Low GPA and/or Low MCAT score

[Premed Parent]

I am a premed parent. My premed student has a strong college GPA. Her high school average is less than stellar. I know twenty years ago when I was a perspective premed student, med schools checked back as far as the high school transcript. Is that still the case?

[bubabuggy]

No–they definitely DO NOT look back as far as high school.

[adamant06]

Hi,

I desperately want to go to med school, but my story is slightly different from typical. Basically, I attended an ivy-league university for 4 years, but didn’t really focus and got a horrible GPA (like, 2.7). By the fourth year, I decided that I didn’t want to graduate from there, and for the first time in my life, that I wanted to become a doctor. So, I transferred to a decent (although not ivy-league) school; I have been here for two years, with a GPA so far of a 4.0. Also, I have a 38 MCAT score. I have additionally taken part in significant research experience. I will be graduating at the age of 24. What are my chances of getting into a top 40 med school, given this strange situation?

[jime]

quote:

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Originally posted by adamant06

Hi,

I desperately want to go to med school, but my story is slightly different from typical. Basically, I attended an ivy-league university for 4 years, but didn’t really focus and got a horrible GPA (like, 2.7). By the fourth year, I decided that I didn’t want to graduate from there, and for the first time in my life, that I wanted to become a doctor. So, I transferred to a decent (although not ivy-league) school; I have been here for two years, with a GPA so far of a 4.0. Also, I have a 38 MCAT score. I have additionally taken part in significant research experience. I will be graduating at the age of 24. What are my chances of getting into a top 40 med school, given this strange situation?

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med schools look at improvement and you have. if you are consistent with your gpa until you graduate i think you have really high chances. you must show that you are not just a gpa and mcat score. you need experience in the hospital. shadow a medical doctor and get first hand experience of what it is like to be a doctor. everyone thinks that all you need is a great gpa and mcat score but that is not all you need. Research is great but medical schools want to see you in a hospital too. remember, you must show that you are not just a brain. you need to get experience dealing with people in a hospital.
*attending ivy league colleges will not increase your chances. It is how well you excel academically and in other activities. non ivy league colleges and universities are just as competitive

[Bartonk]

Hi, I am currently a California community college student[] and fall semester of 2005 I am Transferring to LMU Los Angeles. I Plan to double major in biology and psychology. My G.P.A is a 3.8 and I know this new semester it will be about 3.9 over-all. What do you suggest I start to do now so with in the next couple years my chances of going to medical school are better? [?]
-Thanks[][]

karla

[Bartonk]

Hi, I am currently a California community college student and fall semester of 2005 I am Transferring to LMU Los Angeles. I Plan to double major in biology and psychology. My G.P.A is a 3.8 and I know this new semester it will be about 3.9 over-all. What do you suggest I start to do now so with in the next couple years my chances of going to medical school are better?
-Thanks

karla

[maddy04]

I graduated from my undergrad with a BS in Biology in 2000 with a horrible gpa of 2.79. Then I decided I wanted to get an MPH-Epidemiology to keep me in the realm of medicine. My grad GPA was a 3.47. I am also taking the MCAT next April (a year away) and I have already started studying. I work at the CDC doing research and I have several publishings. I am truly dedicated in becoming a physician. What do you think are my chances in getting into a US med school with such a low GPA? I am not school specific and would happy if I got into any school! Also, are there any age limits or do schools look down upon older students? I would really appreciate your help. Thanks!

[brickwallsabound]

Would an admissions expert please assess how my “much-to-be-desired” credentials would bode for admission to medical school in 2006?

I graduated with a 2.99 GPA, B.S., Biology from Georgia Tech, and a 3.16 GPA, M.S., Bioinformatics, also from Georgia Tech. I applied to state-wide medical schools for 2005 with a 28T MCAT score, and, not surprisingly, didn’t even get invited for interviews.

I’m still intent on pursuing medicine as a career, given my “psycho-physical dispositions”, and was wondering whether my GPA would do me in irrespective of what I might score on the MCAT this August, or whether a high enough score would yet afford me a fighting chance? What would make me more competitive–MCAT and otherwise–if I’m not already “blacklisted”?

Your help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

[oxyarcher]

I have a 3.4 GPA and a 29MCAT. Not so hot. I am thinking about taking a year off to increase my chances of getting into Med School. What would be the best that I could do over that year?

[bubabuggy]

Hi! I think the best thing to do is increase your MCAT– you’re getting there!! Aim for a 35– MCAT weighs out GPA by a lot. Don’t worry about your GPA– if you get a 35 you’ll beat a person with a 3.8 and a 27 MCAT anyday.

[Destined4Sucess]

Hello I’m a 19yr old senior at Shaw University.My major is speechpathology/audiology and I have an 3.7 average in that,but I only have a 3.5 average overall and I decided to go to medical school.Can you give my any advice?[]

[imprication]

I am a rising senior at Penn State University with a GPA of 2.68. I have already taken my MCAT and scored a 36 (PS-13, BS-12, VR-11)

I am a resident of New Jersey. What do you think my chances are of getting into a US Medical School?

[MedicalMan]

i am in my second year of university but my marks in first year were significanlty low but my gpa this year is 4.0 do i still have a chance in getting into medical school since that was only my first year, and what are they most important years that med school looks at, i have been told that it is the last 60 credits?

[woo78f]

I am an aerospace engineering major with a 3.3 gpa. I haven’t taken any of the required science classes except for physics and some chemistry seeing as to my school do not offer many of the pre-med courses. I wanted to get an honest opinion if it is even worth trying to apply with this type of gpa. I know I need to take the required courses and the mcats and spruce up my resume which I plan on doing after I graduate this year. Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[catherine]

hi, I desperately need your advice.

My cum GPA is 3.9, my science score is higher than my CUM.
But my MCAT is only 26 (PS 10, BS 10, VR 06)

I don’t know if I should retake MCAT in August or not, please give me advice.

[Author]

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