Does a good MCAT overcome the automatic GPA screens at MD Schools?
I failed out of school 10 years ago due to poor discipline and lack of motivation. I joined the Navy and was successful in the most academically rigorous program and served as a nuclear mechanic on subs. I got a nuclear engineering technology degree, got out of the Navy and started working in consulting. I realized I missed doing important and challenging work. I decided to start pursuing my original dream of medicine.
I am halfway through 39 post bacc credits and am fairly certain I can finish with a 4.0, which would only raise my cGPA to 2.8 (many credits for my undergrad degree were accepted from 2 years of Navy training which don’t have grades).
I have been studying for the MCAT and got a 510 on my first FL and I haven’t taken Orgo 2 or Biochem yet. I don’t even plan on taking the MCAT til 2027, so plenty of time to study. Assuming I get this to a 517+ (big assumption, I know) am I still able to be competitive for MD? I’ve read about people here with low GPAs getting in, but was wondering if anyone has any specific info on how screening works? What do you think helped you get a human to read your application?
I am limited to Colorado (my current in state), Florida (lived there from birth-2024), and California due to my wife’s preferences. Due to my limited areas to apply, I am definitely open to DO, but would prefer MD to keep as many doors open down the road for residency.
It sucks that the lazy person I was 10 years ago is still biting me in the ass, but here we are. Wish I dropped out one semester earlier so I could get to 3.0 with my post bacc, but we move.