Community College

[43092]

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I go to a top 5 school and my GPA is suffering. I took a class at a community college and a few at a local state school (BCMP credit) that were much easier to do well in. I can't undo those two schools because it was before I entered my university, but can I load up on CC/easier school credits during the summer? I understand some schools don't accept them, but are they "equal" where they are accepted?

 

[theseeker4]

I go to a top 5 school and my GPA is suffering. I took a class at a community college and a few at a local state school (BCMP credit) that were much easier to do well in. I can't undo those two schools because it was before I entered my university, but can I load up on CC/easier school credits during the summer? I understand some schools don't accept them, but are they "equal" where they are accepted?

The first thing any school will see is your GPA numbers. After that, though, it will be pretty clear that you did well at easier schools, and struggled at your top 5 school. Whether that alone will keep you out is debatable, but it will definitely be something that adcoms will be able to see and will recognize what you are doing.

 

[el_duderino]

It might raise some eyebrows if you're matriculated at a top school but take a bunch of tough classes at a CC instead. It's one thing to be a Physics major and bang out the bio 1/2 prereqs at a CC after graduation... it's another to be a B student at MIT taking biochemistry and orgo at the local CC to inflate your GPA.

 

[43092]

Okay, but the problem is I can't raise it that much by the time I apply. It's hard to bring up GPAs and I'm not paying a ridiculous amount for summer classes.

 

[el_duderino]

It would be a lot easier to give you specific advice if we knew your GPA, MCAT score, grades in prereqs, etc.

 

[Person0715]

I'm pretty sure adcoms will see right through your plan

 

[43092]

So I'm supposed to give up on my dream because I didn't know I wanted to be a doctor for sure back then and chose a harder school? Then again, if I can't do well here I guess I wouldn't do well in medical school.

 

[el_duderino]

So I'm supposed to give up on my dream because I didn't know I wanted to be a doctor for sure back then and chose a harder school? Then again, if I can't do well here I guess I wouldn't do well in medical school.

No, you're supposed to convince adcoms that you have the ability to excel academically. If they perceive you as taking the easy way out and trying to game your GPA by intentionally taking easier versions of classes, it will be transparent and not do much to make you look ready.

You explicitly said you took classes at a CC because they were easier than taking them at your home institution where your GPA is suffering.

Let me ask you a question: if your GPA is suffering at your undergrad college, how do you think you'll do in med school?

 

[43092]

No, you're supposed to convince adcoms that you have the ability to excel academically. If they perceive you as taking the easy way out and trying to game your GPA by intentionally taking easier versions of classes, it will be transparent and not do much to make you look ready.

You explicitly said you took classes at a CC because they were easier than taking them at your home institution where your GPA is suffering.

Let me ask you a question: if your GPA is suffering at your undergrad college, how do you think you'll do in med school?

So.. if I stuck to the first two schools, I'd have a 4.0 and I'd think I'd do great at medical school... But I decided to go to a school that's ridiculously hard to get As in (set number/no As given)

 

[el_duderino]

So.. if I stuck to the first two schools, I'd have a 4.0 and I'd think I'd do great at medical school... But I decided to go to a school that's ridiculously hard to get As in (set number/no As given)

My suggestion is not to try to artificially inflate your GPA by taking classes at CC instead of your home university. It will not make you look good.

Take the courses at your university and do well in them.

 

[43092]

My suggestion is not to try to artificially inflate your GPA by taking classes at CC instead of your home university. It will not make you look good.

Take the courses at your university and do well in them.

I'll try, but that will only result in a sGPA of 3.3, if I do very well in them.

 

[el_duderino]

What school do you go that does not give out As in basic science classes?

 

[Person0715]

So.. if I stuck to the first two schools, I'd have a 4.0 and I'd think I'd do great at medical school... But I decided to go to a school that's ridiculously hard to get As in (set number/no As given)

Just work for those As. There is no way that your school doesn't given out any As in science classes. Don't try to game the system.

 

[43092]

I've had courses that give VERY little As (10 in a class of 200) and a few Bio professors that didn';t.

 

[Person0715]

I've had courses that give VERY little As (10 in a class of 200) and a few Bio professors that didn';t.

That's just unfortunate, but trying to circumvent the system by taking summer courses at a CC will just make it look worse for you.

Btw, I thought you said you went to a top 5 school? I thought top schools inflated grades? The only top schools I know that are notorious for grade deflating are Cornell and Princeton, but even then they still give out plenty of As.

 

[43092]

That's just unfortunate, but trying to circumvent the system by taking summer courses at a CC will just make it look worse for you.

Btw, I thought you said you went to a top 5 school? I thought top schools inflated grades? The only top schools I know that are notorious for grade deflating are Cornell and Princeton, but even then they still give out plenty of As.

Sorry, I'm not going to say my school but I used US News for definition of top 5 and I guess it could have fluctuated a little. No, Cornell gives 20-25 percent As, I don't consider that deflation, that's the norm. We jealous of em'.

 

[Person0715]

Sorry, I'm not going to say my school but I used US News for definition of top 5 and I guess it could have fluctuated a little. No, Cornell gives 20-25 percent As, I don't consider that deflation, that's the norm. We jealous of em'.

That really sucks about the grades at your school, though. I think the best thing you can do now is to focus and do your best. Also, beasting the MCAT will help.

 

[43092]

That really sucks about the grades at your school, though. I think the best thing you can do now is to focus and do your best. Also, beasting the MCAT will help.

Yeah, it was only three classes that were that annoying, but doing well in general (10-15% As) is still really hard for me.

 

[Person0715]

Yeah, it was only three classes that were that annoying, but doing well in general (10-15% As) is still really hard for me.

Did you just finish freshman year? If so, it's normal to take some time to adjust your study habits.

 

[43092]

Did you just finish freshman year? If so, it's normal to take some time to adjust your study habits.

sophomore, downward trend

 

[BestDoctorEver]

I'll try, but that will only result in a sGPA of 3.3, if I do very well in them.

You should consider DO school as well... You are in a tough situation.

 

[43092]

You should consider DO school as well... You are in a tough situation.

I know, but if I could take community college classes like many premeds do, I'd be more than fine.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

@43092 ... I took some community college classes like bio 1&2, gen chem 1 &2, but my grades in the other sciences classes were somewhat identical when I transferred to university. I don't think DO would make a big deal about it as long as you can score 27+ mcat... However, MD schools are so competitive so they might scrutinize your transcript...

 

[theseeker4]

sophomore, downward trend

In that case, consider transferring to a state school. If asked why you transferred again, you can discuss how it wasn't a good fit for you. If you keep getting a B average, you will have little to no chance at MD schools.

 

[43092]

@43092 ... I took some community college classes like bio 1&2, gen chem 1 &2, but my grades in the other sciences classes were somewhat identical when I transferred to university. I don't think DO would make a big deal about it as long as you can score 27+ mcat... However, MD schools are so competitive so they might scrutinize your transcript...

I go to a school that's frequently considered to be the most deflated school. It's extremely hard to do well and don't know what they'd scrutinize? I've seen many people from my school get into mid-low tier medical schools with 3.3's (and average-high MCATs). It's not that crazy, some schools do offer leniency. But I'm far from 3.3.

After all, if the avergae GPA is 3.6, it's probably lowered by the few top schools and raised by all others.

 

[43092]

In that case, consider transferring to a state school. If asked why you transferred again, you can discuss how it wasn't a good fit for you. If you keep getting a B average, you will have little to no chance at MD schools.

What if I raise my GPA a decent amount and then do an SMP. Are undergrad GPAs important when doing an SMP?

 

[el_duderino]

I go to a school that's frequently considered to be the most deflated school. It's extremely hard to do well and don't know what they'd scrutinize? I've seen many people from my school get into low tier medical schools with 3.3's (and average-high MCATs). It's not that crazy, some schools do offer leniency. But I'm far from 3.3.

There are no schools which deflate grades so much that a high quality student can't manage even a 3.3.

I think that instead of blaming the school, you need to take a hard look at your own study habits and abilities.

 

[43092]

There are no schools which deflate grades so much that a high quality student can't manage even a 3.3.

I think that instead of blaming the school, you need to take a hard look at your own study habits and abilities.

A school where many smart people go and the class is curved to a C+ (2.3)?

 

[BestDoctorEver]

What if I raise my GPA a decent amount and then do an SMP. Are undergrad GPAs important when doing an SMP?

Undergrad GPAs always matter for med school. But a good SMP GPA might 'mitigate' your circumstances in the eyes of adcoms IMO. You have to understand most people (not only adcoms) rightly or wrongly think CC classes are less rigorous than 4-year university classes and your transcript will validate that 'perception'. Now you have to ask yourself that: Do you to be a physician with a MD degree or do you just want to be a physician? I think it will be a tough case to make for MD IMO.

 

[43092]

Undergrad GPAs always matter for med school. But a good SMP GPA might 'mitigate' your circumstances in the eyes of adcoms IMO. You have to understand most people (not only adcoms) rightly or wrongly think CC classes are less rigorous than 4-year university classes and your transcript will validate that 'perception'. Now you have to ask yourself that: Do you to be a physician with a MD degree or do you just want to be a physician? I think it will be a tough case to make for MD IMO.

Uhm, I'm only a sophomore and after this summer, I could be looking at a 3.0. I really understand what you're saying, but I've taken CC/state school classes while working full time. I couldn't even think about having a job at my school.

 

[el_duderino]

Uhm, I'm only a sophomore and after this summer, I could be looking at a 3.0. I really understand what you're saying, but I've taken CC/state school classes while working full time. I couldn't even think about having a job at my school.

Maybe consider transferring to a different undergraduate institution? Going to your state school and getting straight A's while racking up volunteering and shadowing hours will make your app killer.

 

[43092]

Undergrad GPAs always matter for med school. But a good SMP GPA might 'mitigate' your circumstances in the eyes of adcoms IMO. You have to understand most people (not only adcoms) rightly or wrongly think CC classes are less rigorous than 4-year university classes and your transcript will validate that 'perception'. Now you have to ask yourself that: Do you to be a physician with a MD degree or do you just want to be a physician? I think it will be a tough case to make for MD IMO.

Also, I've taken a practice MCAT before and scored a 34 (with only AP Physics/AP Biology and General Chemistry under my belt). It was honestly not that bad and I'm thankful that I've always been good at standardized tests.

 

[43092]

Maybe consider transferring to a different undergraduate institution?

I can't, I'm broke. That's the great thing about some top private schools, they pay for all your costs (59k) if you're poor. Maybe I can switch majors for now? Just seems like a lot of time I'm going to waste.

 

[ciestar]

Unfortunately even a 45 mcat wouldn't compensate for a sub 3.0 gpa (should that happen).

 

[Goro]

It will appear to Adcoms that you're trying to avoid your school's more rigorous courses by going to the CC. Keep in mind that medical school will be harder and if your not doing well at your UG school, what do you think med school will be like?

I go to a top 5 school and my GPA is suffering. I took a class at a community college and a few at a local state school (BCMP credit) that were much easier to do well in. I can't undo those two schools because it was before I entered my university, but can I load up on CC/easier school credits during the summer? I understand some schools don't accept them, but are they "equal" where they are accepted?

 

[43092]

Unfortunately even a 45 mcat wouldn't compensate for a sub 3.0 gpa (should that happen).

I'll have no problem doing B+ or higher in upper level Biologies. Just worried for Orgo and Physics.

 

[el_duderino]

I'll have no problem doing B+ or higher in upper level Biologies. Just worried for Orgo and Physics.

You're not even averaging a B+ now. Do you think it will get easier when you get to higher-level classes and orgo?

 

[BestDoctorEver]

Also, I've taken a practice MCAT before and scored a 34 (with only AP Physics/AP Biology and General Chemistry under my belt). It was honestly not that bad and I'm thankful that I've always been good at standardized tests.

If you can get a good SMP GPA (3.8+) and score 35+ MCAT, I think you will have a good chance at MD....

 

[43092]

You're not even averaging a B+ now. Do you think it will get easier when you get to higher-level classes and orgo?

Huh? That's exactly how schools that deflate work. Weedout/premed classes are very hard to do well in and upper levels are much easier. The head adviser just told me this recently.

 

[Person0715]

You're not even averaging a B+ now. Do you think it will get easier when you get to higher-level classes and orgo?

At my school, the intro courses are graded on a harsh curve (graded to a C+ as at OP's school), but the upper level courses are not curved at all (ie everyone can get all the A's).

 

[43092]

At my school, the intro courses are graded on a harsh curve (graded to a C+ as at OP's school), but the upper level courses are not curved at all (ie everyone can get all the A's).

Yup! How do you do well? I could use your advice.

 

[ciestar]

My "weed out" courses were indeed hard. By the time I got to upper level, I really think what changed were my study habits, not the difficulty of the courses (which weren't exactly easy either).

 

[43092]

My "weed out" courses were indeed hard. By the time I got to upper level, I really think what changed were my study habits, not the difficulty of the courses (which weren't exactly easy either).

My dean told me to hold out ans just make it through, but the thing is, I won't be done with those classes until senior year (Physics + 1 more Biology).

 

[ciestar]

At my school, the intro courses are graded on a harsh curve (graded to a C+ as at OP's school), but the upper level courses are not curved at all (ie everyone can get all the A's).

My school was graded similarly for intro courses, my organic course was even harsher.

But there were no curves at all for my upper level courses. My classic example is my comparative anatomy class that had a 95% as an A, one person got an A.

I really do think was changed was that I matured and learned to study more efficiently..not that anything got easier.

 

[orangeman25]

Undergrad GPAs always matter for med school. But a good SMP GPA might 'mitigate' your circumstances in the eyes of adcoms IMO. You have to understand most people (not only adcoms) rightly or wrongly think CC classes are less rigorous than 4-year university classes and your transcript will validate that 'perception'. Now you have to ask yourself that: Do you to be a physician with a MD degree or do you just want to be a physician? I think it will be a tough case to make for MD IMO.

OP is a sophomore with a 3.3 and hasn't taken the MCAT yet. Saying it will be a tough case to make MD is a little premature.

 

[el_duderino]

OP is a sophomore with a 3.3 and hasn't taken the MCAT yet. Saying it will be a tough case to make MD is a little premature.

He said he thinks he may end up with a 3.3, but right now he's "far from" 3.3 and might have a 3.0 after this summer. So MD will be a tough case unless his grades pick up dramatically.

 

[43092]

OP is a sophomore with a 3.3 and hasn't taken the MCAT yet. Saying it will be a tough case to make MD is a little premature.

3.1 science if I do well (B+/A-) this summer.

 

[IlDestriero]

You mean the prevailing "wisdom" on pre allo that state schools are just as hard or harder than the top ranked schools is not true? What?
Are you trolling us bro?

Actually I know some students that went to elite liberal arts colleges and took classes at the nearby Ivy because they were easier.

 

[43092]

He said he thinks he may end up with a 3.3, but right now he's "far from" 3.3 and might have a 3.0 after this summer. So MD will be a tough case unless his grades pick up dramatically.

Which is impossible here, I should have not messed up to start with and then doing B+ or A-/A in the blowoffs would be more than fine.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

OP is a sophomore with a 3.3 and hasn't taken the MCAT yet. Saying it will be a tough case to make MD is a little premature.

I saw that but OP seems to be doing poorly now and will transfer to CC, which adcoms might think is a cop out. However, if you at my last post I said that if OP manage to get a good SMP GPA and do well in the mcat, he/she will have a shot...