If you have retaken classes in the past – or expect to need to retake a class in the future – this post will help you understand this element of your profile, in general, for the AMCAS application, and for the AACOMAS application, as needed. 1. All grades earned are calculated into the cumulative GPA….
How Your Academic Statistics Influence Your Medical School Choices
The most reliable source of information about allopathic medical schools is the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) website, offered by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges). The statistics in this database can be extremely valuable in helping you decide where to apply. Most applicants look immediately at the data on MCAT scores and GPAs,…
Applying to Medical School with a Low Science GPA
The process of applying to medical school is already stressful. And since selection committees are looking for evidence that you are ready for medical school, applying with a low science GPA can make the process even more nerve-wracking. In fact, in a 2023 study of 128 U.S. medical schools, admissions officers said that an applicant’s…
GPA Issues When Applying to Med School: What to do With a “W”
Almost everybody has a blemish on their GPA. Usually it’s a failed class or a semester of poor grades. But there’s also the issue of how a “W” on your transcript will affect your chance of admission to medical school. The truth is that withdrawing from one or two classes is not going to hurt…
Improve Your MCAT Score for Medical School Acceptance
Fortunately, it’s easier to tackle a poor MCAT score than a poor GPA. While you should not retake the exam too many times, a better-prepared second or even third attempt can be a sound strategy. Many people find that studying independently or with a group of friends works well. Reviewing your old class notes and…
Boost Your GPA for Medical School Acceptance
In our last post, we talked about how to assess your application weaknesses. If you’re feeling a bit fragile now, that’s to be expected – you’ve just undergone a pretty brutal review of your application! But the admissions committee is scrutinizing submissions with the same critical eye. Anticipating the problems so you can correct them…
How to Apply Successfully to Grad School Despite a Low GPA [Episode 458]
What steps can you take to get accepted despite a low GPA? [Show Summary] Linda Abraham outlines five steps for mitigating the impact of a low GPA so that you can move forward with a successful graduate school application. Linda Abraham, Founder and CEO of Accepted shares her insights into overcoming low stats [Show Notes]…
Low Stats Got You Stressed About Med School?
Our recent masterclass, Get Accepted to Medical School with Low Stats, offered a treasure trove of tangible guidance on how to mitigate a lackluster test score or GPA. If your stats leave something to be desired, watch this video before you even think about starting your applications! Watch the masterclass!
Tips for Applicants With a Low MCAT Score
Medical school applicants (or any other professional school applicant) must assess their credentials realistically to present themselves in the best possible way during the application process. Since applicants are evaluated based on specific quantitative criteria (primarily undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores) and non-quantitative criteria (research and clinical exposure, leadership skills, mentoring experiences), as well as…
How Does the Med School Adcom View Multiple MCAT Scores?
In 2007, the MCAT was first offered electronically. Prior to this technological shift, the MCAT was only offered a limited number of times a year – as a paper and pencil exam. AAMC also restricted the number of times you could take the exam in one year as well as in your lifetime. Now that…
3 Ways to Deal with a Low MCAT Score
After weeks of patiently waiting, you finally receive your MCAT score, only to realize that it’s much lower than you’d hoped. In this situation, you have several options. First, take some time to think; it’s not a good idea to make a decision immediately after receiving your score. Give it some time. Identify and consider…
Writing About Weaknesses in Your Med School Personal Statement
When coming up with material for your medical school personal statement, it’s important that you ask yourself the following: Are there any weaknesses, any holes in my information, or any questionable data that somebody may question about my application? You don’t want your admissions reader getting to the end of your application and then asking,…