funky weighted GPAs

[Mute98]

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so on UDubbs site I became aware of this:

What is a weighted GPA?
The undergraduate GPA is weighted to give credit to applicants whose records show improvement as they progress through their undergraduate studies. Only the first three years are included in this calculation as most applicants have just begun their senior year. The weighted GPA is calculated on a standard 4-point scale with 4.00 representing an “A” average.
CUM. Freshman GPA x 1 = A
CUM. Sophomore GPA x 2 = B
CUM. Junior GPA x 3 = C

(A+B+C)/6 = Weighted GPA
An initial automated screening is done of all applications. The WGPA is added to the mean MCAT score converted to a 4.0 scale so that the maximal “Combined score” =8. If this combined score is less than 5, the application is automatically screened out. If your application falls into this category, but you have subsequently taken additional coursework and have a stronger subsequent GPA, please contact our office.


I find it kind of funny because despite my huge upward trend (3.32 3.58 3.69 4.00 averages for each year) this method LOWERS my gpa slightly because my senior year does not count- so much for rewarding upward trends haha I should call them.

My question is: do any other schools do silly things like this?

 

[FlowRate]

Most schools have a similar screening process, but I've never heard of such a strange weighting system.

Also, this penalizes people whose schedules get significantly more difficult as time goes along...

 

[Mute98]

yeah the screening process seems legit. But you also make a good point about those with more demanding schedules. I think upward trends should be looked individually-- or at least count all 4 years haha

 

[amakhosidlo]

so on UDubbs site I became aware of this:

What is a weighted GPA?
The undergraduate GPA is weighted to give credit to applicants whose records show improvement as they progress through their undergraduate studies. Only the first three years are included in this calculation as most applicants have just begun their senior year. The weighted GPA is calculated on a standard 4-point scale with 4.00 representing an "A" average.
CUM. Freshman GPA x 1 = A
CUM. Sophomore GPA x 2 = B
CUM. Junior GPA x 3 = C

(A+B+C)/6 = Weighted GPA
An initial automated screening is done of all applications. The WGPA is added to the mean MCAT score converted to a 4.0 scale so that the maximal "Combined score" =8. If this combined score is less than 5, the application is automatically screened out. If your application falls into this category, but you have subsequently taken additional coursework and have a stronger subsequent GPA, please contact our office.


I find it kind of funny because despite my huge upward trend (3.32 3.58 3.69 4.00 averages for each year) this method LOWERS my gpa slightly because my senior year does not count- so much for rewarding upward trends haha I should call them.

My question is: do any other schools do silly things like this?

I actually asked the director of admissions about this when I was applying (I had the same problem, but had a 5th year as well). Basically, at this level it's purely a preliminary screen meant to knock out apps that wouldn't be competitive anyway, and isn't that hard pass (seriously, a 2.8/25 would make it). Once you're through, the entirety of your academic record is reviewed, and trends/recent grades are taken into account.

Don't worry, they give most everyone a fair shake. Unless you're oos. Then you're boned.

 

[MidnightSun32]

I actually asked the director of admissions about this when I was applying (I had the same problem, but had a 5th year as well). Basically, at this level it's purely a preliminary screen meant to knock out apps that wouldn't be competitive anyway, and isn't that hard pass (seriously, a 2.8/25 would make it). Once you're through, the entirety of your academic record is reviewed, and trends/recent grades are taken into account.

Don't worry, they give most everyone a fair shake. Unless you're oos. Then you're boned.

Not to completely hijack this thread but, do you know how it works for this school if I am OOS, have resided there for a year (I moved there for work, but moved away for a different opportunity), car is registered there, and spouse is stationed there for the next four years? I am not applying yet, but should I even bother? I know some schools recognize military differently, for instance the school I'm at now gave me instate tuition because my spouse resided within 90 miles of the border here. I just have no clue how that works for med school and admissions to a non-friendly OOS school. 😀

Thanks!

 

[nohika]

Not to completely hijack this thread but, do you know how it works for this school if I am OOS, have resided there for a year (I moved there for work, but moved away for a different opportunity), car is registered there, and spouse is stationed there for the next four years? I am not applying yet, but should I even bother? I know some schools recognize military differently, for instance the school I'm at now gave me instate tuition because my spouse resided within 90 miles of the border here. I just have no clue how that works for med school and admissions to a non-friendly OOS school. 😀

Thanks!

University of Washington is on crack that way, I'd swear. It helps they're one of the only med schools supplying like 10 states or something. You'd have to contact the school or scour their site - some of them post their residency requirements.

 

[MidnightSun32]

University of Washington is on crack that way, I'd swear. It helps they're one of the only med schools supplying like 10 states or something. You'd have to contact the school or scour their site - some of them post their residency requirements.

Thanks nohika 🙂 😀 I think I'll just contact the school and ask.... Probably the best way to get a direct answer 😉

 

[nohika]

Thanks nohika 🙂 😀 I think I'll just contact the school and ask.... Probably the best way to get a direct answer 😉

Want want to contact a few different admissions people. 😉 I can bet you'll probably get different answers.

I have a friend who wants to go there for medical school eventually, and...well, UW is...an interesting school, from what I've heard from her. So complex and you have to do five billion different manuvers in order to have a chance of getting accepted...I think it's harder than most places since it's serving so many different states/counties/etc.

If you ever think of DO, PWNU is another school in WA.

 

[Mute98]

yeah I am actually trying for this school as an OOSer.. However, I think I have a decent shot based on last years app thread, because I do meet two of the things they like for an OOSer to have-- but I am still not getting my hopes up. Hope you get in state itll make your life easier