As a Canadian, how much can a high GPA make up for a medicore MCAT?

[The Journey Man]

Hey guys,

 

I was wondering how much a above average GPA say 3.8-4.0 can make up for a medicore MCAT 30-32. In my situation, I have a 3.83 AMCAS GPA and a 10,10,10P for my MCAT. Essentially, could this be the equivalent of something like 3.6 and 33 on the MCAT?

[schnauzr]

In my opinion,

if you think about the LizzyM score, which estimates your competitiveness in the formula, MCAT score + 10 * gpa,

your 3.83/30 would translate into something like 3.63/32.

But that's a very wide ballpark estimation.

The US schools seem more forgiving towards low gpa than low MCAT scores.

[Gavanshir]

I think your MCAT is fine, make sure you have good application essays and decent extracurricalars and you'll be competitive for some US schools.

[worriedandwaiting]

Also, keep in mind that your GPA when converted to AMCAS may go up because of the grading schemes set for the different canadian schools by AMCAS.

[a41]

Also, keep in mind that your GPA when converted to AMCAS may go up because of the grading schemes set for the different canadian schools by AMCAS.

 

Or like in my case it could go down.

[Violet]

I was wondering the opposite of the OP...can an amazing MCAT combat a sub par GPA?

 

e.g. does (hypothetically) a Canadian with a 37R and a 3.4 stand any chance at a 3rd tier school?

[Alastriss]

I was wondering the opposite of the OP...can an amazing MCAT combat a sub par GPA?

 

e.g. does (hypothetically) a Canadian with a 37R and a 3.4 stand any chance at a 3rd tier school?

 

is that your amcas GPA or your canadian GPA?

[Violet]

is that your amcas GPA or your canadian GPA?

 

Canadian...I'm applying after fourth year and I'm projecting that I'll end up with a max cumulative 3.4 (pretty pathetic, I know.).I'm assuming my amcas GPA can't be high enough to make much of a difference anyway. I'm writing the MCAT this August and hoping to do well enough to perhaps combat my sickly GPA...if that's possible?

 

I know it's a long shot but my plan is to apply to the US after fourth year, and during my 5th year of undergrad apply to Western and Mac as well.

[Alastriss]

Just try to calc it!

[Violet]

Well, I went up from a 3.36 to a 3.39 ... Yay, me. Would I be wasting money even applying with a gpa like that? I mean, I guess it's worth a shot, but I'm just trying to gage how dire my situation is here.

[flamesfan]

i can only speak from what i have read and yes your GPA is lower than average of accepted but if you were to ace the mcat with a 37R the other factors in your life like ECs, clinical etc. would play a role.

 

are you an american citizen or green card holder?

[Violet]

Just plain old Canadian, which doesn't help at all in this case. But ah well, at least there's some sliver of hope in having a great (*knocks on wood*) MCAT score. Thanks for the reply!

[Alastriss]

Its definetely worth a shot. If you have an upwards trend in GPA that will definetely help. You can always do a postbacc year to up your gpa. What you can do is invest time to get your app in early, apply to every reasonable school, and make sure ur PS is strong.

[Violet]

Thanks a bunch for the encouragement!

[KennethToronto]

Violent: if you have the money (both to apply and attend if you were accepted), then by all means it's worth a shot. But a 3.4 on the lower end for an international applicant to the US.