GPA consideration for U.S. schools...

[Guest RXK]

Hello,

 

I'm sure this question has been asked several times before, but I would appreciate any information... Do most U.S. schools consider your cumulative GPA (which would include summer credits too, right?) to form part of their academic assessment, or do some schools only consider certain years/credits?

 

I get the impression that most, if not all, only consider your cGPA, and thus would like to know if my assumption is correct...

 

 

Thank you,

 

RXK

[Guest moo]

Yes, your assumption is correct. All summer courses are counted.

[Guest RXK]

Hey Moo,

 

Thanks for the very quick reply!!... Also, I have another quick question: If someone were to have a not so good cGPA (~3.5) because of a horrible first year but much better 2nd, 3rd, 4th years (~3.8-3.9 for each year) is it still worth it to apply to some second or third tier U.S. schools? And, would some schools forgive or look past the cGPA because of an upward trend?

 

 

Thanks again for your input,

 

RXK

[Guest moo]

A 3.5 first year is not that bad... and coupled with your other years GPA you have a good shot at getting into a good school, provided your MCAT is good. However, as you probably know, admissions is completely random. I know people who get into very good schools like Columbia, Yale, etc. who weren't even offered interviews at some lower tier schools. All I can say is that if you apply to a broad range of schools with your GPA and a decent MCAT score (>30) you should have no problem getting into a school, provided you also have some decent ECs.

[Guest RXK]

Hey Moo,

 

I think you might have misunderstood. The overall cumulative GPA is around 3.5 and the first year was not ~3.5 (it was MUCH lower). The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year GPAs were ~3.8-3.9 for each year. Thus, the overall GPA of ~3.5 resulted from the combination of low first year grades and much better 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year grades. Also, her mcat score is pretty good: 35R. And, she has good ECs including volunteering at two health care facilities for numerous years, research experience, student organization memberships/leadership positions..... among other things....

So, if you could please comment on these stats and if they are 'good enough' for any schools, that would be greatly appreciated!

 

As well, these are the stats of a sibling who will be applying to both U.S. and Canadian schools for the 2004-2005 cycle. Lastly, she is a Canadian citizen.

 

 

Thanks again,

 

RXK

[Guest moo]

Still, a 3.5 is not horrible. That coupled with the 35 MCAT will get you consideration at the lower tier and some middle tier schools. As long as she's not going for Harvard or Hopkins, I think she has a good chance at schools like NYMC, Finch, Temple, among others. Also, with her ECs, she might consider applying to osteopathic schools as well.

[Guest RXK]

Thanks for your input Moo! Especially since it was so quick...

 

RXK