Thread: What are my chances of getting accepted?

Good day, I'd really appreciate it if someone gave me the honest truth. I screwed up during my first semester of my bachelor of science degree (in genetics and biochemistry) and I only scored a 62% which is like 0.-something GPA, I had some issues and I know I can do much better. If I get GPAs around 3.4+ for my remaining 2 years so that my total would be about 2.7, which is best I can do. Will this increase trend give me an advantage? Also I do charity every year for 3 months for about 6 hours everyday but I only started this year. I'm from South Africa so I don't write MCAT, will I be able to get into SGU? I also wouldn't be needing loans or financial aid, I'm able to pay the fees straight up, does this help me at all?

Thank you.

From SGU's website:

Applicants from Other Systems of Education

1. An applicant must have achieved the successful completion of secondary school (12 years post-kindergarten, comprising four years post-primary/elementary, that, in itself is at least eight years long), preferably in a science curriculum or track.
2. An applicant must have completed a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent), which includes a science background and the study of English.
3. If English is not the applicant’s principal language, the applicant must have achieved a score in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 600 points (written) or 250 points (computer-based)

I'm not sure you could get in with a 2.7 now. If the competitiveness of the school continues to increase then I don't see any way you'll get in with a 2.7 in two years.

Sorry. At least they don't require the MCAT outside of N. America

Being able to pay without taking out loans has nothing to do with your chances of getting in. a 2.7 gpa is extremely low, to be honest i don't think you'll be able to get into any of the top 4 carib schools with that, those include SGU, Ross, AUC, and Saba. The only thing that can help is if you do a masters or a phd to improve your gpa. Also taking the mcat even though it's not required and doing well on it, (above 24) can help your chances. But hey there are plenty of other schools in the caribbean that will probably jump at the chance to take you.

zhzhzh,
i don't believe that being able to pay the schools in full with out loans will be of great help in your situation. Although you have a 2.7 GPA or will be working to bring your GPA to a 2.7, it is considered to be a bit low. It's not horrible (i've heard of people with worse grades applying) but it is not very high. SGU and the other schools are progressively getting more competitive, but don't be disheartened. There have been others who have gotten in to other caribbean school besides SGU with this GPA, but they have MCAT scores to support them (Unlike your case). I don't believe that all your hopes of going to a caribbean school and becoming a physican are dashed. It maybe optimistic, but perhaps one of the other major caribbean might consider you. However, i think that you will have a challenge on your hands because you are inherently at a disadvantage without an MCAT score to help you. The MCAT's are now computerized and thus more available at many more places and times a year. I suggest you look into the possibility of take it. I don't know the availability of this test to you or the logistics of this, but if the opportunity is available take it. Study hard and kick its butt! It might also be of help to you to pursue a master's degree in science or take some graduate classes that will boost your GPA. Don't lose hope. Keep trying if this is what you really want for yourself. Best of luck to you. Take care