2 answers
Taylor
Student
New Orleans, Louisiana
1
Question
Updated
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What advice would you give to pre-med students looking to boost their med school applications if their grades aren’t where they’d like them to be? #Spring25
I am currently a sophomore in college, with a biochemistry major. I was doing well with a 3.5 GPA before I had a bad semester. This semester is well, but I still need some advice because my GPA might not bounce back! I am currently trying to be more involved on campus, but I am not sure if it will be enough!
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2 answers
Michael Cadra, MD, DMD, FACS
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, physician and dentist
40
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Taylor,
Not to worry. I had a couple of bad quarters. At this point you have time, but it will take some work.
I would suggest that you take some summer semester courses in non-science areas. Courses in ethics and communication, both oral and written will bolster your application. Hopefully, also raise your GPA.
Your performance on the MCAT will validate your retention of knowledge of the required prerequisite courses. Start studying for the MCAT after this semester is over. There are a number of great resources on the internet FOR NO COST i.e. FREE. Use them. Also available are a number of ANKI decks to guide your study.
Do your best this semester! You have two summer sessions and a full year before you start applying.
In terms of extracurricular activities, those are just icing on the cake, so to speak. If the grades and MCAT scores are not there, they are meaningless. Concentrate your efforts on the grades first. Remember, you do not need to take a lot of advanced classes, you will learn all the sciences that you need to know in medical school.
I made the mistake of overemphasizing classes that were not required for admission, including PChem, Pyschoneuroendocrinology and other classes that make my life miserable and did not help my GPA. DO NOT make that mistake.
Good luck on your journey.
Study for the MCAT, understand what your target med schools require in terms of the PREtest and possibly the DUET exam.
Take some relevant, non-science courses, in person. Online courses are highly discounted.
Not to worry. I had a couple of bad quarters. At this point you have time, but it will take some work.
I would suggest that you take some summer semester courses in non-science areas. Courses in ethics and communication, both oral and written will bolster your application. Hopefully, also raise your GPA.
Your performance on the MCAT will validate your retention of knowledge of the required prerequisite courses. Start studying for the MCAT after this semester is over. There are a number of great resources on the internet FOR NO COST i.e. FREE. Use them. Also available are a number of ANKI decks to guide your study.
Do your best this semester! You have two summer sessions and a full year before you start applying.
In terms of extracurricular activities, those are just icing on the cake, so to speak. If the grades and MCAT scores are not there, they are meaningless. Concentrate your efforts on the grades first. Remember, you do not need to take a lot of advanced classes, you will learn all the sciences that you need to know in medical school.
I made the mistake of overemphasizing classes that were not required for admission, including PChem, Pyschoneuroendocrinology and other classes that make my life miserable and did not help my GPA. DO NOT make that mistake.
Good luck on your journey.
Michael recommends the following next steps:
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
150
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Taylor,
First off, don’t stress too much! It’s totally normal for pre-med students to hit a rough patch academically. Med school admissions committees understand that not every semester will be perfect, and they look at your application holistically. Here are some strategies to strengthen your application if your GPA isn’t as high as you’d like:
1. Show Upward Trends:
Medical schools appreciate seeing that you’ve bounced back after a tough semester. Keep pushing to do well this semester and beyond. If you can show improvement, it demonstrates resilience and commitment.
Consider retaking a course if it significantly impacted your GPA, especially if it’s a core science class.
2. Ace the MCAT:
A strong MCAT score can help balance out a lower GPA. Focus on thorough preparation and consider using prep courses or study groups.
Start studying early and aim for a score that’s competitive for the schools on your list.
3. Build a Strong Narrative:
Use your personal statement to address any academic challenges. Be honest, but focus on how you grew from the experience rather than making excuses.
Highlight what you learned from your struggles and how you adapted—this shows maturity and perseverance.
4. Get Involved and Take on Leadership Roles:
Medical schools value well-rounded applicants who show dedication to healthcare, leadership, and community involvement.
Join or take on leadership roles in health-related organizations, volunteering at clinics, or mentoring other students.
Look into clinical experience, like working as a medical scribe, EMT, or volunteering at hospitals.
5. Focus on Research and Publications:
Join a research lab, even if it’s not directly related to medicine. Gaining research skills and possibly contributing to a publication can boost your application.
Talk to professors about ongoing projects or look for research assistant positions.
6. Shadowing and Clinical Exposure:
Make sure to log substantial shadowing hours with physicians, especially in fields you’re interested in.
Keep a journal of what you learn during these experiences, as it will help when writing your application and preparing for interviews.
7. Strong Letters of Recommendation:
Build relationships with professors and mentors who can speak to your growth, resilience, and passion for medicine.
Choose recommenders who know you well and can discuss how you overcame challenges.
8. Consider a Gap Year (if needed):
If your GPA doesn’t bounce back as hoped, think about taking a gap year to boost your application. During this time, you can:
Complete a post-baccalaureate program to raise your science GPA.
Gain more clinical experience or complete a research fellowship.
Strengthen your MCAT score if necessary.
9. Apply Smartly:
Consider applying to a mix of schools, including DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs, which may be more forgiving of GPA dips.
Focus on schools with holistic admissions processes that value extracurriculars and personal qualities.
First off, don’t stress too much! It’s totally normal for pre-med students to hit a rough patch academically. Med school admissions committees understand that not every semester will be perfect, and they look at your application holistically. Here are some strategies to strengthen your application if your GPA isn’t as high as you’d like:
1. Show Upward Trends:
Medical schools appreciate seeing that you’ve bounced back after a tough semester. Keep pushing to do well this semester and beyond. If you can show improvement, it demonstrates resilience and commitment.
Consider retaking a course if it significantly impacted your GPA, especially if it’s a core science class.
2. Ace the MCAT:
A strong MCAT score can help balance out a lower GPA. Focus on thorough preparation and consider using prep courses or study groups.
Start studying early and aim for a score that’s competitive for the schools on your list.
3. Build a Strong Narrative:
Use your personal statement to address any academic challenges. Be honest, but focus on how you grew from the experience rather than making excuses.
Highlight what you learned from your struggles and how you adapted—this shows maturity and perseverance.
4. Get Involved and Take on Leadership Roles:
Medical schools value well-rounded applicants who show dedication to healthcare, leadership, and community involvement.
Join or take on leadership roles in health-related organizations, volunteering at clinics, or mentoring other students.
Look into clinical experience, like working as a medical scribe, EMT, or volunteering at hospitals.
5. Focus on Research and Publications:
Join a research lab, even if it’s not directly related to medicine. Gaining research skills and possibly contributing to a publication can boost your application.
Talk to professors about ongoing projects or look for research assistant positions.
6. Shadowing and Clinical Exposure:
Make sure to log substantial shadowing hours with physicians, especially in fields you’re interested in.
Keep a journal of what you learn during these experiences, as it will help when writing your application and preparing for interviews.
7. Strong Letters of Recommendation:
Build relationships with professors and mentors who can speak to your growth, resilience, and passion for medicine.
Choose recommenders who know you well and can discuss how you overcame challenges.
8. Consider a Gap Year (if needed):
If your GPA doesn’t bounce back as hoped, think about taking a gap year to boost your application. During this time, you can:
Complete a post-baccalaureate program to raise your science GPA.
Gain more clinical experience or complete a research fellowship.
Strengthen your MCAT score if necessary.
9. Apply Smartly:
Consider applying to a mix of schools, including DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs, which may be more forgiving of GPA dips.
Focus on schools with holistic admissions processes that value extracurriculars and personal qualities.