How do they know

[PittMedicine]

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If you retook courses b/c you did bad on them, then how do med schools know what you got? All you have to do is not put it on your application (as long as its replaced on transcript, right?)?

 

[baylormed]

If you retook courses b/c you did bad on them, then how do med schools know what you got? All you have to do is not put it on your application (as long as its replaced on transcript, right?)?

Actually as far as I know (from my own transcripts), the transcript shows both classes, it just does not factor the replaced grade into your GPA. I wouldn't lie on my application, there's just too much to lose.

 

[snobored18]

Schools will know...even though the previous grades don't count in calculating your GPA for the school both grades remain on the transcript...they have to because the transcript is a reflection of all classes you undertook at the institution. Unless your school does some shady stuff you can't get those grades completely erased and honestly that is how it should be...at most schools the only way you can repeat is if you recieve a non passing grade. And at least at my school that F remains on your transcript followed by the grade for the repeat. Maybe your lucky and your school covers up the grades but this isn't a very honest approach.

 

[MiesVanDerMom]

Some schools like Oberlin remove course you did badly in from your trasncript altogether. But most list all grades as previous poster stated. If you're required to re-take to erase the grade, chances are it is shown on your transcript. Both grades will be used when calculating your GPA for med school apps and med schools will see both grades.

 

[t33sg1rl]

When you read the AMCAS instructions, it'll tell you to put down everything and be honest because if they catch you lying, they'll kill you. I believed them, and I put down courses that didn't appear on my transcript (I'm an Oberlin grad).

HOWEVER... AMCAS won't accept the tiniest discrepancy between your official transcripts and what you wrote. So even though they tell you to put this stuff, in fact your application won't even be processed. Mine was held up forever. My advice: Shell out the $5 and have an "official" transcript sent to yourself. Don't use online records of your grades or a "student" transcript, because they may have slightly different info than your official, and it will BITE YOU IN THE BUTT.

 

[medicalbound]

AMCAS makes it clear that all grades must be submitted even if your institution practiced "grade forgiveness". It is much better to be honest, post the grades and if you deem it necessary, explain the situation briefly in your PS. There are many of us who have had some "academic indiscretions" that have been accepted. Good luck!

 

[Hurricane95]

As everyone said already, I agree, most schools do not remove the old grades from your transcript because the transcript is supposed to be a complete academic record at the school. In a rare case that they do, I suggest you be honest because its always better to err on the corect side than to potentially be screwed for lying in the long run.