Do GPA's at "Hard" Universities Count For More than GPA's From "Easier" Schools?

[UCLAcycling]

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Say you had a 3.3 from UCLA, and a 3.6 from UC Santa Cruz, do you think admissions committees feel that one's worth more than the other?

UCLA isn't easy, especially being a chemistry major (me), but I'm doing well enough.

I know friends that went to easier schools, people that I regularly outscored on most everything, with higher GPA's than me.

I'm either going to kick myself for going to UCLA, or congratulate myself for not taking the easier option. I'm not sure that I know which is which, yet.

What do you think?

 

[Polarbare50]

Please use the search function next time, plenty of threads have asked this question. Specifically though, all things equal, the 3.6 from UC Santa Cruz will look better

 

[UCLAcycling]

Please use the search function next time, plenty of threads have asked this question. Specifically though, all things equal, the 3.6 from UC Santa Cruz will look better

Thanks, porpoise.

 

[co2013]

Its hard to tell if it makes a big impact. I'm sure it matters slightly but when the GPA difference is as big as in your example, the impact becomes negligible.

 

[jHustle]

You have a 3.3 at UCLA. It's not like you're going to Berkeley OP. If you're as good of a student as you think you are, then your gpa should be a lot higher. The rigor (or lack thereof) of UCLA is not enough to warrant a 3.3 as a chemistry major. And while it's harder to get a higher gpa at UCLA compared to UCSC, it's not so much to compensate for a .3 gpa decrease...

 

[NeuralNetwork]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/gts....studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=10&ref=

 

[UCLAcycling]

You have a 3.3 at UCLA. It's not like you're going to Berkeley OP. If you're as good of a student as you think you are, then your gpa should be a lot higher. The rigor (or lack thereof) of UCLA is not enough to warrant a 3.3 as a chemistry major. And while it's harder to get a higher gpa at UCLA compared to UCSC, it's not so much to compensate for a .3 gpa decrease...

^^probably goes to UCSC

 

[Cinclus]

Unfortunately for those at the "hard" universities, I'm pretty sure the "hardness" counts for very little.

 

[jHustle]

^^probably goes to UCSC

Nope, I go to another UC. But like I said, while you think it might be easier to get good grades at places like UCSC and UCSB compared to UCLA, by no means should your gpa be as low as a 3.3 unless you've had some rough spells. And again, UCLA is not on par with UC Berkeley as far as rigor is concerned. For you to think that a 3.3 at UCLA is just as good or better than a 3.6 at UC wherever (aside from Merced lol), shows you think too highly of yourself and/or UCLA.

 

[KinasePro]

As someone who attended an undergrad with rampant grade deflation, trust me: no one cares why your GPA is as low as it is. Engineers at top schools might get some leeway, but even that's debatable. Hate to say it broseph, but a 3.3 from any school in any major is a red flag to the adcoms.

 

[UCLAcycling]

Nope, I go to another UC. But like I said, while you think it might be easier to get good grades at places like UCSC and UCSB compared to UCLA, by no means should your gpa be as low as a 3.3 unless you've had some rough spells. And again, UCLA is not on par with UC Berkeley as far as rigor is concerned. For you to think that a 3.3 at UCLA is just as good or better than a 3.6 at UC wherever (aside from Merced lol), shows you think too highly of yourself and/or UCLA.

😴

 

[dendrites]

nope. doesnt really matter. however, once you get an interview, they may be more impressed with a candidate from a more prestigious school.

 

[UCLAcycling]

As someone who attended an undergrad with rampant grade deflation, trust me: no one cares why your GPA is as low as it is. Engineers at top schools might get some leeway, but even that's debatable. Hate to say it broseph, but a 3.3 from any school in any major is a red flag to the adcoms.

You and your little buddies must have reading comprehension issues.

I never told you my GPA. I asked, in general, what the perceived difference is between a 3.3 and 3.6 at a hard vs easy school, respectively.

This place makes me laugh. Look at all you little premed wankers squabbling.


Bwahahahaha

As long as I'm here, I might as well throw 2 cents at all y'all:

if you go to an easy school, your grades aren't looked at the same way.

It's cool, though. I'll get into medical school somewhere. And then I'm going to bump this thread and laugh at you.

Bwahahahaha

 

[StarlingForce1]

You and your little buddies must have reading comprehension issues.

I never told you my GPA. I asked, in general, what the perceived difference is between a 3.3 and 3.6 at a hard vs easy school, respectively.

This place makes me laugh. Look at all you little premed wankers squabbling.


Bwahahahaha

As long as I'm here, I might as well throw 2 cents at all y'all:

if you go to an easy school, your grades aren't looked at the same way.

It's cool, though. I'll get into medical school somewhere. And then I'm going to bump this thread and laugh at you.

Bwahahahaha

You're in need of a serious dose of humility. Why posit something and attach verbal descriptors of a seeming urgency or of problem at hand, if it does not pertain to what you are actually facing? Obviously, this would indicate that it IS your GPA, and since you don't like what people are saying, you are attempting to absolve yourself. That's my 2 cents. Don't spend it all in one place.

#whatachump

 

[UCLAcycling]

You're in need of a serious dose of humility. Why posit something and attach verbal descriptors of a seeming urgency or of problem at hand, if it does not pertain to what you are actually facing? Obviously, this would indicate that it IS your GPA, and since you don't like what people are saying, you are attempting to absolve yourself. That's my 2 cents. Don't spend it all in one place.

#whatachump

 

[BigBear123]

I don't know who posted the Berkeley > UCLA thing, but I'm sure pretty sure they are more or less the same in terms of academic rigor.

and, go bears! 😉

 

[Thego2guy]

I apologize for your frustration with SDN, but the advice propelled on these threads is usually very very very accurate. Premeds here learn from the wisdom that many med students/residents/attendings post around, and we know how many of the things work. Many of us (myself included) have friends/family/special insiders about medical school admissions, and I too, can confirm, that although adcoms may look at the caliber and scope of your classes, it truly counts for very little.

Calc based physics or algebra based physics? I think a bunch of med students on these boards can vouch that those differences between the two classes doesn't matter - meanwhile I presume you would argue otherwise.

Don't get me wrong, they DO look at how much classes you take and their relative approximate rigor (getting an "A" in Orgo during the summer, while it was your ONLY summer class, definitely doesn't look as good as getting an "A" in Orgo, under a full (not necessarily heavy) course load. Will it make you or break you? Absolutely not.

That is also to point out, that taking obviously easy classes to artificially inflate your GPA will pose red flags and doubts - but as long as you have a solid MCAT, your "numbers" part of the application should be fine.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

A 3.6 at Podunk college > a 3.3 at any school save for Harvey Mud ( a 3.3 means you're in the top 10%) or Harvard.
Sorry that's how the cookie crumbles. Also being from California really makes that cookie extra crumbly.

 

[zeppelinpage4]

You and your little buddies must have reading comprehension issues.

I never told you my GPA. I asked, in general, what the perceived difference is between a 3.3 and 3.6 at a hard vs easy school, respectively.

This place makes me laugh. Look at all you little premed wankers squabbling.


Bwahahahaha

As long as I'm here, I might as well throw 2 cents at all y'all:

if you go to an easy school, your grades aren't looked at the same way.

It's cool, though. I'll get into medical school somewhere. And then I'm going to bump this thread and laugh at you.

Bwahahahaha

No....even if you get a 4.0 at UCLA or wherever. An attitude like that will gain you a quick post-rejection interview.

Just work hard, try your best, and stay humble. Good luck.

 

[Thego2guy]

No....even if you get a 4.0 at UCLA or wherever. An attitude like that will gain you a quick post-rejection interview.

Just work hard, try your best, and stay humble. Good luck.

Saw the cute chick in your avatar, thought you might resemble that in real life, clicked on mdapp profile, look at your stats, realized your a 21 year old male 🙁

 

[MinitorV]

Think about it from the schools perspective. They want to brag about their incoming classes average GPA.

 

[KinasePro]

Bwahahahaha

A) you started this thread and obviously have a below-average GPA, and B) read my post, I was in a similar situation and discovered that no one cares. Unless you're at an HYPSM school, a low GPA will hurt you in this game.

 

[StarlingForce1]

Think about it from the schools perspective. They want to brag about their incoming classes average GPA.

This is more rumor than accurate; there may be some truth, but not as much as people tend to assign to it.

 

[zeppelinpage4]

Saw the cute chick in your avatar, thought you might resemble that in real life, clicked on mdapp profile, look at your stats, realized your a 21 year old male 🙁

Haha sorry dude. xD
If it's any consolation, here is a link to her wiki.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asin

 

[StarlingForce1]

A) you started this thread and obviously have a below-average GPA, and B) read my post, I was in a similar situation and discovered that no one cares. Unless you're at an HYPSM school, a low GPA will hurt you in this game.

Penn and Cornell should be on this list, as should UChicago and Duke.

 

[StarlingForce1]

Haha sorry dude. xD
If it's any consolation, here is a link to her wiki.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asin

Why is your avatar a pic of my ex? lol

 

[Thego2guy]

Haha sorry dude. xD
If it's any consolation, here is a link to her wiki.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asin

👍

talented girl! thanks for the link man 😉

 

[Thego2guy]

Penn and Cornell should be on this list, as should UChicago and Duke.

Lol, lets not nitpick, the OP is obviously a troll.

But if you want to nitpick, UMich, Hopkins, Dartmouth, a bunch of UC's, BU, BC, Caltech, MIT, etc............... should be on that list! (Princeton + BU + Hopkins are NOTORIOUSLY known for grade deflation. But, do med schools care that much? Nope. a 3.0 is still a 3.0)

 

[UCLAcycling]

I got a joke:

Q: "What do you call a premed wanker at a state school with an inflated GPA?"

A: "Not accepted to medical school."

 

[Thego2guy]

I got a joke:

Q: "What do you call a premed wanker at a state school with an inflated GPA?"

A: "Not accepted to medical school."

Actually,if someone got an "A" at an 'easy' school, lets say, in orgo, then that is still impressive - because the sciences are still more or less standardized. Now if someone got a "C+" in orgo at a notoriously hard school, there is NO way to prove that if given the chance to take the class at an "easy" school that they would have also ended up with an "A" ..... which is the most often defense that I hear.

What do adcoms do, sit down and ponder "what if?"?! Absolutely not! They take the "A", and move on without giving it another thought.

And as I mentioned before, even if your school inflates your GPA's, or your school doesn't have a high reputation level, the MCAT pretty much levels the playing field!

 

[lobo.solo]

I got a joke:

Q: "What do you call a premed wanker at a state school with an inflated GPA?"

A: "Not accepted to medical school."

Dude, what is your problem? have you gotten laid lately? Relax, do your best and let the chips fall in to place. You don't have to be bashing others just because they go to a state schools. As per other in this forum; the med school application process is very humbling. Don't act like you got it all figured it just because you go to UCLA; there is plenty of applicants who go to top universities with GPAs higher than 3.3. But maybe you're a troll...

 

[StarlingForce1]

I got a joke.

UCLACycling.

That's the end of the joke.

 

[UCLAcycling]

Actually,if someone got an "A" at an 'easy' school, lets say, in orgo, then that is still impressive - because the sciences are still more or less standardized. Now if someone got a "C+" in orgo at a notoriously hard school, there is NO way to prove that if given the chance to take the class at an "easy" school that they would have also ended up with an "A" ..... which is the most often defense that I hear.

What do adcoms do, sit down and ponder "what if?"?! Absolutely not! They take the "A", and move on without giving it another thought.

And as I mentioned before, even if your school inflates your GPA's, or your school doesn't have a high reputation level, the MCAT pretty much levels the playing field!

There's no way that anyone will ever convince me that GPAs are the same across the board, sorry.

The question is, how much weight do GPAs from different schools carry?

It's not complex math I'm doing here. It's very simple.

Seeing people get so defensive tells me that they feel inferior in some way. Don't take it out on me, broseph.

You know that there are better schools, that are harder schools, and I know that there are better schools, that are harder schools. 👍

 

[StarlingForce1]

Hey people, feel free to commend me for letting this troll know what a tool they are 🙂

 

[Thego2guy]

There's no way that anyone will ever convince me that GPAs are the same across the board, sorry.

The question is, how much weight do GPAs from different schools carry?

It's not complex math I'm doing here. It's very simple.

Seeing people get so defensive tells me that they feel inferior in some way. Don't take it out on me, broseph.

You know that there are better schools, that are harder schools, and I know that there are better schools, that are harder schools. 👍

I see your question, and it is most certainly a good neurotic, nitpicky, anxious, pre-med typical question. Congratulations, you "stooped" down to our level. Welcome 😍

The answer is: minimal. In fact, it is so small, that it would probably be difficult to quantify. Given the vast breadth and depth of the application, there are just so many important variables, that it is difficult to quantify what decision they play in the overall acceptance.

I think the most important factor once you get your interview, is your actual interview - which puts the "rigor" of your course that much lower. What quick metric stands out from 6,000+ applicants? GPA and MCAT. Those get you into the door. The rest of your app gets you an interview. Then the interview gets you in.

There are a lot of variability when it comes to assessing "academic background" I will paste a few excerpts from different schools to show you what I mean:

For Albert Einstein:
"AP Courses are acceptable for requirements, but advanced course work in that subject is recommended. This is especially the case for biology; advanced biology courses, such as biochemistry, cell biology, or genetics are actually encouraged for any applicant. Biochemistry can substitute for the second semester of organic chemistry. CLEP and on-line courses are not acceptable. Premedical required courses should not be taken as part of an undergraduate study abroad program. Courses taken in summer school or in the evening are evaluated largely based on the institution where they are taken. Individuals are advised not to take courses at junior or community colleges. Other reading courses can be counted for the second semester of the English requirement. The MCAT VR/WS will then be particularly carefully scrutinized. When in doubt, contact the Admissions Office for instruction."


For Weill Cornell:
"Applicants or advisers who have specific questions about the fulfillment of stated requirements can email the admissions office with their questions. AP, CLEP, long distance or computer on-line learning programs will not suffice for the fulfillment of the English or Organic Chemistry requirement. For others, Weill recommends that the applicant take at least one advanced course in the area, particularly biology. MCAT performance will not compensate for lack of coursework. Although study abroad experiences are favorably viewed overall, prerequisites should not be taken abroad. The English requirement can be fulfilled by courses in the humanities or social sciences that include a substantial writing component. Weill does not have a math or biochemistry requirement."


That's it!

 

[DrHouse579]

So I take it OP will NOT be kicking himself for going to UCLA? OP, are you going to try to explain your GPA to adcoms with your condition?

 

[mohad]

so much mad in this thread. it's delicious.

 

[NeuralNetwork]

There's no way that anyone will ever convince me that GPAs are the same across the board, sorry.

The question is, how much weight do GPAs from different schools carry?

I thought this was your question: Do GPA's at "Hard" Universities Count For More than GPA's From "Easier" Schools?

If you are looking for a formula, you won't have any luck. There is a large subjective element in how admissions committees view applicants, and one of the most subjective (or possibly least relevant, depending on the adcom member) would be how one applicant differs from another based off a school they attended. That being said, additional metrics are used in the process. Namely, the MCAT is used, which is not only used in assessing the prepardness for entering school, but is also used to create a standardized way of viewing applicants (as far as their scores go).

Will a 3.6 from UCLA look better than a 3.6 from a school with a lesser reputation, yes. However, the key word to remember is "look", as in there is no scale to make any definite claims with. When you start asking the question of whether a certain GPA at one school would correlate to a certain GPA at another school, you will come out empty handed. What most people on these boards will tell you is that having a high GPA from any reasonable school matters far more than the exact reputation of that school. AAMC data on acceptance percentages based on GPA backs this up.

Regardless, my advice to you is to not focus on this trivial detail, as it won't have any outcome on your application. You are already where you are, so now you must do what is in your power; You can change around your GPA if it is not to your liking (if you have no yet graduated), or perhaps you can pursue other opportunities to present yourself in the best possible light.

 

[UCLAcycling]

I thought this was your question: Do GPA's at "Hard" Universities Count For More than GPA's From "Easier" Schools?

If you are looking for a formula, you won't have any luck. There is a large subjective element in how admissions committees view applicants, and one of the most subjective (or possibly least relevant, depending on the adcom member) would be how one applicant differs from another based off a school they attended. That being said, additional metrics are used in the process. Namely, the MCAT is used, which is not only used in assessing the prepardness for entering school, but is also used to create a standardized way of viewing applicants (as far as their scores go).

Will a 3.6 from UCLA look better than a 3.6 from a school with a lesser reputation, yes. However, the key word to remember is "look", as in there is no scale to make any definite claims with. When you start asking the question of whether a certain GPA at one school would correlate to a certain GPA at another school, you will come out empty handed. What most people on these boards will tell you is that having a high GPA from any reasonable school matters far more than the exact reputation of that school. AAMC data on acceptance percentages based on GPA backs this up.

Regardless, my advice to you is to not focus on this trivial detail, as it won't have any outcome on your application. You are already where you are, so now you must do what is in your power; You can change around your GPA if it is not to your liking (if you have no yet graduated), or perhaps you can pursue other opportunities to present yourself in the best possible light.

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately, I'm disinclined to say the same to the other responders.

I would have liked it if this thread had gone somewhere productive, but I can see that it won't, at this point, so I'm going to unsubscribe.

I hope that things like maturity and good behavior catch on, around here. Civilized, polite conversation is lost on some people, due to immaturity and what have you.

 

[Xiao]

There's no way that anyone will ever convince me that GPAs are the same across the board, sorry.

The question is, how much weight do GPAs from different schools carry?

It's not complex math I'm doing here. It's very simple.

Seeing people get so defensive tells me that they feel inferior in some way. Don't take it out on me, broseph.

You know that there are better schools, that are harder schools, and I know that there are better schools, that are harder schools. 👍

As far as med school admissions go, not much difference between a UCLA GPA and a GPA from any other state school -- and certainly not between UCLA and UCSC. You are capable going anywhere with the UCLA or UCSC name, as long as you achieve a good track record.

That being said, school pedigree does play some sort of a factor. I saw a disproportionate number of HYPSM kids on the interview trail, especially at highly ranked schools. However, I doubt you will ever be able to find conclusive evidence on just how much of a role this plays.

 

[StarlingForce1]

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately, I'm disinclined to say the same to the other responders.

I would have liked it if this thread had gone somewhere productive, but I can see that it won't, at this point, so I'm going to unsubscribe.

I hope that things like maturity and good behavior catch on, around here. Civilized, polite conversation is lost on some people, due to immaturity and what have you.

Pretty sure you brought the immature attitude to the table, and your feeble attempt to appear polite and well-spoken, only makes you look sanctimonious.

Nice job trying to lock the thread. *****.

 

[MedPR]

^^probably goes to UCSC

You and your little buddies must have reading comprehension issues.

I never told you my GPA. I asked, in general, what the perceived difference is between a 3.3 and 3.6 at a hard vs easy school, respectively.

This place makes me laugh. Look at all you little premed wankers squabbling.


Bwahahahaha

As long as I'm here, I might as well throw 2 cents at all y'all:

if you go to an easy school, your grades aren't looked at the same way.

It's cool, though. I'll get into medical school somewhere. And then I'm going to bump this thread and laugh at you.

Bwahahahaha

Are you mad because your GPA from a "hard school" isn't any better than a GPA from an "easy school"?

A 3.8 from Hopkins looks better than a 3.8 from a community college, but anything less extreme than that doesn't really matter.

 

[Thego2guy]

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately, I'm disinclined to say the same to the other responders.

I would have liked it if this thread had gone somewhere productive, but I can see that it won't, at this point, so I'm going to unsubscribe.

I hope that things like maturity and good behavior catch on, around here. Civilized, polite conversation is lost on some people, due to immaturity and what have you.

My apologies for my constructive answer, and for my [lack of] retaliation at your insults toward us. I'll try to be more professional for your highness.

 

[StarlingForce1]

my apologies for my constructive answer, and for my [lack of] retaliation at your insults toward us. I'll try to be more professional for your highness.

+1

 

[snorlax]

I think this is a common feeling for a lot of UC students. Coming out of high school, all the students decide to go to the best UC they got accepted to. I think all of the UCs offer a good experience so picking the most competitive UC is not the best choice for every student.

 

[StarlingForce1]

lol snorlax, awesome username

 

[snorlax]

lol snorlax, awesome username

Haha. I guess I was tired and hungry when I made my account. 🙂

 

[Temerit]

Someone should be telling high school kids to go to the easiest UG they can find if they want to get into medical school.

 

[chiapet874]

Let the OP delude and justify his beliefs all he wants- reality will take care of him.

 

[Stumpyman]

3.3 and a 3.6 is a big difference. I'd take the 3.6 any day from some no name school (which, I'm pretty sure, none of the UCs are).