MITCH i need your expert opinion!!!

[wylie313]

hey mitch
im a prospective ross student. i just completed the interview process last week, and the gentleman explained to me that when he figured out my gpas he received a score of 3.13 for the advanced bio and chem classes, and a 2.52 for all other coursework including math (math was my weakness dragging my gpa down terribly). my overall undergrad gpa is a 2.88. i have experience as a volunteer in an emergency room, and have shadowed a PCP. i have 2 good LOR from previous professors also. im also waiting for my mcat scores to be released. im predicting around a 24-26. with these stats, do you think i have a chance of admittance? i really appreciate your time and any information you could provide me with. thanks!
oh also how does ross work with repeated courses? if i took a class over, will they average the 2 grades together, or take the higher of the 2 into consideration when calculating the gpas
thanks!

[MitchDC]

Well, I'm certainly not an expert. However, I'll try and address your questions. When students ask me this question, its tough to know what they really want. Do they want a good pat on the back and a "I'm sure you'll do fine!"? Do they want a "you have great experience and Ross would be crazy not to accept you?". OR, do they want a real honest answer? I try and provide the latter along with supportive words. So, here you go:

First, the good parts of your application.

Two solid letters of recommendation from professors is great - especially if they were upper-division science professors. A well-written letter from a physician would also be good.

An MCAT score of 24-26 is not too bad. In fact, 8's across the board is the highest predictive score on the MCAT predicting your ability to make it through medical school.

Your ER experience is good. However, its a volunteer position and most of us know how that goes. Most of the time you don't get involved in real patient interaction or care. Usually its just busy-work. So, if that is NOT the case and you get an interview, make sure you detail your experience there. Shadowing a PCP is also great, as long as its more than a few days...

OK, so now let's be honest:

Your 3.1 GPA in the sciences is good, but your 2.88 GPA will be below many of the applicants with whom you will compete.

You didn't mention what your degree was in or if your degree is from a University known to be a great pre-med training institution.

I don't know how they deal with repeated classes, but since you have already completed your interview it doesn't really matter now.

I hope that has helped! Best of luck to you.

MitchDC

hey mitch
im a prospective ross student. i just completed the interview process last week, and the gentleman explained to me that when he figured out my gpas he received a score of 3.13 for the advanced bio and chem classes, and a 2.52 for all other coursework including math (math was my weakness dragging my gpa down terribly). my overall undergrad gpa is a 2.88. i have experience as a volunteer in an emergency room, and have shadowed a PCP. i have 2 good LOR from previous professors also. im also waiting for my mcat scores to be released. im predicting around a 24-26. with these stats, do you think i have a chance of admittance? i really appreciate your time and any information you could provide me with. thanks!
oh also how does ross work with repeated courses? if i took a class over, will they average the 2 grades together, or take the higher of the 2 into consideration when calculating the gpas
thanks!

[wylie313]

thanks for the honest assessment mitch, thats what im def looking for! and btw i got a ** in biology from st johns university, jamaica NY

[MitchDC]

You're welcome! Some students leave off their degree because they were planning on applying without one...

Best of luck!

MitchDC

[link626]

i think there should be a "what are my chances" sticky thread where everyone can ask the same question.

[wylie313]

i def agree...it is def the most talked about subject on this board.