Grade updates??

[On_The_Way_Up]

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I'm applying next year but do schools even look at grade updates from summer and fall term? I guess you could sent them a LOI?

 

[Catalystik]

I'm applying next year but do schools even look at grade updates from summer and fall term? I guess you could sent them a LOI?

If you apply through AACOMAS (most DO schools) or TMDSAS (all Texas private schools), they both have a mechanism for adding new grades to your application. AMCAS (for other MD schools) does not allow for this, so you'd have to rely on update letters, but some med schools don't allow for submission of additional information, or only want it after you've interviewed. For AMCAS, it's best not to apply until your GPA is the best it needs to be, as even if you submit new grades, your cumulative GPA and BCPM GPAs will not be recalculated.

 

[On_The_Way_Up]

And that means waiting a cycle, then do so. If you need to improve GPA, then spring, fall, and especially summer courses, require near 100% focus, time, and energy. Indeed, going to school should, especially in summer should be considered a full time job. Conversely, a well written, highly polished AMCAS and the 10-25 secondary applications that you need to do, require near 100% focus, time, and energy. Indeed, the application process from mid-May to at least thru August, if not September should be considered a full time job. Trying to do both, apply to medical school and take summer courses would require near 200% focus, time and energy, and mathematically, that would seem difficult.

GPA, then MCAT, then application. Frankly, after see so many students having issues with trying to finish a heavy spring term AND prep and take the MCAT AND fill in application AND some who try to take a summer class, I would make an MCAT score required before being able to start AMCAS.

I am a nontraditional student who is working, doing research, and has a leadership position on campus. I am also continuing some volunteering. I am going to start studying for the MCAT and will take it in April or May. Would it be a good decision to lessen my course load? I have all prereqs done. But was thinking of taking more upper division level classes. My cGPA is 3.65 and my BCPM is a 3.68. Both with strong upward trends the last couple of years in the 3.8-3.9 range. I love your feedback on the forums. Thank you!

 

[CyrusHabs7695]

On a separate tangent, im in the middle of my application cycle right now and am currently a senior in college. Am I obligated to update all the schools Im still under review by with my new grades from Fall 17 semester when theyre posted?


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[Catalystik]

im in the middle of my application cycle right now and am currently a senior in college. Am I obligated to update all the schools Im still under review by with my new grades from Fall 17 semester when theyre posted?

No, not unless the school requests the information.

 

[Catalystik]

I am a nontraditional student who is working, doing research, and has a leadership position on campus. I am also continuing some volunteering. I am going to start studying for the MCAT and will take it in April or May. Would it be a good decision to lessen my course load? I have all prereqs done. But was thinking of taking more upper division level classes. My cGPA is 3.65 and my BCPM is a 3.68. Both with strong upward trends the last couple of years in the 3.8-3.9 range.

Yes.

 

[CyrusHabs7695]

No, not unless the school requests the information.

Is it common for schools to request it mid-app cycle? I have a high GPA right now (3.9ish), so Im not sure why they really would


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[Catalystik]

Is it common for schools to request it mid-app cycle? I have a high GPA right now (3.9ish), so Im not sure why they really would

It's not usual that it would be requested. Examples where it might be: if you were engaged in an SMP, or if your recent upward grade trend after a challenging academic past did not yet have reassuring longevity, but your application was otherwise compelling.

 

[Catalystik]

While we may not be obligated to, do Fall grades warrant an update? I have a 4.0 from this last term and a 4.0 from the term prior (I didn't have grades back in time before submitting my AMCAS), but my AMCAS GPA is already 3.99 so I'm not sure how much of a difference an update would make. My only thought is that these grades include some pre-reqs.

I agree that your high application GPA makes your most recent grade reports unlikely to have any impact on your chances of an interview invitation or acceptance, however, some schools would be reassured to know you've made progress in completing prerequisites, so that could be a good excuse for updating, even if you don't have new accomplishments and further accumulations of hours with previously reported volunteer gigs. Some schools like a statement of continued interest, in addition. Just be sure not to send updates to schools that specifically prohibit them.

 

[Catalystik]

Awesome, thank you. I sent an update regarding an accepted publication a little over a week ago; too soon to send grades?

Yes. You don't want to be annoying to the admissions staff.