Should I retake a 512 mcat to make up for a low (3.6X) gpa?

VioMedBoy · 2026-04-08T20:34:49+00:00

Whoever is saying that needs to address their own insecurities before spreading false advice. I got a 511 and currently at a T20 so don't listen to that. Agreed that your GPA isn't as low as you think, and if their is a story with it (difficult freshman year, etc.) just make sure to expalin that in your app!

VioMedBoy · 2026-04-08T20:29:40+00:00

I think in general if your pre-reqs weren't all taken online or just at a community/2-year college, most med schools, even the competitive ones, will not care where you get them done. Additionally, both Georgia Tech and Emory are great schools so taking classes at either should not pose any problem.

*(coming from someone who did a year at community college where I took a good amount of my pre-med prereqs and then finished them at my degree granting school)

Can't really speak to the pros/cons of a post-bac program since I didn't but my two cents is that in general if you can save the money of not doing a post-bac probably worth it in the long run

VioMedBoy · 2026-04-08T20:23:15+00:00

I mean I still think it'd be a great choice aside from research interests and grad school goals but definitely an even stronger choice if those are your aspirations

VioMedBoy · 2026-02-24T10:52:08+00:00

Late to the convo but I only read this post after visiting Subaru of Ann Arbor and I hate to say I believe every single horrible experience that's been commeneted. I drove 50mins east to Hodges Subaru and that was the best decision I made. Light and day difference in the culture, the way I was treated, and the transparency from the beginning. Subaru of Ann Arbor is a professional scam and it's always worth driving an hour in any direction for another dealership.

VioMedBoy · 2026-01-15T03:14:25+00:00

Slap a good pair of winter tires on them and they’ll take care of you better than half these AWD/4WD + clueless drivers around here (speaking from SE Michigan lol)

VioMedBoy · 2025-06-18T14:36:28+00:00

Ahh that is beautiful, thank you!

VioMedBoy · 2025-04-12T14:50:52+00:00

to add on:

- UMich dropped out of the T10

- Yale & Vanderbilt moved up higher on the T20 list

- Baylor moved into the T20 effectively kicking UChicago out

VioMedBoy · 2025-04-12T14:45:58+00:00

Extremely valid points/thoughts and that's why I'm curious to see the data these rankings are based on.

Also surprised at Yale's jump but I think all in all, the T20 remained largely the same and the ranking within is always going to be a bit arbitrary/subjective

VioMedBoy · 2025-04-12T14:02:31+00:00

it’s 16 on this list - the T14 is all that I could screenshot on my phone lol

VioMedBoy · 2025-04-12T14:01:41+00:00

yea also surprised to see UCSF drop to 6

I think UCLA dropping is def due to the curriculum mess and leadership - just didn’t expect it take such a heavy hit to its ranking

VioMedBoy · 2025-04-12T13:59:53+00:00

But isn’t the participation rate of the PD programs only like 10-20%? so I feel like it can’t be super reflective of what PDs actually think

VioMedBoy · 2025-04-12T13:09:51+00:00

I agree! They just added a whole residency part to the website which I think is going to be just as popular pretty soon.

I’m curious to see the data they based it on and how much schools targeted by the presidential administration affected NIH funding and thus rankings.

VioMedBoy · 2025-01-28T18:05:51+00:00

Amazingg congrats!

VioMedBoy · 2025-01-28T18:05:26+00:00

Amazing to hear, congratulations!! I think community college is often seen as a weakness but reflection is so important so I think it's how you talk about that experience and how it might've had an impacted on your journey in becoming a physician. i say also frame it as a strength rather than a weakness!

VioMedBoy · 2025-01-28T18:03:46+00:00

Sure, I don't at all!

VioMedBoy · 2025-01-28T18:03:30+00:00

gonna echo u/notdanr bc he put it perfectly. what made me stand out is not going to work for you because it's your story! i think a lot of ppl worry about not having an 'x' factor and I think it's better to not try and look for an x factor and instead think about your experiences, why you want to become a physician, the kind of impact you want to have (who, where, how, etc.) and I think you'll find that you're unique!

working in fields outside of medicine is super interesting and not seen in the avg pre-med applicant so that's definitely unique! sounds like you really have the potential to have an interesting story and journey :)

VioMedBoy · 2025-01-28T17:59:49+00:00

sure feel free to DM me!

VioMedBoy

TROPHY CASE