You've asked me for truthful advice, so I'll try not to sugar-coat anything.
I've recently been forced to re-consider my views on
the importance of GPA in getting into medical school.
Previously, I've been of the belief that personal
characteristics are what get you into medical school.
However, while your personality might be the key to
performing well in the interviews, the reality is that
you must first get the interview.
I've had the rude awakening after this year's
application process when two good friends who would
both make excellent doctors did not receive interviews
because their marks weren't high enough. The lesson
here is that extra-curricular activities, an engaging
and sensitive personality, and a personal belief and
drive towards medicine don't mean anything if you
don't get the interview to showcase your non-academic
side. I've re-written parts of my web-site to
reflect this change in my perspective.
Accordingly, since you've obviously done a great deal
of medical work, both paid, and volunteer, you really
need to focus on the grades to make your application
more well-rounded and balanced. Your first priority must be to raise your
pre-requisite GPA. A pre-req average in the low 70's
is stretching the lower end of the admissions
spectrum, considering that the average accepted
applicant usually has an A- average or so. If you
really turn on the jets and do extremely well in both
third and fourth year, I do think you have a chance at
being admitted. It might be tough getting into US
schools (the public ones anyway) as a Canadian student
because your GPA isn't that high. If you were to
write an extremely strong MCAT though (say 35+), that could all change. So...
The second way to prove to the admissions committee
that you can academically handle med school is to do
well in your MCAT. Is there any way you can move that
summer course to a better time? If not, and you're
set on applying after fourth year (so you MUST write
the MCAT in Aug 2001), I do think you could be
prepared for the MCAT if you were to study hard, and I
mean hard, starting in early June.
It certainly wouldn't be easy though. But if you're
motivated enough, I think it could be done. Finally,
I don't think the W will affect your chances.
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