Boosting GPA and post bacc programs

[x4lifex]

Hi, i recently just graduated from a university and while i was there completed about 90% of the pre-med req's. I need to finish my 2nd semester (3rd quarter) physics w/lab as well as a bio course w/lab. My question is should I take these courses at a Junior college or pay the extra money to take it at a University. in addition, I need to raise my gpa since it is somewhat low so im having difficulty deciding whether or not i should apply to a post bacc or just stay at a Junior college to take extra science courses that way ?

 

[DrMidlife]

With a low GPA you don't want to cast any further doubts on your academic prowess; CC coursework (in some minds) casts further doubt.

Here's a thread that includes listings of programs with some structure for folks who haven't completed all the prereqs: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=640302. Some, like UT Dallas, offer a smorgasbord of upper div sci in addition to prereqs (and oh how I wish I'd done this program instead of Home Depot-ing it at UWash).

 

[apumic]

Definitely avoid a CC. Try your state schools. They should be pretty inexpensive.

Also, I'd suggest an informal post-bacc. Structured post-baccs don't tend to offer much extra except a MUCH larger tuition. Good luck!

 

[x4lifex]

Thanks for the info. Is there a difference between weather or not i go to a state s chool to do an informal post bacc or a university ? And what is an informal post bacc ?

 

[DrMidlife]

Thanks for the info. Is there a difference between weather or not i go to a state s chool to do an informal post bacc or a university ? And what is an informal post bacc ?

"State school" means a public university. There are also private universities.

No it doesn't matter which you do.

Informal post bac means there isn't a specific program or certificate or otherwise structured organized deal - you're just taking more classes. There are lots of ways to do this, nonmatriculated, non-degree-seeking, 5th-yr, 2nd bachelors, etc.

 

[x4lifex]

Hi Dr. midlife so since ive taken a majority of the pre-med courses should i retake them all ? some of them that i could get better grades in or just finish what i have left and take extra science courses to raise my gpa ?

 

[DrMidlife]

Hi Dr. midlife so since ive taken a majority of the pre-med courses should i retake them all ? some of them that i could get better grades in or just finish what i have left and take extra science courses to raise my gpa ?

If you got a C or better, then you don't have to retake a prereq. You might want to, but you don't have to.

For MD schools, a retake is a fresh grade. No forgiveness of the old grade. Thus it's just as beneficial to take new coursework.

For DO schools, a retake forgives the old grade. The old grade still shows up in your coursework, but it's not included in the GPAs. So if you're applying DO, there's a clear benefit in retaking to wipe out old damage.

 

[x4lifex]

I was wondering if you have any recommendations for post bacc programs. I live in california and plan to apply to the UC's however, i would like to look at out of state programs. I looked into drexel and columbia but if you know of any others that would be great to hear. Thanks for the help.

 

[DrMidlife]

I was wondering if you have any recommendations for post bacc programs. I live in california and plan to apply to the UC's however, i would like to look at out of state programs. I looked into drexel and columbia but if you know of any others that would be great to hear. Thanks for the help.

See the link in post #2 above.