I need help with ways to improve my sciGPA

[henleys5]

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Hello everyone,

I've been struggling to improve my very, very poor sciGPA to apply to Touro DO school. People have been telling me different things and it's even more confusing with my online research.

- I heard that pursuing a MPH is a bad idea to boost my GPA. Is that true?
- I heard that getting an MS won't help either. Is this true too?
- I can't waste 2+ years completing a Postbacc program and not receive any degree or at least a certificate.

Then I heard about the AACOMAS grade replacement program but I'm not sure how it works.

Please tell me about it in details and guide me to the right direction asap. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[samac]

- I heard that pursuing a MPH is a bad idea to boost my GPA. Is that true?
You're correct. It doesn't prove you can handle upper level science classes.
- I heard that getting an MS won't help either. Is this true too?
A Masters of Science? It can help if it's in biology.
- I can't waste 2+ years completing a Postbacc program and not receive any degree or at least a certificate.
That's fine, with the removal of grade replacement I woud recommend an SMP if can get in. Any pre read you got less than a C in you will have to retake before that

Then I heard about the AACOMAS grade replacement program but I'm not sure how it works.
Nope, not anymore.

 

[henleys5]

Thank you Samac!

The SMP is hard to get in. Some require a GPA of 2.75, which I don't have. What should I do?

Should I go for a Master's degree in Biology instead then?

 

[FourniersGreenGang]

Your masters degree (if it is an MS) should pretty much be counted in your science GPA completely. I definitely recommend you go this route, do well and find research/mentors while you're enrolled.

 

[henleys5]

Your masters degree (if it is an MS) should pretty much be counted in your science GPA completely. I definitely recommend you go this route, do well and find research/mentors while you're enrolled.

Thank you very much! I'll search for a MS in biology then. If you guys happen to know any affordable (preferably online) MS program, please let me know. I'm working full time so it'll be very hard to take courses on campus 🙁

 

[ScottTenorman54]

Your masters degree (if it is an MS) should pretty much be counted in your science GPA completely. I definitely recommend you go this route, do well and find research/mentors while you're enrolled.

Edit - Forgot to read, I was speaking about MD.

@henleys5 - I'm not sure the online courses would work too well, from my experience schools really want to see them taken in person. It might be a good idea to contact the school you're looking to apply to, in this case Touro, to get its specific opinion on it before you commit.

AAMC maintains a pretty decent listing of postbacc/grad programs around the country: https://apps.aamc.org/postbac/#/index

 

[darkeon]

Gotta question this bit. A traditional MS in Bio will count as a graduate GPA, which is totally separate from OP's current undergrad science GPA. A graduate GPA won't make up for a poor undergrad GPA, unless it's something like an SMP. On top of that, most traditional graduate programs have a lot of grade inflation, and schools know this, making those grades less valuable.

OP - I'm not sure the online courses would work too well, from my experience schools really want to see them taken in person. It might be a good idea to contact the school you're looking to apply to, in this Touro, to get its specific opinion on it.

I think, not that I would know better since I never applied, that aacomas puts in the grad gpa's in the overall gpa including for the science gpa sub-category, so a master's in science would increase the sgpa. It would not be the case for amcas which is the system you are referring to.

OP, you should not that most grad programs require a B average so if you don't have a 2.75 for a SMP as you said earlier, you might find yourself with a short list of eligible masters programs to choose from. Also, if you weren't a science major or able to look at another science department's courses, enroll in more undergrad classes. It could be cheaper than a MS (most of the time). Handy since courses from either undergrad or grad have equal weight and will change your gpa in the exact same manner

 

[I'mJustCurious]

Gotta question this bit. A traditional MS in Bio will count as a graduate GPA, which is totally separate from OP's current undergrad science GPA. A graduate GPA won't make up for a poor undergrad GPA, unless it's something like an SMP. On top of that, most traditional graduate programs have a lot of grade inflation, and schools know this, making those grades less valuable.

@henleys5 - I'm not sure the online courses would work too well, from my experience schools really want to see them taken in person. It might be a good idea to contact the school you're looking to apply to, in this case Touro, to get its specific opinion on it before you commit.

AAMC maintains a pretty decent listing of postbacc/grad programs around the country: https://apps.aamc.org/postbac/#/index

I read that any GPA from post-bac or graduate works will be combine with undergrad GPA when applying to DO schools.

Also, OP, if your GPA is too low for SMP then do a DIY post-bacc to raise your gpa and take the MCAT before applying to an SMP program.

 

[ScottTenorman54]

@darkeon @I'mJustCurious Yep, despite mentioning Touro in my post, I somehow forgot this was the DO forum. Not the first time it's happened, sadly.

 

[henleys5]

Thank you everyone!

I talked to a counselor at Touro and she said that a MS would help. but I'm not sure if she noticed that it's an online MS that I'm trying to pursue. I'll make sure to ask her about this, thank you for bringing it to my attn.

My other question is: besides the MS in biology, does any of these work... some of them are too expensive for me to afford. The cheaper ones are not biology...
http://www.bu.edu/online/programs/graduate-programs/health-communication/#cost

https://www.stevenshenager.edu/healthcare/masters/healthcare-informatics

http://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/masters/ms-in-healthcare-administration

http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/public-health/mph-community-health

Is this one the best option? http://www.usj.edu/academics/school...s/biology/graduate/biology-master-of-science/


P.s. all of the SMP and post-bacc programs that I look into all require high GPA or GRE score (which I don't plan to take at all). So yeah, I don't think i'd ever be qualified for these programs, especially when I refuse to take the GRE. I'm too old to even waste any more time.

 

[darkeon]

Thank you everyone!

I talked to a counselor at Touro and she said that a MS would help. but I'm not sure if she noticed that it's an online MS that I'm trying to pursue. I'll make sure to ask her about this, thank you for bringing it to my attn.

My other question is: besides the MS in biology, does any of these work... some of them are too expensive for me to afford. The cheaper ones are not biology...
http://www.bu.edu/online/programs/graduate-programs/health-communication/#cost

https://www.stevenshenager.edu/healthcare/masters/healthcare-informatics

http://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/masters/ms-in-healthcare-administration

http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/public-health/mph-community-health

Is this one the best option? http://www.usj.edu/academics/school...s/biology/graduate/biology-master-of-science/


P.s. all of the SMP and post-bacc programs that I look into all require high GPA or GRE score (which I don't plan to take at all). So yeah, I don't think i'd ever be qualified for these programs, especially when I refuse to take the GRE. I'm too old to even waste any more time.

Why not just do more undergrad courses? No GPA or GRE required there.

 

[I'mJustCurious]

Why not just do more undergrad courses? No GPA or GRE required there.

I concur with this. If money is an issue then it's fine taking upper level science classes or extra science classes at a community college or a local university. As long as you get mostly A's then it should help increase the GPA for medical schools or an SMP, whatever route you decide to take.

 

[kamakazi5]

Just do a DIY post-bac. You say you don't have 2 years (and not get a certificate or anything) but if your GPA is really below 2.75 then it's going to be a long road regardless since there's no more grade replacement.

What is your actual GPA?

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

I think you should:

1.) Retake poor grades (<B-) to boost your gpa above 2.75; sprinkle in some upper-level science classes (DIY post-bach year.)
2.) Apply to an SMP program associated with Touro (I know Nevada has a program)***
3.) Ace the Touro SMP
4.) Get accepted to Touro the following cycle

***: When last I searched, Touro doesn't REQUIRE MCAT, but if you get a solid MCAT score (balanced 505+) it may show that you can handle tougher sciences, despite your lower gpa. I would apply with an MCAT score if you can... but make sure you can do well on it before you take it.

Like others have mentioned, I don't think a masters will help you much unless it is through an official SMP program associated with a medical school.

 

[henleys5]

Thank you everyone, but even after my intense searches and tons of applications submitted, I still can't get into any SMP or MS with my 2.13 undergrad GPA. I'm about to go crazy...

 

[darkeon]

Thank you everyone, but even after my intense searches and tons of applications submitted, I still can't get into any SMP or MS with my 2.13 undergrad GPA. I'm about to go crazy...

Again, you need more undergrad. Can't escape it.

 

[I'mJustCurious]

Just do a DIY post-bac. You say you don't have 2 years (and not get a certificate or anything) but if your GPA is really below 2.75 then it's going to be a long road regardless since there's no more grade replacement.

What is your actual GPA?

I agree with DIY post bac. Since OP just updated us with a 2.13 GPA it will take a few years to boost that up.

OP, if you still want to pursue medicine it will take a while to get there but as long as you do well and don't give up then you can still be a doctor! Boost your GPA up with a DIY post-bac and then apply to an MS or SMP program. Kill the MCAT and you still have a chance.

 

[henleys5]

Hello everyone,

Thank you very much for all your help! I really appreciate it!

I've been searching for online accredited biology courses for a while but no luck so far. The only school that offers such thing is UNE but they charge over $1k per 4 unit class. I can't afford to pay that much for several courses. So please take a look at these websites and let me know if their credits are accredited or they're just scams.


Option 1:

http://study.com/academy/course/introduction-to-biology.html

Or

http://www.straighterline.com/online-college-courses/sciences/introductory-biology-for-non-majors/

Option 2:
(I think im going to take this one class cuz this is UC Berkeley, which is very close to my UC Davis. $900 for a 5 unit class is not way too expensive but they only offer one bio course online)

http://extension.berkeley.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=41582


If you guys know any other affordable ones, please let me know.

Btw, how do I calculate how many courses to take to beef up my GPA from 2.0 to 3.3?

Thank you once again! 🙂

 

[Geo16]

Oregon State University Online
Offers Bio without the proctor exam that you have to do for Cal

 

[Geo16]

Also Hopkins offers Masters Public Health online

 

[henleys5]

Thank you Geo16! I'll look into Oregon State bio courses.

As for the MPH, I was advised not to go that route cuz I need hard science credits to boost my GPA.

 

[Geo16]

Thank you Geo16! I'll look into Oregon State bio courses.

As for the MPH, I was advised not to go that route cuz I need hard science credits to boost my GPA.

I was confused with DO for a second, because I'm pretty sure Public Health is counted towards sGPA for DO.
Also, I wouldn't recommend UC Berkeley Extension 😛

 

[henleys5]

Hi Geo16!

Thank you very much, I almost sign up for UC Berkeley extension, whew...

I need to double check with the counselor again then. If MPH works, I shouldn't waste time searching around for science courses like this...

 

[Geo16]

Hi Geo16!

Thank you very much, I almost sign up for UC Berkeley extension, whew...

I need to double check with the counselor again then. If MPH works, I shouldn't waste time searching around for science courses like this...

Wait, I'm in DO forum. Wut. I'm so confused LOL
Yes, UC Berkeley Ext has bad reviews all around. It's known for being hard.
Public Health is counted toward Other Science for DO schools 🙂

 

[ERinspired]

Wait, I'm in DO forum. Wut. I'm so confused LOL
Yes, UC Berkeley Ext has bad reviews all around. It's known for being hard.
Public Health is counted toward Other Science for DO schools 🙂

While an MPH is counted toward "other sciences" by AACOMAS, it is very very unlikely to help you get into DO schools. It simply doesn't prove that you can handle any rigorous upper level science course which you need to prove to adcoms if you are coming in with a low sGPA.


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[Geo16]

While an MPH is counted toward "other sciences" by AACOMAS, it is very very unlikely to help you get into DO schools. It simply doesn't prove that you can handle any rigorous upper level science course which you need to prove to adcoms if you are coming in with a low sGPA.

Yeah, I heard that I need to take Med-School like courses. So the Public Health doesn't fit in..
But I just assumed OP wanted to bumper her sGPA up a notch (to avoid auto-screen or something).

 

[ERinspired]

Yeah, I heard that I need to take Med-School like courses. So the Public Health doesn't fit in..
But I just assumed OP wanted to bumper her sGPA up a notch (to avoid auto-screen or something).

I think she said somewhere in the thread that she's at a 2.13


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[Geo16]

I think she said somewhere in the thread that she's at a 2.13

I see.. Not sure where to go from here.
I was thinking of:
Bump sGPA in any way (Masters in Bio/ Do supreme job in her current upper division/ DIY Post-bacc) -> Apply to Touro post-bacc

 

[henleys5]

I've tried everything I could. I've applied to tons of MS programs, DIY post-bacc, etc. but couldn't get in because of my low GPA.

Seems like my only option left is to take some bio courses, but some schools charge a very high price per unit. Some offer 3 units for over $1200, which I can't afford.

That's why I'm asking if it's a good idea to take classes via straighterline.com or study.com. They're much more affordable but since Touro is not one of their partners, I'm not sure if they'll take the credits. Sigh. I've been suffering from too much stress for months, but still can't find a way to boost my GPA.

 

[darkeon]

I've tried everything I could. I've applied to tons of MS programs, DIY post-bacc, etc. but couldn't get in because of my low GPA.

Seems like my only option left is to take some bio courses, but some schools charge a very high price per unit. Some offer 3 units for over $1200, which I can't afford.

That's why I'm asking if it's a good idea to take classes via straighterline.com or study.com. They're much more affordable but since Touro is not one of their partners, I'm not sure if they'll take the credits. Sigh. I've been suffering from too much stress for months, but still can't find a way to boost my GPA.

Those websites don't seem to come from an actual uni so I would avoid taking those courses. If you wish to do online, go for those offered directly by universities. Besides UC Berk, you got many like Washingon Un, Harvard ext, and more.

Or hit up courses at your local community college. Or take time off to collect money and enroll at your state uni at a future point in time.

 

[henleys5]

Thank you Darkeon! I'll do that.

 

[henleys5]

Hi everyone, what's the minimum hours of volunteer and shadow hours that you need to obtain? How important is it?

Can I get a script of how to ask the physicians to shadow, get clinical experiences (for LOR) and/or volunteer at their hospitals?

Thank you!

 

[MareNostrummm]

Hey, its great that you're interested in pursuing a career in medicine!

That being said, if you have a 2.13 undergrad GPA from UC Davis (not sure what your science major was) its going to take at least 1 year (if not 2) of straight A's of a full course load before you can even think of convincing an adcom to accept you. I recommend that you hit up your local Cal State University and just start signing up for classes as an open university student (there is no minimum GPA requirement, you can just enroll in any class as long as you can pay and you have the prerequisites).

If you want to volunteer at local hospitals you should just start looking at the websites of local hospitals.. usually they have a volunteer section that you can sign up for. From there you can interact with the healthcare staff and I'm sure you can find a physician to let you shadow them.