Expert: J.P. Saleeby, MD - 4/21/2007

Question
What do you think the response from an admissions committee be on this type of student:

cumulative GPA: 3.1
first two years GPA: 2.51
last two years GPA: 3.8
science GPA: 3.7
MCAT score: 36
excellent recommendation letters
lots of shadowing
lots of clinical experience
lots of volunteer work
lots of research
great personal statement


thank you ! :)

Answer
Lauren,

Well the cumulative GPA is a bit low.  Some schools will not consider any applicants below 3.5 (just because there are so many applicants).  However, the 3.8 shows that there were improvements and you were driven.  Can't remember what a good MCAT is (have been 20  years since I took mine).  Good that you have letters and that you shadowed and did volunteer work.  I would say that if you can get by the major hurdle of the low GPA they you are probably a shoe in.

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net