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[RainDog102]

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[Deus Ex Medicine]

I was wondering if I should do a post-bac in order to improve my science GPA. If I do a DIY postbac, based on my calculations, I'll end up with a 3.54 science gpa IF I get all A's in 2 semesters (8 science classes).

Just a few years ago, I was in a very similar situation. I wish I had known what to do and not wasted so much time. To answer your question, if you use a DIY post-bacc (1 year) to produce a 3.5 Science GPA and 3.7 overall GPA, this is worth it. The MD matriculant has an average 3.7 GPA, so it greatly benefits you to do this especially if you have an upward trend (which you already do and will look even better assuming you get all A’s in your post-bac year).

In addition, I've heard that if you do a DIY postbac, you should take upper level science courses.

Yes, of course because you want to increase your science GPA which is currently lower than your overall GPA (and your GPA is below the matriculant average for MD schools).

Are these upper level science courses graduate courses or undergraduate courses?

Undergraduate level. Don’t take graduate level courses unless you are in a degree-granting program (not worth it).

Should I apply as a non-degree student to take these courses?

Yes, because you don’t need to get another degree, you just need to raise your undergraduate science GPA. Just repair your GPA as quickly and easily as possible, so that you can apply!

In addition, how are non-degree online courses looked at by medical schools?

They know exactly what your are doing. They know your GPA is low and that you’re trying to improve it with a 1 yr DIY post bacc. Just be straight with them during your interviews.

I'm also deciding to void my MCAT exam (I don't like where I am rn) that I'm taking in a few weeks and to take another gap year to get more experience and to try and get a better MCAT score.

I cannot impress upon you more the importance of this exam. Take the summer off for dedicated studying (~3 months) and do as many practice questions as you can. Take the MCAT in September 2018. Then start your post bac and finish in May. Apply Day 1 in June of next year for the 2018-2019 cycle. If you get a 508+ MCAT and apply early and broadly you should be able to get into an MD program.

If my MCAT score is 520+ (Humor me) and I decide not to do a post-bacc, what are my chances of getting into an MD program (granted I have good EC's)?

The old adage holds true: “if one is low, the other must be high.” A 3.5 GPA puts you on the low end of the average matriculant GPA to MD schools. But a 520+ MCAT is on the high end and there are schools that are willing to accept lower GPAs if you have a high MCAT score. But that is a big “if” and it seems that you’re not ready to get a good MCAT score if you’re voiding it.

If I could go back in time, that’s the advice I would take (re-take MCAT, do 1 year DIY post bac and get all A’s). Hope this helps! You can do it!

 

[RainDog102]

Just a few years ago, I was in a very similar situation. I wish I had known what to do and not wasted so much time. To answer your question, if you use a DIY post-bacc (1 year) to produce a 3.5 Science GPA and 3.7 overall GPA, this is worth it. The MD matriculant has an average 3.7 GPA, so it greatly benefits you to do this especially if you have an upward trend (which you already do and will look even better assuming you get all A’s in your post-bac year).



Yes, of course because you want to increase your science GPA which is currently lower than your overall GPA (and your GPA is below the matriculant average for MD schools).



Undergraduate level. Don’t take graduate level courses unless you are in a degree-granting program (not worth it).



Yes, because you don’t need to get another degree, you just need to raise your undergraduate science GPA. Just repair your GPA as quickly and easily as possible, so that you can apply!



They know exactly what your are doing. They know your GPA is low and that you’re trying to improve it with a 1 yr DIY post bacc. Just be straight with them during your interviews.



I cannot impress upon you more the importance of this exam. Take the summer off for dedicated studying (~3 months) and do as many practice questions as you can. Take the MCAT in September 2018. Then start your post bac and finish in May. Apply Day 1 in June of next year for the 2018-2019 cycle. If you get a 508+ MCAT and apply early and broadly you should be able to get into an MD program.



The old adage holds true: “if one is low, the other must be high.” A 3.5 GPA puts you on the low end of the average matriculant GPA to MD schools. But a 520+ MCAT is on the high end and there are schools that are willing to accept lower GPAs if you have a high MCAT score. But that is a big “if” and it seems that you’re not ready to get a good MCAT score if you’re voiding it.

If I could go back in time, that’s the advice I would take (re-take MCAT, do 1 year DIY post bac and get all A’s). Hope this helps! You can do it!

Hey I just wanted to say thank you for answering all of my questions, you rock!

 

[SpoiledMilk]

Wanted to make additions:

Should I apply as a non-degree student to take these courses?

Yes, because you don’t need to get another degree, you just need to raise your undergraduate science GPA. Just repair your GPA as quickly and easily as possible, so that you can apply!

If paying for the DIY PB is an issue, apply for a degree-seeking program to get access to student loans. Just don't finish the program and drop out after getting the needed courses.

In addition, how are non-degree online courses looked at by medical schools?

They know exactly what your are doing. They know your GPA is low and that you’re trying to improve it with a 1 yr DIY post bacc. Just be straight with them during your interviews.

Get the MSAR and check to see if the schools you are interested in will accept online courses. Some won't.

 

[Catalystik]

Another advantage of becoming a degree-seeking candidate (in the sciences) is that you'll have much better access to upper-level science classes as you'll have registration priority.

 

[RainDog102]

Another advantage of becoming a degree-seeking candidate (in the sciences) is that you'll have much better access to upper-level science classes as you'll have registration priority.

Degree seeking as in undergraduate degree seeking or masters?

In addition, do you guys know if doing two classes per semester is looked down upon by adcoms? Should I do four science classes a semester to show them I can handle rigorous course load?

 

[SpoiledMilk]

If gunning for MD, then it should be degree-seeking in an undergraduate program. Most if not all MD Adcoms will not consider graduate GPA in admissions decisions. However, there are DO schools that will consider graduate GPAs.

If there are no other obstacles (jobs, disability, etc), then taking more classes per semester would be preferable...

 

[Catalystik]

1) Degree seeking as in undergraduate degree seeking or masters?

2) In addition, do you guys know if doing two classes per semester is looked down upon by adcoms? Should I do four science classes a semester to show them I can handle rigorous course load?

1) Undergrad.

2) What else would you be doing to stay busy?

 

[RainDog102]

1) Undergrad.

2) What else would you be doing to stay busy?

Working! I'm moving out of state and their out of state tuition per credit hour makes my jaw drop.

 

[Catalystik]

Working! I'm moving out of state and their out of state tuition per credit hour makes my jaw drop.

If you're working full-time, then two classes per term is fine. But you might want to plan on a two-year do-it-youself postbac, instead of one year, so you still have 8 total classes by the time you apply.

You could also consider looking into the cost of community college classes, as they'd be far cheaper. Or employment that comes with a free educational benefit. Or wait a year until you qualify for state residency. Or don't move out of the current state.

 

[Goro]

Hey guys, so a little about me. I'm a non-science major who graduated a year ago with a cumulative GPA of 3.53 and a science GPA of 3.28. I only took Pre-Med required science classes and one elective science course. I don't have anything below a B- and I have a small upward trend (I guess?), as my last semester of Senior year I got a 3.9 semester GPA with all A's including two in science (from a 3.3 semester gpa the semester before). I'm taking my MCAT at the end of May.

I was wondering if I should do a post-bac in order to improve my science GPA. If I do a DIY postbac, based on my calculations, I'll end up with a 3.54 science gpa IF I get all A's in 2 semesters (8 science classes).

In addition, I've heard that if you do a DIY postbac, you should take upper level science courses. Are these upper level science courses graduate courses or undergraduate courses? Should I apply as a non-degree student to take these courses? In addition, how are non-degree online courses looked at by medical schools?

I'm also deciding to void my MCAT exam (I don't like where I am rn) that I'm taking in a few weeks and to take another gap year to get more experience and to try and get a better MCAT score. If my MCAT score is 520+ (Humor me) and I decide not to do a post-bacc, what are my chances of getting into an MD program (granted I have good EC's)?

yes.

An 520 and a low sGPA raises questions as to why there is such a disparity., One DDx is laziness.

 

[Deus Ex Medicine]

Get the MSAR and check to see if the schools you are interested in will accept online courses. Some won't.

Yeah, watch out for this. There are some schools that will look down on online courses or will not accept.

If gunning for MD, then it should be degree-seeking in an undergraduate program. Most if not all MD Adcoms will not consider graduate GPA in admissions decisions. However, there are DO schools that will consider graduate GPAs.

I think that there are some MD schools that consider graduate GPA in admissions. Perhaps not all, and the undergraduate GPA (and pre-req GPA) is definitely more important.

If you're working full-time, then two classes per term is fine. But you might want to plan on a two-year do-it-youself postbac, instead of one year, so you still have 8 total classes by the time you apply.

You could also consider looking into the cost of community college classes, as they'd be far cheaper. Or employment that comes with a free educational benefit. Or wait a year until you qualify for state residency. Or don't move out of the current state.

This is worrisome to me. If you’re working full-time, you’re not giving yourself much time to study. You need to be gunning for all A’s and it’s going to be tough to juggle. You don’t yet have a good MCAT score and you’re GPA isn’t repaired. You either need to dedicate more time to GPA repair or need to extend your timeline.