<p>I am currently going into my fourth year of undergraduate at a prestigious non-ivy school. My two majors are biochemistry and cellular genetic biology with a minor in computer science. I have a 3.15GPA (likely to graduate with a 3.25 or so and have medical reasoning for such a low GPA caused by first year of college) and have yet to take the MCATs although see no issue scoring a 33-35 (have taken several practice, etc). I have been a researcher at Harvard Medical for the past 2 years, have second authored one paper in the J of Mol Bio and first authored two additional ones in other prestigious journals. I am a practicing EMT-B seeking my EMT-P license. I would like to attend a graduate school for molecular biology / virology, and then later proceed to medical school. My top choice would be HMS, JHU, or the like. </p>
<p>My question is, what are my chances of getting into a well respected graduate or medical school? Will my low GPA hold me back? What can I do to further my chances of obtaining a seat? Better chances of applying to medical school directly or applying to graduate school first and then attempt to get into med school off of that? Any advice or feedback you can supply would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>I’m no expert but I have read a whole lot so FW(little)IW…</p>
<p>IF the first year GPA is due to a documented health issue of “significance” (whatever level that is and I have no idea)
AND
that in fact leaves a spectacular GPA for the other 2 years
AND
the school is as well-respected as you say
AND
you blow the top off the MCAT
AND
the rest of your app is exceptional …</p>
<p>then</p>
<p>I’m still not sure HMS , JHU, and similar are in play this cycle but I believe you COULD be a solid candidate for many med schools. Depending on how exceptional (3.95 years 2 and 3, bubonic plague, exceptional LOE’s, 38 MCAT, etc…you get the point I’m sure) you may even be competitive for some non-MSTP MD/PhD. programs. </p>
<p>There are other ways to your chosen career than just 1) Harvard and JHU med school this cycle or 2) grad school as the way to get to HMS or JHU. For one example , a middle tier med school with a exceptional research mentor, and application to their MD/PhD. program while attending med school. </p>
<p>Again, I’m no expert but I think you can broaden your horizons and still get where you want to go in your career. Good luck.</p>
<p>If I could ask… why the graduate degree prior to medical school? And why are you seeking your paramedic license this close to the end of your ugrad career?</p>