Those with low end GPAs (3.4 and less) accepted?

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danielmd06 said:
The GPA is not as important as the MCAT for most medical school admissions. Compensate for a lower GPA with a higher MCAT.
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i disagree. it's much harder to improve a gpa than an mcat score. but actually, it doesn't matter because whether you have a low gpa/high mcat or high gpa/low mcat, the only thing that will matter is whatever you did worse on. such is the game.
 
3.4 and a 32 on the MCAT...during my previous application cycles I had a 27 on MCAT, and didn't get any love...this time I got invited to about 10 interviews (declined a couple), 1 acceptance to Pitt, waitlisted at UCLA and still waiting on UC Davis, USC and Drew
 
You can turn around a bad gpa but you have to kick butt in your most recent coursework and the MCAT. Make sure your LOR's, clinical experience, and essays are rock solid. You can't leave anything to chance with a low gpa if you want success.
 
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etf said:
i disagree. it's much harder to improve a gpa than an mcat score. but actually, it doesn't matter because whether you have a low gpa/high mcat or high gpa/low mcat, the only thing that will matter is whatever you did worse on. such is the game.
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Trust me. It may be harder to improve a truly wrecked GPA, but the MCAT will be the biggest bang for your buck at the end of the day.
 
3.48 overall
(3.51 BCPM)
29 MCAT
verified Nov 8.
apply broadly
rock your essay(s),
and your interviews...
and you are golden!

good luck to anyone looking for encouragement! :luck::luck:
 
2.9 undergrad with 2.2 science
32 mcat
not urm
4 interviews; 1 acceptance, 1 waitlist, 2 waiting for decision

I took a lot of time off to work and do research, and did a special master's program. It's possible but it's a much easier road if you put in the hard work during college. I personally didn't and really suffered for it but my later hard work has all paid off in the end!
 
3.35 cum
2.75 undergrad
3.94 postbacc
31 MCAT

Applied late...end Oct to mid Nov
7 interviews
3 waitlists
3 pending
1 acceptance!

:luck: Good luck....
 
3.25 overall
3.5 BCPM
38 MCAT

4 Interviews so far: 2 waitlists 2 pending. Still waiting on that first acceptance.
 
notgettingin said:
3.35 cum
2.75 undergrad
3.94 postbacc
31 MCAT

Applied late...end Oct to mid Nov
7 interviews
3 waitlists
3 pending
1 acceptance!

:luck: Good luck....
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Now that you got that acceptance, you can change your name. :laugh:
 
This thread is right up my alley. One person had me beat, but what the heck. It's kind of fun to brag about your failures😎 Here goes.

2.31 GPA (5 Ds, 3 Fs) ug raised to a 2.81 AMCAS and 2.85 TMDSAS with lots of postbac classes; 32R MCAT; 2 interviews last yr no acceptances; 3 interviews this yr, 1 acceptance, 1 rejection, 1 pending

Personal statement is huge...lots of luck was also involved. Maybe one day I'll run for president.
 
CA applicant.

3.5 overall
3.4 bcpm
35R MCAT

two interviews (one CA one OOS)
one acceptance (CA)

I think I win the "neener-neener-neener" prize 😉

edit// oh and AMCAS verified in September

double edit// no classes postbac, year off after graduating for paid research
 
Ahhh reading this thread makes me feel a lot better. I see that my low GPA (2.6) is going to need help with an SMP and post-bacc.
 
It is a lot more soothing than the typical "I have a 3.7 GPA and 38 MCAT. Do I have a chance?"
 
pennybridge said:
CA applicant.

3.5 overall
3.4 bcpm
35R MCAT

two interviews (one CA one OOS)
one acceptance (CA)

I think I win the "neener-neener-neener" prize 😉

edit// oh and AMCAS verified in September

double edit// no classes postbac, year off after graduating for paid research
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i've got a similar application, and will be trying my hand again this year. hope i'll meet a similar level of success.
 
Wow, this thread makes me feel a whole lot better. I took 2.5 years of undergrad at a tiny college just to get out of my farm town. Screwed around the whole time and left with a 2.1. Now that I'm starting over and hope to finish ug in 2.5 years, I'm glad to see there are a few people out there that made it with a 3.0-3.3 gpa.
 
Great work guys/gals. Persistance and passion for the field I believe is what counts. Remember, poor grades/mcat scores don't correlate to good/bad doctors. It all falls with the individual and their motivation. If you truly love something, you'll be good at it.
 
I totally agree with that good grades does not correlate to being a good doctor. Good luck guys!
 
juiceman311 said:
i had a 3.35 (3.23 science) when i applied, 31 mcat. 3 interviews 2 acceptances. just make sure your personal statement is quality and that you have LOTS of clinical exposure. i think my clinical exposure is what put me over the top. best of luck to you.
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What is considered "clinical exposure"? VOlunteering at a Hospital ? Shadowing?
 
jojocola said:
I totally agree with that good grades does not correlate to being a good doctor.
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I hear this thrown around a lot. How do you know? Do you know the grades of very many physicians? Are you in a position to critically evaluate the quality of various doctors?
 
2.77 undergrad, two semesters at a do it yourself post-bacc, went up past the 3.0 mark (just barely) to about 3.04, got a 38P on the MCAT, applied very very late... got 3 interviews, first one was my state school, accepted, dropped everything else 👍
Good luck people
 
Tired said:
I hear this thrown around a lot. How do you know? Do you know the grades of very many physicians? Are you in a position to critically evaluate the quality of various doctors?
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1) There's no statistical evidence that shows good grades = good doctors.

2) This is the part of volunteering, clinical experience, and research that you should be taking advantage of. If you really have to ask those questions, than it's apparent you really haven't talked to physicians or even gotten to know them on a personal level.

You wouldn't believe the amount 'good' doctors that have extremely poor bedside manner. It must be all the schooling from prestigious universities that makes them jaded and emotionally detached from the patients....
 
Haha! I win! 😀

3.3 overall. 3.3 science, 25M

Applied to 12 schools (all allopathic)
5 interviews (1 rejection, 1 acceptance, 3 pending)

I applied very late (Amcas: November, Secondaries: January-February), because I wasn't sure I was going to apply at all (for obvious reasons). In any case, I definitely think that I am an anomaly and I certainly would not recommend that you follow in my footsteps. But yes, there is still hope even with a somewhat low GPA.
 
yepiminthere said:
Haha! I win! 😀

3.3 overall. 3.3 science, 25M

Applied to 12 schools (all allopathic)
5 interviews (1 rejection, 1 acceptance, 3 pending)

I applied very late (Amcas: November, Secondaries: January-February), because I wasn't sure I was going to apply at all (for obvious reasons). In any case, I definitely think that I am an anomaly and I certainly would not recommend that you follow in my footsteps. But yes, there is still hope even with a somewhat low GPA.
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total troll BS...25 M, yeah right with those grades...
 
yepiminthere said:
Haha! I win! 😀

3.3 overall. 3.3 science, 25M

Applied to 12 schools (all allopathic)
5 interviews (1 rejection, 1 acceptance, 3 pending)

I applied very late (Amcas: November, Secondaries: January-February), because I wasn't sure I was going to apply at all (for obvious reasons). In any case, I definitely think that I am an anomaly and I certainly would not recommend that you follow in my footsteps. But yes, there is still hope even with a somewhat low GPA.
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25 M, yeah right with those grades that is a super dooper package...would have been a little more clever if you had said you filed your AMCAS in October...
 
I am being completely serious. 25M. I am actually a regular on here, but just made a new user name for this thread because my score is definitely not something to brag about.
 
yepiminthere said:
Haha! I win! 😀

3.3 overall. 3.3 science, 25M

Applied to 12 schools (all allopathic)
5 interviews (1 rejection, 1 acceptance, 3 pending)

I applied very late (Amcas: November, Secondaries: January-February), because I wasn't sure I was going to apply at all (for obvious reasons). In any case, I definitely think that I am an anomaly and I certainly would not recommend that you follow in my footsteps. But yes, there is still hope even with a somewhat low GPA.
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postbacker said:
total troll BS...25 M, yeah right with those grades...
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yepiminthere said:
I am being completely serious. 25M. I am actually a regular on here, but just made a new user name for this thread because my score is definitely not something to brag about.
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URM? Extracurriculars along the lines of work with multiple DABs? If yes to one or both, I believe you.

And if so, your story is a great one and imo posting your breakdown, state of residence, and schools at which you actually received interviews/acceptances could help many people with similar scores understand whether or not your situation is comparable to theirs. 👍

edit: I actually could go for the 3.3 (regardless of other factors) when paired with say a 29/28 or maybe 27, but I have to agree that the 25M is tough to swallow.
 
Don't mind posting schools and what not a little bit down the line when I actually hear back from the other three schools. But like I said, I definitely know that I my situation is very unique and that I am VERY blessed to have been accepted with my scores. I don't think that it would make much difference if someone with similar scores applied to the exact same schools that I got interviews at in the 2008 round, because honestly there is a big range in their "tier level" and there do not seem to be any big similarities between the schools. I don't think there is any guarantee that they would get an interview there just because I did.
 
I would just like to say, I love all of you people out there, like me, who did something in college other than captain the nerd patrol. The world needs doctors like us, not the socially inept who haunted the libraries during the best four years of their lives. I'm applying now, (really late because of Aug MCAT) but I'll post if I get any invites etc...


Had Fun in college, 3.32, 3.16 BCPM, but I still think I can cut it.
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Right--I have nothing wrong with students who have high GPAs. More power to 'em. What's important is that you enjoy your undergraduate years. If your time in college is just a means to an end then I would argue you may have some underlying psychological issues. Now, if what you do for fun is study biochem, then that's fine too. Just as long as students learn, grow, challenge themselves and have a great time--that's what leads to well-rounded, grounded, and personable doctors. Or at least I'd like to think.
 
I'm kind of in the same boat..I have around a 3.5 BCPM and a 3.2 or so everything else gpa.
I'm applying next year..I have a few clinical experiences under my belt. (caring for victim of severe stroke, volunteering in infant unit at hospital)Hoping to do some research and shadow this summer.

BUT..I do have to say..I think at the core of medicine is knowing how to deal with people effectively. No amount of basic science research is going to give someone people skills. I think what we forget to mention..is how well these people may INTERVIEW. I would love to be a fly on the wall when the sub 3.4 acceptees interview. I have worked in a full time job where that's all I do..is deal with people...in fact, my income is tied to how well people like me and if they want to buy something from me. I had to learn the art of winning people over. I think maybe these folks know how to sell themselves. Being in a job interview, which in effect, is what a med school interview is..maybe these folks sold themselves like none other? Spinning bad grades/mcats and emphasizing the good?

Anyway..I was assuming with my gpa that I had to do a post-bacc. I'm rethinking that. My state of residence is Indiana.

The thought of taking the MCAT makes me piss my pants.

Alicia
 
Alicia, I am also from Indiana and I really don't think you need to do a post-bac. I know people who have gotten into IU with a 3.2 overall and a 3.0 gpa, and worse. Also, I talked to someone associated with the adcom there and he said IU cares more about the BCPM than overall, so you should be okay because a 3.5 BCPM is fine.
 
I don't know really about IU..never really ask anyone. I'm at Indiana State and no one really seems to give any advice. IU is also going to begin accepting even more students due to their primary care nazism. I think if everyone of their students went into primary care they would be thrilled. I need to take some more math courses to bump up my BCPM numbers. I have a two chemistry c's and one physics lab c..that's about it as far as science c's..everything else is A's and B's. I'm not a stellar student..but I keep out of the C range if I can. I work full time..so I'm not one of those kids that can spend hours upon hours studying. If I'm not at work..I'm studying...cept for right now when I'm on my death bed with a cold.

Anyway..doesn't matter..I'm one of those people that would go to any medical school that will take me. Seriously.
 
3.01 GPA-Accepted to 2 DO schools and 1 MD school-My AACOMAS GPA was calculated as 3.3 though. Third year applying as well. No Post-Bacc, but did have a Masters Degree and did well on the MCAT. Good Luck
 
UMP said:
2.77 undergrad, two semesters at a do it yourself post-bacc, went up past the 3.0 mark (just barely) to about 3.04, got a 38P on the MCAT, applied very very late... got 3 interviews, first one was my state school, accepted, dropped everything else 👍
Good luck people
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Very similar stats to mine. Liked the MDapps profile.

I agree that if everyone followed the advice of most people on here they wouldn't apply unless they had never got below a B+ and volunteered for 2+ yrs, plus getting a 30+ on the MCAT.
 
3.46 GPA, 31R MCAT. 5 interviews, 1 acceptance, 1 waitlist, 1 pending outcome. It can be done :luck:
 
THis thead gives me hope! My ugrad gpa isnt so bad, but my science gpa is low due to many factors. I'm not going to let that get me down tho! Thanks everyone for your stories! Hopefully I can add my stats here soon!
 
Finally, a thread on SDN that I can get behind, instead of the usual posts moaning about having to decide between Harvard and WashU. I'm at a 3.3 overall/3.4 BCPM and a 32R, so I'm in this boat too. From talking to current students and others who have been in our situation, I really think applying early is the key. Obviously, applying broadly is crucial too, but getting your stuff in before the rush hits (and spots start to fill up) seems to be extraordinarily important for us marginal candidates. Good luck to everyone!
 
scgroat said:
This thread is right up my alley. One person had me beat, but what the heck. It's kind of fun to brag about your failures😎 Here goes.

2.31 GPA (5 Ds, 3 Fs) ug raised to a 2.81 AMCAS and 2.85 TMDSAS with lots of postbac classes; 32R MCAT; 2 interviews last yr no acceptances; 3 interviews this yr, 1 acceptance, 1 rejection, 1 pending

Personal statement is huge...lots of luck was also involved. Maybe one day I'll run for president.
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I don't understand all the "I win," posts that come after this one; clearly scgroat dropped the A-bomb on all competition for worst stats that got an acceptance. Congrats, you've got quite a story to tell.👍
 
I'm a 29 yo caucasian male. 2.2 undergraduate gpa, many F's, flunked out of school once, finally graduated after 6 years with a BA in Theatre, arrested four times (DUI at 19, one failure to appear warrant, one failure to pay fines from DUI, one bogus assault charge that was later thrown out), returned to school several years later, 4.0 post-baccalaureate, 3.8 science, 33O MCAT, two years clinical experience, one year research experience. My first time applying I applied to eight allopathic programs. I was invited to five interviews and now have one acceptance and am on three waitlists. My personal statement made a big difference for me. I think my interviewers appreciated my stories about hitchhiking across the country, acting, skydiving, singing the national anthem for a couple major league baseball games etc. Make your life exciting and accentuate your accomplishments whatever they may be. Anything is possible.
 
2.88 BCPM, 3.0 undergrad total, 3.3 grad 31Q, two DO acceptances and 1 MD acceptance!
 
Starrynight, what kind of other stuff did you have going for you on your app??
 
well I did do tons of research, undergrad and graduate-- so I had several publications and abstracts. In college I volunteered at the Children's Hospital for a year, but had experience working in camps since I was 12. I think my PS was pretty mediocre, but I think what sold me was the fact that I was enthusiastic and passionate about medicine during my interviews. Although, honestly, I don't know how I got the interviews in the first place-- I didn't send in my primary until Sept and sent in most of my secondaries Nov-Jan and so I was pretty late in the game-- I guess I'm just lucky.
 
-3.2 GPA undergrad, 3.0 science, 3.4 at a two-year post-bac of good rep
-35S
-mediocre committeee letter from an advisor who despises me
-about 100 hours or less of volunteering
-2 abstracts and a killer LOR from my PI
-about as URM as the President, but with a lot less money

...and an MD acceptance. :hardy:

ETA:
-3 WDRs and a D in undergrad, which I discussed in my interview but definitely not in my PS.
 
All of these success stories represent statistical outliers...someone posted a stat recently that of applicants with less than a 3.0 UG GPA, the acceptance rate is 2 percent...so yes, it happens, just not for the other 98 percent...

Also, spend some time on the "officially accepted nowhere thread" - a whole lot more folks posting there than here...

Just suggesting a dose of reality to go with the stories here...
 
I totally agree, that's why I said that I was lucky. I don't know exactly what made me stand out, because honestly-- I didn't think I had a chance. I wouldn't recommend it at all, it was definitely an uphill struggle. Aim for the 3.8 gpa and 37 T MCAT-- it makes it that much easier to get into school.
 
postbacker said:
What is a WDR?
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Withdrawal. Once because I missed the drop deadline by a day, but twice because otherwise a Very Bad Grade would have appeared on my record.

This is my second time through this cycle, kiddoes, so I feel your pain. I'll admit my MCAT and my LOR were mitigating factors...but I got the job with her through dumb luck, not connections. This time I won the dart toss, and I promised myself I'd post my honest stats if I did.
 
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