Your application is going to raise some eyebrows unless you have a very good explanation for a low GPA, like, for example… Chemical engineer major from MIT or Caltech, or working full time through the school as EMT to support a large family.
Otherwise, your GPA shows inconsistency, which the Adm committee doesn’t like to see.
They will be puzzled why such a bright applicant as you, who achieved 98% on MCAT, was not diligent enough during his/her college years.
Is he able to be consistent in his studies, is he mentally ill, does he has drugs or alcohol problem, etc.?—they may have this type of questions when looking at your credentials…
You probably still have a decent chance with low tier med schools, providing that you have solid extracurriculars. You definitely have good opportunities with DO schools, as they are more forgiving to the inconsistency in stats, comparing to MD schools.
FYI if your 3.1 GPA comes from one of the TOP 20 colleges or IVY school and you have a tough major, then your chances are much better. For example, 3.1 GPA from Princeton, Harvard or MIT or similar brand-name-college has the same value as 3.5–3.6 GPA from SUNY Plattsburg or similar type of a school.
Allan GlassInternal Medicine and Psychiatry
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Your application is going to raise some eyebrows unless you have a very good explanation for a low GPA, like, for example… Chemical engineer major from MIT or Caltech, or working full time through the school as EMT to support a large family.