What Are My Chances and Other General Questions

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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o not really any legit reason. I was working 7 on 7 off (which means I worked 80 hours in my first 7 days then got 7 days off) and I just got my schedule mixed up. I showed up, but was 24 hours late. If I would have contacted the instructor earlier, they may have given me a break. I was embarrassed. I am not the type to miss an exam. I teach a lab and when people miss it because they "forgot" I don't give them a break. So yeah, no legit reason here, just screwed up. I did obviously retake the class and got 4.0 which is factored into my GPA. So instead of 3 credits at 4.0 it was 6 credits at 2.0 (ouch).
 
I have a 3.35 GPA and a 32 MCAT. 3 years of research and 100+ hours on volunteering. What are my chances of getting at least an interview? I will be applying very broadly to 20+ schools.Very concerned...Thanks
 
... depends on the rest of your app
 
if you apply to the write schools then you'll get in somewhere. DUH 👎
 
I'm just concerned that I won't get in anywhere even if I apply to that many schools. Any other advise?
 
then apply DO. again... DUH 👎
 
if you have an upward trend in grades, good lors, good essays, more diversity of ECs than mentioned here, and apply early & broadly, i can see you getting a good # of interviews.

honestly it's hard to say though. and blanket statements like above don't always apply to an individual so ymmv.
 
life1chance said:
if you apply to the write schools then you'll get in somewhere. DUH 👎
Click to expand...

Wow...great advice along with applying DO, especially considering that you suggest the OP apply to the "write" schools...
 
Isoprop said:
if you have an upward trend in grades, good lors, good essays, more diversity of ECs than mentioned here, and apply early & broadly, i can see you getting a good # of interviews.

honestly it's hard to say though. and blanket statements like above don't always apply to an individual so ymmv.
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yup - you have to make up for the weak GPA in other areas, like MCAT (which you have a good score), ECs, great LORs, upward trends, and a great personal statement.
 
bluemonkey said:
Wow...great advice along with applying DO, especially considering that you suggest the OP apply to the "write" schools...
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ahem.... "write 3: to make a permanent impression of" obviously, i was using it in this context.
 
oops...my bad...

so you meant to say, if you apply to the "to make a permanent impression of" schools then you'll get in somewhere?
 
bluemonkey said:
oops...my bad...

so you meant to say, if you apply to the "to make a permanent impression of" schools then you'll get in somewhere?
Click to expand...

DUH! 👎thumbdown (two thumbs down for that one)
 
life1chance -- thank you for making the entire SDN community feel extremely intelligent with one less person to compete against.
 
OP, I want to wish you luck. Your app seems reasonably similar to mine but with a better GPA and an extra year of research.

Hopefully you're unique in some way because that's why I think my app cycle was a dismal failure; adcoms tend to interview the more interesting characters each year. Obviously the 20 schools you choose, your PS & your secondary statements, and your LORs will also have a significant impact on your chances.

I wouldn't worry to much about what-ifs. If things work out, congrats. If they don't, you'll eventually get in or find something else to focus on. Just do your best and see where it leads you.
 
OP - I also have the same stats (3.35 gpa from an Ivy, 32 mcat) and a TON of ECs (leadership, international, EMT, first-author publications). To give you an idea, I applied to 27 schools and as of today, I have 11 rejections, 11 no-word yet, and 5 interviews (2 WL and 3 no word yet). All I can say is apply to as many schools as you can afford (within reason...and don't apply to state schools that only accept in-state etc etc).

The other thing (and I might get burned for this) but I actually don't think applying early really helps all that much for people like us. Adcoms are going to give us their later interviews after they invite the super stellar kids first...I was complete at all my schools in early Sept (not too early b/c of late recs) but didn't hear about many of my interviews until late. Apply early b/c you might as well but it does just make the waiting game a lot longer.

But if you have the spine to receive a lot of rejections, just hope for the best and apply broadly. I have the feeling you will get in at least somewhere (might not be top choice but you only need one acceptance right?). At the surprise of everyone, two of my interviews have been at "Top 25" schools so you never know what they'll see that they like.

Think about some backup/gap year plans if you can and GOOD LUCK. PM me if you have any more questions about my experience.
 
To the OP:

My ex-girlfriend has a 3.35 and a 31 from a state school, the same one I went to. She has 5 acceptances, 2 WL and 9 interviews. And no, she's white, she's not an URM. Moral of the story is, a 3.35 can get it done, but you have to play the application game very well. Apply early, get complete early, and REALLY nail the interviews.
 
I have a 3.35 and a lower MCAT than you. Just finished my third interview (all MD). You'll be fine.
 
I'm 3.35, my BCPM is lower than that with a 32 MCAT.
No research but good ECs and strong LOR's and PS, I got 2 interviews so far.
 
dondon99 said:
I have a 3.35 GPA and a 32 MCAT. 3 years of research and 100+ hours on volunteering. What are my chances of getting at least an interview? I will be applying very broadly to 20+ schools.Very concerned...Thanks
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I got in with similar stats. I applied a bit late in the cycle, due to my premed committee letter taking longer than anticipated, and as a result, I only got one interview, which I parlayed into an acceptance from my state school. Still, I applied to 20 schools, and have had no love from any of them.

My advice would be to get your AMCAS turned in ASAP. Just cast a wide net and shoot for the schools where your MCAT is very competitive. You might consider DO, if you feel that's a viable option for you.

It's a long and hard road ahead, but if you play your cards right, you can probably have an MD acceptance by this time next year.

Good luck!
 
You will be fine. Don't let anyone discourage you. Make sure you apply widely, and include D.O. schools. It is better to be a doctor than not one at all.

The application process is funny. You will get interviews at places that you think are too good for you, and get rejected from places that don't have good reputations. Many of these medical schools recruit certain types of people, and you may not be a good fit for them. For instance, some have more a slant to recruit people interested in rural primary care. Some have an agenda to have half the class female, or whatever, so that will cut the number of positions down.

When I was pre-med, I had friends that had way better grades than me, and were smarter than me in our pre-med classes, but they applied, did not get in, and were easily discouraged. These friends of mine would have made great physicians also because of their outstanding personalities, and they were humanitarians. Some of them limited themselves to much geographically, or based on cost of tuition. You can get loans, so apply to private schools as well. Once again, it is better to be a doctor in debt than not a physician at all if that is what you really want.

I actually changed careers from computer science to medicine. When I met with the pre-med advisor at my pre-med university, he told me not to bother. I was stubborn enough not to listen to him anyway. I graduated, and obtained a highly desirable residency. So don't let others discourage you. Be smart, and don't limit your applications. It may cost you a lot, but that is the sacrifice you will have to make. Good luck.
 
life1chance said:
if you apply to the write schools then you'll get in somewhere. DUH 👎
Click to expand...

life1chance said:
then apply DO. again... DUH 👎
Click to expand...

life1chance said:
DUH! 👎thumbdown (two thumbs down for that one)
Click to expand...

Okay, anyone else think this is just another troll?

OP: As long as you have solid ECs and clinical experience, there's no reason to think you won't at least get a few interviews out of your apps. Make sure you have your interviewing skills down pat so that you make the ones you do get count.
 
foreverLaur said:
interesting -- i don't think i've ever seen anybody with identical bcmp and cumulative gpas.
Click to expand...

Mine were identical too, oddly enough. Technically my BCPM was a few thousandths higher, but they both rounded to 3.32.
 
I am currently a junior thinking about med school. Compared to several folks here I am not a strong applicant. I was wondering what I could do to better my chances? Is there anything else I could be doing other then the things I already am to improve my stats and if i do hang in here and get everything I need to get done are my chances good in getting into a MD program good? I really need some perspective on things.

My current stats are 3.18 GPA OA with 2.95 BCPM gpa. 2 years paid internship at big pharm company. 26-30 estimated mcat(took it in jan. with no studying but 2 practice tests which i got 30s on to gauge myself and the test which was a bad idea)

My projected stats for next year will be.
3.4ish OA GPA 3.1 BCPM GPA
3 Years paid internship at Pharm company
35+ Mcat
1 year Research
4hrs a week volunteering at hospital starting from now
A little bit Shadowing
Avg Letters of Rec
1-2 clubs(Probaly Biochem Club and some Club sport)

Now I know its hard to judge me from my projected stats because no one knows what can happen. But im very motivated now and i will do everything possible in order to maximize my chances. I started my research already and just recently applied to hospital volunteering. I currently have 3 Letters looking for 2 more and will apply to the shadowing lottery the next time it is avaible which is next fall. I am also looking around for some clubs of interest to join and will probably start participating some time later this month. I am fairly confident in my ability to get another 4.0 this semester and think with the prep Im currently doing I should score around a 35 in june. Is there anything else I could possibly be doing right now???? Even with my projected stats I still feel like a very weak applicant compared to many here. Will this last ditch effort work? I want to try my best to get be within range next year but right now I still dont have a good idea of what the range is. 🙁
 
blitz195 said:
The other thing (and I might get burned for this) but I actually don't think applying early really helps all that much for people like us. Adcoms are going to give us their later interviews after they invite the super stellar kids first...
Click to expand...

You have to look at this from a logistical standpoint:

In August, a school may have 2,000 completed applications. None of the seats for the class have been filled yet, and they have 1,000 interview slots available for the cycle. The reviewers on the adcom are just starting to review applications and are fresh off of the admission-review "off-season."

In January, a school may have 10,000 completed applications. 75% of the class is already accepted, and they only have 200 interview slots left. The adcom is tired of months and months of repetitive PS's and dredging through applications. Plus, your assumption that all the "high-stat" applicants are interviwed first is incorrect; plenty of "high-stat" applicants apply late as well. In fact the adcom will be less less lenient to give a mediocre applicant a chance, since they essentially have a lot more applications for fewer interview slots. Your chances at acceptance are much higher if you apply early, the odds continue to get steeper as the cycle moves towards completion.

Not implying that it is impossible for a middle applicant to get in after applying late, but statistically much harder.
 
BergXK said:
I am currently a junior thinking about med school. Compared to several folks here I am not a strong applicant. I was wondering what I could do to better my chances? Is there anything else I could be doing other then the things I already am to improve my stats and if i do hang in here and get everything I need to get done are my chances good in getting into a MD program good? I really need some perspective on things.

My current stats are 3.18 GPA OA with 2.95 BCPM gpa. 2 years paid internship at big pharm company. 26-30 estimated mcat(took it in jan. with no studying but 2 practice tests which i got 30s on to gauge myself and the test which was a bad idea)

My projected stats for next year will be.
3.4ish OA GPA 3.1 BCPM GPA
3 Years paid internship at Pharm company
35+ Mcat
1 year Research
4hrs a week volunteering at hospital starting from now
A little bit Shadowing
Avg Letters of Rec
1-2 clubs(Probaly Biochem Club and some Club sport)

Now I know its hard to judge me from my projected stats because no one knows what can happen. But im very motivated now and i will do everything possible in order to maximize my chances. I started my research already and just recently applied to hospital volunteering. I currently have 3 Letters looking for 2 more and will apply to the shadowing lottery the next time it is avaible which is next fall. I am also looking around for some clubs of interest to join and will probably start participating some time later this month. I am fairly confident in my ability to get another 4.0 this semester and think with the prep Im currently doing I should score around a 35 in june. Is there anything else I could possibly be doing right now???? Even with my projected stats I still feel like a very weak applicant compared to many here. Will this last ditch effort work? I want to try my best to get be within range next year but right now I still dont have a good idea of what the range is. 🙁
Click to expand...

Your GPA will be the biggest obstacle for you to overcome. The average matriculant uGPA to US allo school is a 3.6. First and foremost, you need to pull that GPA (both AO and science) up as far as possible with the remaining time you have left. Since you are a junior you are actually not in that bad of shape, you still have some time to do it (It is not a "last ditch effort" as I bolded). It is worse when you are out of college and no longer have as good a chance to pull it up. Secondly, as you know you will need a solid MCAT to offset it. Try not to expect yourself to score a 35, just hit it hard and do as well as possible. Your uGPA and MCAT are the most important things, get those numbers up!
 
My turn.

Current Stats:
2.67 GPA from Georgia Tech (avg GPA 2.9), BCPM marginally higher.
Currently working in a Clinical Laboratory: Researching/Testing Neurotransmitter Diseases
Should start volunteering at a county hospital within the month, will be shadowing a doc in June.
Sparse ECs: Rugby team, Intramural Referee, Fraternity (better Freshman year, as was everything)
LORs: Will hopefully be strong, two from the doctors that run the lab I work in (well respected, Time articles, etc.) and one from ???


I've graduated and I'm up to my ears in student debt, going back is reasonably unreasonable at this stage. I will achieve a 37+ on the MCAT. I'm allowing myself no room for negotiation on that point, first practice test in a week. To show I'm not just full of false hope here, I'm dynamite on standardized tests; 1600 SAT and 35 ACT.

Do I have a shot? I don't want to go to a top tier school (first choice would be Louisville, GPA 3.6 and MCAT 29 averages), I just want to go. Open to DO schools, which have been suggested by the only person on an admission board that I've personally talked to.

Thanks for your time.

Edit: Also, suggestions for department I should volunteer in? They've got the best Trauma Ward in the area, but spots are listed as "limited". Also considering Infectious Diseases (my passion).
 
Thx for the reply and input Rooter. GPA and MCAT are the main stats of worry but as of now I feel I like a relative good handle on that area for the most part. Again nothing is guaranteed until its all done and over with but at least I know what the neccessary steps to take to improve in that direction. Im gona hopefully have 42 or more credits of As by this time next year idealy and will hit the mcats hard when i take them again in June.

Is there anything else that I could be doing?? Its not the end of the world for me if I have to wait to after college but it will be much tougher in every aspect since I will be independent. Im gona use this remaining year to do everything in my power to maximize my potential of getting in when I apply senior year. What else could i be looking at outside my grades volunteer and research to better myself?
 
Thanks guys! I really appreciate it. I feel less stressed now. 🙂
 
I'm not sure where I stand. Here are my stats:

Overall Undergrad GPA: 3.48
Undergrad BCPM: 3.48
Undergrad Major: Software Engineering (Montana Tech)
MCAT: I'm aiming for around 13/11/13 (37) or better.

Post-bacc: BioI (A), BioII(A), ChemII(A), OChemI(B), OChemII(A)

I have absolutely no research experience. I've been volunteering in an administrative area (no patient contact thus far, but I'm trying to get into the ED) for around 6 months (@ 4 hrs / week).

I work full time as a Software Engineer II with Lockheed Martin (3 yrs). I've been into Judo (and various other martial arts) the past eight or so years and have voluntarily taught children, college students, and law enforcement on and off throughout. I also have 1 professional MMA (cage fighting) match under my belt. I also have about 5 years of experience waiting tables. Other ECs include: College Radio DJ, Rugby, Mensa, Association of Computer Machinists, Montana Tech Alumni Industry Advisory Board Member, paint ball, swing dancing, cooking, sport bikes (motorcycles).

I was also pretty poor growing up, so I intend to apply with disadvantaged status.

My top school is the University of Colorado.
 
am I screwed? see my mdapplicants profile .. applied late too, 10/22 when everything was finally in (submitted in june, however .. but doesn't really count I'm afraid)
 
I'm not doing so well with this application cycle. Take a look at my stats and tell me what you think.

Wash U Class of 2006, 23 years old, M, Asian American
3.07 Sci, 3.32 Cum, 37 P (10PS 14V 13BS)
Psych major, Bio minor, English minor
Texas resident

Grew up in Saudi Arabia (dad works for an oil company)
Bad sophomore year due to stress relating to terrorist attacks on hometown (3 attempts)
GPA since sophomore year = 3.65
Funded and conducted water treatment study in rural Philippine town
3 years on Relay for Life raising funds for cancer research
1 year shadowing in ER at level 1 trauma center
1 year volunteering as research assistant in pediatric ER
1 year on Wash U academic integrity committee, required confirmation by student government
Sorry to say, no language ability other than English

Since graduation (past two years), working at Wash U School of Medicine as a research technician for an internationally recognized Alzheimer's researcher, 7th author on three papers (multisite international study).

Will post application history at a later date if there is any interest.
 
GPA is too low. Even if you can explain it away, your application will get thrown out in the screening process before anyone reads it.

Do a post bac program or master's.
 
Thanks for commenting. I'm trying to decide between the two for the upcoming school year. Various pieces of advice on this forum seem to indicate that undergraduate GPA is the determining factor in getting my application read. Therefore, postbac classes. By my calculations I will need ~24 credits of 4.0 science to raise science GPA to 3.35, cum GPA to 3.4. In your opinion, should delay applying for a further two years while I get a master's?
 
CrepesofWrath said:
Thanks for commenting. I'm trying to decide between the two for the upcoming school year. Various pieces of advice on this forum seem to indicate that undergraduate GPA is the determining factor in getting my application read. Therefore, postbac classes. By my calculations I will need ~24 credits of 4.0 science to raise science GPA to 3.35, cum GPA to 3.4. In your opinion, should delay applying for a further two years while I get a master's?
Click to expand...

Not 2 years' delay. Apply while you are getting your master's. Apply for a third time only if you need to.

Note that if you choose to enroll in a post-bac or "special master's program," you MUST be in the top of your class. Otherwise, game over.

Note also that 3.65 is around the median GPA for being accepted into medical school these days. Even with a 3.4, you will be in the lower quartile of applicants. You may also want to consider applying to DO schools.
 
CrepesofWrath said:
Thanks for commenting. I'm trying to decide between the two for the upcoming school year. Various pieces of advice on this forum seem to indicate that undergraduate GPA is the determining factor in getting my application read. Therefore, postbac classes. By my calculations I will need ~24 credits of 4.0 science to raise science GPA to 3.35, cum GPA to 3.4. In your opinion, should delay applying for a further two years while I get a master's?
Click to expand...

With your MCAT I think that a post-bacc is the way to go. I'd load up on classes, really load up. Then suck it up, and GET it done! Aim for that 4.0, and if you think you have the stones take 6 courses each semester at 36 credits then you should do that. It takes A LOT to raise a ****ty GPA (trust me, I know!).

You are going to have to be willing to sacrifice the next year of your life to get it above 3.3. My understanding is that a 3.3 BCMP is the 'primary review' cut at a lot of schools. If you have something else that stands out with your application (you do, you have your MCAT) you *may* be given a second review. But, just to be safe, get that BCMP above 3.3 at least. Get it higher if at all possible and I'd say you stand a good shot. Unfortunately your high MCAT may not be enough to get you an interview (Again, trust me, I've been there!).

If you don't think that 6 courses per semester is feasible, at least do 5. Really, the extra credits will help...but it takes a lot of them!
 
CrepesofWrath said:
I'm not doing so well with this application cycle. Take a look at my stats and tell me what you think.

Wash U Class of 2006, 23 years old, M, Asian American
3.07 Sci, 3.32 Cum, 37 P (10PS 14V 13BS)
Psych major, Bio minor, English minor
Texas resident

Grew up in Saudi Arabia (dad works for an oil company)
Bad sophomore year due to stress relating to terrorist attacks on hometown (3 attempts)
GPA since sophomore year = 3.65
Funded and conducted water treatment study in rural Philippine town
3 years on Relay for Life raising funds for cancer research
1 year shadowing in ER at level 1 trauma center
1 year volunteering as research assistant in pediatric ER
1 year on Wash U academic integrity committee, required confirmation by student government
Sorry to say, no language ability other than English

Since graduation (past two years), working at Wash U School of Medicine as a research technician for an internationally recognized Alzheimer's researcher, 7th author on three papers (multisite international study).

Will post application history at a later date if there is any interest.
Click to expand...
Yes you have a shot. Apply broadly and early and make sure your application is very solid. Write a compelling PS and nail the interviews and you should have some success. Good luck.
 
I would check myself into a SMP program (postbac is out of the question if you were a Bio major - already took all the classes) WHILE applying. I mean, why not. You do have a shot, but there is also a chance you won't get in immediately.

Apply broadly and apply early while getting ready for your SMP program. If you don't get in, you'll be more ready the next cycle.
 
littlealex said:
I would check myself into a SMP program (postbac is out of the question if you were a Bio major - already took all the classes) WHILE applying. I mean, why not. You do have a shot, but there is also a chance you won't get in immediately.

Apply broadly and apply early while getting ready for your SMP program. If you don't get in, you'll be more ready the next cycle.
Click to expand...

Well, can't OP do a second bachelors degree in chem or something?
 
littlealex said:
I would check myself into a SMP program (postbac is out of the question if you were a Bio major - already took all the classes) WHILE applying. I mean, why not. You do have a shot, but there is also a chance you won't get in immediately.

Apply broadly and apply early while getting ready for your SMP program. If you don't get in, you'll be more ready the next cycle.
Click to expand...

You can do a 'Do it yourself' post-bacc to explore upper level bio/science classes in your areas of interest. I am doing this right now and it will bump my GPA somewhat. I'm also going to an SMP if I don't get into McGill this year.

Enter annoyingly long acronym for Vihsadas's mantra #1:

YMDEIYPTETYS

See if you can figure that one out! haha

You Must Do Everything In Your Power To Ensure That You Succeed
 
zenlike said:
I'm not sure where I stand. Here are my stats:
I have absolutely no research experience. I've been volunteering in an administrative area (no patient contact thus far, but I'm trying to get into the ED) for around 6 months (@ 4 hrs / week).
...I also have 1 professional MMA (cage fighting) match under my belt...
Click to expand...

The lack of clinical experience will probably hurt you since you have no research experience either, so hopefully you get some success on that front. 🙂 Have you ever considered trying to shadow a physician? You mention working as a software engineer, so you might have some luck volunteering with some clinical researchers who might be happy to have a volunteer who's computer/software savvy to help with the data crunching (you'd be surprised how many of the older MD's that do research can't make their own databases) and they might let you shadow/get some patient contact in exchange. Just a suggestion since it worked for me.

Haha, and while I think MMA and martial arts is great, you might want to leave the cage-fighting out of the list of EC's for the AMCAS... Just my opinion.

Good luck with the MCAT! Oof...37+ is quite the lofty goal, but you did well in the prereq courses so hopefully everything works out! But even if you "only" score a 34-36, I think you still have a shot 😛
 
Did you apply to Texas schools? Depending on what school, some have lower means/median GPA/MCAT, they also really favor in-state applicants. Your GPA is low, but you have a killer MCAT showing you are intelligent and capable of being successful in medical school. When were your apps complete and where did you apply to? If you didn't finish until Nev/Dec, then your biggest issue is probably the tardiness of your application. If you applied to a bunch of top tier schools, even with the great MCAT, the GPA is going to hold you back.
 
you must do everything in your power to ensure that you succeed. Do I win a prize?
 
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