Hi all,
I am currently a transfer student looking to transfer to a UC or CSU. Unfortunately my GPA is low right now, however I’ve picked it right back up but won’t be able to transfer during the deadline my parents/I had for myself. That being said, I can transfer to a CSU and graduate within 5 years(attended CSU freshman year but parents wanted me to go to a UC, so I went to a CC the next). I want to go to medical school and have done everything in my power(besides my GPA) to do so. I’ve interned at places, improved my GPA, and even have a few reputable Dr.'s ready to sign off recommendation letters. In order to stay consistent with my timeline, it seems that a CSU is the best way to complete my undergrad. I just want to know the opinions of others out there…will going to a CSU impact my chances of getting into a medical school? I know about the MCAT’s and have started studying already. Also, I don’t plan to go to med school in California, but rather the east coast. Thank you for your help!
Getting into Medical school requires a High GPA, internships/volunteering/jobs/research opportunities related to the Medical field and a high MCAT score. A CSU should not impede your chances if you meet all the criteria.
Hello,
I’ve seen your replies on many different posts and thank you for replying to mine!
I am currently getting my GPA up and interning at a private dentist office. I will soon be getting research experience later this fall!
I understand it doesn’t impede my chances, but I know it does for CA med schools. Do you think/know about schools in the east?
I really cannot tell you your chances for Medical school on the East coast vs West Coast other than to apply to many schools. Most Med school applicants apply to around 20 schools all over the country. Much will depend upon your GPA and MCAT scores. Until you have those, it is difficult to give you any relevant information.
You look over the information on this website:
Most programs at most CSUs are good. The system as a whole produces tens of thousands of qualified graduates each year. Why would a med school discount these well qualified applicants?
I know 2 CSU grads who will begin med school this year,it is not counted against you.
@Gumbymom yeah I understand. I guess until I graduate and begin to apply I won’t know.
@NCalRent they wouldn’t discount the student per se, but I’m sure the name of the school has some effect. I want to be as competitive as possible and I just want to know if a CSU can provide that.
This question is for both…if a CSU is a potential route, would there be some that are better than others in terms of admission rates for med schools?
I assure you, all else equal, a 3.7 from Sonoma State beats a 3.1 from UCLA.
No, a CSU will not impede your desire to go to medical school. High overall GPA, high science GPA, strong MCAT and relevant ECs. Any time you spend stressing about CSU not being good enough is time wasted on the criteria that matter and are under your control. One of the best physicians I know went community college to CSU to medical school.
As far as admission rates from different colleges, you might be able to find this out from the pre-medical advisors on the various CSU campuses. Some colleges post this data. Some do not. I would give them a call (or email).
High MCAT and GPA trump all.
With everything equal, GPA, MCAT, research work, etc., the candidate who is from the stronger school (i.e., UC vs. CSU) will get into medical school. Sometimes a person from a school known to be rigorous, can still get into medical school with a little lower GPA. For example, I know of a recent UCB graduate who got into UCD medical school with a 3.6 GPA. The person had a good MCAT score.
If getting into medical school is difficult for you, you might consider other health professions, i.e., dental, optometry, pharmacy, etc.
You may want to take a look at the table here:
https://www.aamc.org/download/321508/data/factstablea23.pdf
If your GPA is “low” right now, consider what range you could get it to be in to see how realistic getting into medical school is.