“How did you get into a special master’s program with a low GPA and no MCAT score?” I’ve gotten this question a lot and honestly, I couldn’t tell you exactly how... BUT what I can tell you is what I believe got me noticed and ultimately accepted. 📈 Even though I have a 2.9 cGPA, I have a very strong upward trend in the last 26 credits of my DIY post-bacc. This significant upward trend demonstrates I’ve improved my study habits and learned from my mistakes. ✉️ I submitted 3 LORs: one from a physician I shadowed who knows me well, and two from my undergrad professors who strongly believe in me. I’m confident these letters attested to my character, work ethic, and academic abilities that helped convince adcoms to offer me a seat in their program. ✍️ My personal statement touched on my career change, UC diagnosis, clinical experiences/ leadership in the hospital, my blog, and a personal experience that fuels a part of my drive to become a physician. I think when adcoms read my PS it showed them, despite my academic struggles, that I've been continuously resilient and committed to medicine throughout my premed journey. 🏥 Lastly, my experiences were a huge factor in getting accepted to a special master’s program. My resume detailed all my clinical experience, volunteering, shadowing, leadership, etc. Some of the master’s programs I applied to were through the application service PostbacCAS, where I had to describe my work and activities (I treated this exactly like the AMCAS). The majority of these programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA, which I obviously don’t have. However, with an upward trend, amazing LORs, a kick a** personal statement, and great experiences, I was able to get multiple acceptances. Repairing your GPA isn’t impossible but it’s extremely time-consuming and expensive. Focus on showing an upward trend and don’t obsess over your final GPA. You are more than just a number. You are your adversities, experiences, passions, hobbies, and all of these amazing things that have made you who you are today. Don’t give up bc of a failed class or bc your advisor said you’ll never make it. Prove to yourself you can do it and forget the nonbelievers. 🫶