Comments on: Adcom Advice #4 – Grades Come First

By: medaholic

medaholic — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:58:20 +0000

@ Sally – The important thing is that you realize your current grades are not adequate and that you make the necessary changes to improve your grades. A 68% average is not something you want on your transcript, it will be something you will have to work hard at to compensate for. It will probably take 3+ years of A grades to dilute out the marks. Having said that, there is still a chance of getting into medical school 3-4 years down the road. Do well throughout the rest of your undergrad. There are many schools that when you apply during your 4th year, will drop your lowest year in their GPA calculations. Email me if you want more details.

By: Sally

Sally — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 03:24:16 +0000

I recently just finished my first semester of my first year at a Canadian university with a 68%. After feeling solely dejected, I came across your “What Are My Chances?” post on the premed forum and felt even more dejected.

However, I don’t want to give up because this is the path I chose and it’s the path I want to pursue. So please tell me realistically -no sugar coating- , how much of a chance do you think I have getting into med school if I were to improve with +90% avg starting upcoming semester?

(I know this type of question was asked previously up there by raquelle, but I’m not sure if she meant a 58% in a course or her whole semester avg)

By: medaholic

medaholic — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 21:40:46 +0000

well said, grades are good correlators of effort

By: Gagan

Gagan — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:41:27 +0000

The simplest way to put it: grades are necessary, but not sufficient, to get you into medical school.

When I really think about it, your grades say alot about your dedication. Imagine, as a resident, you work long hours and push yourself to dedicate every last bit of your energy to your patients. Why should an admissions committee think you are capable of doing that if you are not even willing to work hard enough to get decent grades???

By: raquelle

raquelle — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:02:18 +0000

Thanks for that information. Yep I am at a Canadian University (UofT).

By: medaholic

medaholic — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:44:45 +0000

Hi raquelle,

Are you at a Canadian University of an American? In Canada, many schools will drop your lowest year of grades, so your 58% wouldn’t be factored in. Especially since you have had such a big improvement in 2nd and 3rd year, you stand a good chance at many places.

By: raquelle

raquelle — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:20:32 +0000

Hello guys,
First of all, very informative posts. Also, I had a question. I got like a 58% in a first year course but all my other marks after that have been A’s (i got a 4.0 in my 2nd and 3rd year). I could have dropped the course but I didn’t because: the course I admit was challenging but i really enjoyed it so I was prepared for the consequences. Although my overall gpa is still high, now I am wondering if that one mark will hurt my chances of getting into medschool? Any thoughts??

By: George

George — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:29:26 +0000

What would you say a competitive GPA is? After cut-off requirements, I hear any values from ‘>3.80 is competitive’ to ’3.70 is the average of those who get accepted’. I do realize that there are people who get in that are above AND below the average, but when there’s conflict about what the average is, it gets confusing.

By: Paris

Paris — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:00:29 +0000

This comment is extremely true! At the end of the day no matter how many excellent EC’s you have or the amount of research that you have done or the amount of turmoils in life you have overcome to reach the point you are today it wont count as anything unless you have the grades …

I know this from personal experience and I found out about it a little too late. However, I do try my best to let other inspiring prospective med students know where to place their priorities.

As a club leader when recruiting other people I tell them that there is one rule: Your Courses Come First … Let me know when you have an exam and we will figure it out

By: medaholic

medaholic — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:57:37 +0000

You’re very correct. Just because you have the grades, it doesn’t mean you will be a good physician.

The point I was making is that it’s the FIRST step towards becoming a doctor, showing dedication and hard work. By no means is it the only factor. Even if you have good bedside manners and personable skills, without the persistent diligence and effort, you will never have a chance.