To improve your chances, you would need to demonstrate:
* High MCAT score: A very strong MCAT score is crucial to offset a lower GPA. You'd be aiming for a score well above the average.
* Strong letters of recommendation: Exceptional letters from professors and physicians who can vouch for your academic abilities and personal qualities are vital.
* Meaningful research experience: Extensive and impactful research experience, ideally leading to publications or presentations, can showcase your commitment to science and research skills.
* Significant clinical experience: Extensive and meaningful clinical experience demonstrating your commitment to medicine and interaction with patients is equally crucial.
* Exceptional extracurricular activities: Demonstrating leadership and commitment through volunteering, community service, or other meaningful activities can help your application stand out.
* Compelling personal statement: A well-written personal statement that showcases your resilience, maturity, and dedication to medicine can help explain your lower GPA and demonstrate your suitability for medical school.
Even with all of these factors, admission with a 2.8 GPA is a long shot. You might consider taking post-baccalaureate coursework to improve your GPA before applying. This would involve taking additional science courses and aiming for a significantly higher GPA in those courses. This demonstrates to medical schools that you're capable of handling the rigorous academic demands of medical school.
In short, it's not impossible, but extremely difficult. Honest self-reflection and a realistic assessment of your chances are crucial. Talking to a pre-med advisor is highly recommended.