Undergrad with mental health issues - what effect?

Pre-Med & Medical School
1

<p>D took 6 years to graduate from undergrad - withdrew from 3 semesters due to mental health issues (eventually diagnosed as bipolar 2). First semester scored 3 D’s but thanks to a “freshman forgiveness” program, repeated those classes later earning As & Bs. Unfortunately, those original grades will still show on the transcript along with the later grades, but they don’t get figured into her GPA (at least by the school). The W’s also will appear.</p>

<p>She graduated cum laude with 2 majors (neuroscience & bio); GPA about 3.55; science GPA around 3.2. She certainly has a compelling story to tell but how much will the academic history hurt her in the admissions process? How will med school admissions committees calculate her GPA? Any other general thoughts?</p>

<p>I am sorry to seem so clueless on all this but I am not sure what to tell her.</p>

2

<p>The D’s will be calculated into her GPA by med schools (but only for MD schools - the DO schools will take the newer grades). But strong upward trends are looked upon very favorably. Her overall GPA numbers are on the lower end of the admitted students spectrum, but med school admissions is more than just GPA numbers. She will need a good MCAT, good ECs, LORs, etc. Plenty more opportunity to make a strong showing on an application.</p>