Ask AdmissionsConsultants

[sanyc23]

Hi there,

Kind of relieved i found this site. i’ve been mulling over my gpa issues since freshman year and have delayed graduation to pursue a double major. long story short- my freshman year i dived into pre-meds bio,chem,precal, physics without ever really having a good background in sciences after leaving highschool. I was told this was the best thing to do in order to finish the pre-reqs as early as possible but my strong points were in history and english and i had to withdraw from these pre-med courses. i also had health issues backed by medical documentation and during freshman year my single parent household was on unemployment and finances were tough.

Having a string of W’s, but never giving hope on my dream to enter medicine which i discovered during many of my community service experiences in high school i kept at it and took these classes over getting A’s, B’s, and two C’s. I’m a senior- i should have graduated last year but i’d hate to do so with a low gpa- 3.47 overall, 3.1 science. i’m transferring to another college to pursue a stats and bio double major at this point and should be done in another two years..i’m willing to do this if it means raising my undergrad gpa. After doing a bioinformatics research internship i have hope that these majors will benefit my stats and my plans to pursue md/phd which i was inspired to do by my internship. Anyway everyone by this time has told me to give up-family,friends, and advisors told me i’m screwed, but i know i won’t be happy unless i’m in this field. i have a great resume doing clinical research, bioinformatics, various volunteerships in hospitals and school extracurriculars. Is there a shot for me or am I just kidding myself? the road has been long and arduous and i worry everyday it will end in a mediocre position i would have never chosen for myself. BTW no one in my family is a doctor or remotely in the science/ health field so this process has definitely been one in which i can only depend on my self for advice and counsel. What do you suggest i do to raise my chances- it means so much to me to get there eventually.

Thanks for reading and i look forward to your response.

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by sanyc23

Hi there,

Kind of relieved i found this site. i’ve been mulling over my gpa issues since freshman year and have delayed graduation to pursue a double major. long story short- my freshman year i dived into pre-meds bio,chem,precal, physics without ever really having a good background in sciences after leaving highschool. I was told this was the best thing to do in order to finish the pre-reqs as early as possible but my strong points were in history and english and i had to withdraw from these pre-med courses. i also had health issues backed by medical documentation and during freshman year my single parent household was on unemployment and finances were tough.

Having a string of W’s, but never giving hope on my dream to enter medicine which i discovered during many of my community service experiences in high school i kept at it and took these classes over getting A’s, B’s, and two C’s. I’m a senior- i should have graduated last year but i’d hate to do so with a low gpa- 3.47 overall, 3.1 science. i’m transferring to another college to pursue a stats and bio double major at this point and should be done in another two years..i’m willing to do this if it means raising my undergrad gpa. After doing a bioinformatics research internship i have hope that these majors will benefit my stats and my plans to pursue md/phd which i was inspired to do by my internship. Anyway everyone by this time has told me to give up-family,friends, and advisors told me i’m screwed, but i know i won’t be happy unless i’m in this field. i have a great resume doing clinical research, bioinformatics, various volunteerships in hospitals and school extracurriculars. Is there a shot for me or am I just kidding myself? the road has been long and arduous and i worry everyday it will end in a mediocre position i would have never chosen for myself. BTW no one in my family is a doctor or remotely in the science/ health field so this process has definitely been one in which i can only depend on my self for advice and counsel. What do you suggest i do to raise my chances- it means so much to me to get there eventually.

Thanks for reading and i look forward to your response.

---

Dear Sanyc23,
Thanks for your inquiry. It’s unfortunate that there were obstacles you had to overcome in order to get to where you are now, which sounds like is a very positive mindset and good work habits. Of course, there is hope for you to go to medical school. But it will first require that you redeem yourself by taking enough upper level science courses to show that your past problems are no longer a factor and that you are fully prepared to do medical school level work. If you would like a full consultation to sort out the details of your situation and to help you develop a plan for moving forward, just contact our office.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800

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[nchauras]

Hi,

I am currently a Biology and Psychology major senior at Carnegie Mellon University. I anticipate graduating with a 3.09 GPA but am applying to post bacc programs now. I did the math to see the maximum GPA I could get by the time I apply to medical school and it was a 3.29 cumulative and about a 3.10 science. I have done 1.5 years of research, had over 200 hours of clinical shadowing, 200+ volunteer hours, and good letters of rec. I haven’t taken my MCAT yet but got a 25 on my first practice test (without studying) so I am thinking that I can get a much higher score after preparing. I am hoping to get an M.D. and wanted to know what my chances are. I got a D in both semesters of Organic Chemistry but retook both and got As. Any help you can offer would be great.

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by nchauras

Hi,

I am currently a Biology and Psychology major senior at Carnegie Mellon University. I anticipate graduating with a 3.09 GPA but am applying to post bacc programs now. I did the math to see the maximum GPA I could get by the time I apply to medical school and it was a 3.29 cumulative and about a 3.10 science. I have done 1.5 years of research, had over 200 hours of clinical shadowing, 200+ volunteer hours, and good letters of rec. I haven’t taken my MCAT yet but got a 25 on my first practice test (without studying) so I am thinking that I can get a much higher score after preparing. I am hoping to get an M.D. and wanted to know what my chances are. I got a D in both semesters of Organic Chemistry but retook both and got As. Any help you can offer would be great.

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Dear Nchauras,
Thanks for your inquiry. You have done some good work at a top school. But it is possible that your science GPA could be a barrier to medical school admission. And I strongly advise you not to take the MCAT until you are scoring well into the 30s on the practice exams on a regular basis.
So you might try to study for the MCAT and see how high your scores are on the practice exams. If they are 32 and above, you might want to sit for the exam. Also be sure to make sure you are doing the best you can this year to raise your GPA as you finish your final year of college. With a little higher GPA and a good MCAT score you might want to apply to medical school and test the waters. If you need our help in the process, just contact the AdmissionsConsultants’ office.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800

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[nyu334]

Hi, i attend NYU and currently a sophomore. I am double majoring in a non science and nutrition. My overall GPA is 3.63 and my BCPM is 3.43. I know my science is low but i still have a year organic chem to raise it, I am also going to take biochem. I am in line for positions at hospital and research facilities; as well as talking to some doctors to shadow. The reason my overall gpa isnt that high is that i got hospitalized my first year here due to kidney failure and my professor didn’t like it. After taking practice exams my MCAT score aim is 32 or above. What are my chances to get into an MD med school? DO med school?

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by nyu334

Hi, i attend NYU and currently a sophomore. I am double majoring in a non science and nutrition. My overall GPA is 3.63 and my BCPM is 3.43. I know my science is low but i still have a year organic chem to raise it, I am also going to take biochem. I am in line for positions at hospital and research facilities; as well as talking to some doctors to shadow. The reason my overall gpa isnt that high is that i got hospitalized my first year here due to kidney failure and my professor didn’t like it. After taking practice exams my MCAT score aim is 32 or above. What are my chances to get into an MD med school? DO med school?

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Dear NYU 334,
Thanks for your inquiry. From the information you provide, you are on track to have some solid credentials for medical school admission. If you keep moving in a positive direction there is every reason to think you will be competitive by the time you apply next year, both for MD and DO programs. So your GPA should not be a problem if you continue with strong academic performance. Let us know if we can be of help in the application process.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800

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[bgpalli]

My D is a sophomore at prestigious school, majoring in Biochemistry and History. She is taking upper level science classes. Her cGPA is 3.55 and sGPA is 3.2. She has got almost 50 hrs of AP credits. As a freshman she started with Orgo, calculus etc. It was a bad idea and her GPA took a hit. But That allowed her to double major. She has some shadowing, observing experience, some volunteering experience. She is a senator in Student association for 2 years. she is a dancer and performed in school performances, choreographed school musicals for two semesters. Her group project she worked on in a global health class is accepted for presentation at upcoming Clinton global initiative meeting. She is applying for funding to take that project to a next level. She did not take MCAT, but is hoping to get score of 35 or more.
I am concerned about her GPA. she has two more semesters to rise it. But all her science classes will be upper level classes that are hard. She is planning on studying abroad in fall this year and take 3 history courses there and do some shadowing and observations in Hospitals. Is it advisable to do that or stay back in her school and take science courses. What are her chances in getting into medical school. Thanks

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by bgpalli

My D is a sophomore at prestigious school, majoring in Biochemistry and History. She is taking upper level science classes. Her cGPA is 3.55 and sGPA is 3.2. She has got almost 50 hrs of AP credits. As a freshman she started with Orgo, calculus etc. It was a bad idea and her GPA took a hit. But That allowed her to double major. She has some shadowing, observing experience, some volunteering experience. She is a senator in Student association for 2 years. she is a dancer and performed in school performances, choreographed school musicals for two semesters. Her group project she worked on in a global health class is accepted for presentation at upcoming Clinton global initiative meeting. She is applying for funding to take that project to a next level. She did not take MCAT, but is hoping to get score of 35 or more.
I am concerned about her GPA. she has two more semesters to rise it. But all her science classes will be upper level classes that are hard. She is planning on studying abroad in fall this year and take 3 history courses there and do some shadowing and observations in Hospitals. Is it advisable to do that or stay back in her school and take science courses. What are her chances in getting into medical school. Thanks

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Dear Bgpalli,
Thanks for your inquiry. I assume you are talking about your daughter or someone you know. My advice to this student is to not panic and continue doing good work, and also continue doing the things she most wants to do. One “D” is rarely a cause for despair regarding medical school admission if there is a pattern of continued improvement. But in a forum like this, I can only speak in general terms about her situation. My advice is to contact our office and request a one hour consultation so we can assess her situation in detail and give her more precise advice.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800

Keep up with us on:

[Yujn]

Posted – 03/09/2013 :  17:38:04        
My dtr went to Top tier technical college w honors in bioengineering, GPA 3.6. Mcat
of 33,36, 38, research experience and free clinic experience. Last yr, she applied md/phd & md, interviewed at 2 SUNY , and got MD interviews at MCW, st Louis (wait listed) , LLU. THis yr applied to 20 mid tier private & state schools, 1 interview at Albany, rejected. Nothing else. We are Calif residents. She is currently scribing in a ER.

What do you you think is the problem and solution? Is it too low GPA, personal statement, not enough clinical experience.

At this point, should we just keep scribing , post bac, reapply in 2 yrs, go osteopathic, or something else? I am aware of the UCI Hope, Drexel, Case, Chicago, Loyola, Temple, Westerm programs.

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by Yujn

Posted – 03/09/2013 :  17:38:04        
My dtr went to Top tier technical college w honors in bioengineering, GPA 3.6. Mcat
of 33,36, 38, research experience and free clinic experience. Last yr, she applied md/phd & md, interviewed at 2 SUNY , and got MD interviews at MCW, st Louis (wait listed) , LLU. THis yr applied to 20 mid tier private & state schools, 1 interview at Albany, rejected. Nothing else. We are Calif residents. She is currently scribing in a ER.

What do you you think is the problem and solution? Is it too low GPA, personal statement, not enough clinical experience.

At this point, should we just keep scribing , post bac, reapply in 2 yrs, go osteopathic, or something else? I am aware of the UCI Hope, Drexel, Case, Chicago, Loyola, Temple, Westerm programs.

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Hi Yujn,
Thanks for your inquiry. Your daughter seems to have competitive credentials, so it’s not clear what the problem is. It could be the application documents, interviewing issues, and so forth. I would strongly recommend that she signs up for a one hour consultation so we can do a detailed analysis of her situation and make some precise recommendations.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800

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[willp036]

Hello everyone I am a Texas resident with a 3.82 overall g.p.a. and a 3.73 science g.p.a. and I have a 24 mcat score (7ps9v8bs) I am hispanic if that matters and I am wondering what my chances are for M.D. and D.O. schools.. Thanks!

P.S. I have over 400 hours shadowing, 200 volunteering, 2 medical volunteer trips in central america and a medical internship in belize.

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by willp036

Hello everyone I am a Texas resident with a 3.82 overall g.p.a. and a 3.73 science g.p.a. and I have a 24 mcat score (7ps9v8bs) I am hispanic if that matters and I am wondering what my chances are for M.D. and D.O. schools.. Thanks!

P.S. I have over 400 hours shadowing, 200 volunteering, 2 medical volunteer trips in central america and a medical internship in belize.

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Dear Willp036,
Thanks for your inquiry. You have a strong GPA and activities. However, as you know, the 24 MCAT score could be a serious barrier to admissions to MD programs in the U.S. You would likely have better luck at D.O. programs. Are you considering retaking the MCAT exam? If not, you should; but only when you have taken the practice exams and get the point where you are pretty sure you will get 30 or better. If you would like a more detailed review of your situation please contact our office and sign up for a one hour consultation.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800

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[MEDrive]

Hello Admission Consultant

So I was wondering if you can comment a few words on my credentials and my ability to get into medical school (preferrably Northwestern or University of Chicago). During my undergraduate years (took a year off), I have completed a dual degree major in Chemistry and French and completed two minors in Math and International Studies. Graduated in four years even though i spent a semester and a summer in France. My overall GPA is a 3.87, with a science GPA of 3.94. My MCAT score was 29 though[]. During my year off I shadowed three doctors (one which included a heart transplant)and I obtained a Public Health certificate in Environmental epidemiology as I am interested in global health. I was wondering what my credentials look like to the admission committee and how would i fair in a top tier MD program and a mid-tier MD program. Not sure if it means much but I am also caucasian.

Thanks for your honest response
Jeremy Parker

[wshelton]

quote:

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Originally posted by MEDrive

Hello Admission Consultant

So I was wondering if you can comment a few words on my credentials and my ability to get into medical school (preferrably Northwestern or University of Chicago). During my undergraduate years (took a year off), I have completed a dual degree major in Chemistry and French and completed two minors in Math and International Studies. Graduated in four years even though i spent a semester and a summer in France. My overall GPA is a 3.87, with a science GPA of 3.94. My MCAT score was 29 though[]. During my year off I shadowed three doctors (one which included a heart transplant)and I obtained a Public Health certificate in Environmental epidemiology as I am interested in global health. I was wondering what my credentials look like to the admission committee and how would i fair in a top tier MD program and a mid-tier MD program. Not sure if it means much but I am also caucasian.

Thanks for your honest response
Jeremy Parker

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Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for your inquiry. You have had some interesting experiences and nice achievements. But your 29 MCAT score will likely be a barrier to top tier medical schools and possibly to most other U.S. MD programs as well. You may be competitive at some mid-tier schools but so much depends on the quality of your overall application. You may want to retake the MCAT exam and make sure you are scoring well into the 30’s on the practice exams before you sit for the real thing. If you would like a more detailed assessment of your situation, I suggest you sign for a one hour consultation with one of our AC consultants.
Best wishes,

Dr. Shelton
Senior Consultant
AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800

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[NQE2013]

Georgia Tech biochemistry with overall GPA 3.65, BCPM GPA 3.51. MCAT 32. Volunteered and shadowed various doctors at hospital for two years. Working for CDC since one year. the chance to get into MCG ED program?

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