Do I have a chance??

[Determined2bDoc]

Hello everyone,

I'm switching careers from finance to medicine and have finally finished taking night science courses at a local community college. Now I'm in the middle of studying for my MCATS for the second time ( the first time..I took it prematurely..and it was so shameful).

So I've been busting my butt trying to raise the score but on the back of my mind...I keep wondering if my credentials are good enough to get into SGU, ROSS, AUC...anywhere!

So the question is....Any of you know people who got into a Caribbean med school with similar scores as mine???

undergrad gpa: 2.5 (NYU)
science gpa: 3.7
mcat scores: low 20's?

I know those stats are far from great, but please tell me there is hope and that I didn't waste the past 3 years working fulltime and studying like mad for nothing??? =(

I really want to get in for Jan 2007 if not Aug 2006.

Thanks and all advice are greatly appreciated.

[queenofspades11]

actually you may want to try to get in for January 07 by applying now to Ross, AUC, even Saba (although they have gotten much more picky).
if you expain in your situation in your personal essay and retake the mcat, you can even mention that you are planning to retake it and apply now anyway
they might let you in for january or may offer you MERP starting sept (or whenever it starts), try it, you never know

[queenofspades11]

also, make sure to have taken high level biology courses : microbiology, embryology, biochem (ok, not only biology), anatomy, physiology...
They loook at those grades very closely. Also, what was your ** score on the MCAT?

[Determined2bDoc]

thank you for your response.

What is Merp?

[McGillGrad]

The Caribbean schools cannot afford to be picky. It is funny when people say that because it is absolutely false. If these schools were picky then they would not need to advertise as much as they do. Of course, some people will be denied due to obvious faults but people with potential will be accepted (although it helps if you have the personality to get that point across effectively).

Your stats show that you have done well in your science courses and that is important. The MCAT could always be improved but it is a flip-up on whether it will help or hurt you.

Do not self-select yourself out as other people have suggested. Apply for Aug, not January. If they want, they will move you to January.

Keep plugging along, complete your application, take the MCAT again (and do well) and then prepare to become a medical student.

MERP is a program for some who have been rejected. It is 4 months of human oriented science classes that help build up your learning and test-taking skills before you go big-time. Do not worry about MERP unless it becomes your last option, or if you feel that you need one semester to brush-up on the basics before going for broke.

[sarahtarah]

your science gpa is great! go for it, you have a great chance. no harm in trying right?

i was offered the MERP before entering Ross, and honestly MERP helped me out a lot, i think it was well worth it. So dont look at it as if you didnt get in.

good luck

[Future2010MD]

Hey
I think you have a good chance. Your undergrad GPA might be a little low, but your science GPA is great and I think that will help you a lot. As far as your MCAT, I don't think you should be worried...I'm pretty sure you'll be offered MERP so just have some confidence in your self and apply.
GOod luck to you... BTW...I know people that got into ROSS with much lower stats than you...but thats because they had outstanding research and clinical experinces....so try to do other stuff to make up for your overall gpa...
Good luck.

[Future2010MD]

I should be a little more clear...I meant to say you have a good chance at getting regular admission, but worse case for you might be MERP.....so either way you have a good chance.

[Determined2bDoc]

Thanks you guys...this gives me a bit of comfort and eases my stress a little. I really needed that bit of weight off me while I'm studying for my mcats.

[desai29]

Since you have high GPA, and average MCAT so it should not matter.... you probably need strong recommendation, some research and hospital experience....