general gpa/replacing grades question

[Tim Haas]

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Hey. Sorry if this was posted before, but i couldnt' find it.

I was under the impression that med schools take your best grade if you retake a class correct? I've read that numerous times on these forums.

So...I go and talk to my advisor today and she says she doesnt think thats true. She called some guy up on our committee here at Pitt and he said that the averages are taken, not the replaced grade. I don't get this, maybe im just confused.

Could anyone clear this up for me? Thank you

 

[Nate]

There is a difference between AACOMAS and AMCAS, for DO and MD schools respectively, that can cause a discrepancy in your GPA between the two.

AACOMAS, the DO application service, will only calculate the highest grade for a given class into the overall GPA regardless of how many times you take that class. However, all of the grades still appear in the application. So, for instance, if you fail calculus twice then get an A, all three grades will appear on the application but only the A will factor into the overall GPA calculation.

AMCAS, the MD application service, will calculate all of the grades in a given class into the overall GPA resulting in an average of all of them. So, in the example I used previously two Fs and an A will factor into the overall GPA for the class Calculus.

Overall, all grades will appear on the application for all medical schools, but the overall GPA will differ in DO and MD applications if you have retaken a class.

Hope that helps and good luck to you. It is rather sad that your advisor did not understand this but I have a disdain for undergrad advisors in general.

 

[oncogene]

I asked this in a previous thread but didn't get a reply. When people report their GPA do they give the aacomas GPA or their institutional GPA? Just curious which is the accepted norm for giving stats. anyone? Thanks.


oncogene

 

[medic170]

I asked this in a previous thread but didn't get a reply. When people report their GPA do they give the aacomas GPA or their institutional GPA? Just curious which is the accepted norm for giving stats. anyone? Thanks.


oncogene

Usually AACOMAS GPA

 

[donvicious]

I asked this in a previous thread but didn't get a reply. When people report their GPA do they give the aacomas GPA or their institutional GPA? Just curious which is the accepted norm for giving stats. anyone? Thanks.


oncogene

I suppose it depends on who is asking. I had three undergrad GPAs (AACOMAS, AMCAS, and Arizona State). I always reported the GPA on my official undergraduate transcript.

 

[jjsmalls]

OP,

I'm a Pitt alum (Aug '04). If the advisor you are talking about is Jennifer (Health Professions Advisor), don't take another word of her advice. She tends to be very discouraging if you may not be her idea of the "perfect applicant." She is completely unaware of how osteopathic schools operate, and only offers advice (poorly) about applying to allopathic schools. I'm not so sure what qualifications she has to discourage people from their dreams, but whatever.

Also, some DO schools do not require you to go through committee. If you can get a couple good letters of rec. from your best science professors (I asked Dr. Pratt and Dr. Bandik), you might be better off. If you are a poor to average applicant, committee will present you as that.

Keep checking SDN for some of your best advice.

 

[hardy]

I'm a Pitt alum (Aug '04). If the advisor you are talking about is Jennifer (Health Professions Advisor), don't take another word of her advice.

I think Jennifer is gone. But the new guy isn't great either.