What now, What now...

[GuyRitchie]

Hello everyone,

I'll keep this short.

 

I'm an Alberta res graduating with a Bsc. in Immunology, with a meager 3.52 cumulative.

First year was a 3.08, 2nd was a 3.55, 3rd was a 3.58, last was a 3.85.

I'm writing my MCAT in 2 weeks (eek).

I hope to apply to UC (best 2 years: 3.72) and UA (drop one year: 3.66).

 

I'm registered for a grad program in UBC, but I'm wondering if I should stay for a fifth year.

The big question is: with my stats, would it really be worth delaying graduation for another year. Do I stand a chance without trying to picking up my GPA?

 

I'd love to hear any advice from you boardmembers. I wish I had found this forum years ago.

[cardiomegaly]

Hmm. All the Ontario people are going to give you the 2 best years schpiel (?SP??) about Queens and Western, so skipping that

 

Honestly, if you are IP Alberta I'd say stick to those schools for your best chances instead of tailoring for Ontario schools, though do apply broadly. If you can snag an interview, chances are good that you'll get at least waitlisted. IMO I don't know how much an extra year will help you for GPA at U of A since it's culmulative - 1 year, and for U of C maybe..however U of C's GPA standards tend to be lower in the 3.6 range for average admitted applicants so you might be OK. Though the U of A average GPA for med students tends to range in the 3.8s, there are plenty of kids with lower marks who made it up with extracurrics and MCAT. Aim for 34+ on your MCAT if you want a much better application. Look through the accepted/waitlisted/rejected threads on the school specific forums, might give you an idea of some people with lower academic stats who made it up in other places.

 

How are your extracurriculars?

 

Grad program for U of A only helps once you have a masters. U of C has tons of grad students, they favor older applicants. I dunno, it's really your call. The gap year has its advantages - time to travel, volunteer, shadow, build more contacts and more time to prepare for interviews.

 

So in summary, my advice to you is to kick ass on the MCAT, review your extracurriculars and make a realistic and informed decision from there. Your hurts you yes, but only consider doing an extra year if you're sure that you can get >3.9 and that it will really make a huge difference to your cGPA.

[igotacookie]

Cardiomegaly is spot on with his advice.

 

Rock ur mcat and u will have a shot. However be advised that the Average cgpa for Uofa was 3.89 this year.

 

Calgary was also higher than normal.