Do medical schools only see three years of coursework?

[Emmet2301]

I know that you apply to medical school at the end of your third year so do medical schools only see three years of coursework and grades? So you have to get a good GPA within three years?

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[JackInTheBox]

I know that you apply to medical school at the end of your third year so do medical schools only see three years of coursework and grades? So you have to get a good GPA within three years?

You only have to apply at the end of your third year if you want to go straight to medical school after undergrad. In that case, then yes, they'll only see your first 3 years on your application. If you're accepted, you usually have to send in final transcripts to show that you didn't just slack off for your last year.

If you apply after your third year, so you have time off in between, then you'll have to provide transcripts for all of your undergraduate work.

 

[235009]

You only have to apply at the end of your third year if you want to go straight to medical school after undergrad. In that case, then yes, they'll only see your first 3 years on your application. If you're accepted, you usually have to send in final transcripts to show that you didn't just slack off for your last year.

it is very typical to enter med school 1 or 2 years after graduating from undergrad

if you get into med school during your senior year of college all you have to do is graduate and complete the major/coursework that you said you'd complete....you can slack off all you want

 

[JackInTheBox]

it is very typical to enter med school 1 or 2 years after graduating from undergrad

if you get into med school during your senior year of college all you have to do is graduate and complete the major/coursework that you said you'd complete....you can slack off all you want

Isn't that pretty much what I said? When I said "slack off," I wasn't referring to the course load. I meant getting a 2.0 when you were getting a 3.8 before.

 

[DrWookie]

I know that you apply to medical school at the end of your third year so do medical schools only see three years of coursework and grades? So you have to get a good GPA within three years?

If you interview after the first semester (or quarter or whatever) of school during your senior year some schools will ask for updates. Or if you are still under consideration by that time it is typically worth (and it is typically appreciated) sending grades from whatever you have completed (and any activities you have done).

 

[lord_jeebus]

Another way to look it at: you only have to maintain a good GPA for 3 years 🙂

 

[CCLCMer]

I know that you apply to medical school at the end of your third year so do medical schools only see three years of coursework and grades? So you have to get a good GPA within three years?

When you apply, you send your transcript directly to AMCAS, not to the med schools. AMCAS then verifies your courses and grades and submits your app to the med schools you designate. So the med schools only see whatever classes you already completed at the time you submitted your app to AMCAS, because AMCAS can't verify classes you haven't taken yet! You do have the option though to tell AMCAS what courses you plan to take your senior year, and some med schools ask for that info on their secondaries. At my school, after you're accepted, you will have to send a final official transcript to prove that you got your degree and fulfilled any missing pre-reqs. I think probably all med schools will require a final transcript.

 

[Anotherface]

Another way to look it at: you only have to maintain a good GPA for 3 years 🙂

:sigh: For the most part, but you are forgetting that some people get pre-interview holds pending their fall grades on the year they are applying.

 

[DNM]

This is a little off-topic from what the OP's question was. However, if you decide to apply after your third year and your GPA is great AND you happen to get some interviews, how hard is it to maintain your senior year coursework when you're interviewing?

 

[Anotherface]

This is a little off-topic from what the OP's question was. However, if you decide to apply after your third year and your GPA is great AND you happen to get some interviews, how hard is it to maintain your senior year coursework when you're interviewing?

I guess what I meant is that you can't really slack off until you get an interview, which may be late in the Fall.

 

[235009]

Isn't that pretty much what I said? When I said "slack off," I wasn't referring to the course load. I meant getting a 2.0 when you were getting a 3.8 before.

maybe i wasn't clear.... if you have an acceptance and you don't care about getting off any waitlists and a 2.0 is passing and will allow you to graduate (meaning you didn't fail any requirements) then it's just fine. of course if you have a 3.8 during the first three years it is highly unlikely that you will slack off so much that you have a C average.

so basically all you need to do is graduate!

 

[Anotherface]

maybe i wasn't clear.... if you have an acceptance and you don't care about getting off any waitlists and a 2.0 is passing and will allow you to graduate (meaning you didn't fail any requirements) then it's just fine. of course if you have a 3.8 during the first three years it is highly unlikely that you will slack off so much that you have a C average.

so basically all you need to do is graduate!

You make another good point. Your grades may impact your shot at a school where you have waitlisted. Sending an update letter/LOI telling the school you love the program and reminding them that you are capable of succeeding based on your academic performance that semester surely can help. In other words, it is not over until everything is said and done.