I need all the advice I can get--GPA

[The Philosopher]

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I'm a Biology 5th year senior undergrad student and will be applying to medical school this coming up summer.

Next year, I will be doing an MS degree in Biology.

I just need some advice about my undergrad GPA.

Here are some of my grades that have sucked:

Intro cell bio: B-
Middle level cell bio: C+
Middle level genetics: C-
Orgo I: C+ (But, I got an A in Orgo I lab and a B+ in Orgo II).

I have gotten a couple other B's in science courses, but I don't think B's are that bad, so we won't worry about them.

After these grades, when i graduate in May, I will hopefully have a 3.62 cum and 3.55 BCPM.

In the past semester (and this semester), I have taken an upper level Cell Physiology course at have gotten an A, a middle level histology course --A, an upper level molecular evolution course--A, an upper level evolution course--A, upper level Systems Physiology--A, upper level endocrinology--A, and a comparative vertebrate physiology course--A.

Considering my 3.62 cum, 3.55 BCPM (including the grades just listed), and my 4 bad grades in the past, would the grades in these courses show proficiency in the subjects that I did bad in?

Next year, I intend on taking a Biochem course, a genetics course, and I want to retake the "C-" genetics course.

What do you guys think of all this, considering GPA alone and not MCAT, EC's, etc?

Thanks

 

[PatriciaNg]

Most medical schools would not like to see Cs on a transcript. If possible, I recommend you to retake the courses you got Cs in. It seems like you get better grades in upper level science classes, is it because there was some disruptancy in your life during the first two years in college? If so, you might consider addressing them in your personal statement. Well, that's my take on your situation. Hope it helps.
🙂

 

[Naphtali]

Well, of course I don't know about the rest of your app. A 3.62 cum/3.55 BCPM isn't too bad. It won't be the strong part of your application, but people with that GPA get into med school all the time, even to some pretty good schools. Since you've gotten some A's in upper level sciences, you've shown you can hack the science in med school.

A good MCAT (30+) a few good extracurrics and good letters, and you'll be fine.

-Naphtali

 

[The Philosopher]

Patricia,

So I should take these courses again?

Even after my upper-level courses?

I mean, doesn't an Endocrinology course or some other upper physiology course require a proficiency in cell biology? I just don't want it to seem counter-productive if I take the courses again.

I do want to take the C- course over, but that won't be until next spring...when I'm a grad student...

 

[DarkChild]

OP - i wouldnt bother taking those classes over. whats the point in wasting time trying to correct past mistakes? look forward not backwards.
focus on doing well on your MCATs, take some more advanced classes (AND DO WELL!!!) and you'll be fine.
your GPA isnt that bad; keep up the good work.

 

[wolferman]

Originally posted by The Philosopher
I do want to take the C- course over, but that won't be until next spring...when I'm a grad student...

My 2 cents...
Don't bother taking the course over again if you're going to wait until the spring to do so. After all, they won't even see your spring transcripts until the summer before you matriculate, and by then it's too late for them to be impressed. Either take the class this fall and send them a fall transcript to update them or don't bother.

 

[Schubie]

It would probably be a good idea to retake the class where you got the C- in, but you should concentrate on doing well on the MCAT (duh). I only had a 3.60 (with a 2.8, 2.9, 3.1 in the Bio series) and a 30 (after getting a 27 on my first try), and I'm currently enjoying my first year at Pritzker. Writing a good personal statement that explains the low grades may help also.

 

[Adcadet]

if you're pretty good at doing well (A- or A) in upper level bio courses, do those. No use taking a boring class that you won't enjoy because it's old news (i.e. - cell bio). I'd bet med schools will be more impressed by As in upper level courses then getting an A in a cell bio course you retook.

 

[UCLA2000]

I'm not a big fan of retaking courses because, contrary to popular belief, BOTH grades show up on AMCAS. This means that if you get an A in the class...the gpa will only go up to about a B level (which will still drop your gpa). In other words, retaking the course WON'T HELP you.

Having four bad grades won't hurt you. I wouldn't worry about that. Your main concern should be the C in OChem. Many physicians see Ochem as THE most important premed course. It would serve you well if you can take another Ochem and ace it