How do grade updates work and should I?

[caronirona]

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Ok, here's my situation.

3.5-3.6 cGPA
~3.1 sGPA
non-science major
503 MCAT
Applying to 20+ DO schools
Rest of application is decently strong (see my previous posts if you need more background)

I want to take 3 summer classes to further improve my sGPA. As long as I don't royally screw up, I can get my sGPA up to a 3.23. Summer classes end in late July, though.

Should I wait to apply until July, or should I apply ASAP and then update schools later on? I also still need Psych for many schools, so should I take that instead of a science class, or wait until next semester? I'm pretty sure as long as I get that in before matriculation, I am good right?

 

[123456ers]

My science GPA is a bit higher than yours, but I'm also taking three summer courses to give it a final boost for this application cycle so I've looked into this a decent amount already.

AACOM doesnt let you just update your grades whenever you feel like it. They have two windows for updating grades one from like september 1st to october 15th and then from like december 1st to jaunuary 15th. You can find more info on their site, but it is only during these two windows that they will update your gpa.

So, if you apply now, kill those classes, you wont be able to update those grades until september. Doesnt matter that they were complete in July.

I would take psych later on. As long as you have that before matriculation you're fine. The sGPA is the biggest detriment to your app right now by far and psych will not improve that.

 

[kamakazi5]

I would take psych in the fall and apply after your summer classes. August for DO is fine and that small bump might be of some use if any schools have a cutoff for sGPA.