Grades, Competitiveness, & More

If it offers you any encouragement, S ended first year in college with GPAs under 3.2. He is currently a resident. In order to get his GPAs he didn’t apply “traditionally” (ie after third year of college) but waited until he graduated. His waiting also gave him some breathing space to allow him to acquire ECs. He did well on MCAT. So you’re at a much better starting point than S. Med schools like upward trends, so finishing strongly should be viewed positively. Even very strong applicants fail to gain admission to Ivies. Yes it’s important to develop strong app but it’s important to realize that in last reported cycle almost 60% of all applicants did not get in anywhere. So gaining one acceptance is quite a feat. Apply broadly. Also realize that although you may develop a competitive app from here on, that may only get you an interview invite. And although you may look pretty on paper, a poor interview can easily end in no med school acceptances. Nothing is sure fire.

As to prepping for MCAT, some people can do well by obtaining prep materials and self studying. S took course (eg Kaplan, Princeton Review, etc) which started I think early in year (Jan?), he took test in April. I think you need to focus on raising GPAs, ECs. I think it’s premature to spend much, if any, time on MCAT prep at this point. Good luck