looking for some advice (non-traditional)

[jjbanks]

non-traditional applicant here: 28 years old, former finance man.

 

cumulative GPA: Somewhere around a 3.2 if you take into account my graduate GPA.  This is due to a 2.7 undergraduate degree from 6 years ago.  I have a 3.95 last 60 credit hours.  

 

Graduate GPA: 3.7 MBA with a finance emphasis 

 

Last 60 credit hours (which include all prereqs plus more upper level science courses): 3.95

 

GRE: 161 Verbal (87th) 159 Quant (74th) 4.5 AW (80th)

 

Experience:

 

EMT-B, about 200 hours currently.

PT Aide: 200 hours currently

 

Would my experience ruin my chances? Looking into whether I should bother applying this cycle or not.  My overall GPA is low but this is due to the misgivings of my younger self.  In addition, as an immature college freshman I had alcohol charges that resulted in two misdemeanors in my state (public intoxication and open container).  I'm working on getting these expunged.

 

Honest advice welcomed. 

[PASASM92]

Wait until next cycle. It's too late in the cycle to apply with average statistics. Work on getting your experience to at least over 1000 hours for the next cycle. I would also try and take a few more upper level sciences, to prove your seriousness. If you can do this, have solid recommendations and a killer essay, you should get interviews. Good luck.

 

 

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[zoopeda]

In my experience, many schools are willing to look beyond the cumulative GPA as long as the rest of the app is compelling and the trend is significantly positive.  Nearly every school accepts students along a range from 3.0 to 4.0, and the 3-3.2 range applicants are strong in all other areas and typically present a strong upward trend.  Take it from a 3.2 cGPA applicant who's received multiple interviews so far: have faith; it IS possible!!  In your case, build your direct patient care experience, and apply next year when you have 2500 hours.  With a great personal statement and great letters, you should be good to go.  Good luck! 

[UGoLong]

Your grades and background shouldn't get in your way and being nontraditional is often a benefit, not an impediment.

 

Different schools want different amounts of experience. Given that you are coming in from outside of medicine, you would benefit from more experience. Try to add hours and apply next year would be my recommendation. This is not just because you'll look better as an applicant but -- more importantly -- because it will help you decide if this new career route is the one for you.

 

Good luck!

[jjbanks]

Wait until next cycle. It's too late in the cycle to apply with average statistics. Work on getting your experience to at least over 1000 hours for the next cycle. I would also try and take a few more upper level sciences, to prove your seriousness. If you can do this, have solid recommendations and a killer essay, you should get interviews. Good luck.

 

 

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I'm finishing a Biology degree in the spring in which I've taken a plethora of upper level genetics, calculus, and chemistry courses.  I'll take the advice on healthcare experience and wait! I can't do much about my cumulative as my 120 credits from nearly 10 years ago makes it nearly impossible to make a significant dent in my GPA.  After this Spring I'll have somewhere around a 3.25 cumulative if all goes well.  My last 60 credit hours is 3.95 with A's in both orgos and all upper level sciences.  Thank you for the advice!

[zoopeda]

Solid. I'd be happy with all those numbers. Underscore all that in your PS, land some enthusiastic LORs, and keep working with patients. Sounds like you're on a roll!