what to do? (low gpa problems)

[stat3113]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Here is my situation:

I just graduated from college (math/econ major.) My cum GPA is 3.1, and bcmp is about 2.9. The problem is that my bcmp includes about 50 creds, with 35 math and the rest chem/phys. This means it will be very difficult to raise.
There is a definite upward trend (i.e. over four years, cum is: 2.4, 3.2, 2.9, 3.6)

In terms of the prereqs, I need 2 sem Organic, and 2 sem Bio. I am considering taking these classes, along with some more upper-level bio, over the next Fall and Spring. Thus, I hope to take the MCAT and apply to med school next summer, 2008. My goal then is to raise my cum and bcmp gpa by as much as possible.

Ideally, if I take another 24 creds with a 4.0, my bcmp and cum will max out at around 3.2. So the question is: can a strong gpa (3.8/4.0) over the last year of courses make up for a weak total gpa (3.2)?

Another complication is that I am planning to take these classes at a local CUNY (4-year) school, whereas my degree is from a top-ranked university. The reason is financial, but I fear that this will be misinterpreted by adcoms.

I also considered a formal post-bacc option for a while, but I'm really not willing to lay out $30k, when I can take the same classes (as a non-degree) for next to nothing.

In light of my circumstances, what do you guys advise? Thanks a lot.

 

[jochi1543]

OK, I DO think you need to take several BCPM classes - however many you need to get that BCPM to 3.0+. The reason is automatic cut-offs - most schools will toss your app right away if you're below 3.0, no matter what kind of trends you have. So that's your #1 goal now. The very small # of people who get into MD programs (you can also consider DO with your stats, if you aren't particular about MD, so check out the Pre-Osteo forum) with sub-2.9 GPAs usually have successfully completed master's and PhD degrees making up for the poor undergrad GPA.

Then once you have 2 strong years and a BCPM of 3.0+, I'd go ahead and apply, but also apply to SMP, again, if you are bent on going MD only (I think you'd have a very good chance of getting in as a DO in that situation). The purpose of SMP is to show that you can handle med school-level courses, but you MUST do well in your SMP, or else it will kill all your chances. By "well," think 3.7 at the VERY least. So then if you are unsuccessful with admissions, you can go into an SMP and boost your credentials for the next cycle. So basically, my advice is, do undergrad courses now and save the SMP for later, as a backup in case you don't get in on your first try.

The one thing that jumped out at me is that you actually DON'T have a "definite upward trend" - the drop from 3.2 to 2.9 in the third year worries me, and that's why I'd recommend SMP if things don't pan out on the first attempt. 3.6 is good, but the remaining 3 years' GPA is hurting you - even 3.2 is quite low.

 

[JRockdown]

So the question is: can a strong gpa (3.8/4.0) over the last year of courses make up for a weak total gpa (3.2)?

This question I think is an easy one, no. A strong final year gpa will make a poor situation better, but it will not make up for it. I guess the point is you won't become an average or above MD applicant statistics (numbers) wise, sorry. Will that keep you from getting in, who knows?

Best reccomendation in my mind is to do the local college thing since it is low cost. Make sure to tear it up. Then perform solidly on the MCAT and see what happens round one. Since this is the low cost solution it makes the most sense to use those options before going to post-bacc. Might figure out you need to and then you can decide if it is what you want to do, but until then I think the plan is solid.

 

[stat3113]

thanks guys. anyone else?

 

[BC7106]

GPA - wise, I was in a similar situation (I was already accepted and graduated from medical school). In college, my cum GPA was 3.2 while my science GPA was 2.9. I did end up kicking ass on my MCAT's though, getting 35 with 14 on biological sciences.

I think GPA is probably indeed important for schools that use a cut-off. But I ended up getting into several schools (eventually went to Tufts, which isn't such a bad school) with that GPA, leading me to conclude that cutoffs must not be used everywhere.

So just keep in mind that GPA isn't everything. If you've got good work/research experiences, that helps.

If you're interested in what it's like to be a medical student/intern, check out my blog. It may give you some incite into medicine and help with your application... http://drbyron.blogspot.com

 

[UnderdogMD]

My impression was that the 3.0 cutoff was for cumulative GPA, not BCPM

I've been wondering about this as well. Anybody know for sure? My BCPM as calculated by amcas is exactly 2.99 (I know the gods hate me). I wonder if they round to the tenth place 😀.