If I’m In Pre-physical Therapy, And Get A Good Score On My Mcat, Will Med Schools Consider Me?
I’m in the pre-physical therapy program, and at Auburn it is very similar to the pre-med program(3 classes are different between the two programs). They are both in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, so I can’t do both. I haven’t declared my major in it, but if I declare biomedical sciences, I will have completed the prerequisites for both major medical schools in Alabama(South Alabama, and University of Alabama in Birmingham(UAB)). Since I will have taken all the same biology, chemistry, and core courses as the pre-med program, I should be able to compete with them on the MCAT.
I planned on applying for physical therapy school at one of those two grad schools I mentioned above, but I just recently learned of the similarities of the two programs. Most students in Auburn’s pre-health program go to one of those two schools for grad school, and Auburn is partners with them in many areas, so I suspect they’ll know of the similarities.
So if I have all the prerequisites, and a good MCAT score, will they consider me for med school even though I’m not in pre-med? I still want to be a physical therapist, I’m just thinking about applying to give myself more options.
Also, how important is the GPA for med school? I’ve always been a really good standardized test taker, and my high ACT score is what got me into Auburn because I guess it made up for my low high school GPA. What’s more important, the GPA or the MCAT score?
J on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 4:39 am
both of them are significantly important (gpa and mcat). they need both to prove that you are a good student and can handle the tough medical curriculum.
I think it is okay for you to be pre physical therapy just be prepared to explain (probably in your personal statement) why you decided to switch. you have to be convincing. i think med schools understand that we are not sure of what we want to do when we pick majors for college.
Adam on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 4:43 am
As long as you meet the prereqs for Med school, your Major isn’t all that important. But your overall GPA, your GPA in the prereqs and your MCAT scores are what will be the determining factors (assuming your impress on the interview and personal statement).
I know the Alabama programs–good schools. I also have family at Auburn. PT isn’t easy, so if you’re doing well, congrats. Give a lot of thought, though, about pursuing the MD. The intensity of your studies will increase by magnitudes, but if you can handle it for PT, you can certainly handle it for med school.