Hi, I am a junior at UNC Chapel Hill. I'm majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry and exercise and sports science. My cumulative GPA is 3.363 currently. I pitch for my club softball team. I volunteer at the hospital. I've volunteered in the Burn Center, Special Infant Care Clinic, ICU, and Cardiac Services. I've also went on a medical mission trip to Panama. Also, I have volunteered with a recycling organization on campus and an organization that plays sports with children in local schools. I'm planning on getting my CNA and working during the year for patient contact. I will also be shadowing medical professionals over the summer. I'm also a member of our Pre-Med club. I'm just wondering what I should do to get in with my less than stellar GPA. I've been progressively doing better, but I just don't feel like I have a shot at all. Also, I haven't taken the MCAT yet, but I was planning on devoting a good portion of my summer to studying and taking it at the end of the summer.
What are my chances?
- Thread starter lisara789
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Hi there,
So I'm really impressed that you're putting a lot of effort out there to do work, and this attests to your interest/passion for the field of medicine. True, you will need to take the MCAT. Sadly, it's a requisite, and sometimes the mcat is not a 'fair' way to assess applicants, but I will tell you this: After 3 years of med school, we have so many tests (including standardized) that it will make you go apesh1t such that being able to do well on a test, is important. That said, the beauty of the MCAT versus a test I take in med school is that you have time. Nobody is pointing a gun to you telling you to take the MCAT or else. You have all the time to really focus, and KNOCK it out of the park. And if you do...you will be rewarded very well.
Unless you're a rockstar student, I'd do the MCAT when you're done with school. There's no reason why you should have to do it while you're in school. Don't worry about others who are applying 'on-time' as some would say it, because medicine is not a race. Say that to most attendings and they will agree. It's a calling, and you choose as to when you are ready (that includes your application).
Don't worry about the GPA too much, just kill the MCAT. In your gap year(s), you can also consider doing a research project on the side to buff up your app.
Lastly, as many will say, it's hard to assess your actual odds if we don't have an mcat. if you have an mcat that is like...in the low 20s to like 32ish, then we're definitely thinking DO. Anything above, is likely MD. Now, for the new mcat...I'd say anything above...say 505 is good.
So I'm really impressed that you're putting a lot of effort out there to do work, and this attests to your interest/passion for the field of medicine. True, you will need to take the MCAT. Sadly, it's a requisite, and sometimes the mcat is not a 'fair' way to assess applicants, but I will tell you this: After 3 years of med school, we have so many tests (including standardized) that it will make you go apesh1t such that being able to do well on a test, is important. That said, the beauty of the MCAT versus a test I take in med school is that you have time. Nobody is pointing a gun to you telling you to take the MCAT or else. You have all the time to really focus, and KNOCK it out of the park. And if you do...you will be rewarded very well.
Unless you're a rockstar student, I'd do the MCAT when you're done with school. There's no reason why you should have to do it while you're in school. Don't worry about others who are applying 'on-time' as some would say it, because medicine is not a race. Say that to most attendings and they will agree. It's a calling, and you choose as to when you are ready (that includes your application).
Don't worry about the GPA too much, just kill the MCAT. In your gap year(s), you can also consider doing a research project on the side to buff up your app.
Lastly, as many will say, it's hard to assess your actual odds if we don't have an mcat. if you have an mcat that is like...in the low 20s to like 32ish, then we're definitely thinking DO. Anything above, is likely MD. Now, for the new mcat...I'd say anything above...say 505 is good.
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33 is 90th percentile, so 510 is probably a better target
agree with taking your time, getting As from here on out, and taking the MCAT when you're ready to do as well as you possibly can
agree with taking your time, getting As from here on out, and taking the MCAT when you're ready to do as well as you possibly can
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Think about Brody. Then add CUSOM, and any other DO school.
Ease up on the ECs and get the GPA > 3.4, and more MD programs may come into reach.
Ease up on the ECs and get the GPA > 3.4, and more MD programs may come into reach.
