How exactly does recalculating your GPA work?

[TarheelGirlx3]

I see everyone talking about retaking science courses for a higher grade. How exactly does this work? I know you report both grades if you have a retake, but how is it incorporated into your GPA? Is the original weighed more heavily than the retake? Does it replace it? Someone help please, because if it is a real help to retake, there are a few science courses I could retake that I did mediocre. Thanks in advance!

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[DrWily]

They will see both on the paper, but the most recent grade will only be reflected in the calculation of GPA as long as the classes are similar in description, and the "new" course is greater than or equal to semester units as the "old" course it is replacing.

 

[MedPR]

I see everyone talking about retaking science courses for a higher grade. How exactly does this work? I know you report both grades if you have a retake, but how is it incorporated into your GPA? Is the original weighed more heavily than the retake? Does it replace it? Someone help please, because if it is a real help to retake, there are a few science courses I could retake that I did mediocre. Thanks in advance!

New grade kicks out the old grade, but both will appear on your transcript/AACOMAS.

 

[TarheelGirlx3]

Thanks to you both!

 

[Brumz]

Let me ask, does retaking classes only apply to science GPA?

I have one F from undergrad in a non-science class, but that really brought down my overall GPA. I'd be willing to retake the class if it would count. Can I retake non-science classes to bring up my GPA?

Thanks.

 

[DrWily]

Yes you can retake any class as long as the rules are still followed in terms of the new class description and semester hours

 

[Brumz]

Thanks. Are the rules listed somewhere?

 

[MedPR]

Thanks. Are the rules listed somewhere?

google.com

 

[milosavljevic]

Let me ask, does retaking classes only apply to science GPA?

I have one F from undergrad in a non-science class, but that really brought down my overall GPA. I'd be willing to retake the class if it would count. Can I retake non-science classes to bring up my GPA?

Thanks.

Even though getting an A to replace your F in underwater basket weaving (insert your class here) might boost your GPA due to the DO grade replacement policy, I would think that your time might be better spent getting an A in an upper division science course or pre-requisite. If money/time aren't an issue, I guess it wouldn't hurt to re-take an F.

I would look at it from an admission's committee perspective, and think about what they might prefer to see or be impressed with: you doing well in a difficult science course(s) currently (thus proving you have developed your critical-thinking science skills since receiving that F), or you doing well in a non-science course that isn't really related to medical school.

Also, maybe call up a few schools you are interested in and ask their advice; I've had some helpful responses about re-takes from the admissions counselors. Best of luck

 

[Brumz]

Even though getting an A to replace your F in underwater basket weaving (insert your class here) might boost your GPA due to the DO grade replacement policy, I would think that your time might be better spent getting an A in an upper division science course or pre-requisite. If money/time aren't an issue, I guess it wouldn't hurt to re-take an F.

I would look at it from an admission's committee perspective, and think about what they might prefer to see or be impressed with: you doing well in a difficult science course(s) currently (thus proving you have developed your critical-thinking science skills since receiving that F), or you doing well in a non-science course that isn't really related to medical school.

Also, maybe call up a few schools you are interested in and ask their advice; I've had some helpful responses about re-takes from the admissions counselors. Best of luck

I get what you're saying, but I did the math and replacing that one F brings my GPA up 0.18 points.That brings my university GPA up from a 3.098 to a 3.27. and my combined college/university GPA up from a 3.24 to a 3.33. Replacing that one grade will raise my cumulative GPA by 0.11 points, which I consider to be a big enough jump to make retaking that one class worthwhile.

I'm going to start into my prereqs next Spring, so my fall 2012 semester is empty, and I think retaking that class would be a good use of that time.