more GPA anxiety…

[userjean]

It seems most are concerned about their numbers (as they should be.) I am no exception. I was wondering when referring to statistical GPA averages of accepted medical students is this in reference to the over all as an undergrad? My concern is that in my major I have an average of around 3.8 but my science will probably be closer to 3.0 How are these GPAs weighed out in admission consideration? I plan to try and make up for my low science GPA (ideally) with a decent MCAT score. I am a year away from taking the MCAT. Other than retaking the classes that I received lower grades in and doing my best to up my GPA this next year, is there any other advice you may suggest to make the most of what I have? Thanks for your attention to these questions.[]

[y82benji]

Admitted students:

• Average Science GPA ~ 3.54
• Average Non-Science GPA ~ 3.68
• Average Overall GPA ~ 3.60
• Average MCAT ~ 29.6 P (9.5VR, 10.0PS, 10.1BS)

If you have a non-science major, you need to bring that GPA up in the next year, or do above average (for admitted students) on the physical sciences and biological sciences sections of the MCAT to balance out the 3.0 science GPA. If you got C’s in some of the premed classes, you should consider retaking them if you think that you could earn an A the next time through, or simply as preparation for the MCAT. Get straight A’s, or at the very least mostly A’s, in your science courses from now until you apply to medical school. Don’t plan to make up for your GPA – fix it. You still have plenty of time left. Med schools don’t just get your GPA from AMCAS, they get your course and grade history. Working harder to get better grades now will show even if the GPA only rises a little.

[y82benji]

Oops, hit “post” too quickly.

Grades are important but if your grades are decent they’re gonna take a longer look at the rest of the application too. If the GPA isn’t moving, at least make sure you’ve demonstrated an interest in medicine through clinical and volunteer experiences. Also, try to make sure there is some kind of research or extracurricular involvement to put on your application. They have to think you’re smart enough to go to med school – but they REALLY have to think you’re the kind of person that will make a good doctor.

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