What are my chances? PLEASE HELP!!!

[simply_me]

Hi everyone,

I am entering third year in undergraduate study at Canadian University (BC). My major is Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, and I might minor in Math.

My cGPA is 3.1. I don't know what really happened these 2 years. First year, it was 3.6, then it just went down and down. But I m trying my best to raise it up by the end of my degree to 3.3 at least.

What are the chances to get into Candian Medical School (like Queens, UofT, UBC, McGill, Western Ontario, etc.)?? I am really worried about my GPA. Please tell me if I have any chances to get in any canadian medical school? My volunteer experience is average, not any extraordinary.
I have heard people saying that cGPA of atleast 3.7 is required to get "in" canadian medical school. Is that true?

Also, if I apply to US medical school, what are my chances to come back to Canada for practice? What do I have to do if I graduate from US medical school? I know there are lot of threads on this question, however, I still haven't found my answer anywhere.

I would REALLY REALLY appreciate if anyone can help me.
Thanks. =)

[swimchick]

Canadian medical school admission is even more competitive for US medical school admissions. Right now, you don't appear very competitive for a Canadian school.

Most US schools will not accept applications from non-US citizens or permanent residents. As an international applicant, a 3.3 won't get you very far in the US system.

[lalulla]

you need to know what are the requirements of the university you are applying to..

[NCldy2000]

Well if you bring your gpa up to 3.3 then you should apply to american schoold like Howard University, East Carolina University, and Meharry Medical School, provided you get a 30+ on your MCAT. Well if you score lower on your MCAT you could go to carribean schools.

[swimchick]

Well if you bring your gpa up to 3.3 then you should apply to american schoold like Howard University, East Carolina University, and Meharry Medical School, provided you get a 30+ on your MCAT. Well if you score lower on your MCAT you could go to carribean schools.

That plan might work if the OP is in the applicant pool that Howard and Meharry was designed to serve (i.e. minority students). ECU gives strong preference state residents. According to their website, they haven't admitted an out-of-state student in 20 years.

The fact is, as an international applicant...the OP would face very tough competition if he/she applies to an American school, even a "lower tier" school.

As far as issues regarding returning to Canada for residency/practice, it seems rather complicated. I suggest you PM my buddy kananaskis_girl. She's a great wealth of information for Canadian students.

[olek]

Hi everyone,

I am entering third year in undergraduate study at Canadian University (BC). My major is Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, and I might minor in Math.

My cGPA is 3.1. I don't know what really happened these 2 years. First year, it was 3.6, then it just went down and down. But I m trying my best to raise it up by the end of my degree to 3.3 at least.

What are the chances to get into Candian Medical School (like Queens, UofT, UBC, McGill, Western Ontario, etc.)?? I am really worried about my GPA. Please tell me if I have any chances to get in any canadian medical school? My volunteer experience is average, not any extraordinary.
I have heard people saying that cGPA of atleast 3.7 is required to get "in" canadian medical school. Is that true?

Also, if I apply to US medical school, what are my chances to come back to Canada for practice? What do I have to do if I graduate from US medical school? I know there are lot of threads on this question, however, I still haven't found my answer anywhere.

I would REALLY REALLY appreciate if anyone can help me.
Thanks. =)

Dear OP,

I do not mean to sound discouraging, but I do want you to be realistic and understand you have absolutely no chances to get into any Canadian med school with a GPA of 3.3 or 3.6, let alone GPA of 3.1.

If your resume is full of experiences of working in disaster releif zones saving children out of burning orphanages in Ruwanda or making a quadraplegic man walk again, you might have shot at McMaster, since they prefer untraditional applicants.

Just to put things in perspective for you the cut off at UOttawa 3 years ago was a 3.87. I don't think you even remotely realize the level of competition in place for seats at medical school in Canada.

Why would you want to get a minor in math when you can't bring your GPA up to a decent level with the majors you got now?

My advice is work hard and concentrate on getting that GPA up and explore your options when you get your degree in 2 years. And remember it is not the end of the world as they are always options. Good luck!

[jameslynton]

I would say read the other posts - Work on your GPA - Take the MCAT after a very good study period. Than apply to other schools not in Canada. You will be competitive in Europe and at the better island schools. No one can really say where you will end up.