Boosting Science GPA "Other Science classes"

[IDK22]

I was curious how taking courses in the "other science" category looks during a grade repairing DIY post bac and whether any of you have taken such courses to improve your science gpa.

I'm retaking pre-reqs and adding on online community college classes such as Kinesiology, Meteorology, Nutrition to help boost my science gpa to a 3.45 - 3.5 range. I'm taking A&P series along with Human Genetics along with these courses as well. Thanks!

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[AlbinoHawk DO]

I did it and it definitely helped my sGPA. I was never questioned for it.

 

[darkeon]

but don't lose focus on the grades of your pre-req courses.

 

[IDK22]

so does stellar astronomy count as a science? Its an upper lvl physic class.

Check this out: http://help.unicas.com:8888/aacomas...-history-2/aacomas-course-subjects/index.html

Yes. From this, it seems like they added A LOT more courses to qualify as "other science".

 

[IDK22]

Can somebody verify that this link is up to date and correct? I'm amazed that Public Health and CPR now counts towards sGPA...

 

[darkeon]

They added a lot of "Other science" but it seems they clearly do not want any psychology courses counted in their science gpa, no matter how "bio-related" they may be.

 

[Dreamstoo]

I took some nutrition classes. I absolutely enjoyed all of them. One of them was formatted as a graduate level course and I had to do multiple formal presentations. I believe it was Exercise Physiology with extra emphasis on athletes/sports through case studies. By far one of my favorite classes in undergrad.

Kinesiology is a very interesting field.

They helped out my sGPA quite a bit.

 

[Straw Hat]

Wow they're really including nursing in the science GPA? Is that legit? I always hoped I could get some of my more science heavy nursing classes included for AMCAS and/or AACOMAS as they were taught by Phd's in Pharm and Physiology and were like 80% science 20% nursing.

 

[IDK22]

Wow they're really including nursing in the science GPA? Is that legit? I always hoped I could get some of my more science heavy nursing classes included for AMCAS and/or AACOMAS as they were taught by Phd's in Pharm and Physiology and were like 80% science 20% nursing.

Yeah, looks like it! I majored in Public Health and plan to take some extra health classes (medical terminology, etc) am ecstatic these will all help count towards sGPA.

 

[KyleV]

nursing courses count in the sGPA? That's new.

 

[darkeon]

I'll take a stab and say that perhaps one reason for the addition of so many majors into the "other science" field is to sort of promote those non-traditionals who have had work in science fields (other than B.C.P.)

I've never heard of some of these areas of study. This must have taken a whole lot of research and time to decide what goes into their "Other science".

Sorry math. You still aren't welcomed to the party.

 

[SOOyC52H1Sof]

I'll take a stab and say that perhaps one reason for the addition of so many majors into the "other science" field is to sort of promote those non-traditionals who have had work in science fields (other than B.C.P.)

I've never heard of some of these areas of study. This must have taken a whole lot of research and time to decide what goes into their "Other science".

Sorry math. You still aren't welcomed to the party.

i dislike that all "Engineering" classes are now included, but math classes are not.

 

[ERK123]

They added a lot of "Other science" but it seems they clearly do not want any psychology courses counted in their science gpa, no matter how "bio-related" they may be.

That makes zero sense. I think about 80% of my upper level bio classes were cross-listed with psychology. If some student had just decided to sign up under the psychology designation instead of the biology designation then this course really would not count towards the science GPA? I never really took any psychology courses, but from the several lecture I attended they definitely contained a lot more bio-related science than astronomy.

 

[IDK22]

That makes zero sense. I think about 80% of my upper level bio classes were cross-listed with psychology. If some student had just decided to sign up under the psychology designation instead of the biology designation then this course really would not count towards the science GPA? I never really took any psychology courses, but from the several lecture I attended they definitely contained a lot more bio-related science than astronomy.

Yeah, that seems to be the unfortunate case. It feels weird that some really science based psych classes I took is not included in the sGPA, but "community health" which had about zero science is since it's "Public Health"...oh well.

 

[trustme12]

lol public health major here, what specific courses in public health do they count?

 

[IDK22]

lol public health major here, what specific courses in public health do they count?

My understanding is as long as it's under the title of "Public Health" ex: PH101, PH2 then it counts. The same way anything under "Bio" counts.

 

[darkeon]

Yeah, that seems to be the unfortunate case. It feels weird that some really science based psych classes I took is not included in the sGPA, but "community health" which had about zero science is since it's "Public Health"...oh well.

Unless I'm looking wrong...community health falls under their behaviorial science. It's not in tag with public health over in Other Science. At my current school, our community health class' course description says that it introduces students to aspects of public health lol. I say that if your school has a Public Health dept then classify all courses there as Other Science. If, like in my case, community health falls under Urban Planning dept then don't classify it as a science.

 

[IDK22]

Unless I'm looking wrong...community health falls under their behaviorial science. It's not in tag with public health over in Other Science. At my current school, our community health class' course description says that it introduces students to aspects of public health lol. I say that if your school has a Public Health dept then classify all courses there as Other Science. If, like in my case, community health falls under Urban Planning dept then don't classify it as a science.

Yeah, mine has a program/department. That makes sense.

 

[northernlights15]

Lol I need to do this!

 

[GypsyHummus]

Do you have to designate science GPA on AACOMAS or do the transcript verifies do?

 

[Dr. Janitor]

I did it and it definitely helped my sGPA. I was never questioned for it.

I was an Exercise Science major and some of the required coursework (i.e., Ex Phys, Testing & Rx, Metabolism I & II, etc.) under the new AACOMAS has classification/coursework type options for Exercise Science and Metabolism. Will these be considered towards my science gpa or only if they are switched to "other science"? If I were to switch them, would they flag that?

 

[darkeon]

Do you have to designate science GPA on AACOMAS or do the transcript verifies do?

You designate but AACOMAS approves during verification and have the right to change the classification. You can dispute such changes.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

I was an Exercise Science major and some of the required coursework (i.e., Ex Phys, Testing & Rx, Metabolism I & II, etc.) under the new AACOMAS has classification/coursework type options for Exercise Science and Metabolism. Will these be considered towards my science gpa or only if they are switched to "other science"? If I were to switch them, would they flag that?

I don't know. You should classify them as they best fit. I would think exercise science would still fall under "other science" for GPA purposes, which is no different than regular science GPA.

 

[darkeon]

I was an Exercise Science major and some of the required coursework (i.e., Ex Phys, Testing & Rx, Metabolism I & II, etc.) under the new AACOMAS has classification/coursework type options for Exercise Science and Metabolism. Will these be considered towards my science gpa or only if they are switched to "other science"? If I were to switch them, would they flag that?

Exercise science is "Other science". "Other science" is part of your science gpa, just like Bio, Chem and Physics.

 

[Straw Hat]

So I guess the concensus is if it is anything that falls under the other science course title it counts? My nursing classes on transcript are NRSG. Clearly my genetics, pharm, and patho classes are science but out of curiosity would they include the fluff professional development classes which are also under the NRSG title? I'd feel kind of bad getting science credit for those fluff classes.

 

[Goro]

We do have discussions about the quality of coursework when we discuss marginal interviewees. I have never once seen anyone take Metorology, so tak eit at your own peril.

We're not stupid and in reality, we're not doing you any favors by admitting you if you'd fail out of medical school because you couldn't hack a rigorous curriculum.

So convince us that you can make it.

Kinesiology is OK, Nutrition, marginal. Meteorology? You can do better. Try Micro or Neuroscience.

I was curious how taking courses in the "other science" category looks during a grade repairing DIY post bac and whether any of you have taken such courses to improve your science gpa.

I'm retaking pre-reqs and adding on online community college classes such as Kinesiology, Meteorology, Nutrition to help boost my science gpa to a 3.45 - 3.5 range. I'm taking A&P series along with Human Genetics along with these courses as well. Thanks!

 

[Vespasian]

Check this out: http://help.unicas.com:8888/aacomas...-history-2/aacomas-course-subjects/index.html

Yes. From this, it seems like they added A LOT more courses to qualify as "other science".

Thanks for the link! I was not aware PH courses were included in sGPA. Well, looks like my sGPA is like a 3.6 now but my non-science GPA dropped to around a 3.18 (cGPA ~3.46).

 

[nRomaleos]

That's the thing. Nutrition gets such a bad rap. But at my university, my only nutrition upper division course was equally as difficult as my biochemistry course. Both classes have average test scores in the low 50%'s. Both were equally, scientifically rigorous.

We do have discussions about the quality of coursework when we discuss marginal interviewees. I have never once seen anyone take Metorology, so tak eit at your own peril.
We're not stupid and in reality, we're not doing you any favors by admitting you if you'd fail out of medical school because you couldn't hack a rigorous curriculum.
So convince us that you can make it.
Kinesiology is OK, Nutrition, marginal. Meteorology? You can do better. Try Micro or Neuroscience.

 

[SaintedHover]

We do have discussions about the quality of coursework when we discuss marginal interviewees. I have never once seen anyone take Metorology, so tak eit at your own peril.

We're not stupid and in reality, we're not doing you any favors by admitting you if you'd fail out of medical school because you couldn't hack a rigorous curriculum.

So convince us that you can make it.

Kinesiology is OK, Nutrition, marginal. Meteorology? You can do better. Try Micro or Neuroscience.

What are your thoughts on 'Parasitology' and 'Medical Consequences of Loneliness'? I took these classes to 'boost' my science GPA.

 

[Goro]

Both sound fine

 

[northernlights15]

Hey @Goro

I've taken many easy science electives as a GPA boost but I've certainly also taken many hard courses.

For easy classes I've taken/am going to take…Astronomy, Human Disease, Human Bio, Bio of Beermaking, another Meteorology type course, and 2-3 other classes that are higher level and tough but they don't have labs so I don't know how you guys see this?? (they're like 200/300 level courses) It's like Orgo 3, Environmental Chem, etc.

But I've also taken Genetics, Biochem, Microbiology, etc. (total ~13 electives beyond prereqs). Does this look bad? My sGPA is slightly above average of a lot of DO schools due to grade replacement.

Does this look bad that I've taken so many "easy classes"? On top of 5 I've listed, I was possibly considering 1 or 2 more.

 

[Goro]

Chill, you're fine. I have plenty of colleagues who would LOVE to chat with you about the Bio of Beer Making class!

I also have a high respect for Astronomy classes.

As always, the key thing is that you did well in your coursework.

 

[northernlights15]

Chill, you're fine. I have plenty of colleagues who would LOVE to chat with you about the Bio of Beer Making class!

I also have a high respect for Astronomy classes.

As always, the key thing is that you did well in your coursework.

Hahaha really?? I just realized this class would probably be really looked down upon by schools like Loma Linda and LUCOM, right? Whatever...

You just said you guys do take note of the quality of coursework! So I freaked out!

Of course I am taking these easy courses to boost my GPA. Would you say it's okay to take easy courses IN ADDITION to hard courses? Like I'm sure it would look bad if the only science course people took beyond pre-reqs were Nutrition or Meteorology.

But if one takes plenty of hard sciences like Physiology, Biochem, Genetics as well as those easy courses, it's okay right?

 

[Goro]

Yes and yes.

Hahaha really?? I just realized this class would probably be really looked down upon by schools like Loma Linda and LUCOM, right? Whatever...

You just said you guys do take note of the quality of coursework! So I freaked out!

Of course I am taking these easy courses to boost my GPA. Would you say it's okay to take easy courses IN ADDITION to hard courses? Like I'm sure it would look bad if the only science course people took beyond pre-reqs were Nutrition or Meteorology.

But if one takes plenty of hard sciences like Physiology, Biochem, Genetics as well as those easy courses, it's okay right?

 

[HippoInTheCampus]

Check this out: http://help.unicas.com:8888/aacomas...-history-2/aacomas-course-subjects/index.html

Yes. From this, it seems like they added A LOT more courses to qualify as "other science".

BRB, declaring chinese internal medicine as a minor

 

[deleted446889]

Yes and yes.

Hi Goro, I need to boost my science GPA but I can no longer take classes at my university for multiple reasons. My local community college doesn't really offer upper level science, but they do have nutrition and some other things I can take. My question is, if I take 3-4 nutrition courses online would that be okay? I'm really interested in the subject and wish I had taken it as my minor anyway. I'm concerned about them being online classes.

I am also considering taking biotechnology I and II, and Botany in person. Unfortunately these are the few options I have left.

Can I have a a go-ahead from you?

*I have already taken many upper level science and gotten As and Bs in Human Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Immunology, Genetics, Neurobiology, Astronomy, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Bio I/II etc. Mostly trying to make up for some bad grades in Chemistry and Physics that are dragging me down.

 

[Goro]

Are there no other 4 year schools near you?

I personally have a dim view of online coursework. Even in a classroom setting, nutrition doesn't seem all that rigorous.

Read this post:
Goro’s advice for DO applicants in the absence of grade replacement

Hi Goro, I need to boost my science GPA but I can no longer take classes at my university for multiple reasons. My local community college doesn't really offer upper level science, but they do have nutrition and some other things I can take. My question is, if I take 3-4 nutrition courses online would that be okay? I'm really interested in the subject and wish I had take it as my minor anyway. I'm concerned about them being online classes.

I am also considering taking biotechnology I and II, and Botany in person. Unfortunately these are the few options I have left.

Can I have a a go-ahead from you?

*I have already taken many upper level science and gotten As and Bs in Human Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Immunology, Genetics, Neurobiology, Astronomy, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry etc. Mostly trying to make up for some bad grades in Chemistry and Physics that are dragging me down.

 

[deleted446889]

Are there no other 4 year schools near you?

I personally have a dim view of online coursework. Even in a classroom setting, nutrition doesn't seem all that rigorous.

Read this post:
Goro’s advice for DO applicants in the absence of grade replacement

The problem is more that I can't afford the tuition at the university, which is double the cost of the CC, and also that the university does not have enough options for evening classes which is my only option because of my job.

I understand the dim view of online courses, I can try to take the other classes available in person.

These are pretty much all of my options:
Biotechnology I and II
Botany
Human Anatomy/Physiology
"Other Science" like CPR, Physical Ed, etc

I need about 20 credits to raise my sGPA to 3.2/3.3, can I roll with these? If I could squeeze in an online nutrition or two that'd be nice, unless you think it's a bad idea.

 

[Goro]

I think that if you have a solid year of great grades, then there is no longer a need to try to raise the GPA, which, after awhile, hits diminishing returns
You should see if you have any tuition benefits from your job.

The problem is more that I can't afford the tuition at the university, which is double the cost of the CC, and also that the university does not have enough options for evening classes which is my only option because of my job.

I understand the dim view of online courses, I can try to take the other classes available in person.

These are pretty much all of my options:
Biotechnology I and II
Botany
Human Anatomy/Physiology
"Other Science" like CPR, Physical Ed, etc

I need about 20 credits to raise my sGPA to 3.2/3.3, can I roll with these? If I could squeeze in an online nutrition or two that'd be nice, unless you think it's a bad idea.

 

[deleted446889]

I think that if you have a solid year of great grades, then there is no longer a need to try to raise the GPA, which, after awhile, hits diminishing returns
You should see if you have any tuition benefits from your job.

I have an upward trend, but I'm not confident that it's enough as it's been over only 15 credits, though it includes Chem II, Orgo II, Orgo lab, and Biochemistry. I don't feel confident applying with an sGPA around 3.0 even with a good MCAT score, so I think I should take as many science credits as I can over the next year to get my numbers up. Do you agree, and if so, are lower level science courses from a CC okay if that is my only option? I can take them in the classroom but they're "other science" type of courses like kinesiology.

I think, with a good MCAT score, a 3.3 vs 3.0 sGPA could make or break my application.

 

[Goro]

Do the CC and take the most rigorous things you can. The trick now is not the cGPA, but the current streak of academic excellence. The you of now is more important than the you of then.

I have an upward trend, but I'm not confident that it's enough as it's been over only 15 credits, though it includes Chem II, Orgo II, Orgo lab, and Biochemistry. I don't feel confident applying with an sGPA around 3.0 even with a good MCAT score, so I think I should take as many science credits as I can over the next year to get my numbers up. Do you agree, and if so, are lower level science courses from a CC okay if that is my only option? I can take them in the classroom but they're "other science" type of courses like kinesiology.

I think, with a good MCAT score, a 3.3 vs 3.0 sGPA could make or break my application.

 

[deleted446889]

Do the CC and take the most rigorous things you can. The trick now is not the cGPA, but the current streak of academic excellence. The you of now is more important than the you of then.

Sorry to keep pestering you Goro, but could you give me advice on this hypothetical scenario? These are the two scenarios that I could afford.

A) 9-12 more credits in upper level science at the University spread out over 2-3 semesters. This would only bring up my sGPA to 3.0 to 3.1, but it would give me an overall year (~30 credits) of sustained excellence in hard science classes, although it would be spread out over about 2 years because I can only take classes part-time.

B) 25 more credits at my CC in lower level, "other science" courses including nutrition, kinesiology, health, biotechnology, botany, etc. Basically whatever classes I can get my hands on, although the pickings are very slim. This would raise my sGPA to 3.2 or 3.3.

I suspect option A is better, but being so close to the 3.0 abyss seems scary and I'm not sure if just playing the numbers game and getting up to 3.2-3.3 is the better play. I don't intend on taking the MCAT until I'm confident I'll score 510+.

 

[Shotapp]

@wildcherry

Hey, I am in the same predicament as you. In my opinion, I don't believe option B is a smart way to reinvent yourself. Goro's advice has been consistent since I have been on SDN. When grade replacement was still around, Goro recommended retaking any C/D/F in prereqs and taking additional upper-level science classes. His current recommendation is to take 4-5 upper-level science classes/semester covering medical school topics over a year or two (Not much has changed. Less focus on the actual GPA number and more focus on sustained academic success in a rigorous course load. Also, GPA needs to be at least a 3.0) Although Goro is just one Adcom and his word isn't law, his advice hasn't led anyone go astray as far as I have seen. An SMP or biomedical masters program hosted in a medical school is another option that's available to you (If you don't mind the expense/risk). Medical school is going to be really tough so you need to set yourself up for success.

 

[deleted446889]

@wildcherry

Hey, I am in the same predicament as you. In my opinion, I don't believe option B is a smart way to reinvent yourself. Goro's advice has been consistent since I have been on SDN. When grade replacement was still around, Goro recommended retaking any C/D/F in prereqs and taking additional upper-level science classes. His current recommendation is to take 4-5 upper-level science classes/semester covering medical school topics over a year or two (Not much has changed. Less focus on the actual GPA number and more focus on sustained academic success in a rigorous course load. Also, GPA needs to be at least a 3.0) Although Goro is just one Adcom and his word isn't law, his advice hasn't led anyone go astray as far as I have seen. An SMP or biomedical masters program hosted in a medical school is another option that's available to you (If you don't mind the expense/risk). Medical school is going to be really tough so you need to set yourself up for success.

Thanks for the tip! This isn't the first time you've given me advice, so thanks again 🙂

Yeah, I'm definitely leaning toward option A, my only concern is that my reinvention credits will be spread out over 2 years because I can only take about 2 classes at a time. Do you think that is an issue, or is it fine to take classes part time and work part time?

 

[Shotapp]

It's perfectly fine to take 2 classes at a time while working a part-time or full-time job. The only thing that matters is that you continue to get As and do decently on the Mcat. The upward trend in grades will help you distance yourself from the old you.

 

[Goro]

Go with A. I'm no fan of botany classes either.

Sorry to keep pestering you Goro, but could you give me advice on this hypothetical scenario? These are the two scenarios that I could afford.

A) 9-12 more credits in upper level science at the University spread out over 2-3 semesters. This would only bring up my sGPA to 3.0 to 3.1, but it would give me an overall year (~30 credits) of sustained excellence in hard science classes, although it would be spread out over about 2 years because I can only take classes part-time.

B) 25 more credits at my CC in lower level, "other science" courses including nutrition, kinesiology, health, biotechnology, botany, etc. Basically whatever classes I can get my hands on, although the pickings are very slim. This would raise my sGPA to 3.2 or 3.3.

I suspect option A is better, but being so close to the 3.0 abyss seems scary and I'm not sure if just playing the numbers game and getting up to 3.2-3.3 is the better play. I don't intend on taking the MCAT until I'm confident I'll score 510+.

 

[Geo16]

We do have discussions about the quality of coursework when we discuss marginal interviewees. I have never once seen anyone take Metorology, so tak eit at your own peril.

We're not stupid and in reality, we're not doing you any favors by admitting you if you'd fail out of medical school because you couldn't hack a rigorous curriculum.

So convince us that you can make it.

Kinesiology is OK, Nutrition, marginal. Meteorology? You can do better. Try Micro or Neuroscience.

My Upper Div will be filled with Meteorology/Earth System related courses.. LOL Well, I'm screwed.
Could double major in Public Health and take Upper Division Bio courses, but it's highly competitive.
But my fingers are crossed!

 

[Shotapp]

My Upper Div will be filled with Meteorology/Earth System related courses.. LOL Well, I'm screwed.
Could double major in Public Health and take Upper Division Bio courses, but it's highly competitive.
But my fingers are crossed!

Lol. Take whatever science class that you know for a fact that you can get an A in.

 

[FairyOfTeeth11]

Yeah, looks like it! I majored in Public Health and plan to take some extra health classes (medical terminology, etc) am ecstatic these will all help count towards sGPA.

Hi sorry for asking years later, but just wondering before i apply.. Did you public health courses end up counting towards the science GPA? I am in an MPH program so I am wondering if those will count.