- 2.93 cGPA, 2.78 sGPA
- I understand these are very low, and the only reason I’m applying this cycle is my last 2 years of undergrad were 3.66 sGPA and 4.0 sGPA. (Med schools like upward trends right guys 😅)
- 514 MCAT. 130/127/127/130
- Missouri.
- White Male
- University of Kansas, transfer to Northwest Missouri State University. Aerospace engineering swapped to Biochemistry. 1 gap year
- 100 hours clinical volunteering in hospital Pre-OP/PACU. 540 paid clinical hours in orthopedics, scribing for a few months and now PCT/MA (additional 1750 expected after applying).
- 1 pub in undergrad. Geology research linking carcinogenic minerals leaking to drinking water and cancer rates in the Midwest.
- Starting a clinical research coordination position through a physician I worked for. Focusing on stem cell treatments in orthopedics.
- 50 hours shadowing cardiac surgery.
- 50-100 hours nonclinical volunteering through church. Building beds for children, outdoor jobs at peoples’ homes who are disabled, food pantry, etc. (Haven’t added all of these exactly yet, also ongoing.)
- Was hoping to start with Big Brothers Big Sisters, but may not be able to by the time I apply.
- 200 hours as supplemental instruction leader/tutor for chemistry 2.
- Presidential Honor Roll senior year (does this matter?), chemistry honor society member (Gamma Sigma Epsilon).
- I switched from engineering to premed after going through open heart surgery after my freshman year of undergrad. My goal has been to become a cardiovascular surgeon (will be very tough with my low GPA and EC hours, but I can dream). I have several stories I write about in PS that relate to my experience. A few of which were interacting and being able to relate with patients prior to their heart surgeries while I was shadowing. My mother also had the same surgery as me a few years prior. I feel that my story is a strong point in my otherwise lower tier application.
I have heavily considered a post-bacc or SMP. I retook any classes that were below a C, so I do qualify for all of the pre-req requirements, and this makes me lean towards an SMP if that's the route I go. A big question I have for you all: I've had a few thoughts about this strategy, and idk if this is reasonable or not: Would it be worth it to focus on applying to schools that have SMPs with linkage in the hope that they recommend I enter into their program to raise my GPA? I know I've seen people in the past say they get an R from a school but receive admission to their post-bacc/SMP programs. Thoughts on this?
Thank you if you've taken the time to read my ramblings. I've been unsure if I should even apply at all given my GPA. My family and many physicians which I work with (who know my stats) have also encouraged me to apply, so hopefully something works out. If I recall correctly, Creighton's SMP program required you show that you have applied already and got an R to enter their program. My plan B if I get no A's this cycle is 100% to enter some sort of GPA repair program, so if anyone has some advice on that let me know as well.
Thank you so much to anyone who can give me any assistance. Let me know if there's anything else I should add to this post. Feel free to roast me or my school list as needed. 🙂
Boston U Chobanian & Avedisian
Carle Illinois College of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Chicago Rosalind Franklin
Creighton
Frist Belmont
Lewis Katz Temple
Loyola University Chicago Stritch
LSU New Orleans
LSU Shreveport
Michigan State University
Nova SE University
Rush Medical College
Tulane University
University of Arkansas
University of Houston Fertitta
University of Illinois
University of Iowa Carver
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
University of Missouri
University of Missouri Kansas City
University of Nebraska
University of North Dakota
University of South Dakota, Sanford
Wayne State
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