Posted by odysseus827 on September 1, 2016, 1:53 pm
Hi Guys,
I've decided to apply to numerous AA programs. Just looking for some thoughts from more experienced people on my shot of being accepted.
BS- Biology, cell and molecular concentration. Competitive SUNY School. (Geneseo) 2.95 undergrad GPA. Strong upward trend the last 2 years of my undergrad. There were reasons, but I don't make excuses.
3.6 Post-bacc gpa retaking Organic 1&2, Physics 1&2 with labs Getting all As and one B+. Also took Biochem and Physiology for fun. So 22 credits as a post bacc.
1 year undergraduate inorganic chemistry research, no publications, one poster.
500 MCAT 125PS, 125CARS, 126BS, 124 Psych and Social
1100 Hours as EMT-B in college
2 years Fraternity leadership, (VP and Secretrary)
A bunch of random volunteer hours.
4000 hours as a patient care tech in the Cleveland Clinic Cardiovascular ICU. We function as a surgical ICU and PACU. Patients routinely ventilated, on IV sedation, all types of vasoactive drugs and narcotics. I do 12 leads, Foleys, blood draws, IVs, removing A-lines and chest tubes. Seen plenty of crazy things. Were staffed by all anesthesiologists. I've helped with central and A lines (usually holding ultra sound probe or something like that). I see all cardiothoracic anesthesia every day plus all of the nursing assistant responsibilities.
20 hours shadowing an actual AA in the OR during cases.
I know the patient experience isn't required, but I do feel its helpful. Just concerned about my numbers and would love some feedback and advice. Great LORs and willing to go to school anywhere.
Your experiences and healthcare background are very impressive! They will definitely give you a leg up in both the admissions process as well as the program itself. Regarding your MCAT score, I would advise you to retake it to balance your GPA. Your MCAT score is slightly below the average for most programs, and the 2.95 GPA is definitely going to hurt you, so you definitely want to counter that with a very strong MCAT score; consider that most applicants have a 3.6+ overall GPA and 505+ MCAT, so you want to be as competitive as possible. Definitely do not give up! With a little bit of work, you can get admitted to one of the programs, especially with your background and experiences. I wish you the best!
I know a lot of the programs will replace the grades. When that is taken into account my converted GPA is around a 3.2. Do you still think its worth applying?
Once you receive your undergraduate degree you cannot recalculate the gpa. You can however show the uptrend like you did and that will serve you well. Most programs look at the overall applicant. I would apply regardless and hope that an interview is granted. If granted wow them with your personality and maturity. Then cross your fingers. Our field is highly competitive. Regardless, you never know what the admissions board is looking for that year. Stats are not everything. Good luck.