Medical What MCAT score(s) will I need to be competitive for MD? DO?

[TheBoneDoctah]

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I graduated from my undergrad in 2018 with an abysmal gpa (cGPA 2.95 sGPA 2.85). I was a full time student athlete at a top 15 d1 football program but that’s not why my gpa is low. In 2016 I lost my grandfather, cousin and father all unexpectedly (especially my dad) in a matter of 6 months. I became depressed and really down, and my mom was hit even harder and struggled with alcohol which didn’t help. With all this I decided my mental health was more a priority and just did my best without compromising that.

Now after taking a solid gap year to help myself become happy again and get my mom back on her feet. I am hoping to apply to med school in 2021. I know my GPA is low, so I have been doing a DIY post bacc at my local UC (UCI) and with 23 credits done so far have a GPA of 3.95. My EC consist of 400 hours clinical volunteering, ~70 hours non clinical volunteering ( I know it’s low but covid really put a damper on this) 120+ leadership experience as a department coordinator for COPE health scholars, at roughly 5000+ hours as a full time student athlete. I know no research🙁

So my question is, if I maintain the 3.9+ gpa for the remainder of my post bacc, what MCAT scores will I need to be competitive for MD/DO respectively?

I’m sorry to hear about your family. This must have been very tough on you. Good for you though to get back on your feet though and pursue medicine.

As you know, your GPA is low (like you said), but you have been doing well in your post-bac. It’s recommended that you do a full year of courses and do well (as you’re doing). Have you taken all your medical school prerequisites yet? If not, make sure you get those done as well!

For MD, you are going to need at least 511+ to have a good shot.

For DO, I would say 503+ to have a solid shot.

If you have time, try and boost your non-clinical EC hours as well.

Also note that these are just based off averages and everyone has their own stories and maps to medicine. You are also an athletes which will work in your favor and have a tough road to medicine (which helps).

Keep your head up and good luck.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Yeah I completed all my prerequisites in undergrad so I’ve been retaking classes I did poorly in (C- or lower) as well any up level bio course at my post bac.

I know, I was on track for 200+ hours as I was volunteering like 4-8 hours a week in January and February at my local food bank. But then covid hit and closed it:/ I really enjoyed it and got somewhat close to the staff. Since then they just started to open offsite opportunities that I have been doing weekly🙂!

Perfect. Keep up the good work!

 

[Goro]

My thoughts are

505+ for DO
510+ for your state schools
513+ for MD

 

[AlteredScale]

My thoughts are

505+ for DO
510+ for your state schools
513+ for MD

Agree with this. There’s obviously some range around each depending on the other aspects of your stats and application as well.