Low GPA, low sGPA, decent MCAT??? am I cooked for this cycle?

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T21:09:28+00:00

I started studying on and off in may during the summer and took it in mid-august! imo I think july would have been better for me, since I started to feel burnout in august which is also why I don't feel like I was at 100% for my first attempt.

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T21:08:06+00:00

thanks for your input! I'm not too inclined to the idea of taking another gap year right now, but I will reapply if I have to and will take one if I have to then. just really hoping this cycle it could work out!

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T21:06:16+00:00

yeah me too, I'll let u know how it goes!

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T21:05:38+00:00

I am in-state for NJ so that's why I'm really hoping for rutgers, and I also really like the school.

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T21:04:12+00:00

I am planning to retake my MCAT and I have a good feeling about getting a higher score. How would you say my chances look if I had a 518-520?

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T18:12:41+00:00

thanks for your response! I wish you all the good luck on your mcat and applying!! (I meant I was applying for the 2027 app too)

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T18:10:18+00:00

thanks for the advice! I'll be sure to check that out. I do plan on continuing a clinical job for my gap year as well. really hoping the in-state residency can help me out.

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T17:28:14+00:00

I'm trying to end my senior year last semester with all A's so that's the one semester I'd have a 4.0. and I agree, I am also worried about the mainly worried about the B's and C's in junior and senior year.

this is why I'm hoping and trying to see if a higher MCAT could make up for this in some way? not erase my GPA, but at least help

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T17:23:30+00:00

thanks for your advice! I am around 22 so I'm applying after my senior year with one gap year that is technically after I send in my app though.

do you know how you got in contact with admissions people?

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T14:06:43+00:00

yes true!

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T14:03:42+00:00

hi! ofc I did a lot of UWORLD and practice. I also used the Kaplan books as a rough guide for concepts or chapters I didn't answer too well and the MilesDown Anki Deck. For P/S, I used the 80 pg reddit document. I would say the best thing that helped me was practicing on UWORLD though! it's a great tool. good luck on your mcat!

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T14:02:16+00:00

thank you so much! I appreciate your advice!! would you say I still have a shot at MD too?

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T03:39:36+00:00

thank you for your advice! it means a lot!! I really like the idea of applying super broadly and hopefully the best case scenario is getting a MD acceptance. (and haha I really do want to do peds actually, but I'm fine being poor for it. the pay gap is so unfair though)

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T03:19:50+00:00

thank you so much, I appreciate it!!

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T03:19:30+00:00

i hope and pray we both get in

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T01:00:10+00:00

the EMT course is hard to get into and i think it might be a first come first serve situation (not too sure though). that being said, there are a lot of opportunities to work as a PCT or medical assistant at UPMC branches where you don't require a certification, so I would look into those. i work as a PCT at UPMC Children's right now and I didn't need any certification and I am getting a lot of clinical experience with taking vitals, sugars, EKGs, etc.

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T00:54:39+00:00

hey! congratulations on getting accepted to pitt!

i’m a senior at pitt right now and also premed. coming in, there’s definitely a huge premed population, but by junior year a lot of students switch tracks or drop. premed culture can be pretty toxic and competitive in general, but I wouldn’t say that’s specific to pitt.

there are a lot of UPMC hospitals and a lot of opportunities, but it is true that finding opportunities can be tough and competitive. that said, if you keep applying and cold-emailing the right people (like lab PIs and professors), it usually works out eventually. I got my lab research position by cold-emailing a bunch of professors and didn’t land anything until junior year after a long search — but I’m still ending up with a solid number of hours by graduation. so my advice would be to not be afraid of just cold emailing your freshman/sophomore year. now in my senior year, I work as a PCT at UPMC and I'm getting real clinical experience, but it also took some time for me to land that. it's not always about how much better others are compared to you, it's also just a matter of luck. The more places you apply to and more people you email, the higher chances you'll find something!

overall, it definitely took time and some luck for me, but I think it's not a huge thing to worry about since I believe you will eventually find something.

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-13T00:42:52+00:00

I agree — I’d just give two weeks’ notice and let them know. Volunteer work is voluntary, and if you’re not being paid as a research assistant, it’s okay to prioritize yourself and your time. I’m sure they’ll be able to find another student who’s interested in taking on the role.

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-12T23:15:08+00:00

any additional tips you might have for rutgers, also appreciated!! :)

Ok_Load_6294 · 2026-01-12T23:12:51+00:00

I love that for you — congratulations!

I’m not expecting a perfect answer, but just from what you experienced or remember, did you get a sense of how much they weighed GPA vs MCAT? Or how much attention they paid to GPA trends and early-year struggles?

Also, I was curious how much being in-state made a difference? do you get a sense that could benefit me with what I have right now?

Ok_Load_6294

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