay is because I double majored & did really well in the major that I wanted to do (lowest grade was a B), while my science class grades were a nice collection of C's & B's (one D, and one A). I like science, don't get me wrong, but it isn't quite as nice when you're feeling pressured to be something you're not.

I'm working in a research lab, with hopefully some nice letters of rec & a decent MCAT score, and waiting to hear back from Georgetown, BU & EVMS. Although I don't really feel like there's much hope for EVMS since there's only 20 spots and about 45 (if I remember correctly) people on the waitlist now.

I'm not going to apply to med school this year since I want to have my application as strong as possible with good grades from a post-bac behind me. Hopefully everything works out and I'll be able to boost that poor science GPA.

 

[junebuguf]

Unless AMCAS has changed in the past year, they WILL take into account if you go to a school with '+' grades only. In fact, AMCAS will automatically do this for most schools. If not, there is a way to input the right number when you fill it out. In fact, if you went to multiple schools, it will assign the grades separately based on the individual school's grading scheme.

So, it is actually a benefit to go to a school that only gives '+'s. 3.5 vs 3.33 for a B+.

This is wrong. Follow this link to the AAMC conversion chart to determine your AMCAS gpa: http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/2007amcasgradeconversionguide2.pdf
All schools that hand out five or more passing grades (C or better) are apportioned grade points by the same scale. So a B+, which is worth 3.5 points at UF, would only be 3.3 grade points on AMCAS.

Also, any school that only hands out + grades, hands out an extra 0.5 points for the + grade, not 0.33. And many schools (GWU, for instance), give 3.85 grade points for an A-, but its only worth 3.7 grade points on AMCAS.

AAMC should devise a new scale for schools that only hand out + grades or use the AB grade scale for + grades.

 

[liverotcod]

AAMC should devise a new scale for schools that only hand out + grades or use the AB grade scale for + grades.

I think they do use the AB scale: look lower in the half-step area.

 

[icm]

Wow. And I thought I had it bad. I joined this forum recently because I sensed that the break I'm taking after undergrad should come to an end soon. I've always planned on going to medical school but never bothered to consider the actual process, until now. This thread is very nice to see, you guys have SERIOUSLY got some balls compared to the traditional students.

Here's my situation:
NYU2004 - GPA:3.48 ScienceGPA:3.31
Majored in Biology
I've done research in a dev neuro lab since high school with small accomplishments in the publications department.
And I don't know dung about the MCAT.

My most pressing question at the moment is how am I supposed to get all these letters of recommendation!? Do the standard format of letters apply to non-trads? With the science LOR and whatever? What can be equivalent to a letter from a science professor? I really hope I don't have to do any more school that isn't medschool, I haven't got that much money y'know?

And again, you people really are something else. May the littleness of these systems allow for the raw force of your hopes.

edit: and don't take it a negative way when I say "you people". I say it to emphasize the fact that I don't have as much resolve and good attitude as you all show.

 

[junebuguf]

I think they do use the AB scale: look lower in the half-step area.

There is a similar row for the +/- grading scale as well. When I contacted AAMC, the rep said UF grades will be considered using the first scale, not the half-step scale.

 

[junebuguf]

Here's my situation:
NYU2004 - GPA:3.48 ScienceGPA:3.31
Majored in Biology
I've done research in a dev neuro lab since high school with small accomplishments in the publications department.

Umm...you don't belong here. This is for the seriously fcuked people. Wow, I never thought there would be an aura of exclusitivity to this ignominious club. Even though its kind of like the band nerds kicking out the cheerleaders and jocks from the lunch table, it still feels reallllly good!! I cant wait to get to med school and get on the admissions commitee--I'll be reverse screwing the Stanford kids with the 4.0's and 40 MCATs. Victory is ours!

Seriously, your grades are very good (relative to the people on this thread). I don't think you have a shot of getting in without increasing your GPA though, especially if there is no upward trend to your performance. And since you proclaim complete ignorance about the MCAT, you probably wont be ready to take it till next April, which means you wont be getting in until Fall 2008. You should consider SMP programs.

 

[curioso]

Hey guys, I have a question.

My current GPA is a 2.73 (horrible, yes..but I entered college when I was 16 and had no idea what the hell I wanted to do with my life) with a definite upward trend (last two semester GPAs were 3.51 and 3.61)

My question is..I currently have a D+, C+, and C in bio1, genchem 1 & 2 respectively. I know I'll definitely have to retake the Bio, but do I need to retake the year of genchem also? I'm asking because my goal is to apply to med school after a year of post-bacc work (where I'll take Orgo/Physics/Bio). But if I decide to take genchem, it may take longer than a year. Understandably, it would be very good review for the MCATs and would boost my GPA in DO schools, but I was just curious what everyone else thought.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mshheaddoc]

You can take the chem when you are applying. But remember some schools have GPA cutoffs and won't consider students under that cutoff. I didn't realize my state schools had that. 🙁 So now I have to have a minimum 3.0 to get in.