Impact of Fall grades on 21-22 application decisions?

[nhs2252]

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Hey guys. I’m feeling way more stressed about decisions after Fall semester. I am a straight A student and graduated undergrad Summa Cum Laude from a top university in California. I applied this cycle so AMCAS shows the high GPA grades. However, I enrolled in an M.S. post-grad and my master’s degree has been really difficult. I’ve had a lot going on in my life. I ended up with 2 A’s, 2 B’s, and 1 B-. I’ve never got anything lower than a B in my entire life so this is a bit of a shock. I’m wondering how much this would affect my chances of getting into med school. I’m accepted into one DO school. I have another interview for another DO school lined up. I’ve had an interview at one MD school thus far, which I really enjoyed. I’m waiting to hear back from them and I need to update them with grades. How much do you think these grades will affect me? Also, is the standard protocol to update every school with grades, even the ones that haven’t corresponded with me before? Or should I wait to update until they ask? Thanks so much and I’d appreciate the help. I’d also appreciate you being brutally honest and telling me if I’ve really screwed up or if it’s not a big deal. Thanks.

 

[KnightDoc]

It's not a big deal. First of all, most schools won't ask, pre-matriculation. Second, the MS isn't required anywhere, so I'm not sure they care even if you flunked out. Third, masters grades tend to be inflated, other than special masters programs, so I don't think most schools give them a lot of weight in any event.

Bottom line, you're fine. Did the one school specifically ask for these grades, post interview? If so, this might be an issue for them, but I haven't heard of schools routinely asking for post-grad (or even pre-grad) grade updates mid-cycle. People volunteer them when they think they might help, but most decisions are made for just about everyone without the benefit of fall grades during the current cycle.

Hope this helps. And, Merry Christmas! 🙂

 

[nhs2252]

It's not a big deal. First of all, most schools won't ask, pre-matriculation. Second, the MS isn't required anywhere, so I'm not sure they care even if you flunked out. Third, masters grades tend to be inflated, other than special masters programs, so I don't think most schools give them a lot of weight in any event.

Bottom line, you're fine. Did the one school specifically ask for these grades, post interview? If so, this might be an issue for them, but I haven't heard of schools routinely asking for post-grad (or even pre-grad) grade updates mid-cycle. People volunteer them when they think they might help, but most decisions are made for just about everyone without the benefit of fall grades during the current cycle.

Hope this helps. And, Merry Christmas! 🙂

Thank you so much for your reply! Yes, for the standard pre-interview form for the MD school I interviewed at, I needed to write my schedule and agree to provide my grades as soon as they’re released. I think my grades might affect this school because they haven’t made the decision yet.

 

[KnightDoc]

Thank you so much for your reply! Yes, for the standard pre-interview form for the MD school I interviewed at, I needed to write my schedule and agree to provide my grades as soon as they’re released. I think my grades might affect this school because they haven’t made the decision yet.

Okay, then that is what it is, but you know that most schools don't ask for that. I'd also point out, even though I'm not an adcom, that that request is probably more geared towards people still finishing up their bachelors degree, since that degree is required for matriculation. It would be very unfair to hold grades against you that come from a graduate program you are not required to take, and that the vast majority of people will not have.

I honestly think you are worried about nothing, and that whatever happens to a straight A UG student will not be changed by 2 Bs and a B- in a mid cycle masters program.

 

[nhs2252]

Okay, then that is what it is, but you know that most schools don't ask for that. I'd also point out, even though I'm not an adcom, that that request is probably more geared towards people still finishing up their bachelors degree, since that degree is required for matriculation. It would be very unfair to hold grades against you that come from a graduate program you are not required to take, and that the vast majority of people will not have.

I honestly think you are worried about nothing, and that whatever happens to a straight A UG student will not be changed by 2 Bs and a B- in a mid cycle masters program.

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your help. Have an amazing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I can already tell by the way you inform with logic, kindness, and empathy that you’d make a great physician.