Worth applying to med school with a 3.4 science GPA?

[ThePostureMan]

Actually, science GPA is 3.38 (if you don't count engineering courses; 3.68 if you do count engineering courses, which I don't think AMCAS does). Overall GPA is 3.73. Did a biomedical engineering bachelor's. Graduated in 2016. Feel a pull towards med school. Calculated my science GPA and wondering if I'm even competitive. For what it's worth, my science GPA does have an upwards trajectory year to year (Freshman: 3.26, Junior: 4.0, Senior: 3.7), though I did take 11 BCPM classes in Freshman year, and only 1 or 2 in my Junior and Senior years.

Edit: since some have asked, I haven't taken the MCAT yet, but it sounds like a strong enough MCAT will counterbalance my science GPA. For argument's sake, let's say I score a 515+ on my MCAT. Or just provide an MCAT cut-off at which you think I'll still be competitive as an applicant despite my science GPA.

Thank you everyone in advance for your insights!

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[BigPremedGuy]

I've gotten a few MD IIs with a 3.3 sGPA, doable. MCAT scores above 511 will probably show ADCOMS you'll be strong enough academically.

Overall GPA is right on track for MD matriculants👍

 

[Proudfather94]

Actually, science GPA is 3.38 (if you don't count engineering courses; 3.68 if you do count engineering courses, which I don't think AMCAS does). Overall GPA is 3.73. Did a biomedical engineering bachelor's. Graduated in 2016. Feel a pull towards med school. Calculated my science GPA and wondering if I'm even competitive. For what it's worth, my science GPA does have an upwards trajectory year to year (Freshman: 3.26, Junior: 4.0, Senior: 3.7), though I did take 11 BCPM classes in Freshman year, and only 1 or 2 in my Junior and Senior years.

Thank you everyone in advance for your insights!

What's your MCAT?

 

[ThePostureMan]

I've gotten a few MD IIs with a 3.3 sGPA, doable. MCAT scores above 511 will probably show ADCOMS you'll be strong enough academically.

Overall GPA is right on track for MD matriculants👍

Thanks @BigPremedGuy ! What's an "MD II"? Is that an invitation to interview?

 

[Princeton Medical Student]

It's impossible to answer this without an MCAT score.

 

[BigPremedGuy]

Thanks @BigPremedGuy ! What's an "MD II"? Is that an invitation to interview?

exactly yep. A lot of acronyms float around this site haha

 

[ThePostureMan]

What's your MCAT?

I haven't taken it yet, but let's assume it's a 515+ or just provide an MCAT cut-off at which you think I'll still be competitive as an applicant despite my 3.38 science GPA.

 

[ThePostureMan]

It's impossible to answer this without an MCAT score.

I haven't taken it yet, but let's assume it's a 515+ or just provide an MCAT cut-off at which you think I'll still be competitive as an applicant despite my 3.38 science GPA.

 

[Proudfather94]

I haven't taken it yet, but let's assume it's a 515+ or just provide an MCAT cut-off at which you think I'll still be competitive as an applicant despite my 3.38 science GPA.

It's hard to tell you without an MCAT honestly. If you were to crush the MCAT like 515+ you could do low tier MD or all DO and have a fair shot I would think. Is there any way you can do like a year of science classes to boost that sgpa? Getting it close to a 3.5 would put you in the low but alright with a stellar MCAT range.

 

[ThePostureMan]

exactly yep. A lot of acronyms float around this site haha

Gotcha! Well that's encouraging! Which schools were these if you don't mind me asking? Or do you know what the median GPA of matriculants was on MSAR for those schools?

 

[ThePostureMan]

It's hard to tell you without an MCAT honestly. If you were to crush the MCAT like 515+ you could do low tier MD or all DO and have a fair shot I would think. Is there any way you can do like a year of science classes to boost that sgpa? Getting it close to a 3.5 would put you in the low but alright with a stellar MCAT range.

I can.. It just seems.. silly.. Like I have a 3.7 in an engineering program, and (assume) crushed the MCAT, and somehow I still have to prove my academic capabilities? (And put my MD career on hold another year and dish out money, for a 10th of a point increase?)

 

[Goro]

I can.. It just seems.. silly.. Like I have a 3.7 in an engineering program, and (assume) crushed the MCAT, and somehow I still have to prove my academic capabilities? (And put my MD career on hold another year and dish out money, for a 10th of a point increase?)

You're competing with people who have higher GPAs and it's a seller's market.

That said, rising GPA trends are a good thing.

 

[gyngyn]

Or do you know what the median GPA of matriculants was on MSAR for those schools?

You can look up the mean (and SD) for successful applicants from your state here: https://www.aamc.org/media/6076/download

 

[Proudfather94]

I can.. It just seems.. silly.. Like I have a 3.7 in an engineering program, and (assume) crushed the MCAT, and somehow I still have to prove my academic capabilities? (And put my MD career on hold another year and dish out money, for a 10th of a point increase?)

They don't care what your major is that much. An English major with a 3.7 sgpa would have better chances.

 

[GoPenguinsGo]

If you do end up getting an II, make sure your tie is a double-windsor!!!!!

We had the fashion police on here last year tell us all about how if you show up to an interview with a single windsor knot then you’re an automstic reject to them.

Somebody please find that thread its actually hilarious.

 

[ThePostureMan]

If you do end up getting an II, make sure your tie is a double-windsor!!!!!

We had the fashion police on here last year tell us all about how if you show up to an interview with a single windsor knot then you’re an automstic reject to them.

Somebody please find that thread its actually hilarious.

You're kidding