Hi everyone! I’m planning to apply in the 2027–2028 cycle and would appreciate some honest feedback about my chances of getting into medical school, particularly MD programs.
I’m a California resident and plan to apply very broadly across the US, focusing on schools that are OOS-friendly. I’m also going to apply to DO schools, but MD is strongly preferred. I’m currently in my gap year.
Here are my stats:
Including community college classes during high school:
cGPA: 3.81
Estimated sGPA: 3.71
University coursework only:
cGPA: 3.72
Estimated sGPA: 3.65
MCAT: 511
C/P: 123
CARS: 130
B/B: 129
P/S: 129
My biggest concern is my MCAT bc of the 123 C/P score, especially because my undergraduate chemistry and physics grades weren’t great. I got Bs and Cs. I’m worried it might overshadow the rest of my application or get me screened out of schools. I originally wanted a 515, but I’m hesitant to retake because I’m worried about losing points in my stronger sections, especially since I wasn’t consistently scoring well in B/B during practice exams.
Extracurriculars:
Research: ~1,133 hours
-Presented at a symposium
-Will eventually have publication (not first author and no set timeline for the publication, as the project is still ongoing after my graduation)
Paid clinical experience: ~1,993 hours
- CNA: 553 hours projected by end of May 2027 (currently employed per diem)
- Medical Assistant: Currently employed, projected to have 1,440 hours by end of May 2027
Hospice/clinical volunteering: ~261 hours
- Non clinical volunteering: ~1,030 hours
- Therapeutic horseback riding for children with disabilities: ~515 hours.
- Volunteering at two animal shelters: ~515 hours.
Oncologist shadowing: 90 hours
I also shadowed multiple veterinarians, a nurse practitioner, and an MSN nurse.
Teaching/tutoring: ~1,044 hours
- Math tutor: ~522 hours
- Piano and violin teacher: 522 hours
Both activities started around senior year of high school.
Leadership:
- Resident Advisor for freshman dorms for 3 academic years.
- Forensic Club co-president for one year and president for 3 years.
My questions for the people of the subreddit:
- Do I realistically have a chance at MD schools if I apply broadly? My low C/P score is really concerning me.
- Should I retake the MCAT? My highest practice score was 508, so I’m concerned about risking my 130 CARS and 129s in B/B and P/S. Would improving C/P be worth that risk? I currently have my second MCAT scheduled for March.
- Are there any OOS-friendly MD schools you’d recommend with my state and activities?
I’m trying to be realistic about my chances because I know admissions are extremely competitive, especially as a California resident. I’d really appreciate feedback from anyone who applied with similar stats or was accepted with a low MCAT subsection.