Bother taking courses over for post-bacc/how is gpa calculated?

[RUc10]

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I've accepted the fact that I will likely not get into medical school when I apply next cycle. I'm interested in doing a post-bacc and have seen that the gpa requirements for most are around a 3.0. I will have, and already have, that requirement but I'm wondering... should I bother taking any science classes over before then?
i.e. I did well in Organic 2 but not too hot in Organic 1 so I was considering taking that over in the fall since I really don't have many classes to take before I graduate. However, if it won't do a great deal for my gpa AND I'm planning on attending a post-bacc to improve my stats the following year should I bother taking it or should I just take classes that I will enjoy for the rest of my college career.
Also, how do post-bacc's look at the gpa? Is it like DO schools where if you take a class over the second grade replaces the first in the gpa or is it like allo schools being that everything is averaged together if you take it over?

And... just because I didn't see it in the FAQs or any of the recent threads... what is the likelihood of someone with a 3.1, will be applying to med school as URM, tons of clinical experience, volunteer experience, shadowing, and leadership experience getting into one of the better programs?

 

[deleted248403]

So post bacs dont reveal how they do grade calc - i would assume the worst and most stringent requirements; i.e. the AMCAS system and not the AACOMAS way of doing it

Also, a 3.1 is uber low for getting into med school. It happens with a good MCAT which it doesnt look you have taken but a 3.1 wont get you into a top program. IMO, you'd be lucky to get into a program with a 3.1 - URM or not.

 

[RUc10]

Also, a 3.1 is uber low for getting into med school. It happens with a good MCAT which it doesnt look you have taken but a 3.1 wont get you into a top program. IMO, you'd be lucky to get into a program with a 3.1 - URM or not.

I meant my chances of getting into a top post-bacc program, not medical school. As I said, I already know it isn't realistic to expect anything if I apply next year so I am applying to post-baccs instead

 

[deleted248403]

If uve done the prereqs then you aren't eligible for the true postbacs and wouldn't be competitive anyways.

You need an smp imo

 

[Xcited392]

OP, what was your major? Have you graduated yet?

A 3.1 is low, but before you jump onto the SMP wagon, I'd recommend retaking classes and taking upper level science electives--basically, try to max out your GPA and figure it out from there.

 

[RUc10]

If uve done the prereqs then you aren't eligible for the true postbacs and wouldn't be competitive anyways.

You need an smp imo

I thought i've seen that many programs have an average entering gpa of 3.0? I'm also pretty sure there are several different types of post-baccs excluding SMPs, 1 of which is designed for students who have already completed pre-reqs and need a gpa boost or something else to beef up their app.

OP, what was your major? Have you graduated yet?

A 3.1 is low, but before you jump onto the SMP wagon, I'd recommend retaking classes and taking upper level science electives--basically, try to max out your GPA and figure it out from there.

Major is Exercise Physiology, minor is biochem. I'll be graduating next spring. I could have graduated this year but I figured taking an extra year would help me bring my gpa up. That being said, this was over a year ago that I made that decision and I expected it to be a point or two higher at this time.

I guess I will retake Organic next year and possibly Biochem 1. Those are the only science courses I have less than a B in anyway. With Organic being much less that a B 🙁 so it should definitely help. Was also planning on taking Parasitology and maybe one more course during the fall so I guess I'll stick to the sciences and see where that gets me. Thanks.

 

[deleted248403]

I thought i've seen that many programs have an average entering gpa of 3.0? I'm also pretty sure there are several different types of post-baccs excluding SMPs, 1 of which is designed for students who have already completed pre-reqs and need a gpa boost or something else to beef up their app.

You have seen programs like that, one example is Upenn SSP. What is your current cGPA? I saw 3.1 but is this def?

You should do the math at what one year of 4.0 would do to your cGPA? I doubt it would reach more than 3.25 which is still not good enough to get into an allopathic school. However, a year of 4.0 including some repeats and getting to a 3.25-3.3 would give you a shot at DO.
If you want MD, then your quickest route is an SMP, but you could do a year of undergrad classes and get a 4.0, then do an SMP and then apply.

Bottom line - a year of undergrad classes isnt going to get you into an allopathic school if your current cGPA is a 3.1

 

[RUc10]

You have seen programs like that, one example is Upenn SSP. What is your current cGPA? I saw 3.1 but is this def?

You should do the math at what one year of 4.0 would do to your cGPA? I doubt it would reach more than 3.25 which is still not good enough to get into an allopathic school. However, a year of 4.0 including some repeats and getting to a 3.25-3.3 would give you a shot at DO.
If you want MD, then your quickest route is an SMP, but you could do a year of undergrad classes and get a 4.0, then do an SMP and then apply.

Bottom line - a year of undergrad classes isnt going to get you into an allopathic school if your current cGPA is a 3.1

Yes that is current. I just did the math quickly and with taking 17 credits next semester including the 2 classes I wanted to retake, and only 13 in the spring then I can actually bring it to a 3.3.

I still think you aren't hearing me though. I WILL NOT be applying to medical school next year as I already know there's no way I can make it in. I wanted to know if it was likely that I'd get into any of these graduate programs, not medical school. Thanks for all the help though. I'll look at the SMP options.

 

[klmnop]

Yes that is current. I just did the math quickly and with taking 17 credits next semester including the 2 classes I wanted to retake, and only 13 in the spring then I can actually bring it to a 3.3.

I still think you aren't hearing me though. I WILL NOT be applying to medical school next year as I already know there's no way I can make it in. I wanted to know if it was likely that I'd get into any of these graduate programs, not medical school. Thanks for all the help though. I'll look at the SMP options.

Yes, you can get into some of these non-formal post-baccs (meaning the ones not designed solely for the pre-reqs) but instead consist of ugrad courses; however, it is possible to do the same thing at your current or a local university. If you register as a post-bacc student at any available university and do a year or two (however many they let you) you can improve your GPA and sciGPA with 5 or 6 total ugrad years instead of paying for a formal program or smp.... which is what Xcited suggested.

Do a 5th year and possibly more of 4.0 work to get that GPA up.
If at the end of it you still are not competitive then look at smp's. To answer your question, the post-bacc programs you are looking at for gpa-repair are specifically designed for people in your situation, however it is just as easy to organize this yourself at your local university, allowing you to save your money and your residence.

 

[deleted248403]

Ugh your missing my point. My point is you have to do an smp either way so save the year (tho u should repeat any prereqs lower than a b-)

 

[Cali818]

OP..I think it's a good idea to take the additional year AND do SMP...Adcoms look at upward trend..so if they see that in your last year of undergrad and also postbac...it will look really good. Besides some postbacs that are harder to get in also look at that...I think what you are doing is a good idea!...Just make sure you do well...17 units is a lot..so stay focused! good luck =)