Hey guys, just wanted to get some advice on my chances for getting into a MD/PhD program. I’m finishing my second year at an Ivy league undergraduate school. I have a 3.52 GPA and will take the MCAT in January. I have done lots of research since high school and have 2 first author publications. I have volunteering and shadowing experience and am president of two clubs. I am concerned that my GPA is a bit low for MD/PhD. I am considering taking a gap year to hopefully have a higher GPA by the end of senior year but would prefer not to if I stand an ok chance to get into a good program. Some advice would be greatly appreciated!
Yes, that is low. I believe the average GPA for the students who matriculate into my program is up to 3.9 now. You would have been below average when I entered almost 10 years ago. I would advise a gap year. MSTPs require that you be both a competitive MD applicant and PhD applicant. You might make for a competitive PhD applicant right now, but are definitely not a competitive MD applicant.