Engineering Major, GPA concern, chances?

[pepemiu]

Hey all,

I am currently a Junior at Columbia's Engineering school. I am majoring in chemical engineering and premed. I know you get these types of questions all the time about chances and what not, but after some searching, I have not been able to find many threads regarding this subject.

The main concern I have about my application is my GPA. I calculated that my science GPA using BCPM would be about 3.2. However, as an engineering student, I was required to take a year of multivariable calculus and ordinary differential equations, which hurt my GPA. Without those classes I have a 3.45 about which I figure is decent.

I have experience as a teaching assistant in general chemistry lab since I was a sophmore and I am continuing that experience. I also have over 300 hours volunteering at a nearby hospital doing clinical research. I've gotten to know the PI pretty well and I think I can get a good recommendation from him.

In addition I took the MCATs after my sophmore year and got a 30. I may take it again this summer.

I guess that's a lot of background information but back to the main topic:GPA. My engineering courses are really beating me down and I'm not sure if my application is strong enough. I have several C's which has definitely pounded my GPA into the ground. I hope to raise my overall GPA to at least a 3.3 by the end of senior year (I will be applying that summer 2005). I heard that when you get to classify your grades on AMCAS you determine which "department" they fall under. I think that would raise my science GPA a bit but it will definitely lower my "other" GPA calculations. Do medical schools take into account my bad classes are advanced calculus and engineering courses? I'm just wondering if there was anyone who could give some advice or just some thoughts. I just want to go to a state medical school (SUNY SB to be exact). And yes I am a NY resident. Thanks.

[ResearchingGuy]

Like deja vu all over again! I used to be an engineering student and I understand exactly what you mean about GPA taking a pounding. First of all, AMCAS considers engineering classes "other than BCMP", so don't try to slip it around them. For engineering, you seem to have a pretty good overall, so I would just play to your strenghts.

You seem to have a good handle on your situation. MCAT at 30 is pretty good. Take it again if you think you can do better, but don't fixate on that either. Your EC's sound pretty good, but try to do some medically related stuff to show your specific interest in medicine.

Finally, give Stoney Brook a call and ask them just what you asked here. Most schools will not admit they adjust GPA factors for Major or school attended but some will. They might at least give you some idea of where you stand in the overall picture. Your GPA in ChE at Columbia is pretty impressive. I'm not saying you are a shoo-in but I'm thinking you're much better off than you think. If Stoney Brook won't tell you anything, get a phone book and just start calling schools. Start with the one closest to your house and expand outward until you get the info you want. Seriously, give it a try. It will answer your questions better than this forum and might put you "on the map" with some admissions officers. Try Columbia's College of Physicians and Surgeons as well while you're calling. You may not want to attend there (BIG $$$) but they will know you best as their own undergrad and might be able to give you some good advice..


Make the Call!

Best fo Luck!