Chem grad student with 3.6-3.7 gpa

[ChemKing01]

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Hello everyone, I just had a quick question regarding GPA.

I do not know how I did on my advanced quantum chemistry 646 final, but Im going to assume I earned a C for the course.

That being said, I'll have a 3.6 gpa with a C, and a 3.7 gpa with a B.

Is having a 3.6 chemistry graduate GPA when applying to medical school look bad?

I earned an A- is regular quantum chem, but probably along the lines of C for this advanced course, also being my only C in chem grad school, and only one other B as well. (16 A credits)

Thanks!

 

[Doudline]

A formal master's degree has little worth in the admission process; your undergraduate GPA matters most, and if you took certain prerequisites during your master's those are also important.

 

[ChemKing01]

A formal master's degree has little worth in the admission process; your undergraduate GPA matters most, and if you took certain prerequisites during your master's those are also important.

Well I disagree. I talked to an admissions advisor in person and he said it was as, if not more important, than undergrad. gpa. Thats why I chose this route in the first place. I dont think that premise is up for debate.

The gpa definitely matters, I just want to know if a 3.6 is ok.

 

[7331poas]

Well I disagree. I talked to an admissions advisor in person and he said it was as, if not more important, than undergrad. gpa. Thats why I chose this route in the first place. I dont think that premise is up for debate.

Well that is awkward, because it definitely is up for debate, and a graduate GPA is worthless. Most of those course are heavily curved.

I had the pleasure of taking an advanced organic course last semester and the grades were in the 40s; I still left with an A

 

[kamakazi5]

The general consensus that I have read on here from adcoms is that graduate GPAs are generally inflated compared to undergraduate which is why they don't hold as much weight. That being said I don't think it is worthless and in your case, obviously getting a B is far better than a C, even for quantum chemistry. Depending on your undergrad stats I doubt it would sink you though.

 

[ZenArcher35]

Well I disagree. I talked to an admissions advisor in person and he said it was as, if not more important, than undergrad. gpa. Thats why I chose this route in the first place. I dont think that premise is up for debate.

The gpa definitely matters, I just want to know if a 3.6 is ok.

Well, being a science guy, I'm surprised you convinced yourself on something so strongly based on n=1. Fact is, that premise IS up for debate, and if you do a search on SDN, I'm sure you'll find posts by knowledgeable SDNers that argue otherwise (one example being http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/grad-school-gpa-does-it-actually-matter.796298/).

To answer your question though, I'd be surprised if a 3.6 grad GPA is the thing that'll make or break your application in the end, so as long as you have good ECs, research, MCAT, LoRs, and undergrad GPA to go, then you have no need to worry.

 

[femmegoblue]

Well that is awkward, because it definitely is up for debate, and a graduate GPA is worthless. Most of those course are heavily curved.

I had the pleasure of taking an advanced organic course last semester and the grades were in the 40s; I still left with an A

FYI if you look at certain schools, they literally REPLACE your undergrad GPA with your graduate/all-science GPA if you reach a certain credit threshold (wayne state, MSU, central mich and LSU, to name a few)

 

[ChemKing01]

Well that is awkward, because it definitely is up for debate, and a graduate GPA is worthless. Most of those course are heavily curved.

I had the pleasure of taking an advanced organic course last semester and the grades were in the 40s; I still left with an A

I dont know what chemistry graduate school program youre hovering around, but mine had some classes that didnt even allocate an "A" as the highest grade. Our advanced organic class had one student earn an "A-".

 

[ChemKing01]

Well, being a science guy, I'm surprised you convinced yourself on something so strongly based on n=1. Fact is, that premise IS up for debate, and if you do a search on SDN, I'm sure you'll find posts by knowledgeable SDNers that argue otherwise (one example being http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/grad-school-gpa-does-it-actually-matter.796298/).

To answer your question though, I'd be surprised if a 3.6 grad GPA is the thing that'll make or break your application in the end, so as long as you have good ECs, research, MCAT, LoRs, and undergrad GPA to go, then you have no need to worry.

I'm not saying EVERY MD/DO school cares more about grad., but the respectable MD school admissions advisor I met in person (and Ive sent E-mails) have assured me that grad. GPA is as/more important than undergrad.

Thats why I said its not too much up to debate, other than what constitutes a "good" chem grad GPA.

 

[7331poas]

FYI if you look at certain schools, they literally REPLACE your undergrad GPA with your graduate/all-science GPA if you reach a certain credit threshold (wayne state, MSU, central mich and LSU, to name a few)

Those are quite literally some of the few schools that do that.

 

[Ochemphd]

I'm not saying EVERY MD/DO school cares more about grad., but the respectable MD school admissions advisor I met in person (and Ive sent E-mails) have assured me that grad. GPA is as/more important than undergrad.

Thats why I said its not too much up to debate, other than what constitutes a "good" chem grad GPA.

half my class got 4.0s throughout our graduate coursework, the classes and grades just didn't matter to the students or faculty. This is why grad gpas aren't taken as seriously. Your 3.6 will be contrasted against many other programs that give out mostly As. Luckily for you, adcoms know about the grade inflation and take grad gpas with a big grain of salt.

It will be hard for us to tell you what that individual adcom who does care a lot about your grad gpa thinks. I do believe you when you say he does. It could be he knows about the graduate program or that the gradprogram is somehow uniquely important to your app. All w have is general knowledge from applying and hearing anecdotes on this site.

 

[chemguy79]

Since you seem to know the answer to your question, I'm confused as to why why you are asking for feedback.

 

[ChemKing01]

half my class got 4.0s throughout our graduate coursework, the classes and grades just didn't matter to the students or faculty. This is why grad gpas aren't taken as seriously. Your 3.6 will be contrasted against many other programs that give out mostly As. Luckily for you, adcoms know about the grade inflation and take grad gpas with a big grain of salt.

It will be hard for us to tell you what that individual adcom who does care a lot about your grad gpa thinks. I do believe you when you say he does. It could be he knows about the graduate program or that the gradprogram is somehow uniquely important to your app. All w have is general knowledge from applying and hearing anecdotes on this site.

That is odd that chemistry grad. students would earn a 4.0 anywhere. I've never met a chemistry graduate student at my university who ever had a 4.0(which goes without saying because Ive literally had classes where no one earns an "A"), and this isnt a mistake. The program is suppose to be tough.

To be honest, Ive been pleasantly surprised when talking to ADCOMS that they really do value grad. GPAs. At least the ones Ive met and E-mailed.

Im sure Ivy Leagues and very prestigious med schools would pass grad. gpa over as insignificant, but not the typical MD/DO schools Ive chatted with. My experience.

 

[ChemKing01]

Since you seem to know the answer to your question, I'm confused as to why why you are asking for feedback.

The question: "Is a 3.6 GPA in chemistry graduate school decent"?

The question people want to answer : "Is grad. GPA important"?

Im not interested in the latter so much because Ive asked this question the medial school admission individuals and the answers seem consistent.

The former is reasonable to ask because not even admission committees give me a solid answer on that one. So thats really what Im look for from the more public opinion.

 

[ChemKing01]

The general consensus that I have read on here from adcoms is that graduate GPAs are generally inflated compared to undergraduate which is why they don't hold as much weight. That being said I don't think it is worthless and in your case, obviously getting a B is far better than a C, even for quantum chemistry. Depending on your undergrad stats I doubt it would sink you though.

Thanks!

I took regular quantum chem. and got an A-.
I took advanced quantum chem. and wont get an A.

The inflation youre talking about is most graduate programs that arent "chemistry" graduate programs. Im well aware that most graduate programs in general are inflated, but not chemistry(at least at this uni) for the classes.

Th physiology department here blatantly admits that half their students have a 4.0 GPA, so thats definitely in issue within that program to differentiate any individuals.

 

[Ochemphd]

The question: "Is a 3.6 GPA in chemistry graduate school decent"?

The question people want to answer : "Is grad. GPA important"?

Im not interested in the latter so much because Ive asked this question the medial school admission individuals and the answers seem consistent.

The former is reasonable to ask because not even admission committees give me a solid answer on that one.

I think we are answering your question to the best of our abilities. If you are going to be compared to all other people doing science graduate coursework (which is silly) your 3.6 is likely average AT BEST. You are basically asking us what the specific admissions people that you talked to will think of your 3.6, which you can't really expect us to answer.

It is relevant information (whether you like it or not) that many if not most committees will not really know what a 3.6 means at your specific graduate institution and therefor will not weigh it as heavily as undergraduate gpa. Your 3.6 could be top 10% or bottom 10% of your program and no one could be sure either way unless it is discussed in a rec letter or something.

 

[Ochemphd]

Thanks!

I took regular quantum chem. and got an A-.
I took advanced quantum chem. and wont get an A.

The inflation youre talking about is most graduate programs that arent "chemistry" graduate programs. Im well aware that most graduate programs in general are inflated, but not chemistry(at least at this uni) for the classes.

Th physiology department here blatantly admits that half their students have a 4.0 GPA, so thats definitely in issue within that program to differentiate any individuals.

Many prestigious chemistry graduate programs have enormous grade inflation. It will be up to you to convey that your program is different but I don't know of effective ways to do this.

 

[ChemKing01]

I think we are answering your question to the best of our abilities. If you are going to be compared to all other people doing science graduate coursework (which is silly) your 3.6 is likely average AT BEST. You are basically asking us what the specific admissions people that you talked to will think of your 3.6, which you can't really expect us to answer.

It is relevant information (whether you like it or not) that many if not most committees will not really know what a 3.6 means at your specific graduate institution and therefor will not weigh it as heavily as undergraduate gpa. Your 3.6 could be top 10% or bottom 10% of your program and no one could be sure either way unless it is discussed in a rec letter or something.

Both undergrad. and grad. programs are inflated depending on the university, so I dont think its unique enough to even attempt to bring up any type of inflation in a LOR, personal statement, etc.

Im definitely fine with the gpa being looked at my ADCOMS as "Average to good", because I have a lot of extracurriculars, etc. that could help. I dont know how scoring in the A range for advanced analytical chemistry or regular quantum chem, etc., could hurt. Definitely wasnt easy, and Id be hard pressed to believe ADCOMS wouldnt see the hard work put into those classes.

For example, some advanced organic professors here believe handing out a C+ is a worthy grade, while others wont give anything less than a B.


I appreciate all the feedback for sure!

 

[RN MD 2017]

The question: "Is a 3.6 GPA in chemistry graduate school decent"?

The question people want to answer : "Is grad. GPA important"?

Im not interested in the latter so much because Ive asked this question the medial school admission individuals and the answers seem consistent.

The former is reasonable to ask because not even admission committees give me a solid answer on that one. So thats really what Im look for from the more public opinion.

The reason that people are answering this way is sort of obvious. Because grad programs are famous for grade inflation, nobody knows if a 3.6 is good or bad. In fact, not even medical school adcoms will know if a 3.6 is good or bad, because they likely won't know your university well. Logically, then, why would they care about what they can't measure? If adcoms don't care, it becomes unimportant pretty quickly. You seem to have found a school that cares, and that might be good for you. But don't count on it for the other 10-15 schools that you should probably apply to. A 3.6 definitely will not sink you though.

 

[ChemKing01]

The reason that people are answering this way is sort of obvious. Because grad programs are famous for grade inflation, nobody knows if a 3.6 is good or bad. In fact, not even medical school adcoms will know if a 3.6 is good or bad, because they likely won't know your university well. Logically, then, why would they care about what they can't measure? If adcoms don't care, it becomes unimportant pretty quickly. You seem to have found a school that cares, and that might be good for you. But don't count on it for the other 10-15 schools that you should probably apply to. A 3.6 definitely will not sink you though.

I didnt find just one school, at least 3 I E-mailed and 1 I met in person said explicitly, "your grad gpa is as/more important than undergrad." I actually havent been told anything otherwise by ADCOMS.

Also, I received a B range grade for advanced quantum chem so my GPA is probably going to end at a 3.68-3.69, so Im content with that.

I do agree that it would be difficult for med schools to evaluate how good a 3.6 GPA is. However, undergrad. is the same way to some extent. You cant tell me that organic class from one school grade-wise represents the organic class from another school grade-wise. Surely there are major inconsistencies even on an undergraduate level.

 

[lavacake]

I'm not an expert by any means but your question is a bit vague and confusing. "Decent" for what, exactly?
You said it yourself that top med schools won't care for the grad gpa, so I guess that's been answered.
Decent for med school apps in general? What was your MCAT? Your ECs? Your undergrad gpa? These are all things that need to be considered.

Is having a 3.6 chemistry graduate GPA when applying to medical school look bad?

If we say it looks bad, what would you do with that information? Or did you just want affirmation? I'm not trying to start an argument. It would just be more helpful for people taking the time to try and answer your question if you let us know the purpose of your question was. Would you retake a course(s)? Would you go for a DO instead of MD? What is the outcome you are seeking? Maybe we can give more advice then.

 

[RN MD 2017]

There ya go! God, you've asked this question like three times on SDN as I can see below.....give it a rest.

 

[ChemKing01]

I'm not an expert by any means but your question is a bit vague and confusing. "Decent" for what, exactly?
You said it yourself that top med schools won't care for the grad gpa, so I guess that's been answered.
Decent for med school apps in general? What was your MCAT? Your ECs? Your undergrad gpa? These are all things that need to be considered.


If we say it looks bad, what would you do with that information? Or did you just want affirmation? I'm not trying to start an argument. It would just be more helpful for people taking the time to try and answer your question if you let us know the purpose of your question. Would you retake a course(s)? Would you go for a DO instead of MD? What is the outcome you are seeking? Maybe we can give more advice then.

I suppose the question is a bit confusing. Its not that I was affirmation, but I do admit I learn things every time I discuss anything about med school. For example, I did not know some med schools replace undergrad. GPA with Grad GPA, as a previous poster mentioned.

All things do need to be considered, but I didnt want to discuss my overall application status for this question, just the GPA concerns.

I would certainly want to go to DO school if possible. I am not picky. Prestige is not a concern.

Whatever information and knowledge I can obtain from these discussions is useful, in my opinion.

 

[lavacake]

If you want to get something useful and directly applicable, I suggest that you give us all information so that we could assess where you would have a decent shot at. Saying you have a 3.6 grad GPA isn't really helpful for determining anything.