What Are My Chances??

[ABecks1717]

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Hey Guys,

I'm currently a senior at Boston College and am looking to apply this next cycle. I have a bit of an odd situation on my hands though with a somewhat big discrepancy between my GPA and my MCAT score. With current projections, it's looking like I'm going to finish school with around a 3.3 cGPA, and a 3.2 sGPA (could be ~0.05 higher in each with a strong last semester). There are really no terrible grades in there (nothing below a B-), and I've just been pretty consistently above average in all of my science classes especially, just not crushing the curve (curved to a C+/B- in most classes here at BC). However, while I know these GPAs are still a bit low, this past summer I took the MCAT and did extremely well, scoring a 35 (12-12-11). I also feel like my EC's are pretty strong (tons of community service, both medically related (EMS) and non-medical (general service work), I've done medical research, I have a really unique experience to write about for my personal statement, I have what I feel like are some strong letters of recommendation, and I feel like I would do very well in an interview.

I don't have a set list of schools yet, but what are my chances looking like to get into an American MD school? I'm starting to look into DO schools, but really, really would like to shoot for an MD school as it's been my main goal for awhile now. I know my GPA is holding me back a bit, but even some of the administrators at my school's premed department don't know what to make of the big discrepancy between my GPA and MCAT score. I appreciate all the help that I can get!

 

[Catalystik]

I'm currently a senior at Boston College and am looking to apply this next cycle. I have a bit of an odd situation on my hands though with a somewhat big discrepancy between my GPA and my MCAT score. With current projections, it's looking like I'm going to finish school with around a 3.3 cGPA, and a 3.2 sGPA (could be ~0.05 higher in each with a strong last semester). There are really no terrible grades in there (nothing below a B-), and I've just been pretty consistently above average in all of my science classes especially, just not crushing the curve (curved to a C+/B- in most classes here at BC). However, while I know these GPAs are still a bit low, this past summer I took the MCAT and did extremely well, scoring a 35 (12-12-11). I also feel like my EC's are pretty strong (tons of community service, both medically related (EMS) and non-medical (general service work), I've done medical research, I have a really unique experience to write about for my personal statement, I have what I feel like are some strong letters of recommendation, and I feel like I would do very well in an interview.

I don't have a set list of schools yet, but what are my chances looking like to get into an American MD school? I'm starting to look into DO schools, but really, really would like to shoot for an MD school as it's been my main goal for awhile now. I know my GPA is holding me back a bit, but even some of the administrators at my school's premed department don't know what to make of the big discrepancy between my GPA and MCAT score. I appreciate all the help that I can get!

Have your last two semesters demonstrated a steep upward grade trend (which would give you three in a row if you can crush the final term, too)? If not, is MD important enough to you to spend another year on GPA repair?

 

[ABecks1717]

I wouldn't say it's a steep upward trend, but I've been getting better over my time here all while taking harder classes each semester. By GPA repair are you referring to a post-bacc program?

Oh, also forgot to mention that I'm a white male from NY, don't think that changes too much though.

 

[gyngyn]

The issue is that this type of discordance identifies a subset of the applicant pool with a higher chance of "student affairs" problems, if accepted. You have to clearly show that you aren't prone to them.

 

[Goro]

100% concur. One of the things we worry about is that you're merely a good standardized test taker. I've had students with similar attributes to yours who have had difficulties with medical school.

The issue is that this type of discordance identifies a subset of the applicant pool with a higher chance of "student affairs" problems, if accepted. You have to clearly show that you aren't prone to them.

 

[Catalystik]

By GPA repair I mean either through delayed graduation or a a via postbac classes.

 

[ABecks1717]

The issue is that this type of discordance identifies a subset of the applicant pool with a higher chance of "student affairs" problems, if accepted. You have to clearly show that you aren't prone to them.

I understand what you're saying, but how would I go about proving this either on my application or in any interview that I would get? Like I said, it's not like I'm doing terrible in any of these classes, it's just been somewhat of a tough curve at times.

 

[gyngyn]

The perceived reasons for this discrepancy do not include the curve at your school, I'm afraid.

 

[Catalystik]

I understand what you're saying, but how would I go about proving this either on my application or in any interview that I would get? Like I said, it's not like I'm doing terrible in any of these classes, it's just been somewhat of a tough curve at times.

Prove it with a transcript showing a sea of recent A grades. If your school's curve is harsh then your demonstration might have to start with a postbac elsewhere.

 

[ABecks1717]

Ok, so as is, what are my chances for lower-tier MD schools and then DO schools (don't know as much about them just yet)?

 

[gyngyn]

Ok, so as is, what are my chances for lower-tier MD schools and then DO schools (don't know as much about them just yet)?

Yours is one of the more challenging scenarios to predict.

When a screener looks at numbers like yours, what will he believe the likely causes are? If you can convince him that these are not in play, you may get interview invitations.

Generally speaking your DO chances>>>>MD chances.

 

[Catalystik]

Ok, so as is, what are my chances for lower-tier MD schools and then DO schools (don't know as much about them just yet)?

Historically, White applicants applying with an undergrad cGPA/MCAT score of 3.3/35 over the past three years to MD schools had a 60% chance of an acceptance somewhere, however it would be a mistake to think these odds apply to you, as the statistics include those who have a very-high BCPM GPA, steep upward grade trend, successfully completed SMPs or postbac grade repair, those with a lenient state school, educationally disadvantaged under-represented minorities, ex-military or Peace Corps, etc. OTOH, particularly strong ECs in sync with a school's mission have been known to add a positive predictive value.

Goro, who posted above, represents a more-selective DO med school, and also seems to feel you have yet to prove yourself academically. But there could be a new DO school out there that wouldn't be as fussy. With your "pretty strong" ECs and some added DO shadowing, perhaps you could get in somewhere.

 

[Goro]

Concur

Historically, White applicants applying with an undergrad cGPA/MCAT score of 3.3/35 over the past three years to MD schools had a 60% chance of an acceptance somewhere, however it would be a mistake to think these odds apply to you, as the statistics include those who have a very-high BCPM GPA, steep upward grade trend, successfully completed SMPs or postbac grade repair, those with a lenient state school, educationally disadvantaged under-represented minorities, ex-military or Peace Corps, etc. OTOH, particularly strong ECs in sync with a school's mission have been known to add a positive predictive value.

I was following gyngyn's train of thought for MD programs. I think OP is competitive for all DO programs, including mine. GPA:MCAT discrepancies is less of an issue for DO programs, unless they're really extreme, say, GPA of 3.0 or less and a stunning MCAT; more problematic is the high GPA/low MCAT applicant.

Goro, who posted above, represents a more-selective DO med school, and also seems to feel you have yet to prove yourself academically. But there could be a new DO school out there that wouldn't be as fussy. With your "pretty strong" ECs and some added DO shadowing, perhaps you could get in somewhere.

 

[ABecks1717]

Thanks guys, I really do appreciate the help/honesty. As of right now, I'm planning for what I should be doing during my gap year, and it seems that the most helpful thing as of right now would be some sort of postbac program?

 

[Catalystik]

I'm planning for what I should be doing during my gap year, and it seems that the most helpful thing as of right now would be some sort of postbac program?

If MD is your primary goal, a postbac would be my plan for you, starting with the summer term, though I hope your last term in college starts the new upward trend sooner.

A postbac can be formal or a do-it-yourselfer where you take appropriate courses through a local, cheaper state school. One's finanaces often determine the route one takes.