GPA question

[OThopeful87]

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When mentioning cumulative GPA for undergraduate degree... this means your overall GPA right? Not just your GPA in your major courses?

I have one D on my transcript from a semester where a lot was going on in my personal life and I was stressed. All of my other grades are B, B+ and A's. A few C's in elective courses that ended up not being of any interest to me.

If I retake a course to replace that D, will my GPA go up?
But, the D still remains on my transcript right?

 

[OTPanda]

If I remember correctly, OTCAS will calcluate multiple GPA's (Overall, Science, Fresh, Soph, Jun, Senior, Last 60 credits etc.) but will include all attempts that resulted in a grade. (I think W's and WF's are not counted.)

My individual schools that I applied to however, only counted the highest grade received in a given course. That being said, my OTCAS GPA's were AWFUL because I really messed up my first two years of school. I had multiple F's, W's and WF's. Overall I had 170 credits so I was able to show a significant change over the years and I wrote about it in my essay and ended up getting into my #1 choice school(UPS) and wait-listed at two top-10 schools (USC and UW)

My best advice would be to speak to any blemishes in your personal statement. The worst thing you could do if hope that schools don't notice because they always notice. The best thing you can do is explain how you have overcome a challenge and experienced personal growth. That is what OT is all about any way so it really does mean something! If you were applying to dental school it might be a different story! Best of luck to you!!