Hey Guys,
I am feeling torn between a Post-bac and master's program. My GPA is not great and getting A's would only raise my GPA slightly. However, I recieved a C in Bio II, and O.Chem I/II. I know if I take those classes again, I will do well, but I am curious about how med schools will look at that. Does anyone have experience with this? Also, just to confirm.............

AMCAS will average the two grades together
AMCOAS will replace the higher grade with the lower grade

Finally, will two of the same course be counted together if each one is taken at a different institution?

Thanks!

Hey Guys,
I am feeling torn between a Post-bac and master's program. My GPA is not great and getting A's would only raise my GPA slightly. However, I recieved a C in Bio II, and O.Chem I/II. I know if I take those classes again, I will do well, but I am curious about how med schools will look at that. Does anyone have experience with this? Also, just to confirm.............

AMCAS will average the two grades together
AMCOAS will replace the higher grade with the lower grade

Finally, will two of the same course be counted together if each one is taken at a different institution?

Thanks!

hello there,

Yes, AMCAS averages your courses and AACOMAS replaces the higher grade so it isn't calculated into the GPA, but I believe both grades still show up.
If you took courses at 2 different schools, I think the way AMCAS averages them is based on the number of credit hours. For example if Bio II was 4 credits at one school and 3 at another, the 4 credit Bio will weigh more and average your A and your C not to a B+ (assuming you got the A in the 4 credit Bio class).

As to what situation seems better for you is ultimately your decision, but you can take several questions into consideration:
Is your overall and science GPA at least above a 3.0?
Did you receive A's and B's in your other pre-reqs?
Have you taken the MCAT? If you have not and you took these classes a while ago, it might be a good idea to retake them just to prep for the exam. If you have taken the MCAT and did well and if the rest of your GPA is decent I would do the SMP.
If your science GPA is below a 3.0 and you have not taken the MCAT, I'd retake.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

Thank you for posting, MedChic. My GPA is 3.25. I have A's in science classes (lower and upper). I think SMP would be the best option for me, but I no I can do better in some of the classes I took from college. And I should take more upper level classes (biochem, genetics, etc).