usually a GPA below 2.7 and/or MCAT below 20

__________________
Cornell University '08
moving on down to NOLA in the fall

"Dreams come a size too large so that we can grow into them"

From what my interviewer told me when I interviewed, there is a selection committee and they go over all your stats, ECs, recommendation from interviewer etc. If there are any huge weaknesses that suggest you might not have good study habits (low GPA, lower MCAT, or interviewer's thoughts) then they may suggest you for MERP. When my interviewer told me about it, I asked what I could do to avoid MERPing. At the time I was applying for September, and he said Sept was really almost full, but if I would consider May I'd have a much better chance. Low and behold I'm here on the island in May.

I will say about MERP that alot of the people I've talked to on the island who went through it found it to be a really positive experience (albeit expensive). The one advantage I've noticed so far is socially. Everyone from MERP already know each other etc. and it can be more difficult to break into those social circles as someone who didn't MERP.

MERP will also be a good review of the premedical sciences...it can never hurt!

I know I was told I would most likely get an interview, but I am curious if anyone has opinions as to wether they think I will get MD or MERPed. Thanks this thread is great!

2.75 cum
3.2 science
23R MCAT
High school took 20 college credits 2.8gpa and did shadowing shifts
volunteer 1 year ER
2 years worked as a nursing assistant on med surg
volunteer ambulance 6 years including EMT inlcuding Training officer and Director of Operations
1 year undergraduate research assistant
Fundraising for University Lead Supervisor
Residential Life Student Assistant
Medical Director for Overnight Teenage Camp 4 summers.
now paramedic 2 years 3.5 gpa through medic school "certificate with distinction"