I need your opinions!

[Dentist2be]

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Hi SDNers,
I am having a lot of trouble deciding how I should spend the next semester. First of all, here is my stat:
Major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Overall gpa: 2.97
Upper division gpa:3.05
Science gpa: 2.94
DAT (AA/TS/Perception): 18/20/20
Since I am planning to apply at the end of August, I have only one semester to raise my gpa.. So these are my options:

Option 1: Take honors research course (10 credits). In this course, almost everyone gets an A or A+ if one is keen on the topic of his/her research and works hard. It will raise my undergrad gpa to 3.04, and science gpa to 3.03

Option 2: Do post-bacc in Kinesiology, take 3 or 4 courses (9 - 12 credits) and ace them. It will make my post-bacc gpa between 3.67 and 4.0, but the thing is, it’s only from 3-4 courses. Will the admission committee take my post-bacc gpa seriously? In this case, my undergrad gpa will remain under 3.0. Also, what if I end up with some B’s instead of straight A’s?

I can’t seem to know which one will be the right choice... Any of your input/comments/ thoughts will be greatly appreciated!

 

[crazy_sherm]

Why apply in August? Apply earlier if you can. You can always resend updated grades later. I would say to do option one. Whatever classes you take now aren't really gonna raise your GPA very much because you've already taken so many units. Your DATs are very good, but since your GPA's not so hot, your better bet might be to retake the DAT and score super high, like in the 24+ area. That'll stand out for sure and might make up for the low GPA at some schools. You can probably also use the time to get some more extracurriculars under your belt.

 

[MC Wiggles]

GPA is something that you can't fix in one semester, heck probably not even one year. This goes back to the age old debate: DAT vs. GPA. The DAT takes 4 hours vs. the GPA taking 4 years. I'll take the guy with a strong GPA every day of the week...shows a lasting committment. In your case, I'd apply anyways but not get my hopes up too high...then if you don't get in I'd start a Master's program and ace all my masters classes and raise my DAT score before applying again. That's my two cents.

 

[food4thots]

post bac grades are considered the same as undergrad grades. regarding your plans on applying august, i'd think u should apply as early as possible. consider retaking DAT, try getting 20+ across the boards..

 

[Dentist2be]

Thank you so much for your input! 🙂 I have some questions regarding your responses though. If you are kind enough to answer..

Why apply in August? Apply earlier if you can. You can always resend updated grades later.

I was going to apply in August because my grades from the summer semester will be released at the end of August. I thought I could only update my grades in January once I submit my application electronically. Hope I was mistaken.

post bac grades are considered the same as undergrad grades.

Really? I thought undergrad grades and post bac grades were treated separately..

 

[fightingspirit]

...

 

[Dentist2be]

bump

 

[Mustt Mustt]

Try to get your overall GPA to above 3.0 because many schools have a cutoff at the 3.0. This will save you at lots of schools. ANother thing is try to take a DAT if you know you can improve on and get atleast around 22 to be competitive. Good Luck.

 

[superchris147]

I was going to apply in August because my grades from the summer semester will be released at the end of August. I thought I could only update my grades in January once I submit my application electronically. Hope I was mistaken.

Naw man, you need to apply on the first day for the best chance, sherm is right, it sucks that it is that way but that's how it is. you can always update your grades later

 

[xylashellx]

your dats are good. apply early, have good LORs, follow up, and you will get in. dats are huge thing. at UCSF they said that your academic average is like 30% of if you get in. good luck