What Would You Do?

[clement]

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...I need to make a quick and sound decision.

I've taken the MCAT twice. The first time I got a 4 PS, 8 BS, 6 V (18 overall)....The second time (August '05), I got a 6 PS, 8 BS, 9 V (23 overall).

I was a NON-science major. Took a some science classes as an undergrad and got C's...hence my overall sci GPA...

Sci GPA= 2.93
POST-BAC GPA= 3.1
OVERALL GPA=3.50

With my current numbers, I only applied to COMP (2 weeks ago) and nowhere else...I have great extras including research w/ a publication, but don't think they will smoothen over the low numbers...

**Ok, here's what I need help deciding...If I take this August's MCAT, I will be applying late! Should I apply to SOME schools before taking the MCAT again?

**Do I need to get my overall SCI gpa to go from a 2.93 to a 3.0 by taking one more science class (even though my post-bac gpa is a 3.1 and my overall gpa is a 3.5)? I know there isn't a huge difference between a 2.93 and a 3.0, but it just looks better to get rid of the 2.93...

I don't have any guarantee that they will give consideration to my post-bac GPA in order to compensate for the 2.93..........Looking at MDapplicants, most schools don't even look at anyone below a 3.0 sci GPA...Then there's part of me that thinks there's no point to taking any more classes to boost my GPA at this point, it's just not realistic...

UPDATE: I just got a call from a COMP counselor saying my application has been submitted to the comittee and is being reviewed right NOW...If, as I suspect, I get rejected, should I still apply again, ASAP? Nothing in my app will have changed...

 

[OSUdoc08]

...I need to make a quick and sound decision.

I've taken the MCAT twice. The first time I got a 4 PS, 8 BS, 6 V (18 overall)....The second time (August '05), I got a 6 PS, 8 BS, 9 V (23 overall).

I was a NON-science major. Took a some science classes as an undergrad and got C's...hence my overall sci GPA...

Sci GPA= 2.93
POST-BAC GPA= 3.1
OVERALL GPA=3.50

With my current numbers, I only applied to COMP (2 weeks ago) and nowhere else...I have great extras including research w/ a publication, but don't think they will smoothen over the low numbers...

**Ok, here's what I need help deciding...If I take this August's MCAT, I will be applying late! Should I apply to SOME schools before taking the MCAT again?

**Do I need to get my overall SCI gpa to go from a 2.93 to a 3.0 by taking one more science class (even though my post-bac gpa is a 3.1 and my overall gpa is a 3.5)? I know there isn't a huge difference between a 2.93 and a 3.0, but it just looks better to get rid of the 2.93...

I don't have any guarantee that they will give consideration to my post-bac GPA in order to compensate for the 2.93..........Looking at MDapplicants, most schools don't even look at anyone below a 3.0 sci GPA...Then there's part of me that thinks there's no point to taking any more classes to boost my GPA at this point, it's just not realistic...

UPDATE: I just got a call from a COMP counselor saying my application has been submitted to the comittee and is being reviewed right NOW...If, as I suspect, I get rejected, should I still apply again, ASAP? Nothing in my app will have changed...

MCAT Physical Sciences is too low and science GPA is too low. HOWEVER, there are people admitted with DO schools with these scores. Apply to as many schools as possible, and improve your overall application during the waiting period.

If you really want to go to that specific school, then you certainly need to improve your application, but if you are applying to many schools, you will have a greater chance.

 

[HunterGatherer]

MCAT Physical Sciences is too low and science GPA is too low. HOWEVER, there are people admitted with DO schools with these scores. Apply to as many schools as possible, and improve your overall application during the waiting period.

If you really want to go to that specific school, then you certainly need to improve your application, but if you are applying to many schools, you will have a greater chance.

I agree. Improving your MCAT scores to at least an 8 in all subjects will help your chances much more than going from a 2.97 to 3.0. Merely my opinion. retake the MCAT and spend a bulk of your time working on PS. Don't study for PS in the same way you did in the past. eliminate your weaknesses.

also you could resubmit your application in June and mark that you are taking the MCAT. some schools may send you secondaries or interview based on your current scores.

there might be some schools that take the highest MCAT score from each subject. look into that as well and apply there if the school suits you.

 

[mj1878]

Obviously your weakness is in Physical sciences, because you did okay in the other two categories. Study PS HARD over the summer, and boost that score up!! You won't be too late applying, but make sure AACOMAS is done really early, and make sure you're in contact with schools, telling them that new scores are pending.

I wouldn't fret the science GPA too much...I only had a 2.8. However, I did well enough on the MCAT to balance it out; you need to do the same. A low science GPA and a correspondingly low MCAT raises lots of red flags. If, however, you kill the MCAT, they will see that you obviously have the intellect, and something bad happened to you in undergrad.

 

[scpod]

I wouldn't fret the science GPA too much...I only had a 2.8. However, I did well enough on the MCAT to balance it out; you need to do the same.

Keep in mind, though, that there are some schools that have an absolute cutoff of 3.0 for a science GPA. They will not interview you with a 2.8, so do some research and don't waste the money aplying to them.

 

[clement]

Obviously your weakness is in Physical sciences, because you did okay in the other two categories. Study PS HARD over the summer, and boost that score up!! You won't be too late applying, but make sure AACOMAS is done really early, and make sure you're in contact with schools, telling them that new scores are pending.

I wouldn't fret the science GPA too much...I only had a 2.8. However, I did well enough on the MCAT to balance it out; you need to do the same. A low science GPA and a correspondingly low MCAT raises lots of red flags. If, however, you kill the MCAT, they will see that you obviously have the intellect, and something bad happened to you in undergrad.

...In other words, re-apply early anyway, and tell them I'm taking the MCAT again? AACOMAS is already done since I just applied...THANKS SO MUCH!

 

[PhDtoDO]

Hey,

I WAS a bio major, have an MS and almost a PhD and I got an 8 in bio....just haven't taken the classes in a while. I don't test well on the MCAT.

But with your low science GPA, you need to do really well on the MCAT to get interviews....really well meaning 8-10 in each section.

I would consider retaking some of the core classes or at least one of the Cs...Post Bac GPA is not included with undergrad and if you weren't a science major than most if not all of your sciences will be the premeds...taking one or two new undergrad classes, get As not Cs could really improve your GPA...break the 3.0 mark.

I would consider either retaking the MCAT in august AND retaking one or two intro science classes (the upper classes are harder and retaking could help your MCAT score).

If you have to work like most adults, consider taking a year off...retake one class over the summer, one in the fall in the evening and retaking the MCAT next spring.

THEN apply to all schools and a carribean backup if you need to.

Just my opinion...

DON'T GIVE UP!

-s

 

[DD214_DOC]

I managed to get in with a low PS score, but I think it was offset by my science GPA (3.40) and my physics/genchem GPA (3.7ish). Ironically, my highest grades were in physics and inorganic.

I think given your overall numbers you should probably improve your science GPA and bump that PS up.

 

[dr.z]

I would try to retake the MCAT.

 

[Nate]

Apply early and let the schools know that you are retaking the MCAT. Do well on the MCAT. Take the one course to pull the GPA up to 3.0, you are right it seems small but it is a huge difference. Also you should apply to as many schools as you can afford and that you would consider attending. You need to do all of these things but priorities:
#1) apply early
#2) apply early
#3) apply early
#4) retake the MCAT and kicks its ass
#5) retake a science course and jack your GPA to 3.0
Good luck

 

[clement]

Apply early and let the schools know that you are retaking the MCAT. Do well on the MCAT. Take the one course to pull the GPA up to 3.0, you are right it seems small but it is a huge difference. Also you should apply to as many schools as you can afford and that you would consider attending. You need to do all of these things but priorities:
#1) apply early
#2) apply early
#3) apply early
#4) retake the MCAT and kicks its ass
#5) retake a science course and jack your GPA to 3.0
Good luck

THANK YOU!! YOUR GUYS ARE THE GREATEST!! I feel so much better already!

Nate (or anyone else who can answer), I'm confused about one issue: If, as most of you say, I should apply "early", won't it still be late since they won't look at my application until the MCAT score is out? Also, if I take one more class to boost my overall sci GPA to a 3.0, doesn't that mean I can't fill out AACOMAS until that grade is on my transcript (which will most likely be by the END of Fall semester 2006, since I'm not going to take classes this summer if I study for the MCAT and work...)...SO HOW CAN I APPLY EARLY?

 

[sayoc]

THANK YOU!! YOUR GUYS ARE THE GREATEST!! I feel so much better already!

Nate (or anyone else who can answer), I'm confused about one issue: If, as most of you say, I should apply "early", won't it still be late since they won't look at my application until the MCAT score is out? Also, if I take one more class to boost my overall sci GPA to a 3.0, doesn't that mean I can't fill out AACOMAS until that grade is on my transcript (which will most likely be by the END of Fall semester 2006, since I'm not going to take classes this summer if I study for the MCAT and work...)...SO HOW CAN I APPLY EARLY?

You want to minimize the waiting period between your Primary and secondary application that is why you need to send in 1 applicatioin asap. Remember, it takes time for aacom to reveiw your application + varify your transcript and send to schools of your choice. Most school will send you the secondary if your GPA looks good. School should have your 1 and 2 application by the time AAMC releases MCAT score. So when the school receives your MCAT, they can review your application right away.

 

[Raven Feather]

THANK YOU!! YOUR GUYS ARE THE GREATEST!! I feel so much better already!

Nate (or anyone else who can answer), I'm confused about one issue: If, as most of you say, I should apply "early", won't it still be late since they won't look at my application until the MCAT score is out? Also, if I take one more class to boost my overall sci GPA to a 3.0, doesn't that mean I can't fill out AACOMAS until that grade is on my transcript (which will most likely be by the END of Fall semester 2006, since I'm not going to take classes this summer if I study for the MCAT and work...)...SO HOW CAN I APPLY EARLY?

You may get interviews even though you are retaking. They do at least have your old MCAT score. You could enroll in the course for the fall and send an updated transcript to AACOMAS who will then send out the updated version.

Looks like your best bet is rock the MCAT. With such little time, your GPA won't rise significantly into being a "competitive one". A 3.0 is still not that competitive, but you'd probably make the cut-off for most schools. You need to concentrate all efforts on the MCAT. My guess would be to score in the High 20's or 30's to have a decent shot. I had a similar MCAT score to yours, but no section lower than a 7, however, my GPA was almost a 3.8 and I had 4.0s in all prereqs.

Good Luck to you!

 

[clement]

You want to minimize the waiting period between your Primary and secondary application that is why you need to send in 1 applicatioin asap. Remember, it takes time for aacom to reveiw your application + varify your transcript and send to schools of your choice. Most school will send you the secondary if your GPA looks good. School should have your 1 and 2 application by the time AAMC releases MCAT score. So when the school receives your MCAT, they can review your application right away.

Ok, so for those, like Nate, who say I should take one more sci class to get my OVERALL sci GPA to a 3.0 from a 2.93 (again my POST-BAC GPA is a 3.1 and I was a non-SCI major who got C's in the few sci classes I took as an undergrad).............. how can I have AACOMAS submitted early with a new sci GPA when, if I take the MCAT this August, I would take the sci class this fall and not have a grade ready til December?

I guess as Nate says, taking the extra class is not a top priority, since my post-bac GPA of 3.1 counts for something and my overall gpa of 3.5 is good enough to carry me a bit...the only way I could study for the August MCAT and take one more sci class this SUMMER to get my overall sci gpa to a 3.0 is to quit work...Oh boy...Now I really have to think.

EDIT: Ok, so what RavenFeather is saying makes things clearer...Just to update AACOMAS later if I take a class in the fall...hmmm

 

[sayoc]

Ok, so for those, like Nate, who say I should take one more sci class to get my OVERALL sci GPA to a 3.0 from a 2.93 (again my POST-BAC GPA is a 3.1 and I was a non-SCI major who got C's in the few sci classes I took as an undergrad).............. how can I have AACOMAS submitted early with a new sci GPA when, if I take the MCAT this August, I would take the sci class this fall and not have a grade ready til December?

I guess as Nate says, taking the extra class is not a top priority, since my post-bac GPA of 3.1 counts for something and my overall gpa of 3.5 is good enough to carry me a bit...the only way I could study for the August MCAT and take one more sci class to get my overall sci gpa to a 3.0 is to quit work...Oh boy...Now I really have to think.

EDIT: Ok, so what RavenFeather is saying makes things clearer...Just to update AACOMAS later if I take a class in the fall...hmmm

MCAT is your top priority! I will take off from work if I have to. If you score poor on your MCAT, then you have a tough time facing adm... If you are worry about your GPA(which you should not at the moment), then I suggest you ask your prof send letters to your schools and indicats you are doing well in the class and expect to receive "A" in her/her class by the end(assume you will get "a").