Grades in non-premed classes

[bright3n]

I'm graduating undergrad this year and taking the MCAT in Jan. hoping to apply this spring for Fall 2018. I have very strong research background, scribe hours, volunteer hours, etc. but I am a double major-- bio & computer science. Grades in my premed courses were mostly A's (in all the bio/psych/soc/math classes) with a couple B's (gen chem II, orgo II and physics) mixed in, and a C+ in orgo I (oops) (but improved with a B in orgo II).

However, I'm wrapping up my computer science classes this year. I have 1 C on my transcript from a 300-level computer science class my junior year (while my C+ in orgo was deserved, I don't think this C was... I received a 0 on the last project assignment for some reason, which was worth 20% of my grade. I contacted the professor about it and he never responded so I let it go and tried to improve). I just got a C- in a 400-level computer science class this semester. The final was a take home project and I didn't figure out how to code some parts of it in time for the deadline.

How heavily do these 2 C's factor in to my transcript/application as a whole? Obviously I know these are to be avoided, but I only have one semester left so there's not much upward trend I can show.
My overall GPA is 3.54. In my biology major my GPA is ~3.6, in computer science it is ~3.3 (don't know exactly as I haven't received all my final grades for the semester).

Should I be exploring post-bacc programs to try to make up for this/are there other options? Do 'computer science' classes fall under my 'science' GPA?

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[Unico]

I thought computer science courses were more on par with math classes, not "science."

You sound like a descent candidate for DO school and possibly a wait list candidate for MD. All hope is not lost. The fact that you have another degree in a non-science field (in my mind) is more of a plus than the two Cs are a minus. Also, the fact that your science GPA is higher is a plus (it's normally the opposite).

MCAT score? If you haven't taken it yet, please for the love of all that is evidence based and medical, get a tutor and rock the hell out of that

http://www.mcattestscores.com/usmedicalschoolsmcatscoresGPA.html

And this ...

https://www.studentdoctor.net/2016/...erstanding-numerics-new-exceptional-recruits/

Personally, I don't know anyone who would endorse Kaplan for MCAT studies. I prefer https://www.medschooltutors.com/exams?exam=mcat or some other individual study program. The key is to work with someone who has been through it, keeps you on track, helps focus you on your weaknesses, and can provide test taking strategies (or at least, that was the key for me ).

As for the postbac, apply first and see who bites.

Good luck


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[Seattle Mariners Fan]

From what I understand, bad grades in non-science courses are not nearly so damaging as bad grades in science courses and they're not likely to spend a lot of time looking at grades in specific non science coursework.

Depending on your skin color, you'll need a cGPA anywhere from 3.3-3.75 to be competitive for MD. You're already competitive for DO.

 

[gamieg]

I think you're fine. postbacs are generally for science courses so they wouldn't really help with your computer courses.

do really well on the mcat if you're shooting for allopathic schools and apply early, get a ton of feedback on your personal statement, and secure good letters of recommendation.

I'd also recommend applying broadly to both DO and MD programs.