very poor gpa, good ec's, high-ish mcat

[idontknowwhattodoanymore]

Hey everyone,

I feel so lost & need some advice. I know that my GPA sucks, so if you don't have any constructive criticism to say please don't comment. I don't plan on applying until at least the 2020 cycle, so I'm trying to get feedback on what I can do to be a better candidate because I realize I'm probably not strong at all right now.

I've had a rough past two years. I'll be graduating in a coming weeks and my cGPA is a 3.25 and my sGPA is lowwwwwwwwwwww (very low, there was like one semester where I ended up getting straight C's in science classes and some other bad grades throughout my years at school mixed in). TLDR: Not very proud and I know it's really bad.

I had a lot of health issues personally & within my family, but I'm doing a lot better. tldr: I ended up attempting suicide and suffered depression, but I'm doing a lot better now and I'm at a good place mentally right now (the backstory is grueling, and i'm not getting into this; i'm not going to relive trauma right now). I realize some of you will comment if I can handle the rigors of medical school, but I believe I can, and my experiences with mental illness have only furthered my interest in working as a psychiatrist, particular for vulnerable global health populations.

MCAT: 518...honestly this is probably the only thing academically I have going for me right now :/

EC's:
- advised, consulted, worked on projects for international non-profits, social enterprises, & governmental agencies in different capacities (i.e. youth strategy, marketing, etc)
- serve on boards of notable non-profits
- personally founded three social impact organizations ranging from economic development initiatives to education accessibility, collectively having reached & supported 50,000 people in the past three years
- internships & fellowships with impact organizations & international aid organizations
- hospital volunteer 350 hours

Research:
- HIV/AIDS global health research for two years, likely will get publication this year

I feel like if I had stronger grades, I could have applied for some big name schools (to give a sense, I was recently on a 1 of 100 list alongside household name leaders for my work; i'm mentioning this because I feel like i'm a very annoying predicament where my grades don't match my EC's). I'm not gunning for big name schools & I realize that with my stats that would have never happened. I'm literally fine with going to any med school - I'm extremely desperate at this point and feel like a freaking loser with the gpa. My premed advisor told me that I should look at another path because it's not for me and it's really disheartening to hear this because I REALLY want this.

After graduation I've gotten a job working as a social impact strategist & consultant which I'm excited about. My end goal is to work as a physician in health systems strengthening efforts revolving around mental illness in low-income countries (hence all my experience & interests in international development, social impact, etc). I've looked at potential MD/MBA programs, but my primary aim is the MD right now.

TLDR: Good EC's, good-ish MCAT, poor GPA. What should I do? Post bacc? SMP? Anything to continue pursuing (or starting) to help my application?

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[precisiongraphic]

If you're sure that you're stable and ready to handle it, I'd find an SMP. I think a DIY post-bacc would be more risky and would have less chance of convincing adcoms that you're ready for med school. Luckily your MCAT is so high and it may convince SMPs to admit you. But this is a high-risk strategy because if you crash and burn or get less than As, you'll put an end to your med school dreams.

If you can't find an SMP, then depending on what your sGPA actually is, you may need a full year of science grade remediation. Hard to tell without an actual sGPA. Good luck.

Hey everyone,

I feel so lost & need some advice. I know that my GPA sucks, so if you don't have any constructive criticism to say please don't comment. I don't plan on applying until at least the 2020 cycle, so I'm trying to get feedback on what I can do to be a better candidate because I realize I'm probably not strong at all right now.

I've had a rough past two years. I'll be graduating in a coming weeks and my cGPA is a 3.25 and my sGPA is lowwwwwwwwwwww (very low, there was like one semester where I ended up getting straight C's in science classes and some other bad grades throughout my years at school mixed in). TLDR: Not very proud and I know it's really bad.

I had a lot of health issues personally & within my family, but I'm doing a lot better. tldr: I ended up attempting suicide and suffered depression, but I'm doing a lot better now and I'm at a good place mentally right now. I realize some of you will comment if I can handle the rigors of medical school, but I believe I can, and my experiences with mental illness have only furthered my interest in working as a psychiatrist, particular for vulnerable global health populations.

MCAT: 518...honestly this is probably the only thing academically I have going for me right now :/

EC's:
- advised, consulted, worked on projects for international non-profits, social enterprises, & governmental agencies in different capacities (i.e. youth strategy, marketing, etc)
- serve on boards of notable non-profits
- personally founded three social impact organizations ranging from economic development initiatives to education accessibility, collectively having reached & supported 50,000 people in the past three years
- fellowships with impact organizations & international aid organizations
- hospital volunteer 350 hours

Research:
- HIV/AIDS global health research for two years, likely will get publication this year

I feel like if I had stronger grades, I could have applied for some big name schools (to give a sense, I was recently on a 1 of 100 list alongside household name leaders for my work; i'm mentioning this because I feel like i'm a very annoying predicament where my grades don't match my EC's). I'm not gunning for big name schools & I realize that with my stats that would have never happened. I'm literally fine with going to any med school - I'm extremely desperate at this point and feel like a freaking loser with the gpa. My premed advisor told me that I should look at another path because it's not for me and it's really disheartening to hear this because I REALLY want this.

After graduation I've gotten a job working as a social impact strategist & consultant which I'm excited about. My end goal is to work at a physician in health systems strengthening efforts revolving around mental illness in low-income countries (hence all my experience & interests in international development, social impact, etc). I've looked at potential MD/MBA programs, but my primary aim is the MD right now.

TLDR: Good EC's, good-ish MCAT, poor GPA. What should I do? Post bacc? SMP? Anything to continue pursuing (or starting) to help my application?

 

[shopsteward]

Your 3.25 cGPA plus 518 MCAT plus stellar (not just good, stellar) ECs could well get you into DO school now, depending on your sGPA, and you might even have a good outcome at your state school, depending where you are and with a good interview. But taking two years for grade repair (please don't let that MCAT expire) would give you much better chances: I think precisiongraphic is right about trying an SMP.

When you are ready to apply, you should look for schools with a mission which is a great fit for your background and interests, rather than just going by the numbers. Schools which generally look for high numbers can be using them as a proxy for standout candidates with leadership potential: you've already proven yourself on that score so might be able to get a pass on the numbers.

 

[candbgirl]

Do you have an upward grade trend for several semesters? If so like how upward? Is your psychologist/therapist onboard with the med school plan? What is the sGPA? If you want help you have to help us. Nice job on the MCAT!

 

[idontknowwhattodoanymore]

My sGPA is a 2.8...i know - absymal. @candbgirl there is no really upward trend - it was sort of sporadic so I can't really use it to my advantage....And yes, my therapist says that with my current progression I would be good to attend medical school in the next one or two cycles or so (which is what I was planning on doing anyways)

 

[Faha]

You should take enough science courses at a local college (community college would be fine) to raise your sGPA to 3.0. At that point you could receive interviews at some DO schools.

 

[idontknowwhattodoanymore]

You should take enough science courses at a local college (community college would be fine) to raise your sGPA to 3.0. At that point you could receive interviews at some DO schools.

Thanks for your reply! Do you think MD is going to be out of question for me? I'm completely fine with DO schools, but if I had the option (though I realize with my stats I should take whatever I get) an MD would suit me better I feel like.

 

[candbgirl]

2.8 is low but not abysmally low. If you take a couple of semesters is upper level
science courses and get As you might be able to convince some ADCOMS you are up to the rigors of med school. These are some schools that reward reinvention. Good luck and take care of yourself.

 

[idontknowwhattodoanymore]

2.8 is low but not abysmally low. If you take a couple of semesters is upper level
science courses and get As you might be able to convince some ADCOMS you are up to the rigors of med school. These are some schools that reward reinvention. Good luck and take care of yourself.

Thank you so much for your response! Which schools in particular reward reinvention - if you don't mind sharing.

Thanks!

 

[candbgirl]

Do a search in this forum for awarding reinvention. There should be lots of threads dealing with this. Look especially for the following :

Goro’s advice for premeds who need reinvention.

@Goro knows lots about reinvention .

 

[Goro]

Hey everyone,

I feel so lost & need some advice. I know that my GPA sucks, so if you don't have any constructive criticism to say please don't comment. I don't plan on applying until at least the 2020 cycle, so I'm trying to get feedback on what I can do to be a better candidate because I realize I'm probably not strong at all right now.

I've had a rough past two years. I'll be graduating in a coming weeks and my cGPA is a 3.25 and my sGPA is lowwwwwwwwwwww (very low, there was like one semester where I ended up getting straight C's in science classes and some other bad grades throughout my years at school mixed in). TLDR: Not very proud and I know it's really bad.

I had a lot of health issues personally & within my family, but I'm doing a lot better. tldr: I ended up attempting suicide and suffered depression, but I'm doing a lot better now and I'm at a good place mentally right now (the backstory is grueling, and i'm not getting into this; i'm not going to relive trauma right now). I realize some of you will comment if I can handle the rigors of medical school, but I believe I can, and my experiences with mental illness have only furthered my interest in working as a psychiatrist, particular for vulnerable global health populations.

MCAT: 518...honestly this is probably the only thing academically I have going for me right now :/

EC's:
- advised, consulted, worked on projects for international non-profits, social enterprises, & governmental agencies in different capacities (i.e. youth strategy, marketing, etc)
- serve on boards of notable non-profits
- personally founded three social impact organizations ranging from economic development initiatives to education accessibility, collectively having reached & supported 50,000 people in the past three years
- internships & fellowships with impact organizations & international aid organizations
- hospital volunteer 350 hours

Research:
- HIV/AIDS global health research for two years, likely will get publication this year

I feel like if I had stronger grades, I could have applied for some big name schools (to give a sense, I was recently on a 1 of 100 list alongside household name leaders for my work; i'm mentioning this because I feel like i'm a very annoying predicament where my grades don't match my EC's). I'm not gunning for big name schools & I realize that with my stats that would have never happened. I'm literally fine with going to any med school - I'm extremely desperate at this point and feel like a freaking loser with the gpa. My premed advisor told me that I should look at another path because it's not for me and it's really disheartening to hear this because I REALLY want this.

After graduation I've gotten a job working as a social impact strategist & consultant which I'm excited about. My end goal is to work as a physician in health systems strengthening efforts revolving around mental illness in low-income countries (hence all my experience & interests in international development, social impact, etc). I've looked at potential MD/MBA programs, but my primary aim is the MD right now.

TLDR: Good EC's, good-ish MCAT, poor GPA. What should I do? Post bacc? SMP? Anything to continue pursuing (or starting) to help my application?

Read this:
Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

 

[Faha]

Thanks for your reply! Do you think MD is going to be out of question for me? I'm completely fine with DO schools, but if I had the option (though I realize with my stats I should take whatever I get) an MD would suit me better I feel like.

If you look at the GPA-MCAT grid if your cGPA is above 3.2 then you have a 50% chance for a MD acceptance. You need to raise your sGPA to 3.0 so you will not be screened out at some schools. Where is your state of residence?

 

[idontknowwhattodoanymore]

Anyone else with insights? I'm eager to take all feedback! Thanks again everyone for your help.

 

[Walter Raleigh]

There are MD schools that reward reinvention - with a good postbacc performance, even DIY postbacc, behind him he's got a good shot at MD schools that reward reinvention. His ECs are stellar - Peace Corps level, and his MCAT is quite good as well.

 

[premed_101]

Hey everyone,

I feel so lost & need some advice. I know that my GPA sucks, so if you don't have any constructive criticism to say please don't comment. I don't plan on applying until at least the 2020 cycle, so I'm trying to get feedback on what I can do to be a better candidate because I realize I'm probably not strong at all right now.

I've had a rough past two years. I'll be graduating in a coming weeks and my cGPA is a 3.25 and my sGPA is lowwwwwwwwwwww (very low, there was like one semester where I ended up getting straight C's in science classes and some other bad grades throughout my years at school mixed in). TLDR: Not very proud and I know it's really bad.

I had a lot of health issues personally & within my family, but I'm doing a lot better. tldr: I ended up attempting suicide and suffered depression, but I'm doing a lot better now and I'm at a good place mentally right now (the backstory is grueling, and i'm not getting into this; i'm not going to relive trauma right now). I realize some of you will comment if I can handle the rigors of medical school, but I believe I can, and my experiences with mental illness have only furthered my interest in working as a psychiatrist, particular for vulnerable global health populations.

MCAT: 518...honestly this is probably the only thing academically I have going for me right now :/

EC's:
- advised, consulted, worked on projects for international non-profits, social enterprises, & governmental agencies in different capacities (i.e. youth strategy, marketing, etc)
- serve on boards of notable non-profits
- personally founded three social impact organizations ranging from economic development initiatives to education accessibility, collectively having reached & supported 50,000 people in the past three years
- internships & fellowships with impact organizations & international aid organizations
- hospital volunteer 350 hours

Research:
- HIV/AIDS global health research for two years, likely will get publication this year

I feel like if I had stronger grades, I could have applied for some big name schools (to give a sense, I was recently on a 1 of 100 list alongside household name leaders for my work; i'm mentioning this because I feel like i'm a very annoying predicament where my grades don't match my EC's). I'm not gunning for big name schools & I realize that with my stats that would have never happened. I'm literally fine with going to any med school - I'm extremely desperate at this point and feel like a freaking loser with the gpa. My premed advisor told me that I should look at another path because it's not for me and it's really disheartening to hear this because I REALLY want this.

After graduation I've gotten a job working as a social impact strategist & consultant which I'm excited about. My end goal is to work as a physician in health systems strengthening efforts revolving around mental illness in low-income countries (hence all my experience & interests in international development, social impact, etc). I've looked at potential MD/MBA programs, but my primary aim is the MD right now.

TLDR: Good EC's, good-ish MCAT, poor GPA. What should I do? Post bacc? SMP? Anything to continue pursuing (or starting) to help my application?

Have you graduated yet? If not, take an extra semester at your current school to retake some of the science classes you did not do well in. Your MCAT is very good and honestly that score SAVED you. That score is the reason you have a chance, so do not give up. Clearly, you have potential. Start applying to D.O. schools. Also take a look at California State University School of Medicine, it is a NEW M.D. school that literally is like a year or two old. They require a minimum of a 3.0 cGPA AND a science gpa of 3.0 or above. You can take an extra semester or go to post bacc school for a little bit and build up your science GPA. You might have to take a year off to build your science GPA, but once you do, I absolutely believe you will get into at least one medical school. Try applying to a few now, but if you do not get in, do not be discouraged. Improve your science GPA and try again, and you will FOR SURE get in.

Alsoooo, I know how much mental health and depression can do a number on someone. I am glad you are much better now AND ALIVE, and I promise you will come out stronger and eventually happier. I did